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Powell Industries

powl · NASDAQ Industrials
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Ticker powl
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Sector Industrials
Industry Electrical Equipment & Parts
Employees 1001-5000
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FY2017 Annual Report · Powell Industries
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2017 Annual Report

Our people make 
the difference. 

Today, with optimized systems, a focus on  
collaboration, and an integrated team, we are  
a more powerful solutions provider. 

2017 presented challenging business 
conditions across many of Powell’s key 
customer markets. Capital projects 
requiring the medium and low voltage 
electrical distribution solutions that 
are our specialty were impacted by 
sustained low energy prices and weak 
market fundamentals. 

A reduction in available 
opportunities, coupled with fierce 
competition and price erosion, faced 
us throughout the year.

This slowdown was anticipated, as we 
are a long-cycle business with a 70-
year history of overcoming volatility. 
The current downward trend began 
in 2014 when oil prices started to 
retreat from record highs and caught 
up to us in 2016, a year in which we 
worked through a significant backlog. 
Over the past year, while we have 
been awarded a respectable volume 

of projects, they have been of a 
significantly smaller scale.

A better company, a stronger team
We used 2017 as an opportunity to 
improve internal operations. We 
strategically implemented value-
added practices at our facilities and 
streamlined our enterprise-wide 
business systems and processes to take 
scheduling, pricing, and quality to a 
higher level. 

Our employees responded to the 
intensive training and improvement 
effort with enthusiasm. They 
demonstrated a strong willingness 
to learn, to share resources, and to 
contribute across organizational  
lines. As a result, today we are 
operating more efficiently, as an 
integrated and stronger team, than 
ever before — a factor that greatly 
increases our competitiveness. 

The team spirit of Powell was demonstrated 
immediately after the landfall of Hurricane 
Harvey. Crews of Powell employees 
mobilized to help those whose homes 
were damaged by the storm, both through 
donations and hands-on rebuilding efforts. 
Our employees also pulled together to 
assist Gulf Coast customers whose critical 
operations had been paralyzed by flood-
damaged equipment.

Putting our new integrated systems to  
the test, Powell manufactured switchgear 
and other equipment for these customers 
– and delivered it – faster than even we 

thought possible. We drew upon the  
efforts of multiple facilities and newly cross-
trained employees. 

Speaking on behalf of all Powell leaders,  
I could not be more proud of our team,  
who demonstrated how our historical  
“can-do” attitude remains intact and shines 
bright today. 

Advanced products and thinking
In keeping with our commitment to 
innovation, we developed and launched 
several new products within both our  
ANSI and IEC offerings in 2017.

“ Speaking on behalf of all Powell leaders, I could 
not be more proud of our team, who demonstrated 
how our historical ‘can-do’ attitude remains intact 
and shines bright today.”

“ We are committed to sustained leadership 
in the field of electrical automation.” 

Powell also released our first wave of power 
monitoring products this year, which will 
give our customers real-time data on the 
health and status of their electrical systems. 
Underpinning our focus on safety, these 
intelligent products offer a comprehensive 
suite of sensors installed in and around 
electrical equipment manufactured by 
Powell and others. This information serves 
as detailed performance data to help owners 
better utilize and protect their investments.

We are committed to sustained leadership in 
the field of electrical automation. 

Positioned for the next cycle
In all of our markets – O&G, commercial, 
utility, and traction – history shows 
that Powell’s business improves as soon 
as customers see favorable economic 
conditions for capital-intensive projects.

By the end of 2017, we began to see glimpses 
of a recovery and reasons for optimism. A 
stronger economy and more stable, upward-
trending energy prices brought increased 
FEED activity to the engineering houses, 
reflecting new planning and development 
work for the custom electrical distribution 
systems that are ideal for Powell. 

Powell remains a financially healthy 
company. We will continue to invest in our 
employees, our facilities, and our research 
and development programs, and to target 
acquisitions in areas that could advance 
Powell’s geographic footprint or enhance 
our strategic capabilities. We also remain 
committed to paying dividends.

Leading change
Powell is looking forward to a future of 
not just returning to our previous level of 
performance, but exceeding it. 

We are confident that we are prepared for 
the next level of expansion, as we have built 
a solid company that has recently been fine-
tuned for optimal performance.

Our streamlined infrastructure is supported 
by a workforce of highly skilled, energetic, 
and empowered people who realize that the 
next generation of Powell’s history depends 
on them. We stand ready for the challenge. 

Brett A. Cope
President & CEO

CONSOLIDATED   
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

700

40

500

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

Revenues
(in millions of dollars)

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

Income (Loss) From 
Continuing Operations
(in millions of dollars)

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

Backlog
(in millions of dollars)

Years Ended September 30, 

2013 

2014 

2015 

2016 

2017

(In thousands, except per-share data)

Consolidated Statement of Operations Data

Revenues 

Gross Profit 

$ 640,867 

138,492 

Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations 

39,739 

Net Income (Loss) 

42,076 

$ 647,814 

$ 661,858 

125,474 

19,620 

29,224 

108,261 

9,439 

9,439 

$565,243 

106,205 

15,510 

15,510 

Per-Share Data 

Continuing Operations Earnings (Loss) 

Discontinued Operations Earnings 

Diluted Earnings (Loss) 

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data 

Working Capital 

Total Assets 

Long-Term Debt 

Total Stockholders’ Equity 

3.32 

0.19 

3.51 

189,277 

530,903 

3,616 

355,226 

1.62 

0.80 

2.42 

0.79 

— 

0.79 

1.36 

— 

1.36 

199,228 

541,443 

3,200 

371,097 

172,147 

468,824 

2,800 

333,262 

185,892 

462,516 

2,400 

335,317 

164,492

414,986

2,000

321,296

395,911

50,769

(19,338 )

(9,486 )

(0.83 )

—

(0.83 )

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 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017  
OR 

☒ 

☐ 

Commission File Number 001-12488 

Powell Industries, Inc. 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 

Delaware 
(State or other jurisdiction of 
incorporation or organization) 
8550 Mosley Road 
Houston, Texas 
(Address of principal executive offices) 

88-0106100 
(I.R.S. Employer 
Identification No.) 

77075-1180 
(Zip Code) 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 
(713)  944-6900 
Securities registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act: 
     Title of each class:                                                                      Name of each exchange on which registered: 

 Common Stock, par value $.01 per share                                                                NASDAQ Global Market 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of Act: None 

Indicate by check mark whether 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 Date 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 (§232.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein and will not be 
contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any 
amendment to this Form 10-K.    

