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Dycom Industries

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FY2018 Annual Report · Dycom Industries
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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K

(Mark One) 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended ________

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from July 30, 2017 to January 27, 2018

Commission File Number 001-10613
DYCOM INDUSTRIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Florida
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

11780 US Highway 1, Suite 600, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
(Address of principal executive offices)

59-1277135
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

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 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes 

 No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange 
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has 
been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes 

No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically 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 

 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 the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy of information statements incorporated by 
reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. 

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

Large accelerated filer 

Accelerated filer  

Non-accelerated filer  

Smaller reporting company  

Emerging growth company  

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes 

 No 

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 July 29, 2017, was $2,694,828,770.

There were 31,188,000 shares of common stock with a par value of $0.33 1/3 outstanding at February 28, 2018.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Document
Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement to be filed by May 29, 2018

Part of Transition Report on 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 Transition 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 Disclosure

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

PART IV

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

Form 10-K Summary

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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.

Item 16.

Signatures

Explanatory Note Regarding the Transition Period

In September 2017, our Board of Directors approved a change in the Company’s fiscal year end from the last Saturday in 
July to the last Saturday in January. The change in fiscal year end better aligns our fiscal year with the planning cycles of our 
customers. Year-over-year quarterly financial data continues to be comparative to prior periods as the months that comprise 
each fiscal quarter in the new fiscal year are the same as those in our historical financial statements.

This Transition Report on Form 10-K covers the six month transition period of July 30, 2017 through January 27, 2018 
(the “2018 transition period”). After the 2018 transition period, each fiscal year will end on the last Saturday in January and 
consist of either 52 or 53 weeks of operations (with the additional week of operations occurring in the fourth fiscal quarter). We 
refer to the period beginning July 31, 2016 and ending July 29, 2017 as “fiscal 2017”, the period beginning July 26, 2015 and 
ending July 30, 2016 as “fiscal 2016”, and the period beginning July 27, 2014 and ending July 25, 2015 as “fiscal 2015”. 
References herein to the six months ended January 28, 2017 represent the comparative prior year six month period from 
July 31, 2016 to January 28, 2017. The results for the six months ended January 28, 2017 are unaudited.

Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This Transition Report on Form 10-K, including any documents incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by 
reference herein, contains forward-looking statements relating to future events, financial performance, strategies, expectations, 
and the competitive environment. Words such as “outlook,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “forecast,” 
“may,” “should,” “could,” “project,” “target,” and similar expressions, as well as statements written in the future tense, identify 
forward-looking statements. They will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or at what time such performance or 
results will be achieved. You should not consider forward-looking statements as guarantees of future performance or results. 
Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time they 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, assumptions, uncertainties, and risks that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to:

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anticipated outcomes of contingent events, including litigation;

projections of revenues, income or loss, or capital expenditures;

determinations as to whether the carrying value of our assets is impaired;

expected benefits and synergies of businesses acquired and future opportunities for the combined businesses;

plans for future operations, growth and acquisitions, dispositions, or financial needs;

financing availability;

customer capital budgets and spending priorities;

outcomes of our plans for future operations, growth and services, including contract backlog;

restrictions imposed by our credit agreement;

use of our cash flow to service our debt;

future economic conditions and trends in the industries we serve;

the effect of changes in tax law, such as the effect of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017;

assumptions relating to any of the 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 included in this Transition 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 

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Transition Report on Form 10-K, and we undertake no obligation to update them to reflect new information or events or 
circumstances arising after such date.

Available Information

Copies of our Annual Reports 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, as 
amended (the “Exchange Act”), are available free of charge at our website, www.dycomind.com, as soon as reasonably 
practicable after we file these reports with, or furnish these reports to, the SEC. You may also request a copy of these reports, at 
no cost, by contacting us at: Dycom Industries, Inc., 11780 U.S. Highway 1, Suite 600, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33408, 
Attention: Secretary. Exhibits and schedules referenced in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, 
and Current Reports on Form 8-K can be accessed on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. 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 Transition 
Report on Form 10-K.

Item 1. Business. 

PART I

Dycom Industries, Inc. (“Dycom” or the “Company”) is a leading provider of specialty contracting services throughout the 

United States and in Canada. Our subsidiaries provide program management, engineering, construction, maintenance, and 
installation services for telecommunications providers, underground facility locating services for various utilities, including 
telecommunications providers, and other construction and maintenance services for electric and gas utilities. Our consolidated 
revenues for the six months ended January 27, 2018 were $1.4 billion.

Dycom was incorporated in the State of Florida in 1969 and has since expanded its geographic scope and service offerings, 

both organically and through acquisitions. Our established footprint and decentralized workforce provide the scale needed to 
quickly execute on opportunities to service existing and new customers. 

Specialty Contracting Services 

Our subsidiaries supply telecommunications providers with a comprehensive portfolio of specialty services, including 
program management, engineering, construction, maintenance, installation, and underground facility locating. We provide the 
labor, tools and equipment necessary to design, engineer, locate, maintain, expand, install and upgrade the telecommunications 
infrastructure of our customers.

Engineering services include the design of 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. We also 
obtain rights of way and permits in support of our engineering activities and those of our customers as well as provide 
construction management and inspection personnel in conjunction with engineering services or on a stand-alone basis.

Construction, maintenance, and installation services include the placement and splicing of 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. We provide these services for both telephone companies and cable multiple system 
operators in connection with the deployment, expansion, or maintenance of new and existing networks. We also provide tower 
construction, lines and antenna installation, and foundation and equipment pad construction for wireless carriers, as well as 
equipment installation and material fabrication and site testing services. For cable multiple system operators, we install and 
maintain customer premise equipment such as digital video recorders, set top boxes and modems.

We also perform construction and maintenance services for electric and gas utilities and other customers. In addition, we 
provide underground facility locating services for a variety of utility companies, including telecommunications providers. Our 
underground facility locating services include locating telephone, cable television, power, water, sewer, and gas lines.

Business Strategy 

Capitalize on Long-Term Growth Drivers. We are well-positioned to benefit from the increased demand for network 
bandwidth that is necessary to ensure reliable video, voice, and data services. Significant developments in consumer and 
business applications within the telecommunications industry, including advanced digital and video service offerings, continue 
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to increase the demand for greater capacity and enhanced reliability from our customers’ wireline and wireless networks. 
Telecommunications network operators are increasingly deploying fiber optic cable technology deeper into their networks and 
closer to consumers and businesses in order to respond to consumer demand, competitive realities, and public policy support. 
Additionally, wireless carriers are upgrading their networks and contemplating next generation mobile solutions in response to 
the significant demand for wireless broadband, driven by the proliferation of smart phones, mobile data devices and other 
advances in technology. The increasing wireless data traffic and emerging wireless technologies are driving significant 
incremental wireline deployments in many regions of the United States. Furthermore, significant consolidation and merger 
activity among telecommunications providers can also provide increased demand for our services as networks are integrated.

Selectively Increase Market Share. We believe our reputation for high quality and our ability to provide services nationally 
creates opportunities to expand 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 that some of our relatively capital-constrained competitors may be unable to 
perform. 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 that allow us to reduce costs through leveraging our scope and scale. We have centralized functions such as 
treasury, tax and risk management, the approval of capital equipment procurements, and the design and administration of 
employee benefit plans. We also centralize our information technology infrastructure to provide enhanced operating efficiency. 
In contrast, we decentralize the recording of transactions and the financial reporting necessary for timely operational decisions. 
Decentralization promotes greater accountability for business outcomes from our local decision makers. Our local managers are 
responsible for marketing, field operations, and ongoing customer service, and are empowered to capture new business and 
execute contracts on a timely and cost-effective basis. Our executive management team provides support to the local marketing 
efforts, while also marketing at a national level. This approach enables us to utilize capital resources efficiently while retaining 
the organizational agility necessary to compete with smaller, privately owned competitors. 

Pursue Selective Acquisitions. We pursue acquisitions that are operationally and financially beneficial for the Company as 

a whole. In particular, we pursue acquisitions that 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 that meets or exceeds industry averages, proven operating histories, sound 
management and certain clearly identifiable cost synergies.

Acquisitions

Fiscal 2017. During March 2017, we acquired Texstar Enterprises, Inc. (“Texstar”) for $26.1 million, net of cash acquired. 

Texstar provides construction and maintenance services for telecommunications providers in the Southwest and Pacific 
Northwestern regions of the United States. This acquisition expands our geographic presence within our existing customer 
base.

Fiscal 2016. During August 2015, we acquired TelCom Construction, Inc. and an affiliate (together, “TelCom”). The 

purchase price was $48.8 million paid in cash. TelCom, based in Clearwater, Minnesota, provides construction and 
maintenance services for telecommunications providers throughout the United States. This acquisition expands our geographic 
presence within our existing customer base. During May 2016, we acquired NextGen Telecom Services Group, Inc. 
(“NextGen”) for $5.6 million, net of cash acquired. NextGen provides construction and maintenance services for 
telecommunications providers in the Northeastern United States. Additionally, during July 2016, we acquired certain assets and 
assumed certain liabilities associated with the wireless network deployment and wireline operations of Goodman Networks 
Incorporated (“Goodman”) for a net cash purchase price of $100.9 million after an adjustment of approximately $6.6 million 
for working capital received below a target amount. The acquired operations provide wireless construction services in a number 
of markets, including Texas, Georgia, and Southern California. The acquired operations were immediately integrated with the 
operations of an existing subsidiary, which is a larger, well-established provider of services to the same primary customer. The 
acquisition reinforces our wireless construction resources and expands our geographic presence within our existing customer 
base. Subsequent to the close of this acquisition, activity levels within the contracts of the acquired operations trended 
considerably below expectations. The acquired contracts remain in effect and we have not experienced any adverse changes in 
customer relations. With the immediate integration of the Goodman operations into our existing subsidiary, we believe our 
ability to effectively perform services for the customer will provide future opportunities.

Fiscal 2015. During September 2014, we acquired Hewitt Power & Communications, Inc. (“Hewitt”) for $8.0 million, net 
of cash acquired. Hewitt provides specialty contracting services primarily for telecommunications providers in the Southeastern 
United States. During January 2015, we acquired the assets of two cable installation contractors for an aggregate purchase price 
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of $1.5 million. During April 2015, we acquired Moll’s Utility Services, LLC (“Moll’s”) for $6.5 million, net of cash acquired. 
Moll’s provides specialty contracting services primarily for utilities in the Midwestern United States. We also acquired the 
assets of Venture Communications Group, LLC (“Venture”) for $15.6 million during June 2015. Venture provides specialty 
contracting services primarily for telecommunications providers in the Midwest and Southeastern United States.

Customer Relationships

We have established relationships with many leading telecommunications providers, including telephone companies, cable 

multiple system operators, wireless carriers, telecommunication equipment and infrastructure providers, and electric and gas 
utilities. Our customer base is highly concentrated, with our top five customers during the 2018 transition period and fiscal 
2017, 2016, and 2015 accounting for approximately 75.8%, 76.1%, 69.7%, and 61.1% of our total contract revenues, 
respectively. During the 2018 transition period, we derived approximately 21.6% of our total revenues from Comcast 
Corporation, 20.6% from AT&T Inc., 17.5% from CenturyLink, Inc., 12.0% from Verizon Communications, Inc., and 4.2% 
from Charter Communications, Inc. We believe that a substantial portion of our total revenues and operating income will 
continue to be generated from a concentrated group of customers.

We serve our markets locally through dedicated and experienced personnel. Our sales and marketing efforts are the 
responsibility of the management teams of our subsidiaries who possess intimate knowledge of their particular markets, 
allowing us to be responsive to customer needs. Our executive management team supplements these efforts, both at the local 
and national levels, focusing on contact with the appropriate managers within our customers’ organizations.

We perform a substantial majority of our services under master service agreements and other agreements that contain 

customer-specified service requirements and have discrete pricing for individual tasks. We generally possess multiple 
agreements with each of our significant customers. To the extent that such agreements specify exclusivity, there are often a 
number of exceptions, including the customer’s ability to issue work orders valued above a specified dollar amount to other 
service providers, the performance of work with the customer’s own employees, and the use of other service providers when 
jointly placing facilities with another utility. In most cases, a customer may terminate an agreement for convenience with 
written notice. Historically, multi-year master service agreements have been awarded primarily through a competitive bidding 
process; however, we are occasionally able to extend these agreements through negotiations. We provide the remainder of our 
services pursuant to contracts for specific projects. These contracts may be long-term (with terms greater than one year) or 
short-term (with terms generally three to four months in duration) and often include customary retainage provisions under 
which the customer may withhold 5% to 10% of the invoiced amounts pending project completion.

Cyclicality and Seasonality

The cyclical nature of the industry we serve may affect demand for our services. The capital expenditure and maintenance 

budgets of our customers, and the related timing of approvals and seasonal spending patterns, influence our revenues and 
results of operations. The business requirements of our customers may affect their capital expenditures and maintenance 
budgets. Factors affecting our customers include, but are not limited to, demands of their consumers, the introduction of new 
communications technologies, the physical maintenance needs of their infrastructure, the actions of our government and the 
Federal Communications Commission, overall economic conditions, and merger or acquisition activity. Changes in our mix of 
customers, contracts, and business activities, as well as changes in the general level of construction activity also drive 
variations in revenues and results of operations.

Our revenues and results of operations exhibit seasonality as we perform a significant portion of our work outdoors. 
Consequently, extended periods of adverse weather, which are more likely to occur during the winter season, impact our 
operations during the fiscal quarters ending in January and April. In addition, a disproportionate percentage of paid holidays 
fall within the fiscal quarter ending in January, which decreases the number of available workdays. Because of these factors, we 
are most likely to experience reduced revenue and profitability during the fiscal quarters ending in January and April. 

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Backlog

Our backlog consists of the estimated uncompleted portion of services to be performed under contractual agreements with 

our customers and totaled $5.847 billion, $6.016 billion and $6.031 billion at January 27, 2018, July 29, 2017, and 
July 30, 2016, respectively. We expect to complete 52.1% of the January 27, 2018 total backlog during the next twelve months. 
Our backlog estimates represent amounts under master service agreements and other contractual agreements for services 
projected to be performed over the terms of contracts. These estimates are generally based on contract terms and assessments 
regarding the timing of the services to be provided. In the case of master service agreements, backlog is calculated based on the 
work performed in the preceding twelve month period, when available. When estimating backlog for newly initiated master 
service agreements and other long and short term contracts, we also consider the anticipated scope of the contract and 
information received from the customer in the procurement process. A significant majority of our backlog estimates comprise 
services under master service agreements and other long term contracts.

 In many instances, our customers are not contractually committed to procure specific volumes of services under a 
contract. Revenue estimates reflected in our backlog can be subject to change due to a number of factors, including contract 
cancellations or changes in the amount of work we estimated to be performed at the time of calculating the backlog amount. In 
addition, revenue reflected in our backlog may be realized in different periods from those previously reported due to these 
factors, as well as project accelerations, or delays due to various reasons, including, but not limited to, commercial issues such 
as permitting, engineering revisions, difficult job site conditions, and adverse weather. The amount or timing of our backlog can 
also be impacted by the merger or acquisition activity of our customers. While we did not experience any material cancellations 
during the 2018 transition period or fiscal 2017, 2016, or 2015, many of our customers may cancel our contracts upon notice 
regardless of whether or not we are in default. The amount of backlog related to uncompleted projects in which a provision for 
estimated losses was recorded is not material.

Backlog is not a measure defined by United States generally accepted accounting principles; however, it is a common 
measurement used in our industry. Our methodology for determining backlog may not be comparable to the methodologies 
used by others.

Competition 

The specialty contracting services industry in which we operate is highly fragmented and includes a large number of 
participants. We compete with several large corporations and numerous small, privately owned companies. 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 we provide. Relatively few barriers to entry exist in 
the markets in which we operate. As a result, any organization that has adequate financial resources, access to technical 
expertise, and the necessary equipment and materials may become a competitor. 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 compare favorably to our competitors when evaluated against these factors.

Employees

We employed approximately 14,365 persons as of January 27, 2018. Our workforce includes a core group of technical and 

managerial personnel to supervise our projects and fluctuates in size to meet the demands of our customers. We consider our 
relations with employees to be good and believe our future success will depend, in part, on our continuing ability to attract, 
hire, and retain skilled and experienced personnel.

Materials and Independent Subcontractors 

For a majority of the contract services we perform, our customers provide required materials, while we provide the 
necessary personnel, tools, and equipment. Because our customers retain the financial and performance risk associated with 
materials they provide, we do not include associated amounts in our revenues or costs of earned revenues. Under contracts that 
require us to supply part or all of the required materials, we do not depend upon any one source for materials and do not 
anticipate experiencing procurement difficulties.

We contract with independent subcontractors to help manage fluctuations in work volumes and to reduce the amount we 
expend on fixed assets and working capital. These independent subcontractors are typically small, locally owned companies 
that provide their own employees, vehicles, tools and insurance coverage. There are no individual independent subcontractors 
that are significant to the Company.

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Safety and Risk Management

We are committed to instilling safe work habits through proper training and supervision of our employees and expect 
adherence to safety practices that ensure a safe work environment. Our subsidiaries’ safety programs require employees to 
participate both in safety training required by law and training that is specifically relevant to the work they perform. Our safety 
directors review safety incidents 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 motor vehicle collisions, including personal injury and property damage. For claims within our 
insurance program, we retain the risk of loss, up to certain limits, for matters related to automobile liability, general liability 
(including damages associated with underground facility locating services), workers’ compensation, and employee group 
health. We carefully monitor claims and actively participate with our insurers in determining claims estimates and adjustments. 
We accrue the estimated costs of claims 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. Our business could be materially and adversely affected if we experience insurance claims in excess of our 
umbrella coverage limit. See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, 
and Note 9, Accrued Insurance Claims, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Transition Report on Form 
10-K.

Environmental Matters 

A significant portion of the work we perform is associated with the underground networks of our customers. We could be 
subject to potential material liabilities in the event we cause a release of hazardous substances or other environmental damage 
resulting from underground objects we encounter. Liabilities for contamination or exposure to hazardous materials, or failure to 
comply with environmental laws and regulations could result in significant costs including clean-up costs, fines, criminal 
sanctions for violations, and third-party claims for property damage or personal injury. These costs, as well as any direct impact 
to ongoing operations, 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

Steven E. Nielsen

Timothy R. Estes

H. Andrew DeFerrari

Richard B. Vilsoet

Age
54

63

49

65

Office

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Executive Officer
Since

February 26, 1996

September 1, 2001

November 22, 2005

Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

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, LLC, 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 Americas, LLC.

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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 fifteen years.

Kimberly Dickens, who has been the Company’s Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer since May 2014, has 
announced that she will resign from the Company effective March 31, 2018. Before joining the Company in March 2014, Ms. 
Dickens was the Vice President, Global Human Resources of Cooper Standard Automotive, Inc. from 2008 to 2013. Prior to 
this, she held a similar position at Federal Signal Corporation from 2004 to 2008 and spent over fifteen years in a variety of 
human resources leadership roles at Borg Warner Corporation.

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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. You should read the following risk factors carefully in connection with evaluating our business and the 
forward-looking information contained in this Transition Report on Form 10-K. If any of the risks described below, or 
elsewhere in this Transition Report on Form 10-K 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.

Demand for our services is cyclical and vulnerable to economic downturns affecting the industries we serve. Demand for 

our services has been, and will likely continue to be, cyclical in nature and vulnerable to downturns in the economy and the 
telecommunications industry. During times of uncertain or slowing economic conditions, our customers often reduce their 
capital expenditures and defer or cancel pending projects. In addition, uncertain or adverse economic conditions that create 
volatility in the credit and equity markets may reduce the availability of debt or equity financing for our customers causing 
them to reduce capital spending. Any reduction in capital spending or deferral or cancellation of projects by our existing or 
prospective customers could reduce demand for, or the timing of, our services, adversely affecting our operations, cash flows, 
and liquidity. In addition, these conditions make it difficult to estimate our customers’ demand for our services and add 
uncertainty to the determination of our backlog. 

We derive a significant portion of our revenues from master service agreements and other long-term contracts which may 
be canceled by our customers upon notice, do not guaranty a specific amount of work, or which we may be unable to renew on 
negotiated terms. During the 2018 transition period, we derived approximately 86.2% of our revenues from master service 
agreements and other long-term contracts. The majority of these contracts are cancelable 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. This makes it difficult to estimate our customers’ demand for 
our services. Furthermore, our customers generally require competitive bidding of these contracts upon expiration of their 
terms. We may not be able to renew a contract if our competitors reduce their prices and underbid us in order to procure 
business, or we could be required to lower the price charged for work under the contract being rebid in order to retain the 
contract. The loss of work obtained through master service agreements and other long-term contracts or the reduced 
profitability of such work could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows, and liquidity.

The telecommunications industry has 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. We generate the majority of 
our revenues from customers in the telecommunications industry. The telecommunications industry is characterized by rapid 
technological change, intense competition and changing consumer demands. New technologies, or upgrades to existing 
technologies by customers, could reduce the need for our services by enabling telecommunications companies to improve their 
networks without physically upgrading them. New, developing, or existing services could displace the wireline or wireless 
systems that we install and that our customers use to deliver services to consumers and businesses. Reduced demand for our 
services or a loss of a significant customer due to technological changes could adversely affect our results of operations, cash 
flows, and liquidity. 

The capital budgets and spending priorities of our customers can change, which may reduce demand for our services. 

Customer demand for a substantial portion of the services we provide are determined by their annual capital budgets. In 
addition to budgetary fluctuation due to changes in technology and a slowing or uncertain economy, our customers’ capital 
budgets can change for other reasons over which we have no control. These reasons include, but are not limited to, reduced 
consumer demand for our customers’ services, a decision to allocate resources to other areas of their business or changes due at 
least in part to mergers or acquisition activity. These changes can happen quickly and without advance notice. Such changes 
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 through competition from other service providers, industry consolidation or otherwise could adversely affect our 
revenues and profitability. Our customer base is highly concentrated, with our top five customers in the 2018 transition period 
and fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015 accounting for approximately 75.8%, 76.1%, 69.7%, and 61.1% of our total revenues, 
respectively. Revenues under our contracts with significant customers may vary from period to period depending on the timing 
or volume of work that those customers order or self-perform the work with their in-house service organizations. Our revenue 
could significantly decline if we were to lose one or more of our significant customers or if one or more of our customers were 
to elect to use their own employees to self-perform the work we provide or shift a significant portion of that work to another 

10

service provider. Additionally, the telecommunications industry has been characterized by consolidation. In the case of a 
consolidation, merger or acquisition of an existing customer, the amount of work we receive could be reduced if procurement 
strategies employed by the surviving entity change from those of the existing customer or the surviving entity chooses to use a 
different service provider. 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 large corporations that may have 
financial, technical, and marketing resources exceeding ours. Relatively few barriers to entry exist in the markets in which we 
operate. Any organization may become a competitor if they have adequate financial resources, access to technical expertise, 
and the necessary equipment and materials. Additionally, our competitors may develop expertise, experience and resources to 
provide services that are equal or superior to our services in both price and quality, 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. We can offer no assurance that our existing or prospective customers 
will continue to outsource specialty contracting services in the future. Our results of operations, cash flows, and liquidity could 
be materially and adversely affected if we are unsuccessful in bidding on projects, if our ability to win projects requires that we 
settle for reduced margins or if our existing or prospective customers reduce the amount of specialty contracting services that 
are outsourced.

Our profitability is based on our delivering services within the estimated costs established when pricing our contracts. We 

perform a substantial majority of our services under master service agreements and other agreements that contain customer-
specified service requirements and have discrete pricing for individual tasks. Revenue is recognized under these arrangements 
based on units-of-delivery as each unit is completed. Due to the fixed price nature of the tasks, our profitability could decline if 
our actual cost to complete each unit exceeds our original estimates. The remainder of our services, representing less than 5% 
of our contract revenues during the 2018 transition period and fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, are performed under contracts using 
the cost-to-cost measure of the percentage of completion method of accounting. Revenue is recognized under these 
arrangements 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 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. Due to the fixed price nature of our contracts, any changes in original cost estimates, or the assumptions 
underpinning such estimates, may result in changes to costs, thereby reducing our profitability. We recognize these changes in 
the period in which they are determined, potentially resulting in a reduction or elimination of previously recognized earnings. 

We have a significant amount of accounts receivable and costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings, which could 
become uncollectible. We extend credit to our customers as a result of performing work under contract prior to billing for that 
work. We periodically assess the credit risk of our customers and regularly monitor the timeliness of their payments. However, 
slowing conditions in the industries we serve, bankruptcies or financial difficulties within the telecommunications sector 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. As of 
January 27, 2018, we had net accounts receivable of $318.7 million and costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings of 
$369.5 million. The failure or delay in payment by one or more of our customers could reduce our expected cash flows and 
adversely affect our liquidity and profitability.

We retain the risk of loss for certain insurance-related liabilities. Within our insurance program, we retain the risk of loss, 
up to certain limits, for matters related to automobile liability, general liability (including damages associated with underground 
facility locating services), workers’ compensation, and employee group health. We are self-insured for the majority of all claims 
because most claims against us fall below the deductibles under our insurance policies. We estimate and develop our accrual for 
these claims, including losses incurred but not reported, 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 not known with precision. 
These factors include the estimated development of claims, the payment pattern of claims 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 the 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 Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis 
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies – Accrued Insurance Claims, and Note 9, 
Accrued Insurance Claims, in Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Transition Report on Form 10-K. 

Revenues in backlog may be realized in different periods than initially reflected in our backlog, and our backlog is subject 

to reduction or cancellation. Our backlog consists of the estimated uncompleted portion of services to be performed under 
contractual obligations with our customers. Our backlog estimates represent amounts under master service agreements and 
other contractual agreements for services projected to be performed over the terms of contracts. These estimates are generally 
11

based on contract terms and assessments regarding the timing of the services to be provided. In the case of master service 
agreements, backlog is calculated based on the work performed in the preceding twelve month period, when available. When 
estimating backlog for newly initiated master service agreements and other long and short term contracts, we also consider the 
anticipated scope of the contract and information received from the customer in the procurement process. 

In many instances, our customers are not contractually committed to procure specific volumes of services under a contract. 

Revenue estimates reflected in our backlog can be subject to change due a number of factors, including contract cancellations 
or changes in the amount of work we estimated to be performed at the time of calculating the backlog amount. In addition, 
revenue reflected in our backlog may be realized in different periods from those previously reported due to these factors as well 
as project accelerations, or delays due to various reasons, including, but not limited to, commercial issues such as permitting, 
engineering revisions, difficult job site conditions, and adverse weather. The amount or timing of our backlog can also be 
impacted by the merger or acquisition activity of our customers. A significant majority of our backlog estimates comprise 
services under master service agreements and other long term contracts. Our estimates of our customers’ requirements during a 
particular future period may prove to be inaccurate. As a result, our backlog as of any particular date is an uncertain indicator of 
future revenues and earnings, or the timing of revenues and earnings.

We may incur impairment charges on goodwill or other intangible assets. We account for goodwill and other intangibles in 

accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 350, 
Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (“ASC Topic 350”). Our goodwill resides in multiple reporting units. We assess goodwill and 
other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually in order to determine whether their carrying value exceeds their 
fair value. In addition, reporting units 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 would adversely affect our results of operations.

The profitability of individual reporting units may suffer periodically due to downturns in customer demand and the level 

of overall economic activity, including in particular construction and housing activity. Our customers may reduce capital 
expenditures and defer or cancel pending projects during times of slowing economic conditions. Additionally, adverse 
conditions in the economy and future volatility in the equity and credit markets could impact the valuation of our reporting 
units. The cyclical nature of our business, the high level of competition existing within our industry, and the concentration of 
our revenues from a limited number of customers may also cause results to vary. These factors may affect individual reporting 
units disproportionately, relative to the company as a whole. As a result, the performance of one or more of the reporting units 
could decline, resulting in an impairment of goodwill or intangible assets. In addition, adverse changes to the key valuation 
assumptions contributing to the fair value of our reporting units 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 are 
involved in lawsuits and regulatory actions brought or threatened against us in the ordinary course of business. These actions 
and proceedings may involve claims for, among other things, compensation for alleged personal injury, workers’ compensation, 
employment discrimination, breach of contract or property damage. In addition, we may be subject to class action lawsuits, 
including those involving allegations of violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act, state wage and hour laws, and 
misclassification of independent contractors. Due to the inherent uncertainties of litigation, we cannot accurately predict the 
ultimate outcome of any such actions or proceedings. The outcome of litigation, particularly class action lawsuits and 
regulatory actions, is difficult to assess or quantify, as plaintiffs may seek recovery of very large or indeterminate amounts in 
these types of lawsuits, and the magnitude of the potential loss may remain unknown for substantial periods of time. In 
addition, plaintiffs in many types of actions may seek punitive damages, civil penalties, consequential damages or other losses, 
or injunctive or declaratory relief. These proceedings could result in substantial cost and may require us to devote substantial 
resources to defend ourselves. 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. For a description of current legal 
proceedings, see Item 3. Legal Proceedings, and Note 18, Commitments and Contingencies, in Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements in this Transition Report on Form 10-K.

The loss of one or more of our executive officers or other key employees could adversely affect our business. We depend on 
the services of our executive officers and the senior management of our subsidiaries who have many years of experience in our 
industry. The loss of any one of them could negatively affect our customer relationships or the ability to execute our business 
strategy, adversely affecting our operations. Although we have entered into employment agreements with certain of our 
executive officers and 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 “key-person” life insurance on any of our employees.

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Our business is labor intensive, and we may be unable to attract and retain qualified employees. Our ability to employ, 
train, and retain skilled personnel is necessary to operate our business and maintain productivity and profitability. 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 and we may be unable to pass these 
increases on to our customers due to the long-term nature of our contracts, thereby adversely affecting our results of operations. 

We may be unable to secure sufficient independent subcontractors to fulfill our obligations, or our independent 
subcontractors may fail to satisfy their obligations to us. We contract with independent subcontractors to help manage 
fluctuations in work volumes and reduce the amount that we would otherwise expend on fixed assets and working capital. 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 have performed. We may incur 
additional costs in order to correct such shortfalls in the work performed by independent subcontractors. Any of these factors 
could adversely affect the quality of our service, our ability to perform under certain contracts and our relationship with our 
customers, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows, and liquidity. 