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

Large accelerated filer    Accelerated filer   

Non-accelerated filer  

Smaller reporting 
company  

Emerging growth 
company  

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) 

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

The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $394 million as of March 31, 2017, based upon the 
closing price on the NASDAQ Global Market on that date.  For purposes of the calculation above only, all directors, executive officers and beneficial owners of 5% 
or more are considered to be “affiliates.” 

At December 1, 2017, there were 11,428,638 outstanding shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share. 

Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2018 annual meeting of stockholders to be filed not later than 120 days after September 30, 

2017, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K. 

Documents Incorporated By Reference 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC. 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements; Risk Factors 

Item 1. 
Item 1A. 
Item 1B. 
Item 2. 
Item 3. 
Item 4. 

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 and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 
Principal Accountant Fees and Services 

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules 
Form 10-K Summary 

PART IV 

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 

Page 

3 

4 
6 
11 
11 
12 
12 

13 
15 
17 
25 
27 
52 
52 
52 

53 
53 
53 
53 
53 

54 
56 

2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS; 
RISK FACTORS 

Unless otherwise indicated, all references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “Powell” or “the Company” include Powell Industries, Inc. and 
its consolidated subsidiaries. 

Forward-Looking Statements 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K (Annual Report) includes forward-looking statements based on our current expectations, which 
are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include information concerning future results of operations and 
financial condition. Statements that contain words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” “continue,” 
“should,” “could,” “may,” “plan,” “project,” “predict,” “will” or similar expressions may be forward-looking statements. These 
forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and many factors could affect the future financial results and 
condition of the Company. Factors that may have a material effect on our revenues, expenses and operating results include, among 
other things, adverse business or market conditions, our ability to meet our customers’ scheduling requirements, our customers’ 
financial conditions and their ability to secure financing to support current and future projects, the availability and cost of materials 
from suppliers, availability of skilled labor force, adverse competitive developments and changes in customer requirements as well 
as those circumstances discussed under “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” below. Accordingly, actual results may differ materially from those 
expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report. Any forward-looking statements made by 
or on our behalf are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. 

The forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report are based on current assumptions that we will continue to develop, 
market, manufacture and ship products and provide services on a competitive and timely basis; that economic and competitive 
conditions in our markets will not change in a materially adverse way; that we will accurately identify and meet customer needs for 
products and services; that we will be able to hire and retain skilled laborers and key employees; that our products and capabilities 
will remain competitive; that the financial markets and banking systems will remain stable and availability of credit will continue; 
that risks related to shifts in customer demand are minimized and that there will be no material adverse change in the operations or 
business of the Company. Assumptions relating to these factors involve judgments that are based on available information, which 
may not be complete, and are subject to changes in many factors beyond the Company’s control that can materially affect results. 
Because of these and other factors that affect our operating results, past financial performance should not be considered an indicator 
of future performance, and investors should not use historical trends to anticipate results or trends in future periods. 

3 

 
 
Item 1. Business 

Overview 

PART I 

Powell Industries, Inc. was incorporated in the state of Delaware in 2004 as a successor to a Nevada company incorporated in 1968. 
The Nevada company was the successor to a company founded by William E. Powell in 1947, which merged into the Company in 
1977. We  are  headquartered  in  Houston, Texas,  and  our  major  subsidiaries,  all  of  which  are  wholly  owned,  include:  Powell 
Electrical Systems, Inc.; Powell (UK) Limited; Powell Canada Inc. and Powell Industries International, B.V. 

Our website is powellind.com. We make available, free of charge on or through our website, copies of this Annual Report on Form 
10-K and other reports, and amendments to those reports, filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as is reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to,  the 
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Additionally, all of our reports filed with the SEC are available via their website at 
http://www.sec.gov, or may be read and copied at the SEC Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. 

We develop, design, manufacture and service custom-engineered products and systems which (1) distribute, control and monitor the 
flow of electrical energy and (2) provide protection to motors, transformers and other electrically powered equipment. Our principal 
products include integrated power control room substations (PCRs®), custom-engineered modules, electrical houses (E-Houses), 
traditional and arc-resistant distribution switchgear and control gear, medium-voltage circuit breakers, monitoring and control 
communications systems, motor control centers and bus duct systems. These products are designed for application voltages ranging 
from 480 volts to 38,000 volts and are used in oil and gas refining, onshore and offshore oil and gas production, petrochemical, 
pipeline, terminal, mining and metals, light rail traction power, electric utility, pulp and paper and other heavy industrial markets. 
Our  product  scope  includes  designs  tested  to  meet  both  U.S. standards  (ANSI)  and  international  standards  (IEC).  We  assist 
customers by providing value-added services such as spare parts, field service inspection, installation, commissioning, modification 
and repair, retrofit and retrofill components for existing systems and replacement circuit breakers for switchgear that is obsolete or 
that is no longer produced by the original manufacturer. We seek to establish long-term relationships with the end users of our 
systems as well as the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) firms contracted by those end users. 

References  to  Fiscal  2017,  Fiscal  2016  and  Fiscal  2015  used  throughout  this Annual  Report  relate  to  our  fiscal  years  ended 
September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 

Revenues from customers located in the United States of America (U.S.) accounted for approximately 71%, 72% and 72% of our 
consolidated revenues for Fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Revenues from customers located in Canada accounted for 
approximately 12%, 14% and 15% of consolidated revenues for Fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Approximately 60% of 
our long-lived assets were located in the U.S. at September 30, 2017, with 37% of long-lived assets located in Canada and 3% of 
long-lived assets located in the United Kingdom (U.K.). Detailed geographic information is included in Note L of the Notes to 
Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report. 

Customers and Markets 

Our principal customers are sophisticated users of large amounts of electrical energy that typically require a complex combination of 
electrical components and systems. These customers and their industries include oil and gas refining, onshore and offshore oil and 
gas production, petrochemical, pipeline, terminal, mining and metals, light rail traction power, electric utility, pulp and paper and 
other heavy industrial markets. 

Products and services are principally sold directly to the end user or to an EPC firm on behalf of the end user. Each project is 
specifically engineered and manufactured to meet the exact specifications and requirements of the individual customer. Powell’s 
expertise is in the design and engineering, manufacturing, project management and integration of the various systems into a single 
custom-engineered deliverable. We market and sell our products and services, which are typically awarded in competitive bid 
situations, to a wide variety of customers, governmental agencies, markets and geographic regions. Contracts often represent large-
scale and complex projects with an individual customer. By their nature, these projects are typically nonrecurring. Thus, multiple 
and/or continuous projects of similar magnitude with the same customer may vary. As such, the timing of large project awards may 
cause material fluctuations in revenues and gross profits. 

Due to the nature and timing of large projects, a significant percentage of revenues in a given period may result from one specific 
contract or customer. Although we could be adversely impacted by a significant reduction in business volume from a particular 
industry, we do not believe the loss of any specific customer would have a material adverse effect on our business. However, from 
time to time, an individual manufacturing facility may have significant volume from one particular customer which would be 

4 

 
 
material to that facility. No customer accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated revenues in Fiscal 2017, Fiscal 2016 or 
Fiscal 2015.   

Competition 

We strive to be the supplier of choice for custom-engineered system solutions and services to a variety of customers and markets. 
Our activities are predominantly in the oil and gas and the electric utility industries, but also include other markets where customers 
need to manage, monitor and control large amounts of electrical energy. The majority of our business is in support of capital 
investment projects that are highly complex and competitively bid. Our customized systems are designed to meet the specifications 
of our customers. Each system is designed, engineered and manufactured to the specific requirements of the particular application. 
We consider our engineering, project management, systems integration and technical support capabilities vital to the success of our 
business. 

We believe our products and services, integration capabilities, technical and project management strengths, application engineering 
expertise and specialty contracting experience, together with our responsiveness and flexibility to the needs of our customers and 
our financial strength, give us a sustainable competitive advantage in our markets. We compete with a small number of multinational 
competitors that sell to a broad industrial and geographic market, as well as smaller, regional competitors that typically have limited 
capabilities and scope of supply. Our principal competitors include ABB, Eaton, General Electric Company, Schneider and Siemens. 
The competitive factors used during bid evaluation by our customers vary from project to project and may include technical support 
and application expertise, engineering and manufacturing capabilities, equipment rating, delivered value, scheduling and price. 
While projects are typically non-recurring, a significant portion of our business is from repeat customers and many times involves 
third-party EPC firms hired by the end user and with which we also have long and established relationships. Ultimately, our 
competitive position is dependent upon our ability to provide quality custom-engineered products, services and systems on a timely 
basis at a competitive price. 

Backlog 

Backlog represents the dollar amount of revenue that we expect to realize from work to be performed on uncompleted contracts, 
including  new  contractual  agreements  on  which  work  has  not  begun.  Our  methodology  for  determining  backlog  may  not  be 
comparable to the methodology used by other companies. Orders included in our backlog are represented by customer purchase 
orders and contracts, which we believe to be firm. Our backlog at September 30, 2017 totaled $250.1 million compared to $291.4 
million at September 30, 2016. Backlog declined primarily due to lower demand in our core oil, gas and petrochemical markets. We 
anticipate that approximately $235.3 million of Fiscal 2017 ending backlog will be fulfilled during our fiscal year ending September 
30, 2018. Backlog may not be indicative of future operating results as orders in our backlog may be cancelled or modified by our 
customers. 

Raw Materials and Suppliers 

The principal raw materials used in our operations include steel, copper and aluminum and various electrical components. Material 
costs represented 47% of revenues in both Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016 and 46% in Fiscal 2015. Unanticipated changes in material 
requirements,  disruptions  in  supplies  or  price  increases  could  impact  production  costs  and  affect  our  consolidated  results  of 
operations. 

Our  supply  base  for  certain  key  components  and  raw  materials  is  limited. Changes  in  our  design  to  accommodate  similar 
components from other suppliers could be implemented to resolve a supply problem related to a sole-sourced component. In this 
circumstance, supply problems could result in delays in our ability to meet commitments to our customers. We believe that sources 
of supply for raw materials and components are generally sufficient, and we do not believe a temporary shortage of materials will 
cause any significant adverse impact in the future. While we are not dependent on any one supplier for the majority of our raw 
materials, we are highly dependent on our suppliers in order to meet commitments to our customers. We have not  experienced 
significant or unusual issues in the purchase of key raw materials or components in the past three fiscal years. 

Our business is subject to the effects of changing material prices. During the last three fiscal years, we have not experienced 
significant price volatility for raw materials or component parts used in the production of our products. While the cost outlook for 
commodities used in the production of our products is not certain, we believe we can manage this volatility through contract pricing 
adjustments, with material-cost predictive estimating and by actively pursuing internal cost reduction efforts. We did not enter into 
any derivative contracts to hedge our exposure to commodity price changes in Fiscal 2017, 2016 or 2015. 

5 

 
 
Employees 

At September 30, 2017, we had 1,841 full-time employees located primarily in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. Our employees are 
not represented by unions, and we believe that our relationship with our employees is good. 

Intellectual Property 

While we are the holder of various patents, trademarks, servicemarks, copyrights and licenses, we do not consider any individual 
intellectual property to be material to our consolidated business operations. 

Item 1A. Risk Factors 

Our business is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties described 
below. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition, cash flows, liquidity and results of operations 
could be negatively impacted and we may not be able to achieve our quarterly, annual or long-range plans. Additional risks and 
uncertainties not known to us or not described below may also negatively impact our business and results of operations. This Annual 
Report also includes statements reflecting assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions or beliefs about future events that are 
intended  as  “forward-looking  statements”  under  the  Private  Securities  Litigation  Reform Act  of  1995  and  should  be  read  in 
conjunction with the discussion under “Forward-Looking Statements,” above. 

Our business is largely dependent on customers in the oil and gas markets and we are adversely impacted by extended periods of 
low oil or gas prices, which decrease our customers’ spending, the demand for our products and services and the prices we are 
able to charge. This has had, and may continue to have, an adverse effect on our future operating results. 

Oil and gas prices, while improving somewhat in 2017, are still down from 2014 levels and are expected to remain volatile. This 
decline in oil and gas prices since 2014 has had a negative effect on our markets and led to the reduction of projects available and 
thus reduced our revenue and our backlog of projects. Unfavorable commodity prices have caused oil and gas companies to change 
their strategies, reduce project spending and delay and/or cancel projects. The price for oil and gas can be influenced by many 
factors, including global economic growth, inventory levels and supply and demand for these commodities. These factors could 
cause oil and gas prices to remain depressed or decrease further, which could result in a continued decrease in customer projects that 
could adversely impact our operations. Continued periods of reduced oil and gas prices will negatively impact our business and 
results of operations and could result in impairment losses on our long-lived assets. 

Economic uncertainty and financial market conditions may impact our customer base, suppliers and backlog. 

Various factors drive demand for our products and services, including the price and demand for oil and gas, capital expenditures, 
economic forecasts and financial markets. Uncertainty regarding these factors could impact our customers and severely impact the 
demand for projects and orders for our products and services. Additionally, the loss of significant volume from one particular 
customer at one of our facilities could adversely impact that facility. If one or more of our suppliers or subcontractors experiences 
difficulties that result in a reduction or interruption in supply to us, or they fail to meet our manufacturing requirements, our business 
could be adversely impacted until we are able to secure alternative sources. Furthermore, our ability to maintain or expand our 
business would be limited in the future if we are unable to maintain or increase our bonding capacity or our credit facility  on 
favorable terms or at all. These disruptions could lead to reduced demand for our products and services and could adversely impact 
our business and results of operations. 