The nature of our business exposes us to warranty claims, which may reduce our profitability. We typically warrant the 
services we provide, guaranteeing the work performed against defects in workmanship and the material we supply. Historically, 
warranty claims have not been material as our customers evaluate much of the work we perform for defects shortly after work 
is completed. However, if warranty claims occur, we could be required to repair or replace warrantied items at our cost. In 
addition, our customers may elect to repair or replace the warrantied item by using the services of another provider and require 
us to pay for the cost of the repair or replacement. Costs incurred as a result of warranty claims could adversely affect our 
operating results and financial condition.

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 affect 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 and results of operations exhibit seasonality as we perform a 
significant portion of our work outdoors. Consequently, extended periods of adverse weather impact our operations. Adverse 
weather is most likely to occur during the winter season, our fiscal quarters ending in January and April. In addition, a 
disproportionate percentage of paid holidays fall within the fiscal quarter ending in January, which decreases the number of 
available workdays. Because of these factors, we are most likely to experience periods of reduced revenue and profitability 
during our fiscal quarters ending in January and April.

Our financial results include certain 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. 
Estimates are primarily used in our assessment of the purchase price allocations of businesses acquired, the fair value of 
reporting units for goodwill impairment analysis, the assessment of impairment of intangibles and other long-lived assets, asset 
lives used in computing depreciation and amortization, accrued insurance claims, income taxes, accruals for contingencies, 
including legal matters, recognition of revenue for costs and estimated earnings under the percentage of completion method of 
accounting, allowance for doubtful accounts, and stock-based compensation expense for performance-based stock awards. In 
some instances, we must exercise significant judgment for these estimates. At the time they are made, we believe that such 
estimates are fair when considered in conjunction with our 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 our financial 
statements. 

13

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 divert 
management’s attention from our existing business and expose us to operational challenges and risks, including retaining 
management and other key employees; unanticipated issues in integrating information, communications and other systems; 
assumption of unknown liabilities or liabilities for which inadequate reserves have been established; consolidating corporate 
and administrative infrastructures; and failure to manage successfully and coordinate the growth of the combined company. 
These factors could result in increased costs, decreases in the amount of expected revenues and diversion of management’s time 
and energy, which could materially affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Fluctuations in our tax obligations and effective tax rate may cause volatility in our operating results. We are subject to 
income taxes in those jurisdictions in which we operate. We determine and provide for income taxes based on the tax laws of 
each of those jurisdictions. Changes in the mix and level of earnings among jurisdictions could materially impact our effective 
tax rate in a financial statement period. Tax laws and regulations at the federal, state and local level are subject to change, and 
new or existing tax laws are subject to new and varying interpretations, any of which could have a material adverse effect on 
our business and financial results. In December 2017 the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Reform”) was enacted, reducing the U.S. 
Federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%. As a result, we have recorded an income tax benefit of $32.2 million 
during the 2018 transition period, primarily due to the re-measurement of our net deferred tax liabilities as a result of the lower 
tax rate. Our interpretations of the provisions of Tax Reform could differ from future interpretations and guidance from the U.S 
Treasury Department, the IRS and other regulatory agencies, including state taxing authorities in jurisdictions where we 
operate.

 Changes to existing accounting rules can also cause fluctuation in our effective tax rate from period to period. For 
example, FASB Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements 
to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”), which we adopted effective July 30, 2017, the first day of 
the 2018 transition period, resulted in increased volatility in our income tax provision. See Note 1, Basis of Presentation and 
Accounting Policies, in Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Transition Report on Form 10  K for additional 
information regarding ASU 2016-09. 

We are also subject to tax audits by various taxing authorities. We regularly assess the likely outcomes of audits in order to 

determine the appropriateness of our tax liabilities. We believe our tax positions are properly supported, although the final 
timing and resolution of tax examinations are subject to uncertainty as the taxing authorities may disagree with our positions.

Any of the factors described above could cause volatility in our operating results or otherwise impact our financial 

position, results of operations or cash flows.

Our bank credit facility imposes restrictions that may prevent us from engaging in beneficial transactions. We have a credit 

agreement with a syndicate of banks, which provides for a $450.0 million revolving facility, $385.0 million in aggregate term 
loan facilities, and contains a sublimit of $200.0 million for the issuance of letters of credit. As of January 27, 2018, we had 
$358.1 million outstanding under the term loans and $48.6 million of outstanding letters of credit issued under the credit 
agreement. We did not have any outstanding borrowings under the revolving facility as of January 27, 2018. The credit 
agreement contains covenants that restrict or limit 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. 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. In 
addition, a default under our credit agreement could result in the acceleration of our obligations under both the credit agreement 
and the indenture governing our $485.0 million of 0.75% convertible senior notes due September 15, 2021 as a result of cross-
acceleration and cross-default provisions.

The convertible note hedge transactions and the warrant transactions may affect the value of our common stock. In 
connection with the issuance of our 0.75% convertible senior notes due September 15, 2021 (the “Notes”), we entered into 
privately negotiated convertible note hedge transactions with the hedge counterparties. The convertible note hedge transactions 
cover, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, the number of shares of common stock that initially underlay the Notes 
sold in the offering. We also entered into separate, privately negotiated warrant transactions with the hedge counterparties 
relating to the same number of shares of our common stock, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments.

14

The hedge counterparties and/or their affiliates may modify their hedge positions with respect to the convertible note hedge 

transactions and the warrant transactions from time to time. They may do so by purchasing and/or selling shares of our 
common stock and/or other securities of ours, including the Notes, in privately-negotiated transactions and/or open-market 
transactions or by entering into and/or unwinding various over-the-counter derivative transactions with respect to our common 
stock. The hedge counterparties are likely to modify their hedge positions during any observation period related to a conversion 
of the Notes or following any repurchase of Notes by us on any fundamental change (as defined in the indenture governing the 
Notes) repurchase date. 

The effect, if any, of these transactions on the market price of our common stock will depend on a variety of factors, 

including market conditions, and could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. In addition, the hedge 
counterparties and/or their affiliates may choose to engage in, or to discontinue engaging in, any of these transactions with or 
without notice at any time, and their decisions will be at their sole discretion and not within our control.

We are subject to counterparty risk with respect to the convertible note hedge transactions. The hedge counterparties are 
financial institutions, and we are subject to the risk that they might default under the convertible note hedge transactions. Our 
exposure to the credit risk of the hedge counterparties is unsecured by any collateral. Global economic conditions have from 
time to time resulted in failure or financial difficulties for many financial institutions. If a hedge counterparty becomes subject 
to insolvency proceedings, we will become an unsecured creditor in those proceedings with a claim equal to our exposure at 
that time under our transactions with that counterparty. Our exposure will depend on many factors but, generally, our exposure 
will increase in correlation to the increase in the market price and volatility of our common stock. In addition, upon a default by 
a hedge counterparty, we may suffer adverse tax consequences and more dilution than we currently anticipate with respect to 
our common stock. We can provide no assurances as to the financial stability or viability of any hedge counterparty.

Conversion of the Notes or exercise of the warrants evidenced by the warrant transactions may dilute the ownership 
interest of existing stockholders, including holders who had previously converted their Notes. At our election, we may settle 
Notes tendered for conversion entirely or partly in shares of our common stock. Further, the warrants evidenced by the warrant 
transactions are expected to be settled on a net-share basis. As a result, the conversion of some or all of the Notes or the 
exercise of some or all of such warrants may dilute the ownership interests of existing stockholders. Any sales in the public 
market of the common stock issuable upon such conversion of the Notes or such exercise of the warrants could adversely affect 
the then-prevailing market prices of our common stock. In addition, the existence of the Notes may encourage short selling by 
market participants because the conversion of the Notes could depress the price of our common stock.

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 services. The Federal Communications 
Commission regulates many of our telecommunications customers and may alter its application of current regulations and 
impose additional regulations. If existing or new regulations adversely affect our telecommunications customers and the 
profitability of the services they provide, our customers may reduce expenditures, which could affect the demand for specialty 
contracting services. 

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, subjecting them and others to potential injury or death. If any of our workers or 
other persons are injured or killed in the course of our operations, we could be found to have violated relevant safety 
regulations, resulting in fines or, in extreme cases, criminal sanctions. In addition, if our safety record were to deteriorate 
substantially over time, customers could decide to cancel our contracts or not award 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. We could be subject to potential material liabilities in 
the event we cause or are responsible for a release of hazardous substances or other environmental damages. Liabilities for 
contamination or exposure to hazardous materials, or failure to comply with environmental laws and regulations, could result in 
significant costs including clean-up costs, fines, criminal sanctions for violations, and third-party claims for property damage or 
personal injury. These costs as well as any direct impact to ongoing operations 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 credit agreement contains significant restrictions on our 
15

operational and financial flexibility, including our ability to incur additional debt. In addition, 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 on terms acceptable to us or at all. 

Our capital expenditures may fluctuate because of changes in business requirements. Our anticipated capital expenditure 

requirements may vary from time to time because 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 care costs could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows. The costs of employee 

health care have been increasing in recent years due to rising health care costs, legislative changes, and general economic 
conditions. We retain the risk of loss, up to certain limits, under our employee group health care plan. The Patient Protection 
and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (collectively, the “Health Care Reform 
Laws”) have had a significant impact on employers, insurers and others associated with the health care industry, and are 
expected to continue to increase our employee health care costs. This legislation requires employers like us to offer health care 
benefits to full-time employees or face potential annual penalties. To avoid the penalties, employers must offer health benefits 
providing a minimum level of coverage and limit the amount that employees are charged for the coverage. Because of the 
breadth and complexity of these laws, as well as other health care reform legislation considered by Congress and state 
legislatures, including the repeal or significant modification of the Health Care Reform Laws, we cannot predict with certainty 
the future effect of these laws on us. A continued increase in health care costs or additional costs incurred as a result of the 
repeal or changes to the Health Care Reform Laws or other future health care reform laws imposed by Congress or state 
legislatures could have a negative impact on our financial position and results of operations.

Several of our subsidiaries participate in multiemployer pension plans under which we could incur material liabilities in 

certain circumstances. Pursuant to collective bargaining agreements, several of our subsidiaries participate in various 
multiemployer pension plans that provide defined pension benefits to covered employees. Because of the nature of 
multiemployer plans, there are risks associated with participation in these plans that differ from single-employer plans. Assets 
contributed by an employer to a multiemployer plan are not segregated into a separate account and are not restricted to 
providing benefits only to employees of that contributing employer. Under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act 
(“ERISA”), absent an applicable exemption, a contributing employer to an underfunded multiemployer plan is liable upon 
withdrawal from a plan for its proportionate share of the plan’s unfunded vested liability. In addition, if any of the plans in 
which we participate become significantly underfunded, as defined by the Pension Protection Act of 2006, we may be required 
to make additional cash contributions in the form of higher contribution rates or surcharges related to the underfunding of those 
plans.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, one of our subsidiaries ceased operations. This subsidiary contributed to a 

multiemployer pension plan, the Pension, Hospitalization and Benefit Plan of the Electrical Industry - Pension Trust Fund (the 
“Plan”). In October 2016, the Plan demanded payment for a claimed withdrawal liability of approximately $13.0 million. In 
December 2016, we submitted a formal request to the Plan seeking review of the Plan’s withdrawal liability determination. We 
are disputing the claim of a withdrawal liability demanded by the Plan as we believe there is a statutory exemption available 
under ERISA for multiemployer pension plans that primarily cover employees in the building and construction industry. The 
Plan has taken the position that the work at issue does not qualify for the statutory exemption. We have submitted this dispute 
to arbitration, as required by ERISA, with a hearing expected sometime in calendar 2018. There can be no assurance that the 
Company will be successful in asserting the statutory exemption as a defense in the arbitration proceeding. As required by 
ERISA, in November 2016, the subsidiary began making monthly payments of a withdrawal liability to the Plan in the amount 
of approximately $0.1 million. If we prevail in disputing the withdrawal liability all such payments will be refunded to the 
subsidiary.

Failure to protect critical data and technology systems adequately could materially affect our operations. We use our own 

information technology systems as well as those of business partners to manage our operations, financial reporting and other 
business processes and also to protect sensitive information maintained in the normal course of business. In November 2017, 
we determined that certain of our computers systems were subject to unauthorized access. Our investigation determined that 
only documents containing Company financial information were accessed. Law enforcement authorities were notified and new 
security enhancements and protocols were implemented. Third-party security breaches, employee error, malfeasance or other 
irregularities may compromise our measures to protect the information technology systems we use and may result in persons 
obtaining unauthorized access to our or our customers’ data or accounts. The occurrence of any such event could have a 
material adverse effect on our business, including through increased operating costs, disruption of operations, harm to 
reputation and liability under laws and regulations that protect personal data.

16

The market price of our common stock has been, and may continue to be, highly volatile. During the 2018 transition 
period, our common stock fluctuated from a low of $76.07 per share to a high of $120.60 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;

announcements by our customers regarding their capital spending and start-up, deferral or cancellation of projects;

government regulatory actions and changes in tax laws;

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 shareholders to call a special meeting of shareholders. 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. 

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 Canada. Our leased properties operate under both non-cancelable and cancelable 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.

In May 2013, CertusView Technologies, LLC (“CertusView”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, filed suit 
against S & N Communications, Inc. and S&N Locating Services, LLC (together, “S&N”) in the United States District Court 
for the Eastern District of Virginia alleging infringement of certain United States patents. In January 2015, the District Court 
granted S&N’s motion for judgment on the pleadings for failure to claim patent-eligible subject matter, and entered final 
judgment. CertusView appealed to the Federal Circuit Court the District Court judgment of patent invalidity. On 
August 11, 2017, the Federal Circuit Court affirmed the District Court’s decision. In October 2017, S&N filed a motion 
requesting that the District Court make a finding that the suit was an exceptional case and award S&N recovery of $3.8 million 
in attorney fees. On February 9, 2018, the District Court denied S&N’s motion for an exceptional case finding and any award 
of attorney fees. 

From time to time, we are party to various other claims and legal proceedings. It is the opinion of 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.

17

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 high and low closing sales prices for each quarter within the 2018 transition period and fiscal 2017 and 
2016 as reported on the NYSE: 

2018 Transition Period:

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Fiscal 2017:

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

Fiscal 2016:

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

Holders

High

Low

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

90.88

120.60

96.76

92.95

108.46

108.99

79.32

88.91

68.13

95.94

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

76.07

85.58

72.50

71.34

76.85

82.21

59.38

61.89

48.61

66.44

As of February 28, 2018, there were approximately 500 holders of record of our $0.33 1/3 par value per share common 

stock.

Dividend Policy

We have not paid cash dividends since 1982. Our Board of Directors periodically 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 and other capital allocation strategies which may include investment in acquisitions 
and share repurchases. Consequently, we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable 
future.

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 Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A.

18

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table summarizes the Company’s purchases of its common stock during the three months ended 

January 27, 2018:

Period

Total 
Number of 
Shares 
Purchased (1)

Average
Price
Paid Per
Share

Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs

October 29, 2017 - November 25, 2017

November 26, 2017 - December 23, 2017

December 24, 2017 - January 27, 2018

— $

—

101,484(2)
24(2)

$

$

110.78

111.59

—

—

—

Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet
Be Purchased Under
the Plans or Programs
(3)

(3)

(3)

(1) All shares repurchased have been subsequently canceled.

(2) Represents shares withheld to meet payroll tax withholdings obligations arising from the vesting of restricted share units.
Shares withheld do not reduce the Company’s total share repurchase authority.

(3) As of January 27, 2018, $95.2 million remained available for repurchases through August 2018 under the Company’s share
repurchase program.

19

Performance Graph

The performance graph below compares the cumulative total return for our common stock with the cumulative total return 

(including reinvestment of dividends) of the Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 Composite Stock Index and that of a selected peer 
group consisting of MasTec, Inc., Quanta Services, Inc., MYR Group, Inc., and Willbros Group, Inc. for the 2018 transition 
period and the preceding five fiscal years. The graph assumes an investment of $100 in our common stock and in each of the 
respective indices noted on July 31, 2012. The comparisons in the graph are required by the Securities and Exchange 
Commission and are not intended to forecast or be indicative of the possible future performance of our common stock. 

COMPARISON OF CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
Among Dycom Industries, Inc., the S&P 500 Index, and a Selected Peer Group

___________
*$100 invested on 7/31/12 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends. 

Copyright © 2018 Standard & Poor’s, a division of S&P Global. All rights reserved.

20

Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

The selected financial data below 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, in this 
Transition Report on Form 10-K. Fiscal 2017, 2015, 2014, and 2013 each consisted of 52 weeks of operations. Fiscal 2016 
consisted of 53 weeks of operations. The results of operations of businesses acquired are included in the following selected 
financial data from their dates of acquisition (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):

Six Months
Ended
January 27, 
2018(1)

July 29, 
2017(5)

Fiscal Year Ended
July 25, 
2015(7)

July 30, 
2016(6)

July 26,
2014

July 27,
2013

Operating Data:

Revenues

Net income

Earnings Per Common Share:

Basic
Diluted(2)

Balance Sheet Data (at end of period):

Total assets(3)
Long-term liabilities(1)(3)
Stockholders’ equity(4)

$ 1,411,348

$ 3,066,880

$ 2,672,542

$ 2,022,312

$ 1,811,593

$ 1,608,612

$

$

$

68,835

$ 157,217

$ 128,740

2.22

2.15

$

$

5.01

4.92

$

$

3.98

3.89

$

$

$

84,324

2.48

2.41

$

$

$

39,978

1.18

1.15

$

$

$

35,188

1.07

1.04

$ 1,840,956

$ 1,899,307

$ 1,719,716

$ 1,353,936

$ 1,206,718

$ 1,147,927

$

$

856,348

$ 909,186

$ 839,802

$ 620,026

$ 525,252

$ 519,751

724,996

$ 671,583

$ 557,287

$ 507,200

$ 484,934

$ 428,361

(1) The 2018 transition period includes an income tax benefit associated with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“Tax Reform”)
of approximately $32.2 million. This benefit primarily resulted from the re-measurement of our net deferred tax liabilities at a
lower U.S. federal corporate income tax rate. The 2018 transition period also includes an income tax benefit of approximately
$7.8 million for the tax effects of the vesting and exercise of share-based awards as a result of the application of Accounting
Standards Update 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based
Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”). See Note 12, Income Taxes, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this
Transition Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding these tax benefits.

(2) Diluted shares used in computing diluted earnings per common share for the 2018 transition period increased by
approximately 177,575 shares as a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-09. Additionally, diluted shares used in computing
diluted earnings per common share for the 2018 transition period increased by 217,394 shares resulting from the embedded
convertible feature in our 0.75% convertible senior notes due September 2021 (the “Notes”). See Note 2, Computation of
Earnings per Common Share, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Transition Report on Form 10-K for
additional information regarding these dilutive effects.

(3) Balance sheet data presented for the 2018 transition period reflects the adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2015-17,
Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (“ASU 2015-17”), under which deferred tax
liabilities are presented net of deferred tax assets. No prior periods have been retrospectively adjusted for the adoption of
ASU 2015-17. Additionally, balance sheet data presented for periods prior to fiscal 2016 reflects the retrospective adoption of
Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of
Debt Issuance Costs, under which certain debt issuance costs are now presented as a contra-liability of the corresponding long-
term debt rather than as other non-current assets. As a result, both total assets and long-term liabilities were reduced by
$4.9 million, $5.6 million, and $6.3 million as of July 25, 2015, July 24, 2014, and July 27, 2013, respectively.

(4) We repurchased shares of our common stock as follows:

Six Months
Ended
January 27,
2018

July 29,
2017

July 30,
2016

Fiscal Year Ended
July 25,
2015

July 26,
2014

July 27,
2013

Shares

200,000

713,006

2,511,578

1,669,924

360,900

1,047,000

Amount paid (dollars in millions)

Average price per share

$

$

16.9

84.38

$

$

62.9

88.23

$

$

170.0

67.69

$

$

87.1

52.19

$

$

10.0

27.71

$

$

15.2

14.52

21

(5) During fiscal 2017, we entered into a $35.0 million incremental term loan facility, thereby increasing the aggregate term loan
facilities to $385.0 million.

(6) During fiscal 2016 we issued $485.0 million principal amount of Notes in a private placement. A portion of the proceeds
were used to fund the full redemption of our aggregate principal amount of $277.5 million of 7.125% senior subordinated
notes. In connection with the offering of the Notes, we entered into convertible note hedge transactions at a cost of
approximately $115.8 million. In addition, we entered into separately negotiated warrant transactions resulting in proceeds of
approximately $74.7 million. We also amended our credit agreement to establish an additional term loan in the aggregate
principal amount of $200.0 million, thereby increasing the aggregate term loan facilities to $350.0 million. See Note 11, Debt,
in Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Transition Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding
our debt transactions.

(7) During fiscal 2015, we amended our existing credit agreement to extend its maturity date to April 24, 2020 and, among other
things, increase the maximum revolver commitment from $275.0 million to $450.0 million, and increase the term loan facility
to $150.0 million.

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 Part I, Item 1. Business, and Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors, of this Transition Report on 
Form 10-K.

Introduction

We are a leading provider of specialty contracting services throughout the United States and in Canada. Our subsidiaries 

provide program management, engineering, construction, maintenance and installation services for telecommunications 
providers, underground facility locating services for various utilities, including telecommunications providers, and other 
construction and maintenance services for electric and gas utilities. We provide the labor, tools and equipment necessary to 
design, engineer, locate, maintain, expand, install and upgrade the telecommunications infrastructure of our customers.

Significant developments in consumer and business applications within the telecommunications industry, including 

advanced digital and video service offerings, continue to increase the demand for greater capacity and enhanced reliability from 
our customers’ wireline and wireless networks. Telecommunications providers outsource a significant portion of their 
engineering, construction, maintenance, and installation requirements, driving demand for our services.

Telecommunications network operators are increasingly deploying fiber optic cable technology deeper into their networks 

and closer to consumers and businesses in order to respond to consumer demand, competitive realities, and public policy 
support. Telephone companies are deploying fiber to the home to enable video offerings and 1 gigabit high-speed connections. 
Cable operators continue to increase the speeds of their services to residential customers and to deploy fiber to business 
customers. These deployments are often in anticipation of the customer sales process as confidence and the number of existing 
customers continue to increase. Fiber deep deployments to expand capacity as well as new build opportunities and overall 
capital expenditures are increasing.

Significant demand for wireless broadband is driven by the proliferation of smartphones and other mobile data devices. To 

respond to this demand and other advances in technology, wireless carriers are upgrading their networks and contemplating 
next generation mobile solutions such as small cells and 5G technologies. Wireless carriers are actively spending on their 
networks to respond to the significant increase in wireless data traffic, to upgrade network technologies to improve 
performance and efficiency, and to consolidate disparate technology platforms. These initiatives present long-term 
opportunities for us with the wireless service providers we serve. As the demand for mobile broadband grows, the amount of 
wireless traffic that must be “backhauled” over customers’ fiber networks increases and, as a result, carriers are accelerating the 
deployment of fiber optic cables to cellular sites and small cells. In addition, emerging wireless technologies are driving 
significant wireline deployments. A complementary wireline investment cycle is underway to facilitate the deployment of fully 
converged wireless/wireline networks. The industry effort required to deploy these converged networks is driving demand for 
the type of services we provide. Wireless construction activity and support of expanded coverage and capacity is poised to 
accelerate through the deployment of enhanced macro cells and new small cells. These trends are driving demand for the type 
of services we provide.

22

Consolidation and merger activity among telecommunications providers can also provide increased demand for our 

services as networks are integrated. As a result of merger activity, a significant customer has committed to the Federal 
Communications Commission (the “FCC”) to expand and increase broadband network capabilities. These activities may further 
create a competitive response driving long-term demand for our services.

The cyclical nature of the industry we serve may affect demand for our services. The capital expenditure and maintenance 

budgets of our customers, and the related timing of approvals and seasonal spending patterns, influence our revenues and 
results of operations. The business requirements of our customers may affect their capital expenditures and maintenance 
budgets. Factors affecting our customers include, but are not limited to, demands of their consumers, the introduction of new 
communications technologies, the physical maintenance needs of their infrastructure, the actions of our government and the 
FCC, overall economic conditions, and merger or acquisition activity. Changes in our mix of customers, contracts, and business 
activities, as well as changes in the general level of construction activity also drive variations in revenues and results of 
operations.

Fiscal Year

In September 2017, our Board of Directors approved a change in the Company’s fiscal year end from the last Saturday in 
July to the last Saturday in January. The change in fiscal year end better aligns our fiscal year with the planning cycles of our 
customers. Year-over-year quarterly financial data continues to be comparative to prior periods as the months that comprise 
each fiscal quarter in the new fiscal year are the same as those in our historical financial statements.

This Transition Report on Form 10-K covers the six month transition period of July 30, 2017 through January 27, 2018 
(the “2018 transition period”). After the 2018 transition period, each fiscal year will end on the last Saturday in January and 
consist of either 52 or 53 weeks of operations (with the additional week of operations occurring in the fourth fiscal quarter). We 
refer to the period beginning July 31, 2016 and ending July 29, 2017 as “fiscal 2017”, the period beginning July 26, 2015 and 
ending July 30, 2016 as “fiscal 2016”, and the period beginning July 27, 2014 and ending July 25, 2015 as “fiscal 2015”. 
References herein to the six months ended January 28, 2017 represent the comparative prior year six month period from 
July 31, 2016 to January 28, 2017. The results for the six months ended January 28, 2017 are unaudited. Fiscal 2017 and 2015 
each consisted of 52 weeks of operations and fiscal 2016 consisted of 53 weeks of operations. The next 53 week fiscal period 
will occur in the fiscal year ending January 30, 2021.

Customer Relationships and Contractual Arrangements

We have established relationships with many leading telecommunications providers, including telephone companies, cable 

multiple system operators, wireless carriers, telecommunications equipment and infrastructure providers, and electric and gas 
utilities. Our customer base is highly concentrated, with our top five customers accounting for approximately 75.8%, 76.1%, 
69.7%, and 61.1% of our total contract revenues during the 2018 transition period and fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015, 
respectively.

23

The following reflects the percentage of total contract revenues from customers who contributed at least 2.5% to our total 

contract revenues during the 2018 transition period or fiscal 2017, 2016, or 2015:

Comcast Corporation

AT&T Inc.
CenturyLink, Inc.(1)
Verizon Communications Inc.(2)
Charter Communications, Inc.(3)
Windstream Corporation

Six Months
Ended

Fiscal Year Ended

January 27, 2018
21.6%

July 29, 2017
17.7%

July 30, 2016
13.6%

July 25, 2015
12.9%

20.6%

17.5%

12.0%

4.2%

3.8%

26.3%

18.2%

9.2%

3.9%

5.4%

24.4%

14.7%

11.2%

6.1%

5.7%

20.8%

14.5%

7.7%

8.5%

4.7%

(1) For comparison purposes, revenues from CenturyLink, Inc. and Level 3 Communications, Inc. have been combined for
periods prior to their November 2017 merger.

(2) For comparison purposes, revenues from Verizon Communications Inc. and XO Communications LLC’s fiber-optic network
business have been combined for periods prior to their February 2017 merger.

(3) For comparison purposes, revenues from Charter Communications, Inc., Time Warner Cable Inc., and Bright House
Networks, LLC have been combined for periods prior to their May 2016 merger.

In addition, another customer contributed 1.3%, 3.6%, 6.2%, and 5.6% to our total revenue during the 2018 transition period 
and fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

We perform a substantial majority of our services under master service agreements and other agreements that contain 

customer-specified service requirements and have discrete pricing for individual tasks. We generally possess multiple 
agreements with each of our significant customers. To the extent that such agreements specify exclusivity, there are often a 
number of exceptions, including the customer’s ability to issue work orders valued above a specified dollar amount to other 
service providers, the performance of work with the customer’s own employees, and the use of other service providers when 
jointly placing facilities with another utility. In most cases, a customer may terminate an agreement for convenience with 
written notice. Historically, multi-year master service agreements have been awarded primarily through a competitive bidding 
process; however, we occasionally are able to extend these agreements through negotiations. Revenues from multi-year master 
service agreements were approximately 67.3%, 64.6%, 61.4%, and 65.2% of total contract revenues during the 2018 transition 
period and fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

We provide the remainder of our services pursuant to contracts for specific projects. These contracts may be long-term 

(with terms greater than one year) or short-term (with terms generally three to four months in duration) and often include 
customary retainage provisions under which the customer may withhold 5% to 10% of the invoiced amounts pending project 
completion. Revenues from long-term contracts were 18.9%, 22.4%, 19.6%, and 14.7% during the 2018 transition period and 
fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

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.

Fiscal 2017. During March 2017, we acquired Texstar Enterprises, Inc. (“Texstar”) for $26.1 million, net of cash acquired. 

Texstar provides construction and maintenance services for telecommunications providers in the Southwest and Pacific 
Northwestern regions of the United States. This acquisition expands our geographic presence within our existing customer 
base.

Fiscal 2016. During August 2015, we acquired TelCom Construction, Inc. and an affiliate (together, “TelCom”). The 

purchase price was $48.8 million paid in cash. TelCom, based in Clearwater, Minnesota, provides construction and 
maintenance services for telecommunications providers throughout the United States. This acquisition expands our geographic 

24

presence within our existing customer base. During May 2016, we acquired NextGen Telecom Services Group, Inc. 
(“NextGen”) for $5.6 million, net of cash acquired. NextGen provides construction and maintenance services for 
telecommunications providers in the Northeastern United States. Additionally, during July 2016, we acquired certain assets and 
assumed certain liabilities associated with the wireless network deployment and wireline operations of Goodman Networks 
Incorporated (“Goodman”) for a net cash purchase price of $100.9 million after an adjustment of approximately $6.6 million 
for working capital received below a target amount. The acquired operations provide wireless construction services in a number 
of markets, including Texas, Georgia, and Southern California. The acquired operations were immediately integrated with the 
operations of an existing subsidiary, which is a larger, well-established provider of services to the same primary customer. The 
acquisition reinforces our wireless construction resources and expands our geographic presence within our existing customer 
base. Subsequent to the close of this acquisition, activity levels within the contracts of the acquired operations trended 
considerably below expectations. The acquired contracts remain in effect and we have not experienced any adverse changes in 
customer relations. With the immediate integration of the Goodman operations into our existing subsidiary, we believe our 
ability to effectively perform services for the customer will provide future opportunities.

With respect to the acquisition from Goodman, $22.5 million of the purchase price was placed into escrow to cover 
indemnification claims and working capital adjustments. During fiscal 2017, $2.5 million of escrowed funds were released 
following resolution of closing working capital and $10.0 million of escrowed funds were released as a result of Goodman’s 
resolution of a sales tax liability with the State of Texas. As of January 27, 2018, $10.0 million remains in escrow pending 
resolution of certain post-closing indemnification claims.

Fiscal 2015. During September 2014, we acquired Hewitt Power & Communications, Inc. (“Hewitt”) for $8.0 million, net 
of cash acquired. Hewitt provides specialty contracting services primarily for telecommunications providers in the Southeastern 
United States. During January 2015, we acquired the assets of two cable installation contractors for an aggregate purchase price 
of $1.5 million. During April 2015, we acquired Moll’s Utility Services, LLC (“Moll’s”) for $6.5 million, net of cash acquired. 
Moll’s provides specialty contracting services primarily for utilities in the Midwestern United States. We also acquired the 
assets of Venture Communications Group, LLC (“Venture”) for $15.6 million during June 2015. Venture provides specialty 
contracting services primarily for telecommunications providers in the Midwest and Southeastern United States.

The results of these businesses acquired are included in the consolidated financial statements from their respective dates of 

acquisition. The purchase price allocations of each of the 2016 and 2015 acquisitions were completed within the 12-month 
measurement period from the dates of acquisition. The purchase price allocation of Texstar was completed during the second 
quarter of the 2018 transition period. Adjustments to provisional amounts were recognized in the reporting period in which the 
adjustments are determined and were not material during the 2018 transition period or fiscal 2017, 2016, or 2015.

Understanding Our Results of Operations

The following information is presented in order for the reader to better understand certain factors impacting our results of 
operations and profitability, and should be read in conjunction with Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates below, as well 
as Note 1, Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this 
Transition Report on Form 10-K.

Revenues. We perform a substantial majority of our services under master service agreements and other agreements that 
contain customer-specified service requirements and have discrete pricing for individual tasks. Revenue is recognized under 
these arrangements based on units-of-delivery as each unit is completed. The remainder of our services are performed under 
contracts using the cost-to-cost measure of the percentage of completion method of accounting as more fully described within 
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates below.

Cost of Earned Revenues. 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), direct materials, insurance costs, and other direct costs. For claims within our insurance program, we 
retain the risk of loss, up to certain limits, for matters related to automobile liability, general liability (including damages 
associated with underground facility locating services), workers’ compensation, and employee group health.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses primarily consist of employee compensation 

and related expenses, including performance-based compensation and stock-based compensation, legal, consulting and 
professional fees, information technology and development costs, provision for or recoveries of bad debt expense, acquisition 
and integration costs of businesses acquired, and other costs not directly related to the provision of our services under customer 
contracts. We incur information technology and development costs primarily to support and enhance our operating efficiency. 

25

Our executive management team and the senior management of our subsidiaries perform substantially all of our sales and 
marketing functions as part of their management responsibilities.

Depreciation and Amortization. Our property and equipment primarily consist of vehicles, equipment and machinery, and 
computer hardware and software. We depreciate property and equipment on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives 
of the assets. In addition, we have intangible assets, including customer relationships, contract backlog, trade names, and non-
compete intangibles, which we amortize over the estimated useful lives. We recognize amortization of customer relationship 
intangibles and acquired contract backlog intangibles on an accelerated basis as a function of the expected economic benefit. 
We recognize amortization of our other finite-lived intangibles on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life.

Loss on Debt Extinguishment. Loss on debt extinguishment for fiscal 2016 includes pre-tax charges related to the 
redemption of our 7.125% senior subordinated notes (the “7.125% Notes”), including the write-off of deferred debt issuance 
costs on the 7.125% Notes.

Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense, net, consists of interest incurred on outstanding variable rate and fixed rate debt 
and certain other obligations. Interest expense also includes non-cash amortization of our convertible senior notes debt discount 
and amortization of debt issuance costs. See Note 11, Debt, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this 
Transition Report on Form 10-K for information on the non-cash amortization of the debt discount and debt issuance costs.

Other Income, Net. Other income, net, primarily consists of gains or losses from sales of fixed assets. Other income, net 
also includes discount fee expense associated with the collection of accounts receivable under a customer-sponsored vendor 
payment program in which we began participating during fiscal 2016.

Seasonality and Quarterly Fluctuations. Our revenues and results of operations exhibit seasonality as we perform a 
significant portion of our work outdoors. Consequently, extended periods of adverse weather, which are more likely to occur 
during the winter season, impact our operations during the fiscal quarters ending in January and April. In addition, a 
disproportionate percentage of paid holidays fall within the fiscal quarter ending in January, which decreases the number of 
available workdays. Because of these factors, we are most likely to experience reduced revenue and profitability during the 
fiscal quarters ending in January and April.

We may also experience variations in our profitability driven by a number of factors. Such factors include fluctuations in 
insurance expense due to changes in claims experience and actuarial assumptions, variances in incentive pay and stock-based 
compensation expense as a result of operating performance and vesting provisions, changes in the employer portion of payroll 
taxes as a result of reaching statutory limits, and variances in bad debt expense. Other factors that may contribute to quarterly 
variations in results of operations include gain on sale of fixed assets from the timing and levels of capital assets sold during the 
period, changes in levels of depreciation expense, and variations in our effective tax rate.

Accordingly, operating results for any fiscal period are not necessarily indicative of results we may achieve for any 

subsequent fiscal period.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on consolidated financial 
statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of 
America (“GAAP”). The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make 
estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in these consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. 
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 used in the 
preparation of our consolidated financial statements. The impact of these policies affects our reported and expected financial 
results. 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 herein. 

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 

26

Transition Report on Form 10-K contain additional information related to our accounting policies and should be read in 
conjunction with this discussion. 

Revenue Recognition. We perform a substantial majority of our services under master service agreements and other 
agreements that contain customer-specified service requirements and have discrete pricing for individual tasks. We recognize 
revenue under these arrangements based on units-of-delivery as each unit is completed. The remainder of our services, 
representing less than 5% of our contract revenues during the 2018 transition period and fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, are 
performed under contracts using the cost-to-cost measure of the percentage of completion method of accounting. Revenue is 
recognized under these arrangements based on the ratio of contract costs incurred to date to total estimated contract costs. For 
contracts using the cost-to-cost measure of completion, we accrue the entire amount of a contract loss at the time the loss is 
determined to be probable and can be reasonably estimated. During the 2018 transition period and each of fiscal 2017, 2016, 
and 2015, there was no material impact to our results of operations due to changes in contract estimates.

There were no material amounts of unapproved change orders or claims recognized during the 2018 transition period or 

fiscal 2017, 2016, or 2015. 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.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. We grant credit under normal payment terms, generally without collateral, to our 
customers. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses on uncollected balances. 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 collectible and the loss can be reasonably estimated. Any increase in the allowance 
account has a corresponding negative effect on our results of operations.

Accrued Insurance Claims. For claims within our insurance program, we retain the risk of loss, up to certain limits, for 

matters related to automobile liability, general liability (including damages associated with underground facility locating 
services), workers’ compensation, and employee group health. We have established reserves that we believe to be adequate 
based on current evaluations and our experience with these types of claims. 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 effect on our financial statements is generally limited to the 
amount needed to satisfy our insurance deductibles or retentions. Amounts for total accrued insurance claims and insurance 
recoveries/receivables is as follows (dollars in millions):

Accrued insurance claims - current

Accrued insurance claims - non-current

Total accrued insurance claims

Insurance recoveries/receivables:

Current (included in Other current assets)

Non-current (included in Other assets)

Total insurance recoveries/receivables

January 27,
2018

July 29,
2017

July 30,
2016

$

$

$

$

53,890

59,385

113,275

13,701

6,722

20,423

$

$

$

$

39,909

62,007

101,916

$

$

36,844

52,835

89,679

— $

9,243

9,243

$

—

5,714

5,714

The liability for total accrued insurance claims included incurred but not reported losses of approximately $53.3 million, 

$50.0 million, and $45.0 million as of January 27, 2018, July 29, 2017, and July 30, 2016, respectively.

We estimate the liability for claims based on facts, circumstances, and historical experience. Even though they will not be 
paid until sometime in the future, recorded loss reserves are not discounted. Factors affecting the determination of the expected 
cost for existing and incurred but not reported claims include, but are not limited to, the magnitude and quantity 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. 

27

With regard to losses occurring in fiscal 2015 through the 2018 transition period, we retain the risk of loss of up to 

$1.0 million on a per-occurrence basis for automobile liability, general liability, and workers’ compensation. We have 
maintained this same level of retention for the twelve month policy period ending January 31, 2019. 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 state-sponsored insurance funds. Aggregate stop-loss coverage for automobile liability, general liability, 
and workers’ compensation claims was $67.1 million for the six month policy period ending January 31, 2018, $103.7 million 
for fiscal 2017, and $84.6 million for fiscal 2016.

We are party to a stop-loss agreement for losses under our employee group health plan. For calendar years 2018, 2017, and 

2016, we retain the risk of loss, on an annual basis, up to the first $400,000 of claims per participant, as well as an annual 
aggregate amount. With regard to losses occurring in calendar year 2015, we retained the risk of loss up to the first $250,000 of 
claims per participant, as well as an annual aggregate amount.

Stock-Based Compensation. We have stock-based compensation plans under which we grant stock-based awards, including 

stock options, restricted share units, and performance-based restricted share units to attract, retain, and reward talented 
employees, officers and directors, and to align stockholder and employee interests. Our policy is to issue new shares to satisfy 
equity awards under our stock-based compensation plans. We have outstanding stock-based awards under our 2003 Long-Term 
Incentive Plan, 2007 Non-Employee Directors Equity Plan, 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan, and 2017 Non-Employee 
Directors Equity Plan (collectively, the “Plans”). No further awards will be granted under the 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan 
or 2007 Non-Employee Directors Equity Plan.

During the 2018 transition period, our shareholders approved the 2017 Non-Employee Directors Equity Plan which 
replaced the 2007 Non-Employee Directors Equity Plan and authorized 140,000 shares of common stock for equity awards to 
non-employee directors. In addition, our shareholders approved an amendment to the 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan to, 
among other things, increase the number of shares available for issuance by 865,000. As of January 27, 2018, the total number 
of shares available for grant under the Plans was 1,446,377.

Compensation expense for stock-based awards is based on fair value at the measurement date and fluctuates over time as a 

result of the vesting period of the stock-based awards and our performance, as measured by criteria set forth in performance-
based awards. This expense is included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and 
the amount of expense ultimately recognized depends on the number of awards that actually vest. For performance-based 
restricted share units (“Performance RSUs”), we evaluate compensation expense quarterly and recognize expense for 
performance-based awards only if we determine it is probable that the performance criteria for the awards will be met. In a 
period we determine it is no longer probable that we will achieve certain performance criteria for the awards, we reverse the 
stock-based compensation expense that we had previously recognized associated with the portion of Performance RSUs that 
are no longer expected to vest. Accordingly, stock-based compensation expense may vary from period to period.

The fair value of stock option grants is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. 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 
time-based restricted share units (“RSUs”) and Performance RSUs is estimated on the date of grant and is generally equal to 
the closing stock price on that date. Each RSU and Performance RSU is settled in one share of our common stock upon vesting. 
RSUs vest ratably over a period of four years. Performance RSUs vest over a period of three years from the date of grant if 
certain performance measures are achieved. The performance criteria for target awards are based on our operating earnings 
(adjusted for certain amounts) as a percentage of contract revenues and our operating cash flow level for the applicable 
performance period. Additionally, certain awards include three-year performance goals that, if met, result in supplemental 
shares awarded. The three-year performance goals required to earn supplemental awards are more difficult to achieve than 
those required to earn annual target awards and are based on our three-year cumulative operating earnings (adjusted for certain 
amounts) as a percentage of contract revenues and our three-year cumulative operating cash flow level (adjusted for certain 
amounts).

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. During the six months ended January 27, 2018, we recognized an income tax 
benefit of approximately $32.2 million associated with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“Tax Reform”). This benefit 
primarily resulted from the re-measurement of our net deferred tax liabilities at a lower U.S. federal corporate income tax rate. 
Additionally, we recognized an income tax benefit of approximately $7.8 million for the tax effects of the vesting and exercise 
of share-based awards in accordance with ASU 2016-09.

28

In addition to the impacts described above, fluctuations in our effective income tax rate were also attributable to the 

difference in income tax rates from state to state, non-deductible and non-taxable items, and production-related tax deductions 
recognized in relation to our pre-tax results during the periods. See Note 12, Income Taxes, in the Notes to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements in this Transition Report on Form 10-K for further information. 

Measurement of our tax position is based on the applicable statutes, federal and state case law, and our interpretations of 

tax regulations. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income during the 
period that includes the enactment date. We record net deferred tax assets to the extent we believe these assets will more likely 
than not be realized. In making such determination, we consider all relevant factors, including future reversals of existing 
taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations. In the 
event we determine that we would be able to realize deferred income tax assets in excess of their net recorded amount, we 
would adjust the valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.

In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 740, Income 

Taxes (“ASC Topic 740”), we recognize tax benefits in the amount that we deem more likely than not will be realized upon 
ultimate settlement of any tax uncertainty. Tax positions that fail to qualify for recognition are recognized during the period in 
which the more-likely-than-not standard has been reached, when the tax positions are resolved with the respective taxing 
authority or when the statute of limitations for tax examination has expired. We recognize applicable interest related to tax 
amounts in interest expense and penalties within general and administrative expenses.

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 an estimated loss from a loss contingency be accrued by a charge 
to operating results 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 as applicable. 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 operating results when determined.

Business Combinations. We account for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. The purchase 
price of each business acquired is allocated to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on 
information regarding their respective fair values on the date of acquisition. Any excess of the purchase price over the fair value 
of the separately identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed is allocated to goodwill. We determine the fair values used 
in purchase price allocations for intangible assets based on historical data, estimated discounted future cash flows, expected 
royalty rates for trademarks and trade names, as well as certain other information. The valuation of assets acquired and 
liabilities assumed requires a number of judgments and is subject to revision as additional information about the fair value of 
assets and liabilities becomes available. Additional information, which existed as of the acquisition date but unknown to us at 
that time, may become known during the remainder of the measurement period, a period not to exceed twelve months from the 
acquisition date. The Company will recognize any adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the 
measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustments are determined. Additionally, the Company will record, in 
the same period’s financial statements in which adjustments are recorded, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, 
amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of any change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the 
accounting adjustment had been completed at the acquisition date. Acquisition costs are expensed as incurred. The results of 
operations of businesses acquired are included in the consolidated financial statements from their dates of acquisition.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets. We account for goodwill and other intangibles in accordance with ASC Topic 350, 
Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (“ASC Topic 350”). Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are assessed 
annually for impairment, or more frequently, if events occur that would indicate a potential reduction in the fair value of a 
reporting unit below its carrying value. We perform our annual impairment review of goodwill at the reporting unit level. Each 
of our operating segments with goodwill represents a reporting unit for the purpose of assessing impairment. If we determine 
the fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible assets is less than their carrying value as a 
result of the tests, an impairment loss is recognized and 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, we review finite-lived intangible assets 

for impairment whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that indicates that the carrying amount of such assets may 
29

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. Should an asset not be recoverable, 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 recognized in operating income or loss in the consolidated statements of operations during the 
period incurred.

We use judgment in assessing whether 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. We determine the 
fair value of our reporting units using a weighing of fair values derived in equal proportions from the income approach and 
market approach valuation methodologies. The income approach uses the discounted cash flow method and the market 
approach uses the guideline company method. Changes in our judgments and projections could result in significantly different 
estimates of fair value, potentially resulting in impairments of goodwill and other intangible assets. The inputs used for fair 
value measurements of the reporting units and other related indefinite-lived intangible assets are the lowest level (Level 3) 
inputs.

Our goodwill resides in multiple reporting units. The profitability of individual reporting units may suffer periodically due 
to downturns in customer demand and the level of overall economic activity including, in particular, construction and housing 
activity. Our customers may reduce capital expenditures and defer or cancel pending projects during times of slowing economic 
conditions. Additionally, adverse conditions in the economy and future volatility in the equity and credit markets could impact 
the valuation of our reporting units. The cyclical nature of our business, the high level of competition existing within our 
industry, and the concentration of our revenues from a limited number of customers may also cause results to vary. These 
factors may affect individual reporting units disproportionately, relative to the Company as a whole. As a result, the 
performance of one or more of the reporting units could decline, resulting in an impairment of goodwill or intangible assets.

We evaluate current operating results, including any losses, 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 significantly 
different estimates of the fair value of the reporting units and could result in impairments of goodwill or intangible assets of the 
reporting units. In addition, adverse changes to the key valuation assumptions contributing to the fair value of our reporting 
units could result in an impairment of goodwill or intangible assets.

We have historically completed our annual goodwill impairment assessment as of the first day of the fourth fiscal quarter 
of each year. As a result of the change in our fiscal year end, the annual goodwill impairment assessment date was changed to 
the first day of the fiscal quarter ending on the last Saturday in January, as this will be the first day of our fourth fiscal quarter. 
For the six month transition period ended January 27, 2018, the assessment was performed as of October 29, 2017, which is 
approximately six months earlier than in previous years. The change in the annual goodwill impairment assessment date is 
deemed a change in accounting principle, which we believe to be preferable as the change was made to better align the annual 
goodwill impairment test with the change in our annual planning and budgeting process related to the new fiscal year end. This 
change in accounting principle did not delay, accelerate or avoid a goodwill impairment charge and had no effect on the 
consolidated financial statements, including any cumulative effect on retained earnings.

We performed our annual impairment assessment for the 2018 transition period and each of fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015 
and concluded that no impairment of goodwill or the indefinite-lived intangible asset was indicated at any reporting unit for any 
of the periods. In the 2018 transition period and each of fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015, qualitative assessments were performed 
on reporting units that comprise a substantial portion of our consolidated goodwill balance. A qualitative assessment includes 
evaluating all identified events and circumstances that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of a 
reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset for the purpose of determining whether it is more likely than not that these 
assets are impaired. We consider various factors while performing qualitative assessments, including macroeconomic 
conditions, industry and market conditions, financial performance of the reporting units, changes in market capitalization, and 
any other specific reporting unit considerations. These qualitative assessments indicated that it was more likely than not that the 
fair value exceeded carrying value for those reporting units. For the remaining reporting units, we performed the first step of 
the quantitative analysis described in ASC Topic 350 in the 2018 transition period and each of fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015. 
When performing the quantitative analysis, the Company determines the fair value of its reporting units using a weighing of 
fair values derived in equal proportions from the income approach and market approach valuation methodologies. Under the 
income approach, the key valuation assumptions used in determining the fair value estimates of our reporting units for each 
annual test were: (a) a discount rate based on our best estimate of the weighted average cost of capital adjusted for certain risks 
for the reporting units; (b) terminal value based on our best estimate of terminal growth rates; and (c) seven expected years of 
cash flow before the terminal value.

30

In fiscal 2017, we performed the first step of the quantitative analysis on our indefinite-lived intangible asset. In the 2018 
transition period, fiscal 2016, and fiscal 2015, qualitative assessments were performed on our indefinite-lived intangible asset.

The table below outlines certain assumptions used in our quantitative impairment analyses for the 2018 transition period 

and fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015:

Terminal Growth Rate
Discount Rate

2018
2.5% - 3.0%
11.0%

2017
2.0% - 3.0%
11.0%

2016
2.0% - 3.0%
11.5%

2015
1.5% - 2.5%
11.5%

The discount rate reflects risks inherent within each reporting unit operating individually. These risks are greater than the 
risks inherent in the Company as a whole. Determination of discount rates included consideration of market inputs such as the 
risk-free rate, equity risk premium, industry premium, and cost of debt, among other assumptions. The discount rate for the 
2018 transition period was consistent with the rate used for fiscal 2017. The slight decrease in discount rates for fiscal 2017 
from fiscal 2016 is a result of reduced risk in industry conditions. The changes in these inputs for fiscal 2016 from fiscal 2015 
had offsetting impacts and the discount rate remained at 11.5%. 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. Under the 
market approach, the guideline company method develops valuation multiples by comparing our reporting units to similar 
publicly traded companies. Key valuation assumptions and valuation multiples used in determining the fair value estimates of 
our reporting units rely on: (a) the selection of similar companies; (b) obtaining estimates of forecast revenue and earnings 
before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization for the similar companies; and (c) selection of valuation multiples as they 
apply to the reporting unit characteristics.

We determined that the fair values of each of the reporting units and the indefinite-lived intangible asset were substantially 

in excess of their carrying values in the 2018 transition period assessment. Management determined that significant changes 
were not likely in the factors considered to estimate fair value, and analyzed the impact of such changes were they to occur. 
Specifically, if there was a 25% decrease in the fair value of any of the reporting units due to a decline in their discounted cash 
flows resulting from lower operating performance, the conclusion of the assessment would remain unchanged. Additionally, if 
the discount rate applied in the 2018 transition period impairment analysis had been 100 basis points higher than estimated for 
each of the reporting units, and all other assumptions were held constant, the conclusion of the assessment would remain 
unchanged and there would be no impairment of goodwill. As of January 27, 2018, we believe the goodwill and the indefinite-
lived intangible asset are recoverable for all of the reporting units and that no impairment has occurred. However, significant 
adverse changes in the projected revenues and cash flows of a reporting unit could result in an impairment of goodwill or the 
indefinite-lived intangible asset. There can be no assurances that goodwill or the indefinite-lived intangible asset may 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 January 27, 2018, 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.

Outlook

Significant developments in consumer and business applications within the telecommunications industry, including 

advanced digital and video service offerings, continue to increase the demand for greater capacity and enhanced reliability from 
our customers’ wireline and wireless networks. A proliferation of technological developments has been made possible by 
improved networks and their underlying fiber connections. Faster broadband connections are enabling the creation of other 
industries in which products and services rely on robust network connections for advanced functionality. Telecommunications 
providers will continue to expand their network capabilities to meet the demand of their consumers, driving demand for our 
services as these providers outsource a significant portion of their engineering, construction, maintenance, and installation 
requirements.

31

Telecommunications network operators are increasingly deploying fiber optic cable technology deeper into their networks 

and closer to consumers and businesses in order to respond to consumer demand, competitive realities, and public policy 
support. Telephone companies are deploying fiber to the home to enable video offerings and 1 gigabit high-speed connections. 
Cable operators continue to increase the speeds of their services to residential customers and to deploy fiber to business 
customers. These deployments are often in anticipation of the customer sales process as confidence and the number of existing 
customers continue to increase. Fiber deep deployments to expand capacity, as well as new build opportunities and overall 
capital expenditures are increasing.

Significant demand for wireless broadband is driven by the proliferation of smartphones and other mobile data devices. To 

respond to this demand and other advances in technology, wireless carriers are upgrading their networks and contemplating 
next generation mobile solutions such as small cells and 5G technologies. Wireless carriers are actively spending on their 
networks to respond to the significant increase in wireless data traffic, to upgrade network technologies to improve 
performance and efficiency, and to consolidate disparate technology platforms. These initiatives present long-term 
opportunities for us with the wireless service providers we serve. As the demand for mobile broadband grows, the amount of 
wireless traffic that must be “backhauled” over customers’ fiber networks increases and, as a result, carriers are accelerating the 
deployment of fiber optic cables to cellular sites and small cells. In addition, emerging wireless technologies are driving 
significant wireline deployments. A complementary wireline investment cycle is underway to facilitate the deployment of fully 
converged wireless/wireline networks. The industry effort required to deploy these converged networks is driving demand for 
the type of services we provide. Wireless construction activity and support of expanded coverage and capacity is poised to 
accelerate through the deployment of enhanced macro cells and new small cells. These trends are driving demand for the type 
of services we provide.

Consolidation and merger activity among telecommunications providers can also provide increased demand for our 
services as networks are integrated. As a result of merger activity, a significant customer has committed to the FCC to expand 
and increase broadband network capabilities. These customer activities may further create a competitive response driving long-
term demand for our services.

Overall economic activity, including in particular construction and housing activity, also contributes to the demand for our 

services. Within the context of the current economy, we believe the latest trends and developments as outlined above support 
our 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.

32

Results of Operations

The results of operations of businesses acquired are included in the consolidated financial statements from their dates of 

acquisition. 

Six Months Ended January 27, 2018 Compared to Six Months Ended January 28, 2017 

The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations for the six months ended January 27, 2018 and 

January 28, 2017 and the amounts as a percentage of revenue (totals may not add due to rounding) (dollars in millions): 

Revenues

Expenses:

For the Six Months Ended

January 27, 2018

January 28, 2017

(Unaudited)

$

1,411.3

100.0% $

1,500.4

100.0%

Cost of earned revenue, excluding depreciation and amortization

1,141.5

General and administrative

Depreciation and amortization

Total

Interest expense, net

Other income, net

Income before income taxes

(Benefit) provision for income taxes

Net income

124.9

85.1

1,351.5
(19.6)
6.2

46.6
(22.3)
68.8

$

80.9

8.9

6.0

95.8
(1.4)
0.4

3.3
(1.6)
4.9% $

1,176.4

118.4

70.3

1,365.0
(18.2)
1.9

119.0

44.3

74.7

78.4

7.9

4.7

91.0
(1.2)
0.1

7.9

3.0

5.0%

Revenues. Revenues were $1.411 billion during the six months ended January 27, 2018, compared to $1.500 billion during 

the six months ended January 28, 2017. During the six months ended January 27, 2018, revenues of $17.0 million were 
generated by a business acquired during the third quarter of fiscal 2017. Additionally, the Company earned approximately 
$35.1 million of revenues from storm restoration services during the six months ended January 27, 2018. 

Excluding amounts generated by a business acquired during the third quarter of fiscal 2017 and storm restoration services, 

revenues decreased by approximately $141.1 million during the six months ended January 27, 2018 as compared to the six 
months ended January 28, 2017. Revenues decreased by approximately $153.3 million as a result of moderation by a large 
telecommunications customer during the six months ended January 27, 2018. Revenues also decreased by approximately 
$50.3 million for services performed on a customer’s fiber network and by approximately $35.7 million for services performed 
for a telecommunications customer in connection with rural services. Partially offsetting these declines, revenues increased by 
approximately $42.5 million for a leading cable multiple system operator from installation, maintenance, and construction 
services, including services to provision fiber to small and medium businesses, as well as network improvements. Revenues 
also increased by approximately $30.5 million for a large telecommunications customer primarily related to services performed 
resulting from new awards. All other customers had net increases in revenues of $25.2 million on a combined basis during the 
six months ended January 27, 2018 as compared to the six months ended January 28, 2017.

The percentage of our revenues by customer type from telecommunications, underground facility locating, and electric and 

gas utilities and other customers, was approximately 91.0%, 6.3%, and 2.7%, respectively, for the six months ended 
January 27, 2018, compared to 92.1%, 5.2%, and 2.7%, respectively, for the six months ended January 28, 2017.

Costs of Earned Revenues. Costs of earned revenues decreased to $1.141 billion, or 80.9% of contract revenues, during the 

six months ended January 27, 2018, compared to $1.176 billion, or 78.4% of contract revenues, during the six months ended 
January 28, 2017. The primary components of the decrease were a $34.0 million aggregate decrease in direct labor and 
subcontractor costs and a $14.1 million decrease in direct material costs, primarily due to a lower level of operations. Partially 
offsetting these decreases, equipment maintenance and fuel costs combined increased $4.8 million and other direct costs 
increased $8.4 million.

Costs of earned revenues as a percentage of contract revenues increased 2.5% during the six months ended 

January 27, 2018, compared to the six months ended January 28, 2017. As a percentage of contract revenues, labor and 

33

subcontracted labor costs increased 1.3% during the six months ended January 27, 2018. The increase in labor and 
subcontracted labor costs as a percentage of contract revenues primarily resulted from costs incurred as the scale of our 
operations expanded and from widespread adverse weather which reduced the number of available workdays and negatively 
impacted productivity and margins during the fiscal quarter ended January 27, 2018. Equipment maintenance and fuel costs 
combined increased 0.6% as a percentage of contract revenues from under absorption of equipment costs and increased fuel 
costs relative to the mix of work. Additionally, direct material costs and other direct costs increased 0.5% as a percentage of 
contract revenues, on a combined basis, reflecting lower operating leverage and the impact of costs associated with the 
initiation of customer programs, including permitting costs.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses increased to $124.9 million, or 8.9% of 
contract revenues, during the six months ended January 27, 2018, compared to $118.4 million, or 7.9% of contract revenues, 
during the six months ended January 28, 2017. The increase in total general and administrative expenses during the six months 
ended January 27, 2018 primarily resulted from increased payroll and stock-based compensation costs, higher professional fees 
related to the change in fiscal year, increased software license and maintenance fees, and the costs of a business acquired in the 
third quarter of fiscal 2017. The increase in total general and administrative expenses as a percentage of contract revenues 
reflects lower absorption of certain office and support costs in relation to lower revenues during the six months ended 
January 27, 2018.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation expense was $73.0 million, or 5.2% of contract revenues, during the six 

months ended January 27, 2018, compared to $58.0 million, or 3.9% of contract revenues, during the six months ended 
January 28, 2017. The increase in depreciation expense during the six months ended January 27, 2018 is primarily due to the 
addition of fixed assets during fiscal 2017 and the 2018 transition period that support our expanded in-house workforce and the 
normal replacement cycle of fleet assets. Amortization expense was $12.1 million and $12.3 million during the six months 
ended January 27, 2018 and January 28, 2017, respectively. 

Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense, net was $19.6 million and $18.2 million during the six months ended 

January 27, 2018 and January 28, 2017, respectively. Interest expense includes approximately $9.2 million and $8.7 million for 
the non-cash amortization of debt discount associated with our convertible senior notes during the six months ended 
January 27, 2018 and January 28, 2017, respectively. Excluding this amortization, interest expense, net increased to 
$10.4 million during the six months ended January 27, 2018 from $9.6 million during the six months ended January 28, 2017 as 
a result of a higher interest rate environment during the current period.

Other Income, Net. Other income, net was $6.2 million and $1.9 million during the six months ended January 27, 2018 and 
January 28, 2017, respectively. The increase in other income, net is primarily a function of the number of assets sold and prices 
obtained for those assets during the six months ended January 27, 2018, compared to the six months ended January 28, 2017. 
Gain on sale of fixed assets was $7.2 million during the six months ended January 27, 2018, compared to $3.2 million during 
the six months ended January 28, 2017. Partially offsetting this increase, other income, net also reflects approximately 
$1.4 million and $1.5 million of discount fee expense during the six months ended January 27, 2018 and January 28, 2017, 
respectively, associated with the non-recourse sale of accounts receivable under a customer-sponsored vendor payment 
program.