Our backlog is subject to unexpected adjustments and cancellations and, therefore, may not be a reliable indicator of our future 
earnings. 

We have a backlog of uncompleted contracts. Backlog represents the dollar amount of revenue that we expect to realize from work 
to be performed on uncompleted contracts, including new contractual agreements on which work has not begun. From time to time, 
projects are cancelled or modified and while we may be reimbursed for certain costs, we may not have a contractual right to the total 
revenue reflected in our backlog. In addition to our being unable to recover certain direct costs, cancelled projects may also result in 
additional unrecoverable costs due to the underutilization of our assets. Accordingly, the amounts recorded in backlog may not be a 
reliable indicator of our future earnings. 

6 

 
 
 
The  use  of  percentage-of-completion  accounting  on  our  fixed-price  contracts  could  result  in  volatility  in  our  results  of 
operations. 

As discussed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting 
Policies and Estimates” and in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report, the 
majority  of  our  revenues  are  recognized  on  the  percentage-of-completion  method  of  accounting.  Under  the  percentage-of-
completion method of accounting, revenues are recognized as work is performed and costs are incurred. The revenue earned to date 
is calculated by multiplying the total contract price by the percentage of performance to date, which is based on total costs or total 
labor dollars incurred to date compared to the total estimated costs or total labor dollars estimated at completion. The method used to 
determine  the  percentage  of  completion  is  typically  the  cost  method,  unless  the  labor  method  is  a  more  accurate  method  of 
measuring the  progress of the project. 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 upon the professional 
knowledge and experience of our management teams, engineers, project managers and financial professionals. Contract losses are 
recognized in full when determined, and estimates of revenue and cost to complete are adjusted based on ongoing reviews of 
estimated contract performance. Previously recorded estimates are adjusted as the project progresses and circumstances change. In 
certain circumstances, it is possible that such adjustments to costs and revenues could have an adverse impact on our results of 
operations. 

The majority of our contracts contain performance obligations that may subject us to penalties or additional liabilities. 

Most of our customer contracts have schedule and performance obligation clauses that, if we fail to meet, could subject us to penalty 
provisions, liquidated damages or claims against the company or our outstanding letters of credit or performance bonds.  In addition, 
some customer contracts stipulate protection against our gross negligence or willful misconduct. Each individual contract defines the 
conditions under which the customer may make a claim against us. It is possible that adjustments arising from such claims, or our 
failure to manage our contract risk, may not be covered by insurance and could have an adverse impact on our results of operations. 

Fluctuations in the price and supply of materials used to manufacture our products may reduce our profits and could adversely 
impact our ability to meet commitments to our customers. 

Our  material  costs  represented  47%  of  our  consolidated  revenues  for  Fiscal  2017.  Unanticipated  increases  in  raw  material 
requirements or prices, as well as changes in supplier availability or supplier consolidation, could increase production costs and 
adversely affect profitability as fixed-price contracts may prohibit our ability to charge the customer for the increase in raw material 
prices. We purchase a wide variety of materials and component parts from various suppliers to manufacture our products, including 
steel, aluminum, copper and various components. Our supply base for certain key components and raw materials is limited and may 
come from a single supplier. If we are unable to obtain key components and raw materials from these suppliers, the key components 
and raw materials may not be readily available from other suppliers or available with acceptable terms. Our success depends on our 
ability to meet customer commitments and could be negatively impacted if a supplier experiences a disruption or discontinuance in 
their operations. The time and effort associated with the selection and qualification of a new supplier and changes in our design and 
testing to accommodate similar components from other suppliers could be significant. Additionally, we rely on certain competitors 
for key materials used in our products. This could negatively impact our ability to manufacture our products if the relationships 
change or become adversarial. 

Our industry is highly competitive. 

Some of our competitors are significantly larger and have substantially greater global resources such as engineering, manufacturing 
and marketing resources. Competition in the industry depends on a number of factors, including the number of projects available, 
technical ability, production capacity, location and price. Certain of our competitors may have lower cost structures and may, 
therefore, be able to provide their products or services at lower prices than we are able to provide. Similarly, we cannot be certain 
that we will be able to maintain or enhance our competitive position within our industry, maintain our customer base at current 
levels, increase our customer base or continue to provide technologically superior products at a competitive price. New companies 
may enter the markets in which we compete, or industry consolidation may occur, further increasing competition in our markets. 
Our failure to compete effectively could adversely affect future revenues and have an adverse impact on our results of operations. 

Our operations could be adversely impacted by the effects of government regulations. 

Changes in policy, laws or regulations, including those affecting oil and gas exploration and development activities and the resulting 
decisions by customers and other industry participants could reduce demand for our products and services, which would have a 
negative impact on our operations. Various regulations have been implemented around the world related to safety and certification 
requirements applicable to oil and gas drilling and production activities and we cannot predict whether operators will be able to 

7 

 
satisfy these requirements. Further, we cannot predict future changes in any country in which we operate and how those changes 
may affect our ability to perform projects in those regions. 

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act requires disclosure of use of "conflict" minerals mined from the 
Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries and our efforts to prevent the use of such minerals. In our industry, conflict 
minerals are most commonly found in metals. As there may be only a limited number of suppliers offering "conflict free" metals, we 
cannot be sure that we will be able to obtain necessary metals in sufficient quantities or at competitive prices. Also, we may face 
challenges with our customers and suppliers if we are unable to sufficiently verify that the metals used in our products are "conflict 
free." 

Changes in tax laws and regulations may change our effective tax rate and could have a material effect on our financial results. 

We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. A change in tax laws, deductions or credits, treaties 
or regulations, or their interpretation, in the countries in which we operate could result in a higher tax rate on our pre-tax income, 
which could have a material impact on our net income. We are regularly under audit by tax authorities, and our tax estimates and tax 
positions  could  be  materially  affected  by  many  factors  including  the  final  outcome  of  tax  audits  and  related  litigation,  the 
introduction of new tax accounting standards, legislation, regulations and related interpretations, our global mix of earnings, the 
extent to which deferred tax assets are realized and changes in uncertain tax positions. A significant increase in our tax rate could 
have a material impact on our net income or loss and cash flow. 

Our international operations expose us to risks that are different from, or possibly greater than, the risks we are exposed to 
domestically and may adversely affect our operations. 

Revenues with customers located outside of the U.S., including sales from our operations in the U.K. and Canada, accounted for 
approximately 29% of our consolidated revenues in Fiscal 2017. While our manufacturing facilities are located in developed 
countries with historically stable operating and fiscal environments, our business and results of operations could be adversely 
affected by a number of factors, including:  political and economic instability; social unrest, acts of terrorism, force majeure, war or 
other armed conflict; inflation; changes in tax laws; the application of foreign labor regulations; currency fluctuations, devaluations 
and conversion restrictions and/or governmental activities that limit or disrupt markets, restrict payments or limit the movement of 
funds and trade restrictions or economic embargoes imposed by the U.S. or other countries. Additionally, the compliance with 
foreign and domestic import and export regulations and anti-corruption laws, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or 
similar laws of other jurisdictions outside the U.S., could adversely impact our ability to compete for contracts in such jurisdictions. 
Moreover, the violation of such laws or regulations, by us or our representatives, could result in severe penalties including monetary 
fines, criminal proceedings and suspension of export privileges. 

The departure of key personnel could disrupt our business. 

We depend on the continued efforts of our executive officers, senior management and other key professionals. We cannot be certain 
that any individual will continue in such capacity for any particular period of time. The loss of key personnel, or the inability to hire 
and retain qualified employees, could negatively impact our ability to perform and manage our business. 

Our business requires skilled labor and we may be unable to attract and retain qualified employees. 

Our ability to maintain our productivity at competitive levels may be limited by our ability to employ, train and retain personnel 
necessary to meet our requirements. We face significant competition for qualified personnel in our industry. We may experience 
shortages of qualified personnel such as engineers, project managers and select skilled trades. We cannot be certain that we will be 
able to maintain an adequate skilled labor force or key technical personnel necessary to operate efficiently and to support our growth 
strategy and operations. We cannot be certain that our labor costs will not increase as a result of a shortage in the supply of skilled 
and technical personnel. Labor shortages or increased labor costs could impair our ability to maintain our business, meet customer 
commitments or grow our revenues, and may adversely impact our business and results of operations. 

We are exposed to risks relating to the use of subcontractors on some of our projects. 

We hire subcontractors to perform work on some projects and sometimes depend on third-party suppliers to provide equipment and 
materials necessary to complete or ship our products. If our subcontractors do not perform as expected for any reason, we may 
experience delays in completing work or experience additional costs. 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. Any of these factors 
could adversely impact our business and results of operations. 

8 

 
 
Actual and potential claims, lawsuits and proceedings could ultimately reduce our profitability and liquidity and weaken our 
financial condition. 

We could be named as a defendant in future legal proceedings that claim damages in connection with the operation of our business. 
Most of the actions against us arise out of the normal course of our performing services or manufacturing equipment. From time to 
time, we may be a plaintiff in legal proceedings against customers in which we seek to recover payment of contractual amounts due 
to us, as well as claims for increased costs incurred by us. When appropriate, we establish provisions against certain legal exposures, 
and we adjust such provisions from time to time according to ongoing developments related to each exposure, as well as any 
potential recovery from our insurance, if applicable. If, in the future, our assumptions and estimates related to such exposures prove 
to be inadequate or wrong, or our insurance coverage is insufficient, our business and results of operations could be adversely 
affected.  In  addition,  claims,  lawsuits  and  proceedings  may  harm  our  reputation  or  divert  management  resources  away  from 
operating our business. Losses arising from such events may or may not be fully covered by our various insurance policies or may 
be subject to deductibles or exceed coverage limits. 

Quality problems with our products could harm our reputation and erode our competitive position. 

The success of our business depends upon the quality of our products and our relationships with customers. In the event that one of 
our products fails to meet our customers' standards, safety requirements or fails to operate effectively, our reputation could be 
harmed, which would adversely affect our marketing and sales efforts. We provide warranties to our customers for our products and 
the cost to satisfy customer warranty claims, which may include, among other things, costs for the repair or replacement of products, 
could adversely impact our business and results of operations. 

A failure in our business systems or cyber security attacks on any of our facilities, or those of third parties, could adversely affect 
our business and our internal controls. 

Our organization is dependent upon the proper functioning of our business systems that support our production, engineering, human 
resources, estimating, finance, and project management functions. If any of our financial, operational, or other data processing 
systems fail or have other significant shortcomings due to natural disaster, power loss, telecommunications failures, cyber security 
attacks or other similar events, our business or results of operations could be adversely affected. In addition, despite implementation 
of security measures, our business systems may be vulnerable to computer viruses, cyber-attacks and other unauthorized access; and 
these security breaches could result in a disruption to our operations or in legal claims or proceedings. A material network breach of 
our business systems could involve the theft of intellectual property, financial data, employee data, or customer data which may be 
used by competitors. We rely on third-party systems which could also suffer operational system failure or cyber-attacks. Any of 
these occurrences could disrupt our business, result in potential liability or reputational damage or otherwise have an adverse effect 
on our business or results of operations. 

We carry insurance against many potential liabilities, but our management of risk may leave us exposed to unidentified or 
unanticipated risks. 

Although  we  maintain  insurance policies  with respect to our related exposures, including certain casualty, property, business 
interruption, self-insured medical and dental programs, these policies contain deductibles, self-insured retentions and limits of 
coverage. In addition, we may not be able to continue to obtain insurance at commercially reasonable rates or may be faced with 
liabilities not covered by insurance such as, but not limited to, environmental contamination or terrorist attacks. We estimate our 
liabilities for known claims and unpaid claims and expenses based on information available as well as projections for claims 
incurred but not reported. However, insurance liabilities, some of which are self-insured, are difficult to estimate due to various 
factors. If any of our insurance policies or programs are not effective in mitigating our risks, we may incur losses that are not 
covered by our insurance policies, that are subject to deductibles, or that exceed our estimated accruals or our insurance policy limits 
which could adversely impact our business and results of operations. 

Changes in and compliance with environmental laws could adversely impact our financial results. 

Private lawsuits or enforcement actions by federal, state, provincial or foreign regulatory agencies may materially increase our costs. 
Certain environmental laws may make us potentially liable for the remediation of contamination at or emanating from our properties 
or facilities. Although we seek to obtain indemnities against liabilities relating to historical contamination at the facilities we own or 
operate, we cannot provide any assurance that we will not incur liabilities relating to the remediation of potential contamination, 
including contamination we did not cause. 

9 

 
 
Technological innovations by competitors may make existing products and production methods obsolete. 

All of the products that we manufacture and sell depend upon the best available technology for success in the marketplace. The 
industries in which we operate are characterized by intense competition and are highly sensitive to technological innovation and 
customer requirements. It is possible for competitors (both domestic and international) to develop products or production methods 
that will make current products or methods obsolete or at a minimum hasten their obsolescence; therefore, we cannot be certain that 
our competitors will not develop the expertise, experience and resources to provide products and services that are superior in both 
price and quality. Our future success will depend, in part, on our ability to anticipate and offer products that meet changing customer 
specifications. Failure to successfully develop new products, or to enhance existing products, could result in the loss of existing 
customers to competitors, the inability to attract new business or an overall reduction in our competitive position, any of which may 
adversely affect our business or results of operations. 