Income Taxes. The following table presents our income tax (benefit) provision and effective income tax rate for the six 

months ended January 27, 2018 and January 28, 2017 (dollars in millions):

Income tax (benefit) provision
Effective income tax rate

Six Months Ended

January 27, 2018
(22.3)
$
(47.9)%

January 28, 2017
44.3
$
37.2%

During the six months ended January 27, 2018, we recognized an income tax benefit of approximately $32.2 million 

associated with Tax Reform. This benefit primarily resulted from the re-measurement of our net deferred tax liabilities at a 
lower U.S. federal corporate income tax rate. Additionally, we recognized an income tax benefit of approximately $7.8 million 
for the tax effects of the vesting and exercise of share-based awards in accordance with ASU 2016-09 during the six months 
ended January 27, 2018. See Note 12, Income Taxes, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Transition 
Report on Form 10-K for further information. 

In addition to the impacts described above, fluctuations in our effective income tax rate were also attributable to the 

difference in income tax rates from state to state, non-deductible and non-taxable items, and production-related tax deductions 

34

recognized in relation to our pre-tax results during the periods. We had total unrecognized tax benefits of approximately 
$3.3 million as of January 27, 2018 which would reduce our effective tax rate during future periods if it is determined these 
unrecognized tax benefits are realizable.

Net Income. Net income was $68.8 million for the six months ended January 27, 2018, compared to $74.7 million for the 

six months ended January 28, 2017.

Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA. Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA was $157.2 million, or 11.1% of contract revenues, for the 

six months ended January 27, 2018, compared to $215.4 million, or 14.4% of contract revenues, for the six months ended 
January 28, 2017. See Non-GAAP Measure below for further information regarding Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA.

Year Ended July 29, 2017 Compared to Year Ended July 30, 2016 

The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations for the fiscal years ended July 29, 2017 and 

July 30, 2016 and the amounts as a percentage of revenue (totals may not add due to rounding) (dollars in millions): 

Revenues

Expenses:

For the Fiscal Year Ended

July 29, 2017

July 30, 2016

$

3,066.9

100.0% $

2,672.5

100.0%

Cost of earned revenue, excluding depreciation and amortization

2,404.7

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

239.2

147.9

2,791.9
(37.4)
—

12.8

250.4

93.2

157.2

$

78.4

7.8

4.8

91.0
(1.2)
—

0.4

8.2

3.0

5.1% $

2,083.6

217.1

124.9

2,425.7
(34.7)
(16.3)
10.4

206.3

77.6

128.7

78.0

8.1

4.7

90.8
(1.3)
(0.6)
0.4

7.7

2.9

4.8%

Revenues. Revenues increased to $3.067 billion during fiscal 2017 from $2.673 billion during fiscal 2016. Revenues 

increased in the current period primarily from services for customers deploying 1 gigabit networks, new awards with 
significant customers, and revenues generated by businesses acquired during fiscal 2017 and 2016.

During fiscal 2017 and 2016, total revenues of $214.9 million and $119.8 million, respectively, were generated by 
businesses that were not owned for the full year in both the current and prior fiscal years. Excluding these amounts, revenues 
increased by approximately $299.2 million during fiscal 2017 as compared to fiscal 2016. Revenues increased by 
approximately $178.2 million for a leading cable multiple system operator from installation, maintenance, and construction 
services, including services to provision fiber to small and medium businesses, as well as network improvements and by 
approximately $110.9 million for a large telecommunications customer primarily from increases in the volume of services 
performed under existing contracts and new awards. Revenues increased by approximately $103.8 million for another 
significant telecommunications customer improving its network. Additionally, revenues increased approximately $24.4 million 
for a customer who recently acquired certain wireline operations from another large telecommunications customer. Partially 
offsetting these increases, revenues declined by approximately $55.3 million for services performed on a customer’s fiber 
network, by approximately $45.1 million for services performed for a cable multiple system operator, and by approximately 
$15.4 million for a large telecommunications customer. All other customers had net decreases in revenues of $2.3 million on a 
combined basis during fiscal 2017 as compared to fiscal 2016.

The percentage of our revenues by customer type from telecommunications, underground facility locating, and electric and 
gas utilities and other customers, was approximately 91.9%, 5.5%, and 2.7%, respectively, for fiscal 2017, compared to 90.7%, 
5.9%, and 3.4%, respectively, for fiscal 2016.

Costs of Earned Revenues. Costs of earned revenues increased to $2.405 billion, or 78.4% of contract revenues, during 
fiscal 2017, compared to $2.084 billion, or 78.0% of contract revenues, during fiscal 2016. The increase in total costs of earned 

35

revenues during the fiscal 2017 was primarily due to a higher level of operations, including the operating costs of businesses 
acquired during fiscal 2017 and 2016, partially offset by the additional week of operations during the fourth quarter of fiscal 
2016. The primary components of the increase were a $241.9 million aggregate increase in direct labor and subcontractor costs, 
a $43.9 million increase in direct material costs, and a $35.3 million net increase in other direct costs.

Costs of earned revenues as a percentage of contract revenues increased 0.4% during fiscal 2017, compared to fiscal 2016. 
As a percentage of contract revenues, labor and subcontracted labor costs increased 0.3% of contract revenues for fiscal 2017, 
compared to fiscal 2016. The increase in labor and subcontracted labor costs as a percentage of contract revenues primarily 
resulted from costs incurred as the scale of our operations expanded. Direct material costs and other direct costs increased 
0.1%, on a combined basis, primarily as a result of our mix of work during fiscal 2017 which included a higher level of projects 
where we provided materials to the customer. 

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses increased to $239.2 million, or 7.8% of 
contract revenues, during fiscal 2017, compared to $217.1 million, or 8.1% of contract revenues, during fiscal 2016. The 
increase in total general and administrative expenses during fiscal 2017 primarily resulted from increased payroll and 
performance-based compensation costs and higher legal and professional fees. Additionally, stock-based compensation 
increased to $20.8 million during fiscal 2017, compared to $16.8 million during fiscal 2016. General and administrative 
expenses decreased as a percentage of contract revenues during fiscal 2017, compared to fiscal 2016 primarily resulting from 
operating leverage on our increased level of operations.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation expense was $123.1 million, or 4.0% of contract revenues, during 

fiscal 2017, compared to $105.5 million, or 3.9% of contract revenues, during fiscal 2016. The increase in depreciation expense 
during fiscal 2017 is a result of the addition of fixed assets and the incremental expense of businesses acquired during fiscal 
2017 and 2016. Amortization expense was $24.8 million and $19.4 million during fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively. The 
increase in amortization expense is a result of the incremental expense of amortizing intangibles for businesses acquired during 
fiscal 2017 and 2016, partially offset by reduced amortization expense as certain intangible assets became fully amortized 
during fiscal 2017.

Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense, net was $37.4 million and $34.7 million during fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively. 

Interest expense includes approximately $17.6 million and $14.7 million for the non-cash amortization of debt discount 
associated with our convertible senior notes during fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively. Excluding this amortization, interest 
expense, net decreased to $19.8 million during fiscal 2017 from $20.0 million during fiscal 2016.

Loss on Debt Extinguishment. In connection with the redemption of our 7.125% Notes, we incurred a pre-tax charge for 
early extinguishment of debt of approximately $16.3 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2016. See Note 11, Debt, in Notes 
to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Transition Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding the 
Company’s debt transactions.

Other Income, Net. Other income, net was $12.8 million and $10.4 million during fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively. The 

increase in other income, net is primarily a function of the number of assets sold and prices obtained for those assets during 
fiscal 2017, compared to fiscal 2016. Gain on sale of fixed assets was $14.9 million during fiscal 2017, compared to 
$9.8 million during fiscal 2016. Partially offsetting this increase, other income, net also reflects approximately $3.2 million and 
$0.2 million of discount fee expense during fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively, associated with the collection of accounts 
receivable under a customer-sponsored vendor payment program in which we began participating during fiscal 2016.

Income Taxes. The following table presents our income tax provision and effective income tax rate for fiscal 2017 and 

2016 (dollars in millions):

Income tax provision
Effective income tax rate

Fiscal Year Ended

2017

2016

$

$

93.2
37.2%

77.6
37.6%

Fluctuations in our effective income tax rate were primarily attributable to the difference in income tax rates from state to 
state, non-deductible and non-taxable items, certain dispositions of incentive stock option exercises, and production-related tax 
deductions recognized in relation to our pre-tax results during the periods. The decrease in our effective income tax rate during 
fiscal 2017, as compared to fiscal 2016, is primarily due to increased production-related tax deductions recognized in relation 
to higher pre-tax results in fiscal 2017 and a lesser impact of non-deductible items. We had total unrecognized tax benefits of 

36

approximately $3.1 million and $2.4 million as of July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016, respectively, which, if recognized, would 
favorably affect our effective tax rate.

Net Income. Net income was $157.2 million for fiscal 2017, compared to $128.7 million for fiscal 2016.

Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA. Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA was $441.6 million, or 14.4% of contract revenues, for 
fiscal 2017, compared to $390.0 million, or 14.6% of contract revenues, for fiscal 2016. See Non-GAAP Measure below for 
further information regarding Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA.

Year Ended July 30, 2016 Compared to Year Ended July 25, 2015 

The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations for the fiscal years ended July 30, 2016 and 

July 25, 2015 and the amounts as a percentage of revenue (totals may not add due to rounding) (dollars in millions): 

Revenues

Expenses:

For the Fiscal Year Ended

July 30, 2016

July 25, 2015

$

2,672.5

100.0% $

2,022.3

100.0%

Cost of earned revenue, excluding depreciation and amortization

2,083.6

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

217.1

124.9

2,425.7
(34.7)
(16.3)
10.4

206.3

77.6

128.7

$

78.0

8.1

4.7

90.8
(1.3)
(0.6)
0.4

7.7

2.9

4.8% $

1,593.3

178.7

96.0

1,868.0
(27.0)
—

8.3

135.6

51.3

84.3

78.8

8.8

4.7

92.4
(1.3)
—

0.4

6.7

2.5

4.2%

Revenues. Revenues increased to $2.673 billion during fiscal 2016 from $2.022 billion during fiscal 2015. Revenues 
increased in fiscal 2016 primarily from services for customers deploying 1 gigabit networks, new awards with significant 
customers, and revenues generated by businesses acquired during fiscal 2016 and 2015. Additionally, fiscal 2016 included an 
additional week of operations as a result of our fiscal calendar.

During fiscal 2016 and 2015, total revenues of $159.0 million and $17.7 million, respectively, were generated by 

businesses that were not owned for the full year in both fiscal 2016 and 2015. Excluding these amounts, revenues increased by 
approximately $508.9 million during fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015. Revenues increased by approximately 
$224.9 million for a significant telecommunications customer improving its network and by approximately $139.7 million for a 
large telecommunications customer primarily for increased activity for services performed under new awards. Revenues 
increased for a leading cable multiple system operator by approximately $102.8 million from installation, maintenance and 
construction services, including services to provision fiber to small and medium businesses, as well as network improvements. 
Further, revenues increased by approximately $69.3 million for services performed for a telecommunications customer in 
connection with rural services. Revenues also increased for services performed on a customer’s fiber network by approximately 
$54.5 million. Partially offsetting these increases, revenues related to stimulus work on projects funded in part by the American 
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 declined by $41.5 million during fiscal 2016 as the program was completed. In 
addition, revenues declined by $31.5 million for a customer where we were providing fiber construction on their end 
customer’s network. All other customers, on a combined basis, had net decreases in revenues of $9.3 million during fiscal 2016, 
as compared to fiscal 2015.

The percentage of our revenues by customer type from telecommunications, underground facility locating, and electric and 
gas utilities and other customers, was approximately 90.7%, 5.9%, and 3.4%, respectively, for fiscal 2016, compared to 90.0%, 
6.2%, and 3.8%, respectively, for fiscal 2015.

Costs of Earned Revenues. Costs of earned revenues increased to $2.084 billion during fiscal 2016, compared to 

$1.593 billion during fiscal 2015. The increase was primarily due to a higher level of operations during fiscal 2016, including 

37

the operating costs of businesses acquired during fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 as well as an additional week of operations during 
fiscal 2016 as a result of our fiscal calendar. The primary components of the increase were a $410.5 million aggregate increase 
in direct labor and subcontractor costs, $46.3 million increase in direct material costs, $13.0 million net increase in equipment 
rental, maintenance and fuel costs, and $20.5 million net increase in other direct costs.

Costs of earned revenues as a percentage of contract revenues decreased 0.8% during fiscal 2016, compared to fiscal 2015. 

Direct material costs and other direct costs combined decreased 2.2% of contract revenues primarily as a result of operating 
leverage on our increased level of operations, mix of work, and from lower fuel prices. Partially offsetting these decreases, 
labor and subcontractor costs increased 1.4% of contract revenues for fiscal 2016, compared to fiscal 2015. The increase in 
labor and subcontractor costs as a percentage of contract revenues primarily resulted from changes in work type mix and costs 
incurred to expand operations for several large customer programs, including the impact on productivity. Additionally, during 
the second quarter of fiscal 2016 we experienced a more pronounced seasonal impact from the businesses acquired during 
calendar year 2015.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses increased to $217.1 million, or 8.1% of 
contract revenues during fiscal 2016, compared to $178.7 million, or 8.8% of contract revenues, during fiscal 2015. The 
increase in total general and administrative expenses during fiscal 2016 primarily resulted from increased payroll and 
performance-based compensation costs, costs of businesses acquired in fiscal 2016 and 2015, and increased technology and 
facilities costs as we expanded our operations. We recognized approximately $0.7 million of acquisition costs during fiscal 
2016 in connection with a business acquired in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. Additionally, stock-based compensation 
increased to $16.8 million during fiscal 2016, compared to $13.9 million during fiscal 2015. The decrease in general and 
administrative expenses as a percentage of contract revenues is due to operating leverage on our increased level of operations.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization was $124.9 million and $96.0 million during fiscal 2016 

and 2015, respectively, and totaled 4.7% of contract revenues during each fiscal year. The increase in depreciation and 
amortization expense during fiscal 2016 is primarily a result of the addition of fixed assets during fiscal 2016 and 2015 and 
incremental expense of businesses acquired in fiscal 2016 and 2015. Amortization expense was $19.4 million and $16.7 million 
during fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense, net was $34.7 million and $27.0 million during fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. 

Interest expense includes approximately $14.7 million for the non-cash amortization of debt discount associated with our 
convertible senior notes during fiscal 2016. Excluding this amortization, interest expense, net decreased to $20.0 million during 
fiscal 2016 primarily due to a lower interest coupon rate on the convertible senior notes issued in September 2015 compared to 
the previously outstanding 7.125% Notes.

Loss on Debt Extinguishment. In connection with the redemption of our 7.125% Notes, we incurred a pre-tax charge for 
early extinguishment of debt of approximately $16.3 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2016. This charge is comprised of: 
(i) $4.9 million for the present value of the interest payments for the period from the redemption date of October 15, 2015 
through January 15, 2016, (ii) $6.5 million for the excess of the present value of the redemption price over the carrying value of 
the 7.125% Notes, and (iii) $4.9 million for the write-off of deferred financing charges related to the fees incurred in connection 
with the issuance of the 7.125% Notes.

Other Income, Net. Other income, net was $10.4 million and $8.3 million during fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. The 

increase in other income, net is primarily a function of the number of assets sold and prices obtained for those assets during 
fiscal 2016, compared to fiscal 2015. Other income, net during fiscal 2016 also includes immaterial discount fees related to a 
customer-sponsored vendor payment program in which we participate. Under this program, accounts receivable are collected 
on an expedited basis pursuant to a non-recourse sale of the receivables to a bank partner of the customer. The program 
significantly reduces the time required to collect that customer’s receivables.

Income Taxes. The following table presents our income tax provision and effective income tax rate for fiscal 2016 and 

2015 (dollars in millions):

Income tax provision
Effective income tax rate

Fiscal Year Ended

2016

2015

$

$

77.6
37.6%

51.3
37.8%

38

Fluctuations in our effective income tax rate were primarily attributable to the difference in income tax rates from state to 

state, non-deductible and non-taxable items, disqualifying dispositions of incentive stock option exercises, and production-
related tax deductions recognized in relation to our pre-tax results during the periods. The decrease in our effective income tax 
rate during fiscal 2016, as compared to fiscal 2015, is primarily due to increased production-related tax deductions recognized 
in relation to higher pre-tax results in fiscal 2016 and a lesser impact of non-deductible items. We had total unrecognized tax 
benefits of approximately $2.4 million and $2.3 million as of July 30, 2016 and July 25, 2015, respectively, which, if 
recognized, would favorably affect our effective tax rate.

Net Income. Net income was $128.7 million for fiscal 2016, compared to $84.3 million for fiscal 2015.

Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA. Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA was $390.0 million, or 14.6% of contract revenues, for 
fiscal 2016, compared to $265.5 million, or 13.1% of contract revenues, for fiscal 2015. See Non-GAAP Measure below for 
further information regarding Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA.

Non-GAAP Measure

Adjusted EBITDA is a Non-GAAP measure, as defined by Regulation G of the Securities and Exchange Commission. We 
define Adjusted EBITDA as net income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, gain on sale of fixed assets, stock-
based compensation expense, loss on debt extinguishment, and certain non-recurring items. Management believes Adjusted 
EBITDA is a helpful measure for comparing the Company’s operating performance with prior periods as well as with the 
performance of other companies with different capital structures or tax rates. The following table provides a reconciliation of 
net income to Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA (dollars in thousands):

For the Six Months Ended
January 28,
January 27,
2017
2018

For the Fiscal Year Ended
July 30,
2016

July 29, 
2017

July 25,
2015

Net income

Interest expense, net

(Benefit) provision for income taxes

Depreciation and amortization expense

Earnings Before Interest, Taxes,
Depreciation & Amortization (“EBITDA”)

Gain on sale of fixed assets

Stock-based compensation expense

Loss on debt extinguishment

Acquisition transaction related costs

$

68,835

$

74,713

$

157,217

$

128,740

$

19,560

(22,285)

85,053

151,163

(7,217)

13,277

—

—

18,248

44,332

70,252

207,545
(3,172)
11,015

—

—

37,364

93,208

147,906

435,695
(14,866)
20,805

—

—

34,720

77,587

124,940

365,987
(9,806)
16,850

16,260

715

84,324

27,025

51,260

96,044

258,653
(7,110)
13,923

—

—

Adjusted EBITDA

$

157,223

$

215,388

$

441,634

$

390,006

$

265,466

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We are subject to concentrations of credit risk relating primarily to our cash and equivalents, accounts receivable, and costs 
and estimated earnings in excess of billings. Cash and equivalents primarily include balances on deposit with banks and totaled 
$84.0 million as of January 27, 2018, compared to $38.6 million as of July 29, 2017 and $33.8 million as of July 30, 2016. We 
maintain 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.

In connection with the issuance of the 0.75% convertible senior notes due September 2021, we entered into privately-
negotiated convertible note hedge transactions with certain counterparties. We are subject to counterparty risk with respect to 
these convertible note hedge transactions. The hedge counterparties are financial institutions, and we are subject to the risk that 
they might default under the convertible note hedge transactions. To mitigate that risk, we contracted with institutional 
counterparties who met specific requirements under our risk assessment process. Additionally, the transactions are subject to a 
netting arrangement, which also reduces credit risk.

Sources of Cash. Our sources of cash are operating activities, long-term debt, equity offerings, stock option proceeds, bank 
borrowings, and proceeds from the sale of idle and surplus equipment and real property. Cash flow from operations is primarily 
influenced by demand for our services and operating margins, but can also be influenced by working capital needs associated 

39

with the services that we provide. In particular, working capital needs may increase when we have growth in operations and 
where project costs, primarily associated with labor, equipment, materials, and subcontractors, are required to be paid before the 
related customer balances owed to us are invoiced and collected. Our working capital (total current assets less total current 
liabilities, excluding the current portion of debt) was $671.6 million as of January 27, 2018, compared to $641.6 million as of 
July 29, 2017 and $541.7 million as of July 30, 2016.

Capital resources are used primarily to purchase equipment and maintain sufficient levels of working capital to support our 

contractual commitments to customers. We periodically borrow from and repay our revolving credit facility depending on our 
cash requirements. We currently intend to retain any earnings for use in the business and other capital allocation strategies 
which may include investment in acquisitions and share repurchases. Consequently, we do not anticipate paying any cash 
dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future.

We expect capital expenditures, net of disposals, to range from $190.0 million to $200.0 million during fiscal 2019, which 
is the twelve months ending January 26, 2019, to support growth opportunities and the replacement of certain fleet assets. 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 growth. We intend to fund these expenditures primarily from operating cash flows, availability 
under our credit agreement, and cash on hand.

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 convertible senior notes and outstanding term loan facilities and revolver borrowings under our credit 
agreement, working capital requirements, and the normal replacement of equipment at our expected level of operations for at 
least the next twelve months. Our capital requirements may increase to the extent we seek to grow by acquisitions that involve 
consideration other than our stock, or to the extent we repurchase our common stock, repay credit agreement borrowings, or 
repurchase or convert our convertible senior notes. Changes in financial markets or other components 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 our credit agreement to provide short-term funding. Management regularly monitors the financial markets and 
assesses general economic conditions for possible impact on our financial position. We believe our cash investment policies are 
prudent and expect that any volatility in the capital markets would not have a material impact on our cash investments.

Net Cash Flows. The following table presents our net cash flows for the six months ended January 27, 2018 and the fiscal 

years ended July 29, 2017, July 30, 2016, and July 25, 2015 (dollars in millions):

For the Six
Months Ended

For the Fiscal Year Ended

January 27, 2018

July 29, 2017

July 30, 2016

July 25, 2015

Net cash flows:

Provided by operating activities
Used in investing activities
(Used in) Provided by financing activities

$
$
$

160.5
$
(76.8) $
(38.3) $

256.4
$
(209.1) $
(42.5) $

261.5
$
(333.1) $
$
84.1

141.9
(130.1)
(11.2)

Cash Provided by Operating Activities. Non-cash items in the cash flows from operating activities during the current and 
prior periods were primarily depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, amortization of debt discount and debt 
issuance costs, deferred income taxes, gain on sale of fixed assets, and bad debt expense.

During the six months ended January 27, 2018, net cash provided by operating activities was $160.5 million. Changes in 
working capital (excluding cash) and changes in other long-term assets and liabilities provided $9.1 million of operating cash 
flow during the six months ended January 27, 2018. Working capital changes that provided operating cash flow during the six 
months ended January 27, 2018 included decreases in accounts receivable and net costs and estimated earnings in excess of 
billings of $51.0 million and $17.0 million, respectively. Additionally, net decreases in other current and non-current assets 
combined provided $1.6 million of operating cash flow during the six months ended January 27, 2018. Working capital changes 
that used operating cash flow during the six months ended January 27, 2018 included decreases in accrued liabilities and 
accounts payable of $32.1 million and $21.5 million, respectively, primarily resulting from amounts paid for annual incentive 
compensation during October 2017 and timing of other payments. In addition, a net increase in income tax receivable used $6.7 
million of operating cash flow during the six months ended January 27, 2018 primarily as a result of the timing of estimated tax 
payments.

40

Our days sales outstanding (“DSO”) for accounts receivable is calculated based on the ending accounts receivable divided 
by the average daily revenue for the most recently completed quarter. Contract payment terms vary by customer and primarily 
range from 30 to 90 days after invoicing. Our DSO for accounts receivable was 44 days as of January 27, 2018, compared to 
40 days as of January 28, 2017. Our DSO for costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings (“CIEB”) was 50 days and 49 
days as of January 27, 2018 and January 28, 2017, respectively.

Our CIEB balances are maintained at a detailed task-specific level or project level and are evaluated regularly for 
realizability. These amounts are invoiced in the normal course of business according to contract terms that consider the 
completion of specific tasks and the passage of time. Project delays for commercial issues such as permitting, engineering 
changes, incremental documentation requirements, or difficult job site conditions can extend the time needed to complete 
certain work orders, which may delay invoicing to the customer for work performed. We were not experiencing any material 
project delays or other circumstances that would impact the realizability of the CIEB balance as of January 27, 2018 or 
July 29, 2017. Additionally, there were no material amounts of CIEB related to claims or unapproved change orders as of 
January 27, 2018 or July 29, 2017. As of January 27, 2018, we believe that none of our significant customers were experiencing 
financial difficulties that would impact the realizability of our CIEB or the collectability of our trade accounts receivable.

During fiscal 2017, net cash provided by operating activities was $256.4 million. Changes in working capital (excluding 

cash) and changes in other long-term assets and liabilities used $85.6 million of operating cash flow during fiscal 2017. 
Working capital changes that used operating cash flow during fiscal 2017 included increases in accounts receivable and net 
costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings of $33.1 million and $27.8 million, respectively. In addition, there was a net 
increase in income tax receivable of $13.2 million primarily as a result of the timing of annual estimated tax payments made 
during fiscal 2017. Net increases in other current assets and other non-current assets combined used $11.2 million of operating 
cash flow during fiscal 2017 primarily for increases of inventory and prepaid expenses. Changes in accounts payable and 
accrued liabilities used $0.4 million of operating cash flow, on a combined basis, primarily resulting from the timing of 
payments.

Our DSO for accounts receivable was 43 days as of July 29, 2017, compared to 41 days as of July 30, 2016. Our DSO for 

CIEB was 44 days as of both July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016, respectively.

During fiscal 2016, net cash provided by operating activities was $261.5 million. Changes in working capital (excluding 

cash) and changes in other long-term assets and liabilities used $33.8 million of operating cash flow during fiscal 2016. 
Working capital changes that used operating cash flow during fiscal 2016 included an increase in costs and estimated earnings 
in excess of billings of $71.0 million. In addition, net increases in other current assets and other non-current assets combined 
used $16.7 million of operating cash flow during fiscal 2016 primarily for inventory and prepaid costs. Working capital changes 
that provided operating cash flow during fiscal 2016, primarily resulting from the timing of payments, were net increases in 
income taxes payable of $20.1 million, accrued liabilities of $15.9 million, primarily resulting from an increase in accrued 
performance-based compensation as a result of operating performance, and accounts payable of $15.1 million. Additionally, a 
decrease in accounts receivable provided $2.7 million of operating cash flow during fiscal 2016.

Our DSO for accounts receivable was 41 days as of July 30, 2016, compared to 50 days as of July 25, 2015. Our DSO 
declined due to strong customer collections during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, the 
Company began participating in a customer-sponsored vendor payment program. All eligible accounts receivable from this 
customer are included in the program and payment is received pursuant to a non-recourse sale to a bank partner of the customer. 
This program effectively reduces the time to collect these receivables as compared to that customer’s standard payment terms. 
The program has not changed since its inception during fiscal 2016. Our DSO for CIEB was 44 days and 41 days as of 
July 30, 2016 and July 25, 2015, respectively.

During fiscal 2015, net cash provided by operating activities was $141.9 million. Changes in working capital (excluding 

cash) and changes in other long-term assets and liabilities used $40.3 million of operating cash flow during fiscal 2015. 
Working capital changes that used operating cash flow during fiscal 2015 were increases in accounts receivable and net costs 
and estimated earnings in excess of billings of $40.4 million and $41.0 million, respectively. Net increases in other current and 
other non-current assets combined used $8.0 million of operating cash flow during fiscal 2015, primarily for pre-paid costs 
during fiscal 2015. The primary working capital sources of cash flow during fiscal 2015 were changes in other accrued 
liabilities of $30.3 million, primarily resulting from an increase in accrued insurance claims and an increase in accrued 
performance-based compensation as a result of operating performance. In addition, increases in accounts payable 
of $7.1 million and increases in income tax payable, net of income tax receivables, of $11.8 million provided operating cash 
flow during fiscal 2015 due to the timing of cash payments.

41

Cash Used in Investing Activities. Net cash used in investing activities was $76.8 million during the six months ended 
January 27, 2018. During the six months ended January 27, 2018, capital expenditures of $87.8 million, primarily as a result of 
spending for new work opportunities and the replacement of certain fleet assets, were offset in part by proceeds from the sale of 
assets of $11.8 million. Restricted cash, primarily related to funding provisions of our insurance program, increased 
approximately $0.7 million during the six months ended January 27, 2018.

Net cash used in investing activities was $209.1 million during fiscal 2017. During fiscal 2017, capital expenditures of 

$201.2 million, primarily as a result of spending for new work opportunities and the replacement of certain fleet assets, were 
offset in part by proceeds from the sale of assets of $16.0 million. During the third quarter of fiscal 2017, we paid $26.1 million 
for the acquisition of Texstar, net of cash acquired. We received $1.8 million in proceeds during the second quarter of fiscal 
2017 for working capital adjustments related to the Goodman acquisition. Other investing activities provided approximately 
$0.3 million of cash flow during fiscal 2017.

Net cash used in investing activities was $333.1 million during fiscal 2016. During fiscal 2016, we paid $157.2 million in 
connection with acquisitions during the year. Capital expenditures of $186.0 million, primarily as a result of spending for new 
work opportunities and the replacement of certain fleet assets, were offset in part by proceeds from the sale of assets of 
$10.5 million during fiscal 2016. Restricted cash, primarily related to funding provisions of our insurance program, increased 
approximately $0.5 million during fiscal 2016.

Net cash used in investing activities was $130.1 million during fiscal 2015. During fiscal 2015, we paid $31.9 million in 
connection with acquisitions during the year. Capital expenditures of $103.0 million were offset in part by proceeds from the 
sale of assets of $9.4 million during fiscal 2015. Additionally, during fiscal 2015, we made an investment of $4.0 million in 
non-voting senior units of a former customer in connection with their restructuring plan. Restricted cash, primarily related to 
funding provisions of our insurance program, increased approximately $0.5 million during fiscal 2015.

Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities. Net cash used in financing activities was $38.3 million during the six 
months ended January 27, 2018. During the six months ended January 27, 2018, we repurchased 200,000 shares of our common 
stock in open market transactions, at an average price of $84.38 per share, for $16.9 million. We also made principal payments 
of $9.6 million on our term loan facilities. Additionally, we withheld shares and paid $12.6 million to tax authorities in order to 
meet the payroll tax withholding obligations on restricted share units that vested during the six months ended January 27, 2018. 
Partially offsetting these uses, we received $0.7 million from the exercise of stock options during the six months ended 
January 27, 2018. 