Catastrophic events could disrupt our business. 

The occurrence of catastrophic events, ranging from natural disasters to health epidemics, to acts of war and terrorism, could disrupt 
or delay our ability to operate our business and complete projects for our customers and could potentially expose us to third-party 
liability claims. We may declare the existence of a force majeure event under our contracts in certain situations, however a customer 
may dispute our force majeure claim, which may result in additional liabilities. Losses arising from such events may or may not be 
fully covered by our various insurance policies or may be subject to deductibles or exceed coverage limits. In addition, such events 
could result in temporary or long-term delays and/or cancellations of orders for raw materials from our suppliers which could impact 
our project execution. These situations or other disruptions are outside of our control and may adversely impact our business and 
results of operations. 

Unforeseen difficulties with expansions, relocations or consolidations of existing facilities could adversely affect our operations. 

From time to time we may decide to enter new markets, build or lease additional facilities, expand our existing facilities or relocate 
or consolidate one or more of our operations. Increased costs and production delays arising from the staffing, relocation, expansion 
or consolidation of our facilities could adversely affect our business and results of operations. 

Growth and product diversification through strategic acquisitions involves a number of risks. 

Our strategy includes the pursuit of growth and product diversification through the acquisition of companies or assets that will 
enable us to expand our geographic coverage and product and service offerings. We periodically review potential acquisitions; 
however, we may be unable to successfully implement this strategy. Acquisitions involve certain risks, including difficulties in the 
integration  of  operations  and  systems;  failure  to  realize  cost  savings;  the  termination  of  relationships  by  key  personnel  and 
customers  of  the  acquired  company  and  a  failure  to  add  additional  employees  to  handle  the  increased  volume  of  business. 
Additionally, financial and accounting challenges and complexities in areas such as valuation, tax planning, treasury management 
and financial reporting from our acquisitions may impact our operating results. Due diligence may not be adequate or reveal all risks 
and challenges associated with our acquisitions. Companies that we acquire may not achieve revenues, profitability or cash flows 
that we expected, or that ultimately justify the investment. It is possible that impairment charges resulting from the overpayment for 
an acquisition may negatively impact our results of operations. Financing for acquisitions may require us to obtain additional equity 
or debt financing which may not be available on attractive terms, if at all or which may be restricted under the terms of our credit 
facilities or other financing arrangements. Any failure to successfully complete or successfully integrate acquisitions could have a 
material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. 

Provisions of our charter documents or Delaware law could delay or prevent an acquisition of our company, even if the 
acquisition would be beneficial to our stockholders, and could make it more difficult to change management. 

Because we are governed by Delaware law, we are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation 
Law. These provisions prohibit a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a business combination with an interested 
stockholder, generally a person who, together with its affiliates, owns, or within the last three years has owned, 15% of our voting 
stock, for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder, unless the 
business combination is approved in a prescribed manner. 

In addition, provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws may discourage, delay or prevent a merger, acquisition or 
other change in control that stockholders might otherwise consider favorable, including transactions in which stockholders might 
otherwise receive a premium for their shares. These provisions may frustrate or prevent any attempt by our stockholders to replace 
or remove our current management by making it more difficult to replace or remove our board of directors. 

10 

 
 
Our stock price could decline or fluctuate significantly due to unforeseen circumstances. These fluctuations may cause our 
stockholders to incur losses. 

Our stock price could fluctuate or decline due to a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the risks factors described herein, 
the timing and cancellation of projects, changes in our estimated costs to complete projects, investors' opinions of the sectors and 
markets in which we operate or failure of our operating results to meet the expectations of securities analysts or investors which 
could reduce investor confidence. These factors could adversely affect our business and operating results, and the trading price of 
our common stock could decline significantly. 

Obtaining surety bonds, letters of credit, bank guarantees, or other financial assurances, may be necessary for us to successfully 
bid on and obtain certain contracts. 

We are often required to provide our customers security for the performance of their projects in the form of surety bonds, letters of 
credit or other financial assurances. Our continued ability to obtain surety bonds, letters of credit or other financial assurances will 
depend on our capitalization, working capital, past performance. We are also dependent on the overall bonding capacity, pricing and 
terms available in the surety markets. As such, we cannot guarantee our ability to maintain a sufficient level of bonding capacity in 
the future. The restriction, reduction or termination of our surety bond agreements could limit our ability to bid on new opportunities 
or increase our letter of credit utilization in lieu of surety bonds, thereby reducing availability under our credit facilities, which could 
have an adverse impact on our business and results of operations. 

Failure to remain in compliance with covenants or obtain waivers or amendments under our credit agreement could adversely 
impact our business. 

Our  credit  agreement  contains  various  financial  covenants  and  restrictions,  which  are  described  in  Note  F  of  the  Notes  to 
Consolidated Financial Statements. Our ability to remain in compliance with such financial covenants and restrictions may be 
affected  by  factors  beyond  our  control,  including  general  or  industry-specific  economic  downturns.  If  we  fail  to  remain  in 
compliance with such covenants and restrictions, absent a modification or waiver, this could result in an event of default under the 
credit agreement. Among other things, the occurrence of an event of default could limit our ability to obtain additional financing or 
result in acceleration of outstanding amounts under the credit agreement or a termination of the agreement, any of which could have 
an adverse impact on our liquidity, business and results of operations. 

Failures or weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting could adversely affect our ability to report on our 
financial condition and results of operations accurately and/or on a timely basis. 

We are required to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which requires, among other things, an assessment 
by our  management of our internal control over financial reporting. Preparing our financial statements involves a number of 
complex processes,  many of  which are performed  manually and are  dependent  upon individual data  input or review. We are 
continually working to maintain and strengthen our internal controls over financial reporting, however, any system of controls has 
limitations, including the possibility of human error, the circumvention or overriding of  controls and/or fraud. Our failure to 
maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting could adversely affect our ability to report our financial results on a 
timely and accurate basis, which could result in a loss of investor confidence in our financial reports or have an adverse impact on 
our business and results of operations. 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments 

None. 

Item 2. Properties 

We own our principal manufacturing and fabrication facilities and periodically lease smaller facilities throughout the U.S., Canada 
and the U.K. Our facilities are generally located in areas that are readily accessible to materials and labor pools and are maintained 
in good condition. These facilities are expected to meet our needs for the foreseeable future. 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our principal locations as of September 30, 2017, are as follows: 

Location 

Houston, TX 

Houston, TX 

Houston, TX 

North Canton, OH 

Northlake, IL 

Bradford, U.K. 