Net cash used in financing activities was $42.5 million during fiscal 2017. During fiscal 2017, borrowings under our credit 

agreement, net of repayments, were $21.4 million. We repurchased 713,006 shares of our common stock in open market 
transactions, at an average price of $88.23 per share, for $62.9 million. Other financing activities during fiscal 2017 included 
$1.4 million received from the exercise of stock options and $8.4 million received for excess tax benefits, primarily from the 
vesting of restricted share units. We withheld shares and paid $10.8 million to tax authorities in order to meet the payroll tax 
withholding obligations on restricted share units that vested during fiscal 2017.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $84.1 million during fiscal 2016. The primary source of cash provided by 
financing activities during fiscal 2016 was the $485.0 million principal amount of 0.75% convertible senior notes due 2021 (the 
“Notes”) issued in a private placement in September 2015. We used $277.5 million of the net proceeds from the Notes issuance 
to fund the redemption of our 7.125% senior subordinated notes. Furthermore, in connection with the offering of the Notes, we 
entered into convertible note hedge transactions with counterparties for a total cost of approximately $115.8 million. We also 
entered into separately negotiated warrant transactions with the same counterparties, and received proceeds of approximately 
$74.7 million from the sale of these warrants. During fiscal 2016, net repayments on the revolving facility under our credit 
agreement were $95.3 million and net borrowings on the term loan facilities under our credit agreement were $196.3 million. 
Additionally, we paid approximately $16.4 million in total debt issuance costs in connection with the amendments of our credit 
agreement and our issuance of the Notes during fiscal 2016. During fiscal 2016, we repurchased 2,511,578 shares of our 
common stock in open market transactions, at an average price of $67.69 per share, for approximately $170.0 million. In 
addition, during fiscal 2016 we received $2.7 million from the exercise of stock options and received excess tax benefits of 
$13.0 million, primarily from the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted share units. We withheld shares and paid 
$12.6 million to tax authorities in order to meet the payroll tax withholding obligations on restricted share units that vested 
during fiscal 2016.

Net cash used in financing activities was $11.2 million during fiscal 2015. During fiscal 2015, borrowings under our credit 

agreement, net of repayments, were $68.2 million. Additionally, in fiscal 2015, we paid $3.9 million of debt issuance costs in 
connection with the amendment of our credit agreement. We also paid a $1.0 million obligation related to a business acquired in 
42

the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013. During fiscal 2015, we repurchased 1,669,924 shares of our common stock in open market 
transactions for approximately $87.1 million, an average price of $52.19 per share. Additionally, we received $8.9 million from 
the exercise of stock options and received excess tax benefits of $8.4 million primarily from the exercise of stock options and 
vesting of restricted share units during fiscal 2015. We withheld shares and paid $4.7 million to tax authorities in order to meet 
payroll tax withholdings obligations on restricted share units that vested during fiscal 2015.

Compliance with Credit Agreement. We are party to a credit agreement with various lenders, dated as of December 3, 2012 

(as amended as of June 17, 2016, May 20, 2016, April 24, 2015, and September 9, 2015), that matures on April 24, 2020. The 
credit agreement provides for a $450.0 million revolving facility and $385.0 million in aggregate term loan facilities, and 
contains a sublimit of $200.0 million for the issuance of letters of credit.

Subject to certain conditions the credit agreement provides us with the ability to enter into one or more incremental 
facilities, either by increasing the revolving commitments under the credit agreement and/or in the form of term loans up to 
the greater of (i) $150.0 million and (ii) an amount such that, after giving effect to such incremental facilities on a pro forma 
basis (assuming that the amount of the incremental commitments are fully drawn and funded), the consolidated senior secured 
leverage ratio does not exceed 2.25 to 1.00. The consolidated senior secured leverage ratio is the ratio of our consolidated 
senior secured indebtedness to our trailing twelve-month consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and 
amortization (“EBITDA”), as defined by the credit agreement. Borrowings under the credit agreement are guaranteed by 
substantially all of our subsidiaries and secured by the equity interests of the substantial majority of our subsidiaries.

Borrowings under our credit agreement bear interest at rates described below based upon our consolidated leverage ratio, 
which is the ratio of our consolidated total funded debt to our trailing twelve month consolidated EBITDA, as defined by the 
credit agreement. In addition, we incur certain fees for unused balances and letters of credit at rates described below, also based 
upon our consolidated leverage ratio:

Borrowings - Eurodollar Rate Loans

Borrowings - Base Rate Loans

Unused Revolver Commitment

Standby Letters of Credit

Commercial Letters of Credit

1.25% - 2.00% plus LIBOR
0.25% - 1.00% plus administrative agent’s base rate(1)
0.25% - 0.40%

1.25% - 2.00%

0.625% - 1.00%

(1) The agent’s base rate is described in the credit agreement as the highest of (i) the administrative agent’s prime rate, (ii) the
Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, and (iii) the Eurodollar rate plus 1.00%, plus an applicable margin.

The weighted average interest rates and fees for balances under the credit agreement as of January 27, 2018, July 29, 2017, 

and July 30, 2016 were as follows:

Weighted Average Rate End of Period
July 29, 2017

July 30, 2016

January 27, 2018

Borrowings - Term loan facilities
Borrowings - Revolving facility(1)
Standby Letters of Credit

Unused Revolver Commitment

3.30%
—%

1.75%

0.35%

2.98%
—%

1.75%

0.35%

2.49%
—%

2.00%

0.40%

(1) There were no outstanding borrowings under the revolving facility as of January 27, 2018, July 29, 2017, or July 30, 2016.

The credit agreement contains a financial covenant that requires us to maintain a consolidated leverage ratio of not greater
than 3.50 to 1.00, as measured at the end of each fiscal quarter. It provides for certain increases to this ratio as specified in the 
credit agreement in connection with permitted acquisitions. In addition, the credit agreement contains a financial covenant that 
requires us to maintain a consolidated interest coverage ratio, which is the ratio of our trailing twelve-month consolidated 
EBITDA to our consolidated interest expense, as defined by the credit agreement, of not less than 3.00 to 1.00, as measured at 
the end of each fiscal quarter. At January 27, 2018, July 29, 2017, and July 30, 2016, we were in compliance with the financial 
covenants of our credit agreement and had borrowing availability in the revolving facility of $401.4 million, $401.3 million, 
and $392.4 million, respectively, as determined by the most restrictive covenant.

43

Contractual Obligations. The following table sets forth our outstanding contractual obligations as of January 27, 2018 

(dollars in thousands):

0.75% convertible senior notes due September 2021 $
Credit agreement – revolving facility
Credit agreement – term loan facilities
Fixed interest payments on long-term debt(1)
Operating lease obligations
Employment agreements
Purchase and other contractual obligations(2)

Total

$

Less than 1
Year

Years 1 – 3 Years 3 – 5
485,000
— $
—
—
—
331,594
3,637
7,275
9,143
26,776
464
4,788
—
—
498,244
370,433

$

— $
—
26,469
3,638
24,955
12,657
19,995
87,714

$

Greater
than 5
Years

$

$

— $
—
—
—
3,756
—
—
3,756

$

Total
485,000
—
358,063
14,550
64,630
17,909
19,995
960,147

(1) Includes interest payments on our $485.0 million principal amount of 0.75% convertible senior notes due 2021 outstanding
and excludes interest payments on our variable rate debt. Variable rate debt as of January 27, 2018 consisted of $358.1 million
outstanding under our term loan facilities.

(2) We have committed capital for the expansion of our vehicle fleet in order to accommodate manufacturer lead times. As of
January 27, 2018, purchase and other contractual obligations includes approximately $20.0 million for issued orders with
delivery dates scheduled to occur over the next twelve months. We have excluded contractual obligations under the multi-
employer defined pension plans that cover certain of our employees, as these obligations are determined based on our future
union employee payrolls, which cannot be reliably determined as of January 27, 2018. See Note 14, Employee Benefit Plans, in
the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Transition Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding
obligations under multi-employer defined pension plans.

Our consolidated balance sheet as of January 27, 2018 includes a long-term liability of approximately $59.4 million for 

accrued insurance claims. This liability has been excluded from the table above as the timing of payments is uncertain.

The liability for unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions was approximately $3.3 million, $3.1 million, and 
$2.4 million as of January 27, 2018, July 29, 2017, and July 30, 2016, respectively, and is included in other liabilities in the 
consolidated balance sheets. 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.

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 contractual obligations. As of January 27, 2018, 
July 29, 2017, and July 30, 2016 we had $118.1 million, $118.2 million, and $165.8 million of outstanding performance and 
other surety contract bonds, respectively. The estimated cost to complete projects secured by our outstanding performance and 
other surety contract bonds was approximately $30.5 million as of January 27, 2018. Additionally, we have periodically 
guaranteed certain obligations of our subsidiaries, including obligations in connection with obtaining state contractor licenses 
and leasing real property and equipment.

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 obligations to our insurance carriers in connection with the settlement of potential claims. As 
of January 27, 2018, July 29, 2017, and July 30, 2016 we had $48.6 million, $48.7 million, and $57.6 million, respectively, 
outstanding standby letters of credit issued under our credit agreement.

Backlog. Our backlog consists of the estimated uncompleted portion of services to be performed under contractual 

agreements with our customers and totaled $5.847 billion, $6.016 billion, and $6.031 billion at January 27, 2018, July 29, 2017, 
and July 30, 2016, respectively. We expect to complete 52.1% of the January 27, 2018 total backlog during the next twelve 
months. Our backlog estimates represent amounts under master service agreements and other contractual agreements for 
services projected to be performed over the terms of contracts. These estimates are generally based on contract terms and 
assessments regarding the timing of the services to be provided. In the case of master service agreements, backlog is calculated 
based on the work performed in the preceding twelve month period, when available. When estimating backlog for newly 
initiated master service agreements and other long and short term contracts, we also consider the anticipated scope of the 

44

contract and information received from the customer in the procurement process. A significant majority of our backlog 
estimates comprise services under master service agreements and other long term contracts.

In many instances, our customers are not contractually committed to procure specific volumes of services under a contract. 

Revenue estimates reflected in our backlog can be subject to change due a number of factors, including contract cancellations 
or changes in the amount of work we estimated to be performed at the time of calculating the backlog amount. In addition, 
revenue reflected in our backlog may be realized in different periods from those previously reported due to these factors as well 
as project accelerations, or delays due to various reasons, including, but not limited to, commercial issues such as permitting, 
engineering revisions, difficult job site conditions, and adverse weather. The amount or timing of our backlog can also be 
impacted by the merger or acquisition activity of our customers. While we did not experience any material cancellations during 
the 2018 transition period or fiscal 2017, 2016, or 2015, many of our customers may cancel our contracts upon written notice 
regardless of whether or not we are in default. The amount of backlog related to uncompleted projects in which a provision for 
estimated losses was recorded is not material.

Backlog is not a measure defined by United States generally accepted accounting principles; however, it is a common 
measurement used in our industry. Our methodology for determining backlog may not be comparable to the methodologies 
used by others.

Legal Proceedings

In May 2013, CertusView Technologies, LLC (“CertusView”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, filed suit 
against S & N Communications, Inc. and S&N Locating Services, LLC (together, “S&N”) in the United States District Court 
for the Eastern District of Virginia alleging infringement of certain United States patents. In January 2015, the District Court 
granted S&N’s motion for judgment on the pleadings for failure to claim patent-eligible subject matter, and entered final 
judgment. CertusView appealed to the Federal Circuit Court the District Court judgment of patent invalidity. On 
August 11, 2017, the Federal Circuit Court affirmed the District Court’s decision. In October 2017, S&N filed a motion 
requesting that the District Court make a finding that the suit was an exceptional case and award S&N recovery of $3.8 million 
in attorney fees. On February 9, 2018, the District Court denied S&N’s motion for an exceptional case finding and any award 
of attorney fees.

From time to time, we are party to various other claims and legal proceedings. It is the opinion of 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.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Refer to Note 1, Accounting Policies, in Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Transition Report on 

Form 10  K for a discussion of recent accounting standards and pronouncements.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Interest Rate and Market Price Risk. We are exposed to market risks related to interest rates on our cash and equivalents 

and interest rates and market price sensitivity on 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.

Our credit agreement permits borrowings at a variable rate of interest. On January 27, 2018, we had variable rate debt 

outstanding under our credit agreement of $358.1 million under our term loan facilities. Interest related to these borrowings 
fluctuates based on LIBOR or the base rate of the bank administrative agent of the credit agreement. At the current level of 
borrowings, for every 50 basis point change in the interest rate, interest expense associated with such borrowings would 
correspondingly change by approximately $1.8 million annually.

In September 2015, we issued $485.0 million principal amount of convertible senior notes (the “Notes”), which bear a 
fixed rate of interest of 0.75%. Due to the fixed rate of interest on the Notes, changes in interest rates would not have an impact 
on the related interest expense. However, there exists market risk sensitivity on the fair value of the fixed rate Notes with 
respect to changes in market interest rates. Generally, the fair value of the fixed rate Notes will increase as interest rates fall and 
decrease as interest rates rise. In addition, the fair value of the Notes is affected by the price and volatility of our common stock 
and will generally increase or decrease as the market price of our common stock changes.

45

The following table summarizes the carrying amount and fair value of the Notes, net of the debt discount and debt issuance 
costs. The fair value of the Notes is based on the closing trading price per $100 of the Notes as of the last day of trading for the 
respective periods (Level 2), which was $136.01, $116.96, and $117.65 as of January 27, 2018, July 29, 2017, and 
July 30, 2016, respectively (dollars in thousands):

Principal amount of Notes

Less: Debt discount and debt issuance costs

Net carrying amount of Notes

Fair value of principal amount of Notes

Less: Debt discount and debt issuance costs

Fair value of Notes

January 27, 2018

July 29, 2017

July 30, 2016

$

$

$

$

485,000
(82,751)
402,249

659,649
(82,751)
576,898

$

$

$

$

485,000
(92,767)
392,233

567,256
(92,767)
474,489

$

$

$

$

485,000
(111,923)
373,077

570,603
(111,923)
458,680

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 $9.5 million, calculated on a discounted cash flow basis as of January 27, 2018.

In connection with the issuance of the Notes, we entered into convertible note hedge transactions with counterparties for 

the purpose of reducing the potential dilution to common stockholders from the conversion of the Notes and offsetting any 
potential cash payments in excess of the principal amount of the Notes. In the event that shares or cash are deliverable to 
holders of the Notes upon conversion at limits defined in the indenture governing the Notes, counterparties to the convertible 
note hedge will be required to deliver to us up to 5.006 million shares of our common stock or pay cash to us in a similar 
amount as the value that we deliver to the holders of the Notes based on a conversion price of $96.89 per share. The convertible 
note hedge is intended to offset potential dilution from the Notes. 

We also entered into separately negotiated warrant transactions with the same counterparties as the convertible note hedge 

transactions whereby we sold warrants to purchase, subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments, up to 5.006 million shares of 
our common stock at a price of $130.43 per share. We expect to settle the warrant transactions on a net share basis. See 
Note 11, Debt, in Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Transition Report on Form 10-K for additional 
discussion of these debt transactions.

We also have market risk for foreign currency exchange rates related to our operations in Canada. As of January 27, 2018, 

the market risk for foreign currency exchange rates was not significant as our operations in Canada were not material.

46

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Statements of Operations

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Page

48

49

50

51

52

54

85

47

 DYCOM INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)

January 27, 2018

July 29, 2017

July 30, 2016

ASSETS
 Current assets:

 Cash and equivalents
 Accounts receivable, net
 Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings
 Inventories
 Deferred tax assets, net
 Income tax 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
 Income taxes payable
 Other accrued liabilities
 Total current liabilities

 Long-term debt
 Accrued insurance claims
 Deferred tax liabilities, net non-current
 Other liabilities

 Total liabilities

 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES, Note 18

 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: 31,185,669, 31,087,285 and 31,420,310 issued and
outstanding, respectively
 Additional paid-in capital
 Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 Retained earnings

 Total stockholders’ equity
 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

84,029
318,684
369,472
79,039
—
13,852
39,710
904,786

414,768
321,743
171,469
28,190
936,170
1,840,956

92,361
26,469
6,480
53,890
755
79,657
259,612

733,843
59,385
57,428
5,692
1,115,960

$

$

$

38,608
369,800
389,286
83,204
26,524
7,493
23,603
938,518

422,107
321,748
183,561
33,373
960,789
1,899,307

132,974
21,656
9,284
39,909
1,112
113,603
318,538

738,265
62,007
103,626
5,288
1,227,724

33,787
328,030
376,972
73,606
22,733
—
16,106
851,234

326,670
310,157
197,879
33,776
868,482
1,719,716

115,492
13,125
19,557
36,844
15,307
122,302
322,627

706,202
52,835
76,587
4,178
1,162,429

—

—

—

10,395
6,170
(1,146)
709,577
724,996
1,840,956

$

10,362
10,092
(1,158)
652,287
671,583
1,899,307

$

10,473
10,208
(1,274)
537,880
557,287
1,719,716

See notes to the consolidated financial statements.

48

DYCOM INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts)

Six Months
Ended
January 27,
2018

Fiscal Year Ended
July 30,
2016

July 25,
2015

July 29,
2017

$ 1,411,348

$ 3,066,880

$ 2,672,542

$ 2,022,312

 REVENUES:

 Contract revenues

 EXPENSES:

 Costs of earned revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization

1,141,480

2,404,734

2,083,579

1,593,250

 General and administrative (including stock-based compensation
expense of $13.3 million, $20.8 million, $16.8 million, and
$13.9 million, respectively)

 Depreciation and amortization

 Total

 Interest expense, net

 Loss on debt extinguishment

 Other income, net

 Income before income taxes

 (Benefit) provision for income taxes:

 Current

 Deferred

 Total (benefit) provision for income taxes

 Net income

 Earnings per common share:

 Basic earnings per common share

 Diluted earnings per common share

124,930

85,053

239,231

147,906

217,149

124,940

178,700

96,044

1,351,463

2,791,871

2,425,668

1,867,994

(19,560)
—

6,225

46,550

(2,620)
(19,665)
(22,285)

(37,364)
—

12,780

250,425

(34,720)
(16,260)
10,433

206,327

(27,025)

—

8,291

135,584

74,975

18,233

93,208

50,805

26,782

77,587

50,016

1,244

51,260

68,835

$

157,217

$

128,740

$

84,324

2.22

2.15

$

$

5.01

4.92

$

$

3.98

3.89

$

$

2.48

2.41

$

$

$

 Shares used in computing earnings per common share:

Basic

Diluted

31,059,140

31,351,367

32,315,636

34,045,481

32,054,945

31,984,731

33,115,755

35,026,688

See notes to the consolidated financial statements.

49

DYCOM INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Dollars in thousands)

 Net income

 Foreign currency translation gains (losses), net of tax

 Comprehensive income

Six Months
Ended
January 27,
2018

Fiscal Year Ended
July 30,
2016

July 25,
2015

July 29,
2017

$

$

68,835

12

68,847

$

$

157,217

116

157,333

$

$

128,740
(76)
128,664

$

$

84,324

(1,040)

83,284

See notes to the consolidated financial statements.

50

DYCOM INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands)

Balances as of July 26, 2014

33,990,589

$ 11,330

$ 131,819

Common Stock

Shares

Amount

Additional
Paid-in
Capital

Stock options exercised

Stock-based compensation

Issuance of restricted stock, net of tax
withholdings

Repurchase of common stock

Tax benefits from stock-based compensation

Other comprehensive loss

Net income
Balances as of July 25, 2015

Stock options exercised
Stock-based compensation

Issuance of restricted stock, net of tax
withholdings

Repurchase of common stock

Tax benefits from stock-based compensation

Equity component of 0.75% convertible
senior notes due 2021, net

Sale of warrants

Purchase of convertible note hedges

Other comprehensive loss

Net income
Balances as of July 30, 2016

Stock options exercised

Stock-based compensation

Issuance of restricted stock, net of tax
withholdings

Repurchase of common stock

Tax benefits from stock-based compensation

Other comprehensive gain

Net income
Balances as of July 29, 2017

Stock options exercised

Stock-based compensation

Issuance of restricted stock, net of tax
withholdings

Repurchase of common stock

Other comprehensive gain
Net income
Balances as of January 27, 2018

735,330

4,062

321,722

(1,669,924)

—

—

—

245

1

107
(556)
—

—

—

33,381,779

11,127

212,619
3,015

334,475

(2,511,578)

—

—

—

—

—

—

71
1

111
(837)
—

—

—

—

—

—

31,420,310

10,473

102,831

2,847

274,303

(713,006)

—

—

—

34

1

92
(238)
—

—

—

31,087,285

10,362

52,553

1,492

244,339

(200,000)

—
—

18

1

81
(67)
—
—

8,677

13,922

(4,818)
(86,590)
7,994

—

—

71,004

2,674
16,849

(12,715)
(152,033)
13,003

112,554

74,690
(115,818)
—

—

10,208

1,415

20,804

(10,859)
(19,861)
8,385

—

—

10,092

727

13,276

(7,985)
(9,940)
—
—

31,185,669

$ 10,395

$

6,170

$

See notes to the consolidated financial statements.

51

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
$

Retained
Earnings
(158) $ 341,943
—

—

Total
Equity

$ 484,934

8,922

13,923

(4,711)

—

—

— (87,146)

—

—

84,324

7,994

(1,040)

84,324

426,267

507,200

—
—

2,745
16,850

—

—

—

—
(1,040)
—
(1,198)
—
—

—
— (17,127)
—
—

— (12,604)

(169,997)

13,003

—

—

— 112,554

—

74,690

— (115,818)

— (10,767)

—
(76)
— 128,740

—

(1,274)
—

—

537,880

—

—

—
— (42,810)
—
—

116

—

— 157,217

(1,158)
—

—

652,287

—

—

—

—

(4,677)
(6,868)
—
68,835
(1,146) $ 709,577

12
—

(76)

128,740

557,287

1,449

20,805

(62,909)

8,385

116

157,217

671,583

745

13,277

(12,581)

(16,875)

12
68,835

$ 724,996

DYCOM INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
activities, net of acquisitions:

Depreciation and amortization
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision
Stock-based compensation
Bad debt expense, net
Gain on sale of fixed assets
Write-off of deferred financing fees and premium on long-term debt
Amortization of premium on long-term debt
Amortization of debt discount
Amortization of debt issuance costs and other
Excess tax benefit from share-based awards

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/payable
Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities, insurance claims, and other liabilities

Net cash provided by operating activities

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired
Capital expenditures
Proceeds from sale of assets
Changes in restricted cash and other
Proceeds from acquisition working capital adjustment
Other investing activities

Net cash used in investing activities

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Proceeds from borrowings on senior credit agreement, including term
loans
Principal payments on senior credit agreement, including term loans
Repurchase of common stock
Proceeds from issuance of 0.75% convertible senior notes due 2021
Proceeds from sale of warrants
Purchase of convertible note hedge
Principal payments for satisfaction and discharge of 7.125% senior
subordinated notes
Debt issuance costs
Exercise of stock options
Restricted stock tax withholdings
Excess tax benefit from share-based awards
Principal payments on other financing activities
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
Net increase in cash and equivalents

CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD

Six Months
Ended
January 27,
2018

Fiscal Year Ended
July 30,
2016

July 25,
2015

July 29,
2017

$

68,835

$

157,217

$

128,740

$

84,324

85,053
(19,665)
13,277
201
(7,217)
—
—
9,170
1,736
—

50,955
16,982
(67)
1,630
(6,716)
(21,503)
(32,138)
160,533

—
(87,839)
11,808
(745)
—
—
(76,776)

—
(9,625)
(16,875)
—
—
—

—
—
745
(12,581)
—
—
(38,336)
45,421

38,608

147,906
18,233
20,805
199
(14,866)
—
—
17,610
3,323
(8,385)

(33,068)
(27,773)
(13,232)
2,064
(13,189)
977
(1,378)
256,443

(26,070)
(201,197)
16,029
266
1,825
—
(209,147)

707,000
(685,563)
(62,909)
—
—
—

—
(70)
1,449
(10,767)
8,385
—
(42,475)
4,821

33,787

124,940
26,782
16,850
1,252
(9,806)
2,017
(94)
14,709
2,875
(13,003)

2,729
(70,957)
(13,800)
(2,936)
20,148
15,132
15,910
261,488

(157,183)
(186,011)
10,540
(479)
—
—
(333,133)

1,310,000
(1,209,000)
(169,997)
485,000
74,690
(115,818)

(277,500)
(16,376)
2,745
(12,604)
13,003
—
84,143
12,498

21,289

96,044
1,244
13,923
465
(7,110)
—
(397)
—
2,040
(8,371)

(40,444)
(41,021)
(1,138)
(6,875)
11,758
7,114
30,344
141,900

(31,909)
(102,997)
9,392
(538)
—
(4,000)
(130,052)

535,750
(467,563)
(87,146)
—
—
—

—
(3,854)
8,922
(4,711)
8,371
(1,000)
(11,231)
617

20,672

CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD

$

84,029

$

38,608

$

33,787

$

21,289

52

DYCOM INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Continued)
(Dollars in thousands)

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF OTHER CASH FLOW
ACTIVITIES AND NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING
ACTIVITIES:
Cash paid for interest
Cash paid for taxes, net
Purchases of capital assets included in accounts payable or other
accrued liabilities at period end

Six Months
Ended
January 27,
2018

Fiscal Year Ended
July 30,
2016

July 25,
2015

July 29,
2017

$
$

$

7,748
4,749

1,634

$
$

$

16,505
88,060

21,978

$
$

$

15,917
31,159

7,196

$
$

$

25,369
39,057

2,372

See notes to the consolidated financial statements.

53

 NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

Dycom Industries, Inc. (“Dycom” or the “Company”) is a leading provider of specialty contracting services throughout the 

United States and in Canada. The Company provides program management, engineering, construction, maintenance and 
installation services for telecommunications providers, underground facility locating services for various utilities, including 
telecommunications providers, and other construction and maintenance services for electric and gas utilities.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned, 

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”). In the opinion of management, all 
adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of such statements have been included. This includes all normal and 
recurring adjustments and elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions.

Accounting Period. In September 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a change in the Company’s fiscal year 

end from the last Saturday in July to the last Saturday in January. The change in fiscal year end better aligns the Company’s 
fiscal year with the planning cycles of its customers. Year-over-year quarterly financial data continues to be comparative to 
prior periods as the months that comprise each fiscal quarter in the new fiscal year are the same as those in the Company’s 
historical financial statements.

This Transition Report on Form 10-K covers the six month transition period of July 30, 2017 through January 27, 2018 (the 

“2018 transition period”). After the 2018 transition period, each fiscal year will end on the last Saturday in January and consist 
of either 52 or 53 weeks of operations (with the additional week of operations occurring in the fourth fiscal quarter). The 
Company refers to the period beginning July 31, 2016 and ending July 29, 2017 as “fiscal 2017”, the period beginning 
July 26, 2015 and ending July 30, 2016 as “fiscal 2016”, and the period beginning July 27, 2014 and ending July 25, 2015 as 
“fiscal 2015”. References herein to the six months ended January 28, 2017 represent the comparative prior year six month 
period from July 31, 2016 to January 28, 2017. Fiscal 2017 and 2015 each consisted of 52 weeks of operations and fiscal 2016 
consisted of 53 weeks of operations. The next 53 week fiscal period will occur in the fiscal year ending January 30, 2021.

Segment Information. The Company operates in one reportable segment. Its services are provided by its operating 

segments on a decentralized basis. Each operating segment consists of a subsidiary (or in certain instances, the combination of 
two or more subsidiaries). Management of the operating segments report to the Company’s Chief Operating Officer who reports 
to the Chief Executive Officer, the chief operating decision maker. All of the Company’s operating segments have been 
aggregated into one reportable segment based on their similar economic characteristics, nature of services and production 
processes, type of customers, and service distribution methods. The Company’s operating segments provide services throughout 
the United States, and in Canada. Revenues from services provided in Canada were not material during the six months ended 
January 27, 2018 or fiscal 2017, 2016, or 2015. Additionally, the Company had no material long-lived assets in Canada as of 
January 27, 2018, July 29, 2017, or July 30, 2016. 

Significant Accounting Policies & Estimates  

Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain 
estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in these consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. 
For the Company, key estimates include: the purchase price allocations of businesses acquired, the fair value of reporting units 
for goodwill impairment analysis, the assessment of impairment of intangibles and other long-lived assets, asset lives used in 
computing depreciation and amortization, accrued insurance claims, income taxes, accruals for contingencies, including legal 
matters, recognition of revenue for costs and estimated earnings under the cost-to-cost measure of the percentage of completion 
method of accounting, allowance for doubtful accounts, and stock-based compensation expense for performance-based stock 
awards. These estimates are based on the Company’s historical experience and management’s understanding of current facts 
and circumstances. 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 materially from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition. The Company performs a substantial majority of its services under master service agreements and 

other agreements that contain customer-specified service requirements and have discrete pricing for individual tasks. Revenue 
54

is recognized under these arrangements based on units-of-delivery as each unit is completed. The remainder of the Company’s 
services, representing less than 5% of its contract revenues during the 2018 transition period and fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015, 
are performed under contracts using the cost-to-cost measure of the percentage of completion method of accounting. Revenue 
is recognized under these arrangements based on the ratio of contract costs incurred to date to total estimated contract costs. For 
contracts using the cost-to-cost measure of the percentage of completion method of accounting, the Company accrues the entire 
amount of a contract loss at the time the loss is determined to be probable and can be reasonably estimated. During the 2018 
transition period and fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015, there were no material impacts to the Company’s results of operations due to 
changes in contract estimates.

There were no material amounts of unapproved change orders or claims recognized during the 2018 transition period or 

fiscal 2017, 2016, or 2015. 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.

Cash and Equivalents. Cash and equivalents primarily include balances on deposit in banks. The Company maintains 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.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. The Company grants credit under normal payment terms, generally without collateral, to 

its customers. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses on uncollected balances. 
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 future provision for doubtful accounts. The Company recognizes an 
increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts when it is probable that a receivable is not collectible and the loss can be 
reasonably estimated. Any increase in the allowance account has a corresponding negative effect on the Company’s results of 
operations.