Acheson, Alberta, Canada 

Description 

Acres 

Corporate office and manufacturing facility 

Office and manufacturing facility 

Office, fabrication facility and yard 

Office and manufacturing facility 

Office and manufacturing facility 

Office and manufacturing facility 

Office and manufacturing facility 

21.4   
53.4   
63.3   
8.0   
10.0   
7.9   
20.1   

Approximate 
Square Footage 
428,515  
290,554  
82,320  
115,200  
103,500  
129,200  
330,168  

In Fiscal 2015, we completed the expansion of our Acheson, Alberta, Canada facility. The expansion cost approximately $26 
million, funded by cash on hand, and increased the manufacturing capacity of that facility by approximately 144,000 square feet. 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings 

We  are  involved  in  various  legal  proceedings,  claims  and  other  disputes  arising  from  our  commercial  operations,  projects, 
employees and other matters which, in general, are subject to uncertainties and in which the outcomes are not predictable. These 
legal proceedings and claims may not be covered by our insurance policies or may exceed our policy limits. Although we can give 
no assurances about the outcome of pending legal proceedings, claims and other disputes, we do not believe that the ultimate 
conclusion of these disputes could materially affect our results of operations, cash flow and financial position. 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 

Not applicable. 

12 

 
 
 
 
 
PART II 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 

Price Range of Common Stock 

Our common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Market (NASDAQ) under the symbol “POWL.” The following table sets forth, 
for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices per share as reported on the NASDAQ for our common stock. 

Fiscal 2016: 

First Quarter ................................................................................................................................  

$ 

Second Quarter ............................................................................................................................  

Third Quarter ...............................................................................................................................  

Fourth Quarter .............................................................................................................................  

Fiscal 2017: 

First Quarter ................................................................................................................................  

$ 

Second Quarter ............................................................................................................................  

Third Quarter ...............................................................................................................................  

Fourth Quarter .............................................................................................................................  

High 

Low 

35.89     $ 
30.41    
39.47    
41.10    

46.68     $ 
40.00    
35.58    
33.47    

25.99  
23.00  
26.22  
34.40  

34.81  
30.86  
31.12  
27.28  

As of December 1, 2017, the closing price of our common stock on the NASDAQ was $28.53per share. As of December 1, 2017, 
there were 308 stockholders of record of our common stock. All common stock held in street names are recorded in the Company’s 
stock register as being held by one stockholder. 

See “Part III, Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” of this 
Annual Report for information regarding securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans. 

Dividend Policy 

In November 2013, our Board of Directors (the Board) elected to begin the payments of quarterly cash dividends. We paid $11.9 
million and $11.8 million in dividends in Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016, respectively. The Board anticipates declaring cash dividends 
in future quarters; however, there is no assurance as to future dividends or their amounts because they depend on future earnings, 
capital requirements, financial condition and debt covenants.   

13 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
Performance Graph 

The following Performance Graph and related information shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC, 
nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or Securities Act of 
1934, each as amended, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference into such filing. 

The following graph compares, for the period from October 1, 2012 to September 30, 2017, the cumulative stockholder return on 
our common stock with the cumulative total return on the NASDAQ Market Index and the Industrial Electrical Equipment Group (a 
select group of peer companies – Altra Industrial Motion Corp.; Ameresco, Inc.; AZZ Inc.; Belden Inc.; Daktronics Inc.; Electro 
Scientific Industries, Inc.; EnerSys;  Franklin Electric Co, Inc.; Littelfuse Inc.; LSI Industries Inc.; Preformed Line Products; A O 
Smith Corporation and Woodward, Inc.). The comparison assumes that $100 was invested on October 1, 2012, in our common 
stock, the NASDAQ Market Index and the Industrial Electrical Equipment Group, and that all dividends were re-invested. The stock 
price performance reflected on the following graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance. 

14 

 
 
 
 
Item 6. Selected Financial Data 

The selected financial data shown below for the past five years was derived from our audited financial statements, adjusted for 
discontinuing operations. The historical results are not necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected in the future. 
The selected financial data should be read in conjunction with “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial 
Condition and Results of Operations” and the consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual 
Report. 

Years ended September 30, 

2017 

2016 

2015 

2014 

2013 

(In thousands, except per share data) 

Statement of Operations: 
Revenues ......................................................................................  $  395,911     $  565,243     $  661,858     $  647,814     $  640,867  
502,375  
Cost of goods sold ........................................................................   345,142    
522,340    
138,492  
50,769    
125,474    
Gross profit ..................................................................................  
79,707  
61,524    
87,756    
Selling, general and administrative expenses ...............................  
7,615  
6,906    
7,608    
Research and development expenses ...........................................  
1,659  
355    
779    
Amortization of intangible assets .................................................  
3,927  
1,322    
—    
Restructuring and separation expenses.........................................  
45,584  
29,331    
(19,338 )  
—    
—    
(1,709 ) 
—  
(2,029 )  
(1,522 )  
167  
165    
(390 )  
47,126  
30,688    
7,387  
11,068    
39,739  
19,620    
2,337  
9,604    
9,439     $  29,224     $  42,076  

Operating income .........................................................................  
Gain on settlement .......................................................................  
Other income ................................................................................  
Interest expense (net) ...................................................................  

459,038    
106,205    
74,924    
6,731    
352    
8,441    
15,757    
—    
(2,029 )  
(7 )  
17,793    
2,283    
15,510    
—    

553,597    
108,261    
76,801    
6,980    
435    
3,397    
20,648    
—    
(2,402 )  
59    
22,991    
13,552    
9,439    
—    

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes ...  
Income tax provision (benefit) (1) ...............................................  

Income (loss) from continuing operations ....................................  
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax (2) ...................  

Net income (loss) .........................................................................  $ 

(9,486 )   $  15,510     $ 

(16,919 )  
(7,433 )  

(9,486 )  
—    

Earnings (Loss) per share: 

Continuing operations .................................................................  
Discontinued operations ..............................................................   —    
Basic earnings (loss) per share ....................................................  

$ 

$ 

(0.83 )   $ 

(0.83 )   $ 

1.36     $ 
—    
1.36     $ 

0.80     $ 
—    
0.80     $ 

1.63     $ 
0.80    
2.43     $ 

3.32  
0.20  
3.52  

Continuing operations .................................................................  
Discontinued operations ..............................................................   —    
Diluted earnings (loss) per share .................................................  

3.32  
0.19  
3.51  
(1) For an explanation of the effective tax rate for the last three fiscal years, see Note H of the Notes to Consolidated Financial 
Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report. 