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 net realizable value. Inventories also include certain job specific materials 
that 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 a customer, the loss of a 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 7, Property and Equipment, for the range of useful lives). Leasehold improvements are 
depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the asset or the remaining lease term. 
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 
Standards 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 includes internally developed capitalized computer software at net book value of $28.8 million, 
$27.5 million, and $23.0 million as of January 27, 2018, July 29, 2017, and July 30, 2016, respectively.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets. The Company accounts for goodwill and other intangibles in accordance with 

ASC Topic 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (“ASC Topic 350”). Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are 
assessed annually for impairment or more frequently if events occur that would indicate a potential reduction in the fair value 
of a reporting unit below its carrying value. The Company performs its annual impairment review of goodwill at the reporting 
unit level. Each of the Company’s operating segments with goodwill represents a reporting unit for the purpose of assessing 
impairment. If the Company determines the fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible assets 
is less than their carrying value as a result of the tests, an impairment loss is recognized and reflected in operating income or 
loss in the consolidated statements of operations during the period incurred. 

The Company has historically completed its annual goodwill impairment assessment as of the first day of the fourth fiscal 

quarter of each year. As a result of the change in the Company’s fiscal year end, the annual goodwill impairment assessment 
date was changed to the first day of the fiscal quarter ending on the last Saturday in January, as this will be the first day of the 
Company’s fourth fiscal quarter. For the six month transition period ended January 27, 2018, the assessment was performed as 
of October 29, 2017, which is approximately six months earlier than in previous years. The change in the annual goodwill 

55

impairment assessment date is deemed a change in accounting principle, which the Company believes to be preferable as the 
change was made to better align the annual goodwill impairment test with the change in the Company’s annual planning and 
budgeting process related to the new fiscal year end. This change in accounting principle did not delay, accelerate or avoid a 
goodwill impairment charge and had no effect on the consolidated financial statements, including any cumulative effect on 
retained earnings. See Note 8, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, for additional information regarding the Company’s assessment 
performed for the six month transition period ended January 27, 2018.

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 that 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. Should an asset not be recoverable, 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 recognized in operating income or loss in the consolidated statements of 
operations during the period incurred.

The Company uses judgment in assessing whether 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. The Company determines the fair value of its reporting units using a weighing of fair values derived in equal 
proportions from the income approach and market approach valuation methodologies. The income approach uses the 
discounted cash flow method and the market approach uses the guideline company method. Changes in the Company’s 
judgments and projections could result in significantly different estimates of fair value, potentially resulting in impairments of 
goodwill and other intangible assets. The inputs used for fair value measurements of the reporting units and other related 
indefinite-lived intangible assets are the lowest level (Level 3) inputs. See Note 8, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, for 
additional information regarding the Company’s annual assessment of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets.

Business Combinations. The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. 

The purchase price of each business acquired is allocated to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and the liabilities 
assumed based on information regarding their respective fair values on the date of acquisition. Any excess of the purchase price 
over the fair value of the separately identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed is allocated to goodwill. 
Management determines the fair values used in purchase price allocations for intangible assets based on historical data, 
estimated discounted future cash flows, expected royalty rates for trademarks and trade names, as well as certain other 
information. The valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires a number of judgments and is subject to revision 
as additional information about the fair value of assets and liabilities becomes available. Additional information, which existed 
as of the acquisition date but unknown to the Company at that time, may become known during the remainder of the 
measurement period, a period not to exceed twelve months from the acquisition date. The Company will recognize any 
adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the 
adjustments are determined. Additionally, the Company will record, in the same period’s financial statements in which 
adjustments are recorded, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a 
result of any change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting adjustment had been completed at the 
acquisition date. Acquisition costs are expensed as incurred. The results of operations of businesses acquired are included in the 
consolidated financial statements from their dates of acquisition.

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 their carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.

Accrued Insurance Claims. For claims within the Company’s insurance program, it retains the risk of loss, up to certain 

limits, for matters related to automobile liability, general liability (including damages associated with underground facility 
locating services), workers’ compensation, and employee group health. The Company has established reserves that it believes 
to be adequate based on current evaluations and its experience with these types of claims. 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 effect on the Company’s financial statements 
is generally limited to the amount needed to satisfy its insurance deductibles or retentions. 

The Company estimates the liability for claims based on facts, circumstances, and historical experience. Even though they 

will not be paid until sometime in the future, recorded loss reserves are not discounted. Factors affecting the determination of 
56

the expected cost for existing and incurred but not reported claims include, but are not limited to, the magnitude and quantity 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.

Per Share Data. Basic earnings per common share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares 

outstanding during the period, excluding unvested restricted share units. Diluted earnings per common share includes the 
weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period and dilutive potential common shares arising from 
the Company’s stock-based awards (including unvested restricted share units), convertible senior notes, and warrants if their 
inclusion is dilutive under the treasury stock method. Common stock equivalents related to stock-based awards, convertible 
senior notes and warrants are excluded from diluted earnings per common share calculations if their effect would be anti-
dilutive.

The Company adopted FASB Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation 
(Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”) effective July 30, 2017, the first 
day of the 2018 transition period. See Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements - Recently Adopted Accounting Standards - 
Stock-Based Compensation below for additional information related to ASU 2016-09’s impact on per share data.

Stock-Based Compensation. The Company has stock-based compensation plans under which it grants stock-based awards, 

including stock options, restricted share units, and performance-based restricted share units to attract, retain, and reward 
talented employees, officers and directors, and to align stockholder and employee interests. The Company’s policy is to issue 
new shares to satisfy equity awards under its stock-based compensation plans. The Company has outstanding stock-based 
awards under its 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan, 2007 Non-Employee Directors Equity Plan, 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan, 
and 2017 Non-Employee Directors Equity Plan (collectively, the “Plans”). No further awards will be granted under the 2003 
Long-Term Incentive Plan, or 2007 Non-Employee Directors Equity Plan.

During the 2018 transition period, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2017 Non-Employee Directors Equity Plan 

which replaced the 2007 Non-Employee Directors Equity Plan and authorized 140,000 shares of common stock for equity 
awards to non-employee directors. In addition, the Company’s shareholders approved an amendment to the 2012 Long-Term 
Incentive Plan to, among other things, increase the number of shares available for issuance by 865,000. As of January 27, 2018, 
the total number of shares available for grant under the Plans was 1,446,377.

Compensation expense for stock-based awards is based on fair value at the measurement date and fluctuates over time as a 

result of the vesting period of the stock-based awards and the Company’s performance, as measured by criteria set forth in 
performance-based awards. This expense is included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of 
operations and the amount of expense ultimately recognized depends on the number of awards that actually vest. For 
performance-based restricted share units (“Performance RSUs”), the Company evaluates compensation expense quarterly and 
recognizes expense for performance-based awards only if it determines it is probable that the performance criteria for the 
awards will be met. In a period the Company determines it is no longer probable that it will achieve certain performance criteria 
for the awards, it reverses the stock-based compensation expense that it had previously recognized associated with the portion 
of Performance RSUs that are no longer expected to vest. Accordingly, stock-based compensation expense may vary from 
period to period.

The fair value of stock option grants is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. 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 
time-based restricted share units (“RSUs”) and Performance RSUs is estimated on the date of grant and is generally equal to the 
closing stock price on that date. Each RSU and Performance RSU is settled in one share of the Company’s common stock upon 
vesting. RSUs vest ratably over a period of four years. Performance RSUs vest over a period of three years from the date of 
grant if certain performance measures are achieved. The performance criteria for target awards are based on the Company’s 
operating earnings (adjusted for certain amounts) as a percentage of contract revenues and its operating cash flow level 
(adjusted for certain amounts) for the applicable performance period. Additionally, certain awards include three-year 
performance goals that, if met, result in supplemental shares awarded. The three-year performance goals required to earn 
supplemental awards are more difficult to achieve than those required to earn annual target awards and are based on the 
Company’s three-year cumulative operating earnings (adjusted for certain amounts) as a percentage of contract revenues and its 
three-year cumulative operating cash flow level (adjusted for certain amounts).

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 bases 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, tax 
57

credits recognized in relation to pre-tax results, certain tax impacts from the vesting and exercise of share-based awards, and 
certain tax impacts from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“Tax Reform”). Tax Reform had a substantial impact on the 
Company’s consolidated financial statements for the 2018 transition period. See Note 12, Income Taxes, for further information.

Measurement of the Company’s tax position is based on the applicable statutes, federal and state case law, and its 
interpretations of tax regulations. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in 
income during 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 relevant factors, 
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 deferred income tax assets 
in excess of their net recorded amount, the Company would adjust the valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision 
for income taxes.

In accordance with ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes (“ASC Topic 740”), the Company recognizes tax benefits in the amount 

that it deems more likely than not will be realized upon ultimate settlement of any tax uncertainty. Tax positions that fail to 
qualify for recognition are recognized during the period in which the more-likely-than-not standard has been reached, when the 
tax positions are resolved with the respective taxing authority or when the statute of limitations for tax examination has expired. 
The Company recognizes applicable interest related to tax amounts in interest expense and penalties within general and 
administrative expenses. 

The Company believes its provision for income taxes is adequate; however, any assessment would affect the Company’s 

results of operations and cash flows. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or 
Canadian income tax examinations for fiscal years ended 2013 and prior. During fiscal 2016, the Company was notified by the 
Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) that its federal income tax return for fiscal 2014 was selected for examination. The IRS 
completed its examination during 2017 with no proposed adjustments to the Company’s tax return.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments. The Company’s financial instruments primarily consist of cash and equivalents, 
restricted cash, accounts receivable, income taxes receivable and payable, accounts payable, 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 long-term debt, which is based on observable market-based inputs (Level 2). See Note 11, Debt, for further 
information regarding the fair value of such financial instruments. The Company’s cash and equivalents are based on quoted 
market prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) as of January 27, 2018, July 29, 2017, and July 30, 2016. During 
the 2018 transition period and fiscal 2017 and 2016, the Company had no material nonrecurring 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 taxes 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.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

Income Taxes. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet 
Classification of Deferred Taxes (“ASU 2015-17”). ASU 2015-17 simplifies the presentation of deferred income taxes by 
requiring that deferred tax liabilities and assets are solely classified as non-current in a consolidated statement of financial 
position. The Company adopted ASU 2015-17 effective July 30, 2017, the first day of the 2018 transition period. In accordance 
with ASU 2015-17, these changes have been applied prospectively and prior periods have not been adjusted.

Stock Compensation. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09 with the intention of simplifying accounting for 

share-based payment transactions. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 effective July 30, 2017, the first day of the 2018 
transition period. Under the amended guidance, excess tax benefits (“windfalls”) or tax deficiencies (“shortfalls”) are 
recognized in the Company’s provision for income taxes in the consolidated statements of operations rather than as additional 
paid-in capital in the consolidated balance sheets. Additionally, windfalls and shortfalls are presented as operating cash flows 
rather than financing activities. As a result of the amended guidance, the Company recognized approximately $7.8 million of 
windfalls as a reduction to income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations during the six months ended 
January 27, 2018. Additionally, this amount was presented as operating cash flows rather than as financing activities during the 
six months ended January 27, 2018. 

58

Because windfalls and shortfalls are no longer recognized in additional paid-in capital, the amount is excluded from the 

hypothetical proceeds used to repurchase shares when computing diluted earnings per common share under the treasury stock 
method. As a result of the amended guidance, diluted shares increased by approximately 177,575 shares during the six months 
ended January 27, 2018. The inclusion of windfalls and shortfalls as a component of income tax expense or benefit during the 
period in which they occur will increase the volatility of the Company’s provision for income taxes. The amount of windfalls 
and shortfalls recognized will be dependent on the volume of share-based award vesting or exercise activity as well as the 
Company’s stock price at the dates on which stock-based awards vest or are exercised. In accordance with ASU 2016-09, these 
changes have been applied prospectively and prior periods have not been adjusted.

The other components of ASU 2016-09 did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. 

See Note 2, Computation of Earnings Per Share, Note 12, Income Taxes, and Note 16, Stock-Based Awards for additional 
disclosure related to the effects of ASU 2016-09.

The Company also adopted the following Accounting Standards Updates during the 2018 transition period, neither of 

which had a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements:

Standard

2015-11

2017-09

Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory

Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting

Adoption Date

July 30, 2017

July 30, 2017

Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

Goodwill. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying 

the Test for Goodwill Impairment (“ASU 2017-04”). ASU 2017-04 simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by 
eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment testing. An entity will no longer determine goodwill impairment by 
calculating the implied fair value of goodwill by assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to all of its assets and liabilities as if 
that reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. Instead, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, 
goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognize an impairment 
charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. The loss recognized should not 
exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative 
assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. ASU 2017-04 will be effective for 
the Company for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2021 and interim reporting periods within that year. Early adoption is 
permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company 
expects the adoption of this guidance will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Business Combinations. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): 
Clarifying the Definition of a Business (“ASU 2017-01”). The amendments in this update clarify the definition of a business 
with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as 
acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses. ASU 2017-01 will be effective for the Company for the fiscal year ended 
January 26, 2019 and interim reporting periods within that year. The Company expects the adoption of this guidance will not 
have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 

606). ASU No. 2014-09 and related updates are referred to herein as “ASU 2014-09”. ASU 2014-09 replaces numerous 
requirements in GAAP, including industry-specific requirements, and provides companies with a single revenue recognition 
model for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. The core principle of the new standard is that a company should 
recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration 
to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. 

The Company has evaluated the effect of ASU 2014-09 on its systems, business processes, controls, disclosures, and 
consolidated financial statements. This assessment involves the comparison of representative contracts with customers with 
requirements of the new standard and historical accounting practices. Based on the results of the contract reviews performed to 
date, the Company is expecting to recognize the substantial majority of its revenue from master service agreements and other 
agreements that contain customer-specified service requirements, recognized over time, using the units-of-delivery output 
method under ASU 2014-09. Output measures such as units delivered are utilized to assess progress against specific contractual 

59

performance obligations for the majority of the Company’s services. The selection of the method to measure progress towards 
completion requires judgment and is based on the nature of the services to be provided.

ASU 2014-09 must be applied using either a full retrospective approach or a modified (cumulative effect) retrospective 
approach. The Company will adopt ASU 2014-09 under the modified (cumulative effect) retrospective approach. Under this 
approach, ASU 2014-09 would apply to all new contracts initiated on or after January 28, 2018, the first day of fiscal 2019. As 
a practical expedient the Company will adopt the new standard only for existing contracts as of January 28, 2018, the date of 
adoption. Any contracts that had expired prior to January 28, 2018 will not be evaluated against the new standard. Adoption of 
ASU 2014-09 is not expected to have a material impact on the timing or amount of revenue recognized under contracts with 
customers, as compared to current revenue recognition practices. The Company expects the cumulative impact adjustment to 
opening retained earnings to be immaterial, with an immaterial impact to the Company’s net income on an ongoing basis. Prior 
periods will not be retrospectively adjusted.

Restricted Cash. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted 

Cash (“ASU 2016-18”). ASU 2016-18 is intended to reduce the diversity in practice regarding the classification and 
presentation of changes in restricted cash within the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this update require that 
amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents be included with cash and cash equivalents when 
reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-18 will 
be effective for the Company for the fiscal year ended January 26, 2019 and interim reporting periods within that year. The 
Company expects the adoption of this guidance will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial 
statements.

Income Taxes. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of 
Assets Other Than Inventory (“ASU 2016-16”). ASU 2016-16 amends the current GAAP prohibition of recognizing current and 
deferred income taxes for intra-entity asset transfers until the asset has been sold to an outside party. The update requires an 
entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer for assets other than inventory when the transfer 
occurs. ASU 2016-16 will be effective for the Company for the fiscal year ended January 26, 2019 and interim reporting 
periods within that year. The Company expects the adoption of this guidance will not have a material effect on the Company’s 
consolidated financial statements.

Statement of Cash Flows. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): 
Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (“ASU 2016-15”). In an effort to reduce diversity in practice 
regarding the classification of certain transactions within the statement of cash flows, ASU 2016-15 addresses eight specific 
cash flow issues including, among other things, the classification of debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs. Historically, 
the Company has classified certain cash flows related to debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs as operating activities. 
Upon adoption of ASU 2016-15, the Company will be required to classify such cash flows as financing activities on a 
retrospective basis. The adoption of ASU 2016-15 as it relates to any of the other seven cash flow issues specified is not 
expected to have a material effect on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. ASU 2016-15 will be effective for 
the Company for the fiscal year ended January 26, 2019 and interim reporting periods within that year. Early adoption is 
permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. 

Leases. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”). ASU 2016-02 
substantially retains the classification for leasing transactions as finance or operating leases. The new guidance establishes a 
right-of-use model that requires a lessee to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases 
with terms greater than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the 
pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. For finance leases the lessee would recognize interest expense and 
amortization of the right-of-use asset and for operating leases the lessee would recognize straight-line total lease 
expense. ASU 2016-02 will be effective for the Company for the fiscal year ended January 25, 2020 and interim reporting 
periods within that year. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of the adoption of this guidance on the Company’s 
consolidated financial statements.

60

2. Computation of Earnings per Common Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share (dollars in thousands,

except per share amounts):

Six Months
Ended
January 27,
2018

Fiscal Year Ended

July 29, 2017

July 30, 2016

July 25, 2015

Net income available to common stockholders
(numerator)

$

68,835

$

157,217

$

128,740

$

84,324

Weighted-average number of common shares
(denominator)

31,059,140

31,351,367

32,315,636

34,045,481

Basic earnings per common share

$

2.22

$

5.01

$

3.98

$

2.48

Weighted-average number of common shares

31,059,140

31,351,367

32,315,636

34,045,481

Potential shares of common stock arising from stock 
options, and unvested restricted share units(1)
Potential shares of common stock issuable on conversion 
of 0.75% convertible senior notes due 2021(2)

778,411

633,364

800,119

981,207

217,394

—

—

—

Total shares-diluted (denominator)

32,054,945

31,984,731

33,115,755

35,026,688

Diluted earnings per common share

$

2.15

$

4.92

$

3.89

$

2.41

Anti-dilutive weighted shares excluded from the calculation of earnings per common share:

Stock-based awards

0.75% convertible senior notes due 2021

Warrants

Total

93,117

4,788,340

5,005,734

9,887,191

73,830

5,005,734

5,005,734

65,514

5,005,734

5,005,734

103,896

—

—

10,085,298

10,076,982

103,896

(1) As discussed in Note 1, Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies, the Company has adopted ASU 2016-09. The
amended guidance changed the treatment of windfalls (or shortfalls) arising from the vesting and exercise of share-based
awards. Prior to ASU 2016-09, these amounts were recorded as an adjustment to additional paid-in capital. With the adoption
of ASU 2016-09, these amounts are now included in the Company’s provision for income taxes. Because windfalls are no
longer recognized in additional paid-in capital, the amount is excluded from the hypothetical proceeds used to repurchase
shares when computing diluted earnings per common share under the treasury stock method. As a result of the amended
guidance, diluted shares increased by approximately 177,575 shares during the six months ended January 27, 2018.

(2) Under the treasury stock method, the convertible senior notes will have a dilutive impact on earnings per common share if
the Company’s average stock price for the period exceeds the conversion price for the convertible senior notes of $96.89 per
share. The warrants associated with the Company’s convertible senior notes will have a dilutive impact on earnings per
common share if the Company’s average stock price for the period exceeds the warrant strike price of $130.43 per share.
During the second quarter of the 2018 transition period, the Company’s average stock price of $106.11 exceeded the conversion
price for the convertible senior notes. As a result, shares presumed to be issuable under the convertible senior notes that were
dilutive during the period are included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the six months ended
January 27, 2018. As the Company’s average stock price did not exceed the strike price for the warrants, the underlying
common shares were anti-dilutive as reflected in the table above.

In connection with the offering of the convertible senior notes, the Company entered into convertible note hedge 

transactions with counterparties for the purpose of reducing the potential dilution to common stockholders from the conversion 
of the notes and offsetting any potential cash payments in excess of the principal amount of the notes. Prior to conversion, the 
convertible note hedge is not included for purposes of the calculation of earnings per common share as its effect would be anti-
dilutive. Upon conversion, the convertible note hedge is expected to offset the dilutive effect of the convertible senior notes 

61

when the average stock price for the period is above $96.89 per share. See Note 11, Debt, for additional information related to 
the Company’s convertible senior notes, warrant transactions, and hedge transactions.

3. Acquisitions

Fiscal 2017. During March 2017, the Company acquired Texstar Enterprises, Inc. (“Texstar”) for $26.1 million, net of cash

acquired. Texstar provides construction and maintenance services for telecommunications providers in the Southwest and 
Pacific Northwestern regions of the United States. This acquisition expanded the Company’s geographic presence within its 
existing customer base.

Fiscal 2016. During August 2015, the Company acquired TelCom Construction, Inc. and an affiliate (together, “TelCom”). 

The purchase price was $48.8 million paid in cash. TelCom, based in Clearwater, Minnesota, provides construction and 
maintenance services for telecommunications providers throughout the United States. This acquisition expands the Company’s 
geographic presence within its existing customer base. During May 2016, the Company acquired NextGen Telecom Services 
Group, Inc. (“NextGen”) for $5.6 million, net of cash acquired. NextGen provides construction and maintenance services for 
telecommunications providers in the Northeastern United States. Additionally, during July 2016, the Company acquired certain 
assets and assumed certain liabilities associated with the wireless network deployment and wireline operations of Goodman 
Networks Incorporated (“Goodman”) for a net cash purchase price of $100.9 million after an adjustment of approximately 
$6.6 million for working capital received below a target amount. The acquired operations provide wireless construction 
services in a number of markets, including Texas, Georgia, and Southern California. The acquisition reinforces the Company’s 
wireless construction resources and expands the Company’s geographic presence within its existing customer base.

Fiscal 2015. During September 2014, the Company acquired Hewitt Power & Communications, Inc. (“Hewitt”) for 

$8.0 million, net of cash acquired. Hewitt provides specialty contracting services primarily for telecommunications providers in 
the Southeastern United States. During January 2015, the Company acquired the assets of two cable installation contractors for 
an aggregate purchase price of $1.5 million. During the April 2015, the Company acquired Moll’s Utility Services, LLC 
(“Moll’s”) for $6.5 million, net of cash acquired. Moll’s provides specialty contracting services primarily for utilities in the 
Midwestern United States. The Company also acquired the assets of Venture Communications Group, LLC (“Venture”) for 
$15.6 million during June 2015. Venture provides specialty contracting services primarily for telecommunications providers in 
the Midwest and Southeastern United States.

Purchase Price Allocations

The purchase price allocations of each of the 2016 and 2015 acquisitions were completed within the 12-month 

measurement period from the dates of acquisition. The purchase price allocation of Texstar was completed during the second 
quarter of the 2018 transition period. Adjustments to provisional amounts were recognized in the reporting period in which the 
adjustments were determined and were not material during the 2018 transition period or fiscal 2017, 2016, or 2015.

62

The following table summarizes the aggregate consideration paid for businesses acquired in fiscal 2017 and 2016 (dollars 

in millions):

Assets

Accounts receivable
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings
Inventories and other current assets
Property and equipment
Goodwill
Intangible assets - customer relationships
Intangible assets - trade names and other

Total assets

Liabilities

Accounts payable
Accrued and other current liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities, net non-current

Total liabilities

Net Assets Acquired

$

2017

2016

$

8.9
2.4
0.2
5.6
10.1
9.8
0.7
37.7

3.2
3.4
5.0
11.6

16.9
21.8
15.0
11.5
39.9
94.5
1.8
201.4

23.7
22.3
—
46.0

$

26.1

$

155.4

Results of businesses acquired are included in the consolidated financial statements from their respective dates of 
acquisition. The revenues and net income of TelCom, NextGen, and Texstar were not material during the 2018 transition 
period, fiscal 2017, or fiscal 2016. 

4. Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):

Contract billings

Retainage

Total

Less: allowance for doubtful accounts

Accounts receivable, net

January 27, 2018

July 29, 2017

July 30, 2016

$

$

300,271

$

348,990

$

19,411

319,682
(998)
318,684

$

21,645

370,635
(835)
369,800

$

297,532

32,101

329,633
(1,603)
328,030

The Company grants credit under normal payment terms, generally without collateral, to its customers. The Company 
expects to collect the outstanding balance of accounts receivable, net (including retainage) within the next twelve months. The 
Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses on uncollected balances. During the 2018 
transition period, fiscal 2017, and fiscal 2016, write-offs to the allowance for doubtful accounts, net of recoveries, were not 
material. There were no material accounts receivable amounts representing claims or other similar items subject to uncertainty 
as of January 27, 2018, July 29, 2017, or July 30, 2016.

The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses on uncollected balances. The allowance 

for doubtful accounts changed as follows (dollars in thousands):

Six Months
Ended

Fiscal Year Ended

January 27, 2018

July 29, 2017

July 30, 2016

Allowance for doubtful accounts at beginning of period

Bad debt expense

Amounts charged against the allowance

Allowance for doubtful accounts at end of period

$

$

63

835

$

201
(38)
998

$

1,603

$

199
(967)
835

$

1,216

1,252
(865)
1,603

5. Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings (“CIEB”) includes revenue for services performed under contracts using
the units-of-delivery method of accounting and the cost-to-cost measure of the percentage of completion method of accounting. 
Amounts consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):

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

January 27, 2018

July 29, 2017

July 30, 2016

$

$

$

$

333,775

$

327,312

$

72,720

406,495
(43,503)
362,992

369,472
(6,480)
362,992

$

$

$

92,781

420,093
(40,091)
380,002

389,286
(9,284)
380,002

$

$

$

307,826

92,226

400,052
(42,637)
357,415

376,972
(19,557)
357,415

As of January 27, 2018, the Company expects that substantially all of its CIEB will be billed to customers and collected in 

the normal course of business within the next twelve months. There were no material CIEB amounts representing claims or 
other similar items subject to uncertainty as of January 27, 2018, July 29, 2017, or July 30, 2016. 

6. Other Current Assets and Other Assets

Other current assets consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):

January 27, 2018

July 29, 2017

July 30, 2016

Prepaid expenses

Insurance recoveries for accrued insurance claims

Receivables on equipment sales

Deposits and other current assets, including restricted cash

Total other current assets

$

$

13,167

$

10,588

$

13,701

31

12,811

—

2,761

10,254

39,710

$

23,603

$

8,249

—

913

6,944

16,106

Deposits and other current assets includes income tax receivable of approximately $1.4 million as of July 30, 2016.

Other assets (long-term) consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):

Deferred financing costs

Restricted cash

Insurance recoveries for accrued insurance claims

Other non-current deposits and assets

Total other assets

January 27, 2018

July 29, 2017

July 30, 2016

$

$

3,873

$

4,797

$

5,253

6,722

12,342

5,408

9,243

13,925

28,190

$

33,373

$

6,366

5,008

5,714

16,688

33,776

64

7. Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):

 Land

 Buildings

 Leasehold improvements

 Vehicles

 Computer hardware and software

 Office furniture and equipment

 Equipment and machinery

 Total

 Less: accumulated depreciation

 Property and equipment, net

Estimated
Useful Lives
(Years)

—

10-35

1-10

1-5

1-7

1-10

1-10

January 27, 2018

July 29, 2017

July 30, 2016

$

3,470

$

3,470

$

12,315

14,202

536,379

117,058

11,686

273,712

12,073

13,912

496,820

107,779

12,226

288,993

968,822
(554,054)
414,768

$

935,273
(513,166)
422,107

$

$

3,475

11,969

13,753

404,273

95,570

10,374

242,079

781,493
(454,823)
326,670

Depreciation expense and repairs and maintenance were as follows (dollars in thousands):

Six Months
Ended
January 27, 2018

July 29, 2017

Fiscal Year Ended
July 30, 2016

July 25, 2015

Depreciation expense

Repairs and maintenance expense

$

$

72,961

16,438

$

$

123,125

31,272

$

$

105,514

29,487

$

$

79,331

22,054

8. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill

 The Company’s goodwill balance was $321.7 million, $321.7 million, and $310.2 million as of January 27, 2018, 
July 29, 2017, and July 30, 2016, respectively. Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill were as follows (dollars in 
thousands):

Balance as of July 25, 2015

Purchase price allocation adjustments

Goodwill from fiscal 2016 acquisitions

Balance as of July 30, 2016

Goodwill from fiscal 2017 acquisition

Purchase price allocation adjustments from fiscal 2016 acquisitions

Balance as of July 29, 2017

Purchase price allocation adjustments from fiscal 2017 acquisition

Balance as of January 27, 2018

$

Goodwill

Accumulated
Impairment
Losses

Total

$

467,420

$

(195,767) $

271,653

101

38,403

505,924

10,087

1,504

517,515
(5)
517,510

—

—
(195,767)
—

—
(195,767)
—

$

(195,767) $

101

38,403

310,157

10,087

1,504

321,748
(5)
321,743

Goodwill largely consists of expected synergies resulting from acquisitions, including the expansion of the Company’s 

geographic presence and strengthening of its customer base. With respect to the fiscal 2017 acquisition of Texstar, the 
associated goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.

The Company’s goodwill resides in multiple reporting units. Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are 
assessed annually for impairment, or more frequently if events occur that would indicate a potential reduction in the fair value 
of a reporting unit below its carrying value. The profitability of individual reporting units may suffer periodically due to 

65

downturns in customer demand and the level of overall economic activity including, in particular, construction and housing 
activity. The Company’s customers may reduce capital expenditures and defer or cancel pending projects during times of 
slowing economic conditions. 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 cyclical nature of the Company’s business, the high 
level of competition existing within its industry, and the concentration of its revenues from a limited number of customers may 
also cause results to vary. These factors may affect individual reporting units disproportionately, relative to the Company as a 
whole. As a result, the performance of one or more of the reporting units could decline, resulting in an impairment of goodwill 
or intangible assets.

The Company evaluates current operating results, including any losses, 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 
significantly different estimates of the fair value of the reporting units and could result in impairments of goodwill or intangible 
assets of the reporting units. In addition, adverse changes to the key valuation assumptions contributing to the fair value of the 
Company’s reporting units could result in an impairment of goodwill or intangible assets.

The Company has historically completed its annual goodwill impairment assessment as of the first day of the fourth fiscal 

quarter of each year. As a result of the change in the Company’s fiscal year end, the annual goodwill impairment assessment 
date was changed to the first day of the fiscal quarter ending on the last Saturday in January, as this will be the first day of the 
Company’s fourth fiscal quarter. For the six month transition period ended January 27, 2018, the assessment was performed as 
of October 29, 2017, which is approximately six months earlier than in previous years. The change in the annual goodwill 
impairment assessment date is deemed a change in accounting principle, which the Company believes to be preferable as the 
change was made to better align the annual goodwill impairment test with the change in the Company’s annual planning and 
budgeting process related to the new fiscal year end. This change in accounting principle did not delay, accelerate or avoid a 
goodwill impairment charge and had no effect on the consolidated financial statements, including any cumulative effect on 
retained earnings. 