1.62     $ 
0.80    
2.42     $ 

1.36     $ 
—    
1.36     $ 

0.79     $ 
—    
0.79     $ 

(0.83 )   $ 

(0.83 )   $ 

$ 

$ 

(2) On January 15, 2014, we sold our wholly-owned subsidiary Transdyn Inc. to a global provider of electronic toll collection 
systems headquartered in Vienna, Austria. 

Years ended September 30, 

2017 

2016 

2015 

2014 

2013 

Balance Sheet Data: 
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments (3) ................  $ 
Property, plant and equipment, net ...............................................   139,420    
Total assets ...................................................................................   414,986    
2,000    
Long-term debt, including current maturities ...............................  
Total stockholders' equity .............................................................   321,296    
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity ......................................   414,986    
11,875    
Dividends paid on common stock ................................................  

95,188     $  97,720     $  43,569     $  103,118     $  107,411  
144,495  
154,594    
530,903  
468,824    
3,616  
2,800    
355,226  
333,262    
530,903  
468,824    
—  
12,358    

156,896    
541,443    
3,200    
371,097    
541,443    
11,998    

144,977    
462,516    
2,400    
335,317    
462,516    
11,845    

(In thousands) 

15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3) We also have current and non-current restricted cash totaling $24.9 million as of September 30, 2017. For further discussion on 
our restricted cash, see Note F of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

16 

 
 
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the 
accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes. Any forward-looking statements made by or on our behalf are 
made pursuant to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Readers are cautioned that 
such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and the actual results may differ materially from those projected in 
the forward-looking statements. For a description of the risks and uncertainties, please see “Cautionary Statement Regarding 
Forward-Looking Statements; Risk Factors” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors” included elsewhere in this Annual Report. 

Overview 

We develop, design, manufacture and service custom-engineered equipment and systems for the distribution, control and monitoring 
of  electrical  energy.  Headquartered  in  Houston,  Texas,  we  serve  the  oil  and  gas  refining,  onshore  and  offshore  oil  and  gas 
production, petrochemical, pipeline, terminal, mining and metals, light rail traction power, electric utility, pulp and paper and other 
heavy industrial markets. Revenues and costs are primarily related to custom engineered-to-order equipment and systems and are 
accounted  for  under  percentage-of-completion  accounting  which  precludes  us  from  providing  detailed  price  and  volume 
information. Our backlog includes various projects that typically take a number of months to produce. 

The markets in which we participate are capital intensive and cyclical in nature. Cyclicality is predominantly driven by customer 
demand, global economic conditions and anticipated environmental, safety or regulatory changes that affect the manner in which our 
customers proceed with capital investments. Our customers analyze various factors including the demand and price for oil, gas and 
electrical energy, the overall economic and financial environment, governmental budgets, regulatory actions and environmental 
concerns.  These  factors  influence  the  release  of  new  capital  projects  by  our  customers,  which  are  traditionally  awarded  in 
competitive bid situations. Scheduling of projects is matched to the customer requirements and projects typically take a number of 
months to produce. Schedules may change during the course of any particular project and our operating results can therefore be 
impacted by factors outside of our control. 

Due to the significant decline in oil and gas prices from late 2014 levels, many of our customers have reduced their capital budgets 
and cut costs, and in certain instances have delayed or cancelled projects that we were pursuing. As a result, our revenues and 
project backlog have declined, and may continue to decline, which may further negatively impact our operations. In response to our 
reduced project backlog and the challenging market outlook in our core oil, gas and petrochemical markets, we took steps in Fiscal 
2016, and have taken additional actions in Fiscal 2017, to reduce our overall cost structure and better align our costs with current 
and future production requirements. 

Results of Operations 

Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared to Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2016  

Revenue and Gross Profit 

Revenues decreased 30%, or $169.3 million, to $395.9 million in Fiscal 2017, compared to Fiscal 2016, primarily due to the 
continued decrease in our project backlog as we complete existing projects and continue to see lower demand from our customers in 
our  core  oil,  gas  and  petrochemical  markets. Domestic  revenues  decreased  31%,  or  $126.0  million,  to  $279.3  million  and 
international revenues decreased 27%, or $43.4 million, to $116.6 million in Fiscal 2017, compared to Fiscal 2016. This reduction in 
geographic revenues year over year was primarily driven by the decline in our project backlog mentioned above. Revenues from 
commercial and industrial customers decreased 39%, or $164.9 million, to $254.2 million in Fiscal 2017, compared to Fiscal 2016, 
primarily due to lower demand in our core oil, gas and petrochemical markets. Revenues from public and private utilities decreased 
17%, or $17.5 million, to $84.4 million in Fiscal 2017, compared to Fiscal 2016. Revenues from municipal and transit projects 
increased 30%, or $13.1 million, to $57.3 million in Fiscal 2017, compared to Fiscal 2016 due to the timing of certain projects. 

Gross profit decreased 52%, or $55.4 million, to $50.8 million in Fiscal 2017, compared to Fiscal 2016. Gross profit as a percentage 
of revenues decreased to 13% in Fiscal 2017 compared to 19% in Fiscal 2016. Gross profit and margins continued to be negatively 
impacted by our reduced volume resulting in under absorption of our manufacturing facility costs and a shift in our project mix to 
smaller projects which typically have lower margins. This decline in volume and margins is primarily due to a decline in our project 
backlog  resulting  from  depressed  market  conditions  and  competitive  pricing  pressures  primarily  in  our  core  oil,  gas  and 
petrochemical markets. Gross profit margins were negatively impacted by execution challenges on certain municipal transit projects 
and operating inefficiencies associated with the increased volume from municipal transit projects. The municipal transit market is 
price competitive and projects typically yield lower margins. 

17 

 
 
 
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses 

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 18%, or $13.4 million, to $61.5 million in Fiscal 2017, compared to Fiscal 
2016, primarily due to the cost reduction efforts we took in Fiscal 2016 in response to our adverse market outlook as well as lower 
incentive compensation expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of revenues, increased to 16% in 
Fiscal 2017 compared to 13% in Fiscal 2016, primarily due to the reduction in revenue discussed above. 

Restructuring and Separation Expenses 

In Fiscal 2017, we incurred $1.3 million in separation and restructuring costs, compared to $8.4 million in Fiscal 2016. In Fiscal 
2017, we continued to reduce our overall cost structure to better align our costs with current and future production requirements. The 
separation  and  restructuring  costs  incurred  in  Fiscal  2016  were  due  to  the  realignment  of  our  senior  management  team  and 
workforce reductions as a result of our adverse market outlook and reduction in project backlog. 

Other Income 

We recorded other income of $2.0 million in both Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016, which was the amortization of the deferred gain from 
the amended supply agreement, which will be fully