The Company performed its annual impairment assessment for the 2018 transition period and each of fiscal 2017, 2016, 
and 2015 and concluded that no impairment of goodwill or the indefinite-lived intangible asset was indicated at any reporting 
unit for any of the periods. In the 2018 transition period and each of fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015, qualitative assessments were 
performed on reporting units that comprise a substantial portion of the Company’s consolidated goodwill balance. A qualitative 
assessment includes evaluating all identified events and circumstances that could affect the significant inputs used to determine 
the fair value of a reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset for the purpose of determining whether it is more likely than 
not that these assets are impaired. The Company considers various factors while performing qualitative assessments, including 
macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, financial performance of the reporting units, changes in market 
capitalization, and any other specific reporting unit considerations. These qualitative assessments indicated that it was more 
likely than not that the fair value exceeded carrying value for those reporting units. For the remaining reporting units, the 
Company performed the first step of the quantitative analysis described in ASC Topic 350 in the 2018 transition period and 
each of fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015. When performing the quantitative analysis, the Company determines the fair value of its 
reporting units using a weighing of fair values derived in equal proportions from the income approach and market approach 
valuation methodologies. Under the income approach, the key valuation assumptions used in determining the fair value 
estimates of the Company’s reporting units for each annual test were: (a) a discount rate based on the Company’s best estimate 
of the weighted average cost of capital adjusted for certain risks for the reporting units; (b) terminal value based on the 
Company’s best estimate of terminal growth rates; and (c) seven expected years of cash flow before the terminal value.

In fiscal 2017, the Company performed the first step of the quantitative analysis on its indefinite-lived intangible asset. In 
the 2018 transition period, fiscal 2016, and fiscal 2015, qualitative assessments were performed on the Company’s indefinite-
lived intangible asset.

The table below outlines certain assumptions used in the Company’s quantitative impairment analyses for the 2018 

transition period and fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015:

Terminal Growth Rate
Discount Rate

2018
2.5% - 3.0%
11.0%

2017
2.0% - 3.0%
11.0%

2016
2.0% - 3.0%
11.5%

2015
1.5% - 2.5%
11.5%

The discount rate reflects risks inherent within each reporting unit operating individually. These risks are greater than the 
risks inherent in the Company as a whole. Determination of discount rates included consideration of market inputs such as the 

66

risk-free rate, equity risk premium, industry premium, and cost of debt, among other assumptions. The discount rate for the 
2018 transition period was consistent with the rate used for fiscal 2017. The slight decrease in discount rates for fiscal 2017 
from fiscal 2016 is a result of reduced risk in industry conditions. The changes in these inputs for fiscal 2016 from fiscal 2015 
had offsetting impacts and the discount rate remained at 11.5%. 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. Under 
the market approach, the guideline company method develops valuation multiples by comparing the Company’s reporting units 
to similar publicly traded companies. Key valuation assumptions and valuation multiples used in determining the fair value 
estimates of the Company’s reporting units rely on: (a) the selection of similar companies; (b) obtaining estimates of forecast 
revenue and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization for the similar companies; and (c) selection of 
valuation multiples as they apply to the reporting unit characteristics.

The Company determined that the fair values of each of the reporting units and the indefinite-lived intangible asset were 

substantially in excess of their carrying values in the 2018 transition period assessment. Management determined that 
significant changes were not likely in the factors considered to estimate fair value, and analyzed the impact of such changes 
were they to occur. Specifically, if there was a 25% decrease in the fair value of any of the reporting units due to a decline in 
their discounted cash flows resulting from lower operating performance, the conclusion of the assessment would remain 
unchanged. Additionally, if the discount rate applied in the 2018 transition period impairment analysis had been 100 basis 
points higher than estimated for each of the reporting units, and all other assumptions were held constant, the conclusion of the 
assessment would remain unchanged and there would be no impairment of goodwill. As of January 27, 2018, the Company 
believes the goodwill and the indefinite-lived intangible asset are recoverable for all of the reporting units and that no 
impairment has occurred. However, significant adverse changes in the projected revenues and cash flows of a reporting unit 
could result in an impairment of goodwill or the indefinite-lived intangible asset. There can be no assurances that goodwill or 
the indefinite-lived intangible asset may not be impaired in future periods.

Intangible Assets

The Company’s intangible assets consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):

January 27, 2018:

Customer relationships

Trade names

UtiliQuest trade name

Non-compete agreements

July 29, 2017:

Customer relationships

Trade names

UtiliQuest trade name

Non-compete agreements

July 30, 2016:

Customer relationships

Trade names

UtiliQuest trade name

Non-compete agreements

Contract backlog

Gross Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

Intangible
Assets, Net

$

$

$

$

$

299,717

$

135,544

$

164,173

10,350

4,700

450

7,872

—

332

2,478

4,700

118

315,217

$

143,748

$

171,469

299,717

$

124,084

$

175,633

10,350

4,700

450

7,285

—

287

3,065

4,700

163

315,217

$

131,656

$

183,561

289,955

$

101,012

$

188,943

9,800

4,700

685

4,780

6,034

—

329

4,666

3,766

4,700

356

114

$

309,920

$

112,041

$

197,879

67

During fiscal 2017, certain intangible assets became fully amortized. As a result, the gross carrying amount and the 
associated accumulated amortization each decreased $5.2 million. This decrease had no effect on the net carrying value of 
intangible assets.

Amortization of the Company’s customer relationship intangibles is recognized on an accelerated basis as a function of the 
expected economic benefit. Amortization for the Company’s other finite-lived intangibles is recognized on a straight-line basis 
over the estimated useful life. Amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets was $12.1 million, $24.8 million, 
$19.4 million, and $16.7 million for the 2018 transition period and fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. As of 
January 27, 2018, customer relationships, trade names, and non-compete agreements had weighted average remaining useful 
lives of 11.6 years, 8.4 years, and 2.2 years, respectively. 

As of January 27, 2018, total amortization expense for existing finite-lived intangible assets for the next five fiscal years 

and thereafter is as follows (dollars in thousands):

2019

2020

2021

2022
2023

Thereafter

Total

$

Amount

21,656

20,095

19,208

16,740
14,294

74,776

$

166,769

As of January 27, 2018, the Company believes that the carrying amounts of its 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.

9. Accrued Insurance Claims

For claims within its insurance program, the Company retains the risk of loss, up to certain limits, for matters related to

automobile liability, general liability (including damages associated with underground facility locating services), workers’ 
compensation, and employee group health. With regard to losses occurring in fiscal 2015 through the 2018 transition period, 
the Company retains 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 state-sponsored insurance 
funds. Aggregate stop-loss coverage for automobile liability, general liability, and workers’ compensation claims was 
$67.1 million for the six month policy period ending January 31, 2018, $103.7 million for fiscal 2017, and $84.6 million for 
fiscal 2016.

68

The Company is party to a stop-loss agreement for losses under its employee group health plan. For calendar years 2018, 
2017, and 2016, the Company retains the risk of loss, on an annual basis, up to the first $400,000 of claims per participant, as 
well as an annual aggregate amount. With regard to losses occurring in calendar year 2015, the Company retained the risk of 
loss up to the first $250,000 of claims per participant, as well as an annual aggregate amount. Amounts for total accrued 
insurance claims and insurance recoveries/receivables is as follows (dollars in millions):

Accrued insurance claims - current

Accrued insurance claims - non-current

Total accrued insurance claims

Insurance recoveries/receivables:

Current (included in Other current assets)

Non-current (included in Other assets)

Total insurance recoveries/receivables

January 27,
2018

July 29,
2017

July 30,
2016

$

$

$

$

53,890

59,385

113,275

13,701

6,722

20,423

$

$

$

$

39,909

62,007

101,916

$

$

36,844

52,835

89,679

— $

9,243

9,243

$

—

5,714

5,714

The liability for total accrued insurance claims included incurred but not reported losses of approximately $53.3 million, 

$50.0 million, and $45.0 million as of January 27, 2018, July 29, 2017, and July 30, 2016, respectively.

10. Other Accrued Liabilities

Other accrued liabilities consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):

Accrued payroll and related taxes

Accrued employee benefit and incentive plan costs

Accrued construction costs

Other current liabilities

Total other accrued liabilities

11. Debt

January 27, 2018

July 29, 2017

July 30, 2016

$

$

23,010

$

24,554

$

16,097

24,582

15,968

42,135

29,942

16,972

23,908

40,943

41,123

16,328

79,657

$

113,603

$

122,302

The Company’s outstanding indebtedness consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):

January 27, 2018

July 29, 2017

July 30, 2016

Credit Agreement - Revolving facility (matures April 2020)

$

— $

— $

Credit Agreement - Term loan facilities (mature April 2020)
0.75% convertible senior notes, net (mature September 2021)

Less: current portion

Long-term debt

Senior Credit Agreement

358,063
402,249

760,312
(26,469)
733,843

$

367,688
392,233

759,921
(21,656)
738,265

$

$

—

346,250
373,077

719,327
(13,125)
706,202

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries are party to a credit agreement with various lenders, dated as of 

December 3, 2012 (as amended as of June 17, 2016, May 20, 2016, April 24, 2015 and September 9, 2015), that matures on 
April 24, 2020 (as amended, the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement provides for a $450.0 million revolving facility, 
$385.0 million in aggregate term loan facilities, and contains a sublimit of $200.0 million for the issuance of letters of credit.

Subject to certain conditions the Credit Agreement provides the Company with the ability to enter into one or more 
incremental facilities, either by increasing the revolving commitments under the Credit Agreement and/or in the form of term 
loans up to the greater of (i) $150.0 million and (ii) an amount such that, after giving effect to such incremental facilities on a 
pro forma basis (assuming that the amount of the incremental commitments are fully drawn and funded), the consolidated 

69

senior secured leverage ratio does not exceed 2.25 to 1.00. The consolidated senior secured leverage ratio is the ratio of the 
Company’s consolidated senior secured indebtedness to its trailing twelve month consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, 
depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA”), as defined by the Credit Agreement. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are 
guaranteed by substantially all of the Company’s subsidiaries and secured by the equity interests of the substantial majority of 
the Company’s subsidiaries.

Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at rates described below based upon the Company’s consolidated 
leverage ratio, which is the ratio of the Company’s consolidated total funded debt to its trailing twelve month consolidated 
EBITDA, as defined by the Credit Agreement. In addition, the Company incurs certain fees for unused balances and letters of 
credit at the rates described below, also based upon the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio:

Borrowings - Eurodollar Rate Loans

Borrowings - Base Rate Loans

Unused Revolver Commitment

Standby Letters of Credit

Commercial Letters of Credit

1.25% - 2.00% plus LIBOR
0.25% - 1.00% plus administrative agent’s base rate(1)
0.25% - 0.40%

1.25% - 2.00%

0.625% - 1.00%

(1) The agent’s base rate is described in the Credit Agreement as the highest of (i) the administrative agent’s prime rate, (ii) the
Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, and (iii) the Eurodollar rate plus 1.00%, plus an applicable margin.

Standby letters of credit of approximately $48.6 million, $48.7 million, and $57.6 million, issued as part of the Company’s 

insurance program, were outstanding under the Credit Agreement as of January 27, 2018, July 29, 2017, and July 30, 2016, 
respectively. 

The weighted average interest rates and fees for balances under the Credit Agreement as of January 27, 2018, 

July 29, 2017, and July 30, 2016 were as follows:

Weighted Average Rate End of Period
July 29, 2017

July 30, 2016

January 27, 2018

Borrowings - Term loan facilities
Borrowings - Revolving facility(1)
Standby Letters of Credit

Unused Revolver Commitment

3.30%

—%

1.75%

0.35%

2.98%

—%

1.75%

0.35%

2.49%

—%

2.00%

0.40%

(1) There were no outstanding borrowings under the revolving facility as of January 27, 2018, July 29, 2017, or July 30, 2016.

The Credit Agreement contains a financial covenant that requires the Company to maintain a consolidated leverage ratio of

not greater than 3.50 to 1.00, as measured at the end of each fiscal quarter. It provides for certain increases to this ratio as 
specified in the Credit Agreement in connection with permitted acquisitions. In addition, the Credit Agreement contains a 
financial covenant that requires the Company to maintain a consolidated interest coverage ratio, which is the ratio of the 
Company’s trailing twelve month consolidated EBITDA to its consolidated interest expense, as defined by the Credit 
Agreement, of not less than 3.00 to 1.00, as measured at the end of each fiscal quarter. At January 27, 2018, July 29, 2017, and 
July 30, 2016, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants of the Credit Agreement and had borrowing 
availability in the revolving facility of $401.4 million, $401.3 million, and $392.4 million, respectively, as determined by the 
most restrictive covenant.

0.75% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2021

On September 15, 2015, the Company issued 0.75% convertible senior notes due September 2021 (the “Notes”) in a 

private placement in the principal amount of $485.0 million. The Company received net proceeds of approximately 
$471.7 million after deducting the initial purchasers’ discount of approximately $13.3 million. The Company used 
approximately $60.0 million of the net proceeds to repurchase 805,000 shares of its common stock from the initial purchasers 
of the Notes in privately negotiated transactions. In addition, the Company used approximately $296.6 million of the net 
proceeds to fund the redemption of all of its 7.125% senior subordinated notes due 2021 and approximately $41.1 million for 
the net cost of convertible note hedge transactions and warrant transactions as further described below. The remainder of the 
proceeds of approximately $73.9 million was used for general corporate purposes.

70

The Notes, governed by the terms of an indenture between the Company and a bank trustee are unsecured obligations and 

do not contain any financial covenants or restrictions on the payments of dividends, the incurrence of indebtedness or the 
issuance or repurchase of securities by the Company. The Notes bear interest at a rate of 0.75% per year, payable in cash 
semiannually in March and September, and will mature on September 15, 2021, unless earlier purchased by the Company or 
converted. In the event the Company fails to perform certain obligations under the indenture, the Notes will accrue additional 
interest. Certain events are considered “events of default” under the Notes, which may result in the acceleration of the maturity 
of the Notes, as described in the indenture.

Each $1,000 of principal of the Notes is convertible into 10.3211 shares of the Company’s common stock, which is 
equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $96.89 per share. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment in 
certain circumstances, including in connection with specified fundamental changes (as defined in the indenture). In addition, 
holders of the Notes have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of their notes on the occurrence of a 
fundamental change at a price of 100% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest.

Prior to June 15, 2021, the Notes are convertible by the Note holder under the following circumstances: (1) during any 
fiscal quarter commencing after October 24, 2015 (and only during such fiscal quarter) if the last reported sale price of the 
Company’s common stock for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during the 30 consecutive trading days 
period ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the 
applicable conversion price on such trading day ($125.96 assuming an applicable conversion price of $96.89); (2) during the 
five consecutive business day period after any five consecutive trading day period (the “measurement period”) in which the 
trading price per $1,000 principal amount of Notes for each trading day of such measurement period was less than 98% of the 
product of the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock and the applicable conversion rate on each such trading 
day; or (3) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events. On or after June 15, 2021 until the close of business on the 
second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, holders may convert all or a portion of their Notes at 
any time regardless of the foregoing circumstances. Upon conversion, the Notes will be settled, at the Company’s election, in 
cash, shares of the Company’s common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of the Company’s common stock. The 
Company intends to settle the principal amount of the Notes with cash.

During the second quarter of the 2018 transition period, the closing price of the Company’s common stock did not meet or 

exceed 130% of the applicable conversion price of the Notes for at least 20 of the last 30 consecutive trading dates of the 
quarter. Additionally, no other conditions allowing holders of the Notes to convert have been met as of January 27, 2018. As a 
result, the Notes are not convertible during the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and are classified as long-term debt.

In accordance with ASC Topic 470, Debt, certain convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion 
are required to be accounted for as separate liability and equity components. The carrying amount of the liability component is 
calculated by measuring the fair value of a similar instrument that does not have an associated convertible feature using an 
indicative market interest rate (“Comparable Yield”) as of the date of issuance. The difference between the principal amount of 
the notes and the carrying amount represents a debt discount. The debt discount is amortized to interest expense using the 
Comparable Yield (5.5% with respect to the Notes) using the effective interest rate method over the term of the notes. The 
Company incurred $9.2 million, $17.6 million, and $14.7 million of interest expense during the 2018 transition period and 
fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively, for the non-cash amortization of the debt discount. The liability component of the Notes 
consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):

Liability component

Principal amount of 0.75% convertible senior notes due
September 2021

Less: Debt discount

Less: Debt issuance costs

Net carrying amount of Notes

January 27, 2018

July 29, 2017

July 30, 2016

$

$

485,000
(74,899)
(7,852)
402,249

$

$

485,000
(84,069)
(8,698)
392,233

$

$

485,000
(101,679)
(10,244)
373,077

The equity component of the Notes was recognized at issuance and represents the difference between the principal amount 

of the Notes and the fair value of the liability component of the Notes at issuance. The equity component approximated 
$112.6 million at the time of issuance and its fair value is not remeasured as long as it continues to meet the conditions for 
equity classification.

71

The following table summarizes the carrying amount and fair value of the Notes, net of the debt discount and debt issuance 
costs. The fair value of the Notes is based on the closing trading price per $100 of the Notes as of the last day of trading for the 
respective periods (Level 2), which was $136.01, $116.96, and $117.65 as of January 27, 2018, July 29, 2017, and 
July 30, 2016, respectively (dollars in thousands):

Net carrying amount of Notes

Fair value of principal amount of Notes

Less: Debt discount and debt issuance costs

Fair value of Notes

Convertible Note Hedge and Warrant Transactions

January 27, 2018

July 29, 2017

July 30, 2016

$

$

$

402,249

659,649
(82,751)
576,898

$

$

$

392,233

567,256
(92,767)
474,489

$

$

$

373,077

570,603
(111,923)
458,680

In connection with the offering of the Notes, the Company entered into convertible note hedge transactions with 
counterparties to reduce the potential dilution to common stockholders from the conversion of the Notes and offsetting any 
potential cash payments in excess of the principal amount of the Notes. In the event that shares or cash are deliverable to 
holders of the Notes upon conversion at limits defined in the indenture, counterparties to the convertible note hedge will be 
required to deliver up to 5.006 million shares of the Company’s common stock or pay cash to the Company in a similar amount 
as the value that the Company delivers to the holders of the Notes based on a conversion price of $96.89 per share. The total 
cost of the convertible note hedge transactions was $115.8 million.

In addition, the Company entered into separately negotiated warrant transactions with the same counterparties as the 

convertible note hedge transactions whereby the Company sold warrants to purchase, subject to certain anti-dilution 
adjustments, up to 5.006 million shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $130.43 per share. The warrants will not 
have a dilutive effect on the Company’s earnings per share unless the Company’s quarterly average share price exceeds the 
warrant strike price of $130.43 per share. In this event, the Company expects to settle the warrant transactions on a net share 
basis whereby it will issue shares of its common stock. The Company received proceeds of approximately $74.7 million from 
the sale of these warrants.

Upon settlement of the conversion premium of the Notes, convertible note hedge, and warrants, the resulting dilutive 
impact of these transactions, if any, would be the number of shares necessary to settle the value of the warrant transactions 
above $130.43 per share. The net amounts incurred in connection with the convertible note hedge and warrant transactions 
were recorded as a reduction to additional paid-in capital on the consolidated balance sheets during fiscal 2016 and are not 
expected to be remeasured in subsequent reporting periods.

The Company recorded an initial deferred tax liability of $43.4 million in connection with the debt discount associated 

with the Notes and recorded an initial deferred tax asset of $43.2 million in connection with the convertible note hedge 
transactions. Both the deferred tax liability and deferred tax asset are included in non-current deferred tax liabilities in the 
consolidated balance sheets. See Note 12, Income Taxes, for additional information regarding the Company’s deferred tax 
liabilities and assets with respect to Tax Reform.

7.125% Senior Subordinated Notes - Loss on Debt Extinguishment

As of July 25, 2015, Dycom Investments, Inc. (the “Issuer”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, had outstanding 

an aggregate principal amount of $277.5 million of 7.125% senior subordinated notes due 2021 (the “7.125% Notes”). The 
outstanding 7.125% Notes were redeemed on October 15, 2015 (the “Redemption Date”) with a portion of the proceeds from 
the Notes offering described above. The aggregate amount paid in connection with the redemption was $296.6 million and was 
comprised of the $277.5 million principal amount of the outstanding 7.125% Notes, $4.9 million for accrued and unpaid 
interest to the Redemption Date, and approximately $14.2 million for the applicable call premium as defined in the indenture 
governing the 7.125% Notes. The call premium amount consisted of: (a) the present value as defined under the indenture of the 
sum of (i) approximately $4.9 million representing interest for the period from the Redemption Date through January 15, 2016, 
and (ii) the redemption price of 103.563% (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount) of the 7.125% Notes at 
January 15, 2016, minus (b) the principal amount of the 7.125% Notes.

In connection with the redemption of the 7.125% Notes, the Company incurred a pre-tax charge for early extinguishment 

of debt of approximately $16.3 million during fiscal 2016. This charge is comprised of: (i) $4.9 million for the present value of 

72

the interest payments for the period from the Redemption Date through January 15, 2016, (ii) $6.5 million for the excess of the 
present value of the redemption price over the carrying value of the 7.125% Notes, and (iii) $4.9 million for the write-off of 
deferred financing charges related to the fees incurred in connection with the issuance of the 7.125% Notes.

12. Income Taxes

The components of the (benefit) provision for income taxes were as follows (dollars in thousands):

Six Months
Ended
January 27, 2018

Fiscal Year Ended

July 29, 2017

July 30, 2016

July 25, 2015

$

Current:

Federal

Foreign

State

Deferred:

Federal

Foreign
State

Total (benefit) provision for income taxes

$

(4,384) $
598

1,166
(2,620)

(21,332)
(37)
1,704
(19,665)
(22,285) $

62,455

$

42,096

$

176

12,344

74,975

17,051
(35)
1,217

18,233

310

8,399

50,805

26,467
(296)
611

26,782

93,208

$

77,587

$

42,516

502

6,998

50,016

305

268
671

1,244

51,260

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“Tax Reform”) was enacted in December 2017 and includes significant changes to 

U.S. income tax law. Tax Reform, among other things, reduced the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 
21 percent. The Company’s interpretations of the provisions of Tax Reform could differ from future interpretations and 
guidance from the U.S Treasury Department, the IRS and other regulatory agencies, including state taxing authorities in 
jurisdictions where the Company operates. Any future adjustments resulting from these factors would impact the Company’s 
provision for income taxes and effective tax rate in the period in which they are made.

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, tax credits recognized in relation to pre-tax results, certain 
tax impacts from the vesting and exercise of share-based awards, and impacts from Tax Reform. The Company was subject to a 
blended statutory tax rate of approximately 33% for the six months ended January 27, 2018 resulting from Tax Reform taking 
effect for a portion of the period based on the Company’s fiscal year end. A reconciliation of the amount computed by applying 
the Company’s blended statutory income tax rate to pre-tax income to the total tax provision is as follows (dollars in 
thousands):

Six Months
Ended
January 27,
2018

Fiscal Year Ended
July 30,
2016

July 25,
2015

July 29,
2017

Statutory rate applied to pre-tax income

State taxes, net of federal tax benefit

Tax Reform and related effects

Federal benefit of vesting and exercise of share-based awards

Non-deductible and non-taxable items, net

Change in accruals for uncertain tax positions

Tax credits

Other items, net

Total (benefit) provision for income taxes

$

$

15,334

$

87,649

$

72,214

$

1,406
(32,249)
(7,067)
1,585

250
(1,596)
52
(22,285) $

9,868

—

—
(4,686)
632

—
(255)
93,208

$

7,398

—

—
(2,013)
113

—
(125)
77,587

$

47,454

5,159

—

—
(1,220)
(74)
—
(59)
51,260

During the six months ended January 27, 2018, the Company recognized an income tax benefit of approximately 

$32.2 million primarily resulting from the re-measurement of the Company’s net deferred tax liabilities to reflect the reduced 

73

rate under Tax Reform that will apply in future periods when these deferred taxes are settled or realized. Additionally, the 
Company recognized an income tax benefit (including federal and state tax benefits) of approximately $7.8 million during the 
six months ended January 27, 2018 for certain tax effects of the vesting and exercise of share-based amounts in accordance 
with ASU 2016-09 as further described in Note 1, Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies.

During fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015 non-taxable and non-deductible items consisted of a production related tax deduction 

of $6.0 million, $4.5 million, and $4.0 million, respectively, offset by $1.3 million, $2.5 million and $2.8 million of non-
deductible items, respectively. There was no production related tax deduction for the six months ended January 27, 2018. 
Additionally, beginning in fiscal 2019, the production related tax deduction will no longer be permitted as a result of changes 
from Tax Reform.

During fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, tax credits of $1.0 million, $0.7 million and $0.5 million, respectively, were presented 

within Non-deductible and non-taxable items, net in the table above.

Deferred Income Taxes

The deferred tax provision represents the change in the deferred tax assets and the 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 consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):

Deferred tax assets:

Insurance and other reserves

Allowance for doubtful accounts and reserves

Net operating loss carryforwards

Stock-based compensation

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

January 27, 2018

July 29, 2017

July 30, 2016

$

22,368

$

36,955

$

33,847

1,081

822

3,405

1,174

28,850
(148)
28,702

59,933

25,852

345

86,130

57,428

$

$

$

$

1,975

765

8,022

1,750

49,467
(122)
49,345

87,581

38,125

741

126,447

77,102

$

$

$

$

1,013

1,151

6,424

1,363

43,798
(358)
43,440

63,926

32,632

736

97,294

53,854

$

$

$

$

The Company’s net deferred tax liabilities as of January 27, 2018 have been re-measured to reflect the reduced rate under 

Tax Reform that will apply in future periods when these deferred taxes are settled or realized.

As discussed in Note 1, Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies, the Company has adopted ASU 2015-17 on a 
prospective basis effective July 30, 2017. Under the amended guidance of ASU 2015-17, deferred tax liabilities and assets are 
solely classified as non-current in the consolidated balance sheets. 

The valuation allowance above reduces the deferred tax asset balances to the amount that the Company has determined is 

more likely than not to be realized. The valuation allowance primarily relates to immaterial state net operating loss 
carryforwards, which generally begin to expire in fiscal 2022.

Uncertain Tax Positions

As of January 27, 2018, July 29, 2017, and July 30, 2016 the Company had total unrecognized tax benefits of $3.3 million, 

$3.1 million, and $2.4 million, respectively, resulting from uncertain tax positions. The Company’s effective tax rate will be 
reduced during future periods if it is determined these unrecognized tax benefits are realizable. The Company had 
approximately $1.2 million, $1.2 million, and $1.0 million accrued for the payment of interest and penalties as of 

74

January 27, 2018, July 29, 2017, and July 30, 2016, respectively. Interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits for the 
Company was not material during the 2018 transition period or fiscal 2017, 2016, or 2015.

A summary of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (dollars in thousands):

Six Months
Ended
January 27,
2018

July 29,
2017

Fiscal Year Ended
July 30,
2016

July 25,
2015

Balance at beginning of year

$

3,072

$

2,440

$

2,327

$

Additions based on tax positions related to the fiscal year

Additions (reductions) based on tax positions related to
prior years

Reductions related to the expiration of statutes of limitation

283

(33)
—

Balance at end of year

13. Other Income, Net

$

3,322

$

The components of other income, net, were as follows (dollars in thousands):

441

161

229
(38)
3,072

$

86
(134)
2,440

$

2,401

44

(98)
(20)
2,327

Gain on sale of fixed assets

Miscellaneous expense, net

Total other income, net

Six Months 
Ended
January 27,
2018

July 29,
2017

Fiscal Year Ended
July 30,
2016

July 25,
2015

$

$

7,217
(992)
6,225

$

$

14,866
(2,086)
12,780

$

$

9,806

627

10,433

$

$

7,110

1,181

8,291

The Company participates in a customer-sponsored vendor payment program. All eligible accounts receivable from this 

customer are included in the program and payment is received pursuant to a non-recourse sale to the customer’s bank partner. 
This program effectively reduces the time to collect these receivables as compared to that customer’s standard payment terms. 
The Company incurs a discount fee to the bank on the payments received that is reflected as an expense component in other 
income, net, in the consolidated statements of operations. During the 2018 transition period, fiscal 2017, and fiscal 2016, 
miscellaneous expense, net includes approximately $1.4 million, $3.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively, of discount fee 
expense incurred in connection with the non-recourse sale of accounts receivable under this program. The program has not 
changed since its inception during fiscal 2016.

14. Employee Benefit Plans

The Company sponsors a defined contribution plan that provides retirement benefits to eligible employees who elect to
participate (the “Dycom Plan”). Under the plan, participating employees may defer up to 75% of their base pre-tax eligible 
compensation up to the IRS limits. The Company contributes 30% of the first 5% of base eligible compensation that a 
participant contributes to the plan and may make discretionary matching contributions from time to time. The Company’s 
contributions were $1.7 million, $5.0 million, $4.8 million, and $4.0 million related to the 2018 transition period and fiscal 
2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries contribute amounts to multiemployer defined benefit pension plans under the terms 
of collective bargaining agreements (“CBA”) that cover employees represented by unions. Contributions are generally based on 
fixed amounts per hour per employee for employees covered by the plan. Participating in a multiemployer plan entails risks 
different from single-employer plans in the following aspects:

75

• 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 allocated to the

remaining participating employers; and

• if the Company stops participating in the multiemployer plan, the Company may be required to pay the plan an

amount based on the underfunded status of the plan. This payment is referred to as a withdrawal liability.

The information available to the Company about the multiemployer plans in which it participates is generally dated due to 

the nature of the reporting cycle of multiemployer plans and legal requirements under the Employee Retirement Income 
Security Act (“ERISA”) as amended by the Multiemployer Pension Plan Amendments Act (“MPPAA”). Based upon the most 
recently available annual reports, the Company’s contribution to each of the plans was less than 5% of each plans’ total 
contributions. The Pension, Hospitalization and Benefit Plan of the Electrical Industry – Pension Trust Fund (“the Plan”) was 
considered individually significant and is presented separately below. All other plans are presented in the aggregate in the 
following table (dollars in thousands):

Company Contributions

PPA Zone 
Status(1)

Fund

2017

2016

FIP/RP 
Status(2)

Six Months
Ended
2018

Fiscal Year Ended
2016

2015

2017

Surcharge
Imposed

The Plan (EIN
13-6123601)

Other Plans

Total

Green Green

No

$

$

— $

— $

3,057

319

319

$

384

384

622

$

3,679

$

$

3,852

934

4,786

No

Expiration
Date of
CBA

5/5/2016

Various

(1) The most recent Pension Protection Act (the “PPA”) zone status was provided by the Plan for Plan years ending
September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively. The zone status is based on information provided by the Plan and is
certified by the Plan’s actuary. Generally, plans in the red zone are less than 65% funded, plans in the yellow zone are between
65% and 80% funded, and plans in the green zone are at least 80% funded.

(2) The “FIR/RP Status” column indicates plans for which a financial improvement plan (FIP) or rehabilitation plan (RP), as
required by the Internal Revenue Code, is either pending or has been implemented.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, one of the Company’s subsidiaries, which previously contributed to the Plan, ceased 
operations. In October 2016, the Plan demanded payment for a claimed withdrawal liability of approximately $13.0 million. In 
December 2016, the Company submitted a formal request to the Plan seeking review of the Plan’s withdrawal liability 
determination. The Company is disputing the claim of a withdrawal liability demanded by the Plan as it believes there is a 
statutory exemption available under ERISA for multiemployer pension plans that primarily cover employees in the building 
and construction industry. The Plan has taken the position that the work at issue does not qualify for the statutory exemption. 
The Company has submitted this dispute to arbitration, as required by ERISA, with a hearing expected sometime in calendar 
2018. As required by ERISA, in November 2016, the subsidiary began making monthly payments of a withdrawal liability to 
the Plan in the amount of approximately $0.1 million. If the Company prevails in disputing the withdrawal liability, all such 
payments will be refunded to the Company.

76

15. Capital Stock

Repurchases of Common Stock. The Company made the following share repurchases during fiscal 2015, 2016, and 2017

and the 2018 transition period (all shares repurchased have been canceled):

Period

Fiscal 2015

Fiscal 2016

Fiscal 2017

Six months ended January 27, 2018

Number of Shares
Repurchased

Total 
Consideration
(In thousands)

Average Price Per
Share

1,669,924

2,511,578

713,006

200,000

$

$

$

$

87,146

169,997

62,909

16,875

$

$

$

$

52.19

67.69

88.23

84.38

Fiscal 2015. The Company repurchased 1,669,924 shares of its common stock, at an average price of $52.19 per share, for 

$87.1 million during fiscal 2015.

Fiscal 2016. In connection with the Notes offering in September 2015, the Company used approximately $60.0 million of 

the net proceeds from the Notes to repurchase 805,000 shares of its common stock from the initial purchasers of the Notes in 
privately negotiated transactions at a price of $74.53 per share, the closing price of Dycom’s common stock on 
September 9, 2015. The additional $110.0 million paid during fiscal 2016 was for shares repurchased under the Company’s 
authorized share repurchase program. 

Fiscal 2017. As of the beginning of fiscal 2017, the Company had $100.0 million available for share repurchases through 

October 2017 under the Company’s April 26, 2016 repurchase authorization. During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the 
Company repurchased 313,006 shares of its common stock, at an average price of $79.87, for $25.0 million. During the third 
quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors extended the term of the $75.0 million remaining available under the 
April 26, 2016 authorization through August 2018. In connection with the extension of this authorization, the Company’s Board 
of Directors also authorized an additional $75.0 million to repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock through August 
2018 in open market or private transactions. The Company repurchased 400,000 shares of its common stock, at an average 
price of $94.77 per share, for $37.9 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2017.

2018 Transition Period. The Company repurchased 200,000 shares of its common stock, at an average price of $84.38 per 

share, for $16.9 million during the 2018 transition period. As of January 27, 2018, $95.2 million remained available for 
repurchases through August 2018.

Restricted Stock Tax Withholdings. During the 2018 transition period and fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015, the Company 

withheld 117,426 shares, 134,736 shares, 161,988 shares, and 145,395 shares, respectively, totaling $12.6 million, 
$10.8 million, $12.6 million, and $4.7 million, respectively, to meet payroll tax withholdings obligations arising from the 
vesting of restricted share units. All shares withheld have been canceled. Shares of common stock withheld for tax 
withholdings do not reduce the Company’s total share repurchase authority.

Upon cancellation of shares repurchased or withheld for tax withholdings, the excess over par value is recorded as a 

reduction of additional paid-in capital until the balance is reduced to zero, with any additional excess recorded as a reduction of 
retained earnings. During the 2018 transition period, fiscal 2017, and fiscal 2016, $11.5 million, $42.8 million, and $17.1 
million, respectively, was charged to retained earnings related to shares canceled during the respective fiscal year.

16. Stock-Based Awards

Stock-based compensation expense and the related tax benefit recognized and realized during the 2018 transition period and

fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

Stock-based compensation

Income tax effect of stock-based compensation

$

$

13,277

4,793

$

$

20,805

7,996

$

$

16,850

6,436

$

$

13,923

5,458

Six Months
Ended
January 27,
2018

Fiscal Year Ended
July 30,
2016

July 25,
2015

July 29,
2017

77

In addition, as a result of the Company’s application of ASU 2016-09, the Company recognized approximately $7.8 million 

of certain tax benefits from share-based award activities during the 2018 transition period.

As of January 27, 2018, the Company had unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options, RSUs, and target 

Performance RSUs (based on the Company’s estimate of performance goal achievement) of $2.8 million, $8.6 million, and 
$18.3 million, respectively. This expense will be recognized over a weighted-average number of years of 2.5, 2.5, and 1.9, 
respectively, based on the average remaining service periods for the awards. As of January 27, 2018, the Company may 
recognize an additional $7.9 million in compensation expense in future periods if the maximum amount of Performance RSUs is 
earned based on certain performance measures being met.

The following table summarizes the valuation of stock options and restricted share units granted during the 2018 transition 

period and fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015 and the significant valuation assumptions:

Weighted average fair value of RSUs granted

Weighted average fair value of Performance RSUs granted

Weighted average fair value of stock options granted
Stock option assumptions:

Risk-free interest rate

Expected life (in years)

Expected volatility

Expected dividends

Stock Options 

Six Months
Ended
January 27,
2018

Fiscal Year Ended
July 30,
2016

July 25,
2015

July 29,
2017

$

$

$

87.34

84.13

42.60

$

$

$

79.04

79.29

39.90

$

$

$

72.41

77.86

45.13

$

$

$

31.42

31.03

19.48

2.3%

7.6

43.4%

—

2.3%

7.6

44.7%

—

2.0%

7.3

55.0%

—

2.1%

8.8

54.5%

—

The following table summarizes stock option award activity during the 2018 transition period:

Stock Options

Weighted
Average Exercise
Price

Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
(In years)

Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(In thousands)

Shares

Outstanding as of July 29, 2017

Granted

Options exercised

Canceled
Outstanding as of January 27, 2018

670,350

$

18,933
$
(52,553) $
— $
$

636,730

Exercisable options as of January 27, 2018

549,507

$

25.24

85.15

14.17

—
27.93

21.63

4.8

4.2

$

$

58,176

53,670

78

The total amount of exercisable options as of January 27, 2018 presented above reflects the approximate amount of options 

expected to vest after giving effect to estimated forfeitures at an insignificant rate. The aggregate intrinsic values presented 
above represent the total pre-tax intrinsic values (the difference between the Company’s closing stock price of $119.30 on the 
last trading day of the 2018 transition period and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that 
would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on the last trading day of the 2018 
transition period. The amount of aggregate intrinsic value will change based on the price of the Company’s common stock. The 
total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $4.5 million, $7.8 million, $15.0 million, and $24.9 million for the 2018 
transition period and fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. The Company received cash from the exercise of stock options of 
$0.7 million, $1.4 million, $2.7 million, and $8.9 million during the 2018 transition period and fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015, 
respectively.

RSUs and Performance RSUs

The following table summarizes RSU and Performance RSU award activity during the 2018 transition period:

Outstanding as of July 29, 2017
Granted

Share units vested

Forfeited or canceled

Outstanding as of January 27, 2018

Restricted Stock

RSUs

Performance RSUs

Share Units

Weighted Average
Grant Price

Share Units

Weighted Average
Grant Price

187,465
29,672

$
$

(80,884) $

(2,357) $

133,896

$

60.71
87.34

51.49

81.62

71.81

$
553,882
138,261
$
(272,466) $
(29,350) $
$
390,327

67.46
84.13

57.98

60.32

80.52

The total amount of granted Performance RSUs presented above consists of 99,627 target shares and 38,634 supplemental 
shares. During the 2018 transition period, the Company canceled 21,139 supplemental shares of Performance RSUs, as a result 
of the fiscal 2017 performance criteria for attaining those supplemental shares being partially met. The total amount of 
Performance RSUs outstanding as of January 27, 2018 consists of 278,963 target shares and 111,364 supplemental shares.

The unvested RSUs reflect the approximate amount of units expected to vest after giving effect to estimated forfeitures at an 
insignificant rate. The total fair value of restricted share units vested during the 2018 transition period and fiscal 2017, 2016, and 
2015 was $37.7 million, $33.2 million, $39.1 million, and $15.2 million, respectively.

79

17. Concentration of Credit Risk

The Company is subject to concentrations of credit risk relating primarily to its cash and equivalents, 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 multiple system operators, 
wireless carriers, network operators, telecommunication equipment and infrastructure providers, and electric and gas utilities 
and others. With respect to a portion of the services provided to these customers, the Company has statutory lien rights which 
may in certain circumstances assist in 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 become elevated as a result of 
economic weakness and market volatility. In the past, some of the Company’s customers have experienced significant financial 
difficulties and 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, with its top five customers accounting for approximately 75.8%, 
76.1%, 69.7%, and 61.1%, of its total contract revenues during the 2018 transition period and fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015, 
respectively. Customers whose contract revenues exceeded 10% of total contract revenues during the 2018 transition period or 
fiscal 2017, 2016, or 2015 were as follows:

Comcast Corporation

AT&T Inc.
CenturyLink, Inc.(1)
Verizon Communications Inc.(2)

Six Months
Ended
January 27,
2018

21.6%

20.6%

17.5%

12.0%

Fiscal Year Ended

July 29, 2017

July 30, 2016

July 25, 2015

17.7%

26.3%

18.2%

9.2%

13.6%

24.4%

14.7%

11.2%

12.9%

20.8%

14.5%

7.7%

Customers whose combined amounts of trade accounts receivable and costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings, 
net (“CIEB, net”) exceeded 10% of total combined trade receivables and CIEB, net as of January 27, 2018, July 29, 2017, or 
July 30, 2016 were as follows (dollars in millions):

January 27, 2018

July 29, 2017

July 30, 2016

Amount % of Total

Amount % of Total

Amount % of Total

Comcast Corporation
CenturyLink, Inc.(1)
Verizon Communications Inc.(2)
AT&T Inc.

Windstream Corporation

$

$

$

$

$

166.5

126.0

98.2

79.2

42.9

24.5%

18.5%

14.4%

11.6%

6.3%

$

$

$

$

$

159.7

148.1

73.7

87.1

84.7

21.3%

19.8%

9.8%

11.6%

11.3%

$

$

$

$

$

95.3

81.5

70.2

138.8

79.0

13.9%

11.9%

10.2%

20.3%

11.5%

(1) For comparison purposes in the tables above, amounts from CenturyLink, Inc. and Level 3 Communications, Inc. have been
combined for periods prior to their November 2017 merger.

(2) For comparison purposes in the tables above, amounts from Verizon Communications Inc. and XO Communications LLC’s
fiber-optic network business have been combined for periods prior to their February 2017 merger.

In addition another customer had combined amounts of trade accounts receivable and CIEB, net of $25.9 million, or 3.8%, as 
of January 27, 2018, $47.2 million, or 6.3%, as of July 29, 2017, and $71.5 million, or 10.4%, as of July 30, 2016.

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 January 27, 2018. See 
Note 4, Accounts Receivable, and Note 5, Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings, for additional information 
regarding the Company’s trade accounts receivable and costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings.

80

18. Commitments and Contingencies

In May 2013, CertusView Technologies, LLC (“CertusView”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, filed suit
against S & N Communications, Inc. and S&N Locating Services, LLC (together, “S&N”) in the United States District Court 
for the Eastern District of Virginia alleging infringement of certain United States patents. In January 2015, the District Court 
granted S&N’s motion for judgment on the pleadings for failure to claim patent-eligible subject matter, and entered final 
judgment. CertusView appealed to the Federal Circuit Court the District Court judgment of patent invalidity. On 
August 11, 2017, the Federal Circuit Court affirmed the District Court’s decision. In October 2017, S&N filed a motion 
requesting that the District Court make a finding that the suit was an exceptional case and award S&N recovery of $3.8 million 
in attorney fees. On February 9, 2018, the District Court denied S&N’s motion for an exceptional case finding and any award 
of attorney fees.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, one of the Company’s subsidiaries ceased operations. This subsidiary contributed 
to a multiemployer pension plan, the Pension, Hospitalization and Benefit Plan of the Electrical Industry - Pension Trust Fund 
(the “Plan”). In October 2016, the Plan demanded payment for a claimed withdrawal liability of approximately $13.0 million. 
In December 2016, the Company submitted a formal request to the Plan seeking review of the Plan’s withdrawal liability 
determination. The Company is disputing the claim of a withdrawal liability demanded by the Plan as it believes there is a 
statutory exemption available under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act for multiemployer pension plans that 
primarily cover employees in the building and construction industry. The Plan has taken the position that the work at issue does 
not qualify for the statutory exemption. The Company has submitted this dispute to arbitration, as required by ERISA, with a 
hearing expected sometime in calendar 2018. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in asserting the 
statutory exemption as a defense in the arbitration proceeding. As required by ERISA, in November 2016, the subsidiary began 
making monthly payments of a withdrawal liability to the Plan in the amount of approximately $0.1 million. If the Company 
prevails in disputing the withdrawal liability, all such payments will be refunded to the subsidiary.

With respect to the acquisition from Goodman, $22.5 million of the purchase price was placed into escrow to cover 
indemnification claims and working capital adjustments. During fiscal 2017, $2.5 million of escrowed funds were released 
following resolution of closing working capital and $10.0 million of escrowed funds were released as a result of Goodman’s 
resolution of a sales tax liability with the State of Texas. As of January 27, 2018, $10.0 million remains in escrow pending 
resolution of certain post-closing indemnification claims.

From time to time, the Company is party to various other claims and legal proceedings. It is the opinion of management, 

based on information available at this time, that such other pending claims or proceedings will not have a material effect on its 
financial statements.

For claims within its insurance program, the Company retains the risk of loss, up to certain limits, for matters related to 

automobile liability, general liability (including damages associated with underground facility locating services), workers’ 
compensation, and employee group health. 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 insurance deductibles or retentions.

81

Commitments

Leases. The Company and its subsidiaries have operating leases primarily covering office facilities 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 was $14.4 million, $32.5 million, $26.8 million, and $18.5 million for the 2018 transition period and fiscal 2017, 
2016, and 2015, respectively. The future minimum obligation under these leases with original noncancelable terms in excess of 
one year is as follows (dollars in thousands):

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023
Thereafter
Total

Future Minimum
Lease Payments

24,955

16,906

9,870

5,700

3,443
3,756
64,630

$

$

The Company also incurred rental expense under operating leases with original terms of one year or less of $15.0 million, 

$26.0 million, $23.0 million, and $20.4 million for the 2018 transition period and fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

Performance Bonds and Guarantees. The Company has obligations under performance and other surety contract bonds 
related to certain of its customer contracts. Performance bonds generally provide a 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 
January 27, 2018, July 29, 2017, and July 30, 2016, the Company had $118.1 million, $118.2 million, and $165.8 million, 
respectively, of outstanding performance and other surety contract bonds.

The Company periodically guarantees certain obligations of its subsidiaries, including obligations in connection with 

obtaining state contractor licenses and leasing real property and equipment.

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 obligations to the Company’s insurance carriers in connection with the 
settlement of potential claims. As of January 27, 2018, July 29, 2017, and July 30, 2016, the Company had $48.6 million, 
$48.7 million, and $57.6 million, respectively, of outstanding standby letters of credit issued under the Credit Agreement.

82

19. Transition Period Comparative Data

The following table presents certain financial information for the six months ended January 27, 2018 and

January 28, 2017, respectively (dollars in thousands, except share amounts):

Revenues

Expenses:

Cost of earned revenue, excluding depreciation and amortization

General and administrative

Depreciation and amortization

Total

Interest expense, net

Other income, net

Income before income taxes

(Benefit) provision for income taxes
Net income

Earnings per common share:

Basic

Diluted

Shares used in computing earnings per common share:

Basic

Diluted

For the Six Months Ended

January 27, 2018

January 28, 2017

(Unaudited)

$

1,411,348

$

1,500,355

1,141,480

124,930

85,053

1,351,463
(19,560)
6,225

46,550
(22,285)
68,835

2.22

2.15

$

$

$

1,176,361

118,395

70,252

1,365,008
(18,248)
1,946

119,045

44,332
74,713

2.37

2.32

31,059,140

32,054,945

31,480,660

32,180,923

$

$

$

83

20. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

In the opinion of management, the following unaudited quarterly financial data from the 2018 transition period and fiscal

2017 and 2016 reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals), which are necessary to present a fair 
presentation of amounts shown for such periods. The Company’s fiscal year consists of either 52 weeks or 53 weeks of 
operations with the additional week of operations occurring in the fourth quarter. Fiscal 2017 consisted of 52 weeks, compared 
to fiscal 2016 which consisted of 53 weeks. The sum of the quarterly results may not equal the reported annual amounts due to 
rounding (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts).

2018 Transition Period(1):
Contract revenues

Costs of earned revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization

Gross profit

Net income

Earnings per common share - Basic

Earnings per common share - Diluted

Fiscal 2017:

Contract revenues

Quarter Ended

First
Quarter

Second
Quarter

$

$

$

$

$

$

756,215

600,847

155,368

28,776

0.93

0.90

$

$

$

$

$

$

655,133

540,633

114,500

40,059

1.29

1.24

Quarter Ended

First
Quarter

Second
Quarter

Third
Quarter

Fourth
Quarter

$

799,223

Costs of earned revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization $

614,990

Gross profit

Net income

Earnings per common share - Basic

Earnings per common share - Diluted

Fiscal 2016:

Contract revenues

$

$

$

$

184,233

51,050

1.62

1.59

First 
Quarter(2)
659,268
$

Costs of earned revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization $

506,978

Gross profit

Net income

Earnings per common share - Basic

Earnings per common share - Diluted

$

$

$

$

152,290

30,824

0.94

0.91

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

701,131

561,371

139,760

23,663

0.75

0.74

$

$

$

$

$

$

786,338

621,475

164,863

38,796

1.24

1.22

$

$

$

$

$

$

780,188

606,898

173,290

43,708

1.41

1.38

Quarter Ended

Second
Quarter

Third
Quarter

Fourth
Quarter

559,470

450,284

109,186

15,473

0.47

0.46

$

$

$

$

$

$

664,645

520,408

144,237

33,083

1.02

1.00

$

$

$

$

$

$

789,159

605,909

183,250

49,360

1.57

1.54

(1) The second quarter of the 2018 transition period includes an income tax benefit associated with Tax Reform of
approximately $32.2 million. This benefit primarily resulted from the re-measurement of the Company’s net deferred tax
liabilities at a lower U.S. federal corporate income tax rate. The 2018 transition period also includes an income tax benefit of
approximately $7.8 million for the tax effects of the vesting and exercise of share-based awards as a result of the application of
ASU 2016-09. See Note 12, Income Taxes, for additional information regarding these tax benefits.

(2) During the first quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company incurred a pre-tax charge of approximately $16.3 million for early
extinguishment of debt in connection with the redemption of the Company’s 7.125% senior subordinated notes. See Note 11,
Debt, for additional information regarding the Company’s debt transactions.

84

 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of 
Dycom Industries, Inc.: 

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Dycom Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries as of 
January 27, 2018, July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive 
income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the six months ended January 27, 2018 and each of the three years in the 
period ended July 29, 2017, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We 
also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of January 27, 2018, based on criteria established 
in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway 
Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial 
position of the Company as of January 27, 2018, July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016, and the results of their operations and their 
cash flows for the six months ended January 27, 2018 and each of the three years in the period ended July 29, 2017 in 
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company 
maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 27, 2018, based on criteria 
established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.

Basis for Opinions

The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, 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 appearing under Item 9A. Our 
responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control 
over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting 
Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance 
with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and 
the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the 
audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, 
whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material 
respects.

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement 
of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. 
Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated 
financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by 
management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal 
control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the 
risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based 
on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the 
circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the 
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally 
accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures 
that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and 
dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) 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 

85

company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or 
disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

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

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Certified Public Accountants
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
March 2, 2018

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2014.

86

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

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 Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) as of January 27, 2018, the end of the period covered by this Transition Report on 
Form 10-K. Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of 
January 27, 2018, 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 Securities and Exchange 
Commission’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 

Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) 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 January 27, 2018.

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 27, 2018 has been audited by 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Company’s independent registered certified public accounting firm. Their report, which is set 
forth in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements, of this Transition Report on Form 10-K, expresses an unqualified opinion on the 
effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 27, 2018.

Item 9B. Other Information.

None.

87

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 Securities and Exchange 
Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A. The information set forth under the caption “Executive Officers of the Registrant” in 
Part I, Item 1 of this Transition 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, Chief Accounting 
Officer, Controller, and other persons performing similar functions. The Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers is 
available on the Company’s 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.

88

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

(a) The following documents are filed as a part of this report:

PART IV

1. Consolidated financial statements: the consolidated financial statements and the Report of Independent Registered
Certified Public Accounting Firm are included in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this
Transition Report on Form 10-K.

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)

4.1

4.2

10.1*

10.2*

10.3*

10.4*

10.5*

10.6*

10.7*

10.8*

10.9*

Restated Articles of Incorporation of Dycom Industries, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on June 11, 2002).

Amended and Restated By-laws of Dycom Industries, Inc., as amended on September 28, 2016 (incorporated by 
reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on September 30, 2016).
Indenture, dated as of September 15, 2015, among Dycom Industries, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as 
trustee (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on 
September 15, 2015).

Form of Global 0.75% Convertible Senior Note due 2021 (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s 
Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 15, 2015).

2003 Long Term Incentive Plan, amended and restated effective as of September 19, 2011 (incorporated by 
reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on September 23, 2011).

Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended and 
restated (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC 
on September 4, 2012).

Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement under the 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended and restated 
(incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on 
September 4, 2012).

2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan, amended and restated effective as of November 21, 2017 (incorporated by 
reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on October 12, 2017).

Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by 
reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 20, 2012).

Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement under the 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference 
to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 20, 2012).

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to 
Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 20, 2012).

Form of Performance Share Unit Agreement under the 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference 
to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 20, 2012).

2007 Non-Employee Directors Equity Plan, amended and restated effective as of September 19, 2011 
(incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on 
September 23, 2011).

10.10* 

10.11* 

10.12*

Form of Non-Employee Director Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement, under the 2007 Non-Employee 
Directors Equity Plan, as amended and restated (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Annual 
Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on September 4, 2012).

Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, under the 2007 Non-Employee Directors 
Equity Plan, as amended and restated (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Annual Report on 
Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on September 4, 2012).
2017 Non-Employee Directors Equity Plan (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Definitive 
Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on October 12, 2017).

10.13* + Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the 2017 Non-Employee Directors 

Equity Plan.

89

10.14*

10.15*

10.16*

10.17*

10.18*

10.19*

10.20

10.21

10.22

10.23

10.24

10.25

10.26

10.27

10.28

10.29

10.30

Employment Agreement for Steven E. Nielsen dated as of April 26, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Dycom 
Industries, Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 27, 2016, as amended by Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Current 
Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the SEC on April 27, 2016).

Employment Agreement for Timothy R. Estes dated as of October 25, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Dycom 
Industries, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 27, 2017).

Employment Agreement for Richard B. Vilsoet dated as of July 23, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Dycom 
Industries, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 24, 2015).

Employment Agreement for H. Andrew DeFerrari dated as of July 23, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Dycom 
Industries, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 24, 2015).

2009 Annual Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Definitive Proxy Statement 
filed with the SEC on October 17, 2013).

Form of Indemnification Agreement for directors and executive officers of Dycom Industries, Inc. (incorporated 
by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on September 3, 2009).

Credit Agreement, dated as of December 3, 2012, among Dycom Industries, Inc., as the Borrower, the subsidiaries 
of Dycom Industries, Inc. identified therein, certain lenders named therein, Bank of America, N.A., as 
Administrative Agent, Swingline Lender and L/C Issuer, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and 
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Book Managers, Wells Fargo Bank, National 
Association, as Syndication Agent, and SunTrust Bank, PNC Bank, National Association and Branch Banking and 
Trust Company, as Co-Documentation Agents (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Dycom Industries, 
Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 5, 2012).

First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of April 24, 2015, among Dycom Industries, Inc., as the Borrower, 
the subsidiaries of Dycom Industries, Inc. identified therein, certain lenders named therein, Bank of America, 
N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swingline Lender and L/C Issuer, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Wells Fargo
Securities, LLC, as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Book Managers, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as
Syndication Agent, and SunTrust Bank, PNC Bank, National Association and Branch Banking and Trust Company,
as Co-Documentation Agents (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Current
Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 27, 2015).

Second Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of September 9, 2015, among Dycom Industries, Inc., as the 
Borrower, the subsidiaries of Dycom Industries, Inc. identified therein, certain lenders named therein, and Bank of 
America, N.A., as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s 
Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 10, 2015).

Third Amendment to Credit Agreement and Additional Term Loan Agreement, dated as of May 20, 2016, among 
Dycom Industries, Inc., as the Borrower, the subsidiaries of Dycom Industries, Inc. identified therein, certain 
lenders named therein, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
10.1 to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 24, 2016).

Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of June 17, 2016, among Dycom Industries, Inc., as the 
Borrower, the subsidiaries of Dycom Industries, Inc. identified therein, certain lenders named therein, and Bank of 
America, N.A., as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s 
Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 22, 2016).

Lender Joinder Agreement, dated as of January 26, 2017, to the Credit Agreement dated as of December 3, 2012, 
by and among MUFG Union Bank N.A., as the New Lender, Dycom Industries, Inc., as the Borrower, the 
subsidiaries of Dycom Industries, Inc. identified therein, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with 
the SEC on March 3, 2017).

Base Bond Hedge Confirmation, dated as of September 9, 2015, between Dycom Industries, Inc. and Goldman, 
Sachs & Co. (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the 
SEC on September 15, 2015).

Base Bond Hedge Confirmation, dated as of September 9, 2015, between Dycom Industries, Inc. and Bank of 
America, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the 
SEC on September 15, 2015).

Base Bond Hedge Confirmation, dated as of September 9, 2015, between Dycom Industries, Inc. and Wells Fargo 
Bank, National Association (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K 
filed with the SEC on September 15, 2015).

Additional Bond Hedge Confirmation, dated as of September 10, 2015, between Dycom Industries, Inc. and 
Goldman, Sachs & Co. (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed 
with the SEC on September 15, 2015).

Additional Bond Hedge Confirmation, dated as of September 10, 2015, between Dycom Industries, Inc. and Bank 
of America, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with 
the SEC on September 15, 2015).

90

10.31

10.32

10.33

10.34

10.35

10.36

10.37

12.1 +

18.1 +

21.1 +

23.1 +

31.1 +

31.2 +

32.1 +

32.2 +

101 +

+

*

Additional Bond Hedge Confirmation, dated as of September 10, 2015, between Dycom Industries, Inc. and Wells 
Fargo Bank, National Association (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 
8-K filed with the SEC on September 15, 2015).

Base Warrant Confirmation, dated as of September 9, 2015, between Dycom Industries, Inc. and Goldman, Sachs 
& Co. (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on 
September 15, 2015).

Base Warrant Confirmation, dated as of September 9, 2015, between Dycom Industries, Inc. and Bank of America, 
N.A. (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on 
September 15, 2015).

Base Warrant Confirmation, dated as of September 9, 2015, between Dycom Industries, Inc. and Wells Fargo 
Bank, National Association (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K 
filed with the SEC on September 15, 2015).

Additional Warrant Confirmation, dated as of September 10, 2015, between Dycom Industries, Inc. and Goldman, 
Sachs & Co. (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the 
SEC on September 15, 2015).

Additional Warrant Confirmation, dated as of September 10, 2015, between Dycom Industries, Inc. and Bank of 
America, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the 
SEC on September 15, 2015).

Additional Warrant Confirmation, dated as of September 10, 2015, between Dycom Industries, Inc. and Wells 
Fargo Bank, National Association (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 
8-K filed with the SEC on September 15, 2015).
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

Preferability Letter from Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

Principal subsidiaries of Dycom Industries, Inc.

Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm.

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.

The following materials from the Registrant’s Transition Report on Form 10-K for the transition period ended
January 27, 2018 formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii)
the Consolidated Statements of Operations; (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; (iv) the
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity; (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (vi) the
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Filed herewith

Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

Item 16. Form 10-K Summary.

None.

91

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

DYCOM INDUSTRIES, INC.

Registrant

Date: March 2, 2018

/s/ Steven E. Nielsen

Name: 
Title:

Steven E. Nielsen
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

Position

Date

/s/ Steven E. Nielsen
Steven E. Nielsen

/s/ H. Andrew DeFerrari
H. Andrew DeFerrari

/s/ Rebecca Brightly Roach

Rebecca Brightly Roach

/s/ Stephen C. Coley
Stephen C. Coley

/s/ Dwight B. Duke
Dwight B. Duke

/s/ Eitan Gertel
Eitan Gertel

/s/ Anders Gustafsson
Anders Gustafsson

/s/ Patricia L. Higgins
Patricia L. Higgins

/s/ Laurie J. Thomsen
Laurie J. Thomsen

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

March 2, 2018

(Principal Executive Officer)

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

March 2, 2018

(Principal Financial Officer)

Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer

March 2, 2018

(Principal Accounting Officer)

March 2, 2018

March 2, 2018

March 2, 2018

March 2, 2018

March 2, 2018

March 2, 2018

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

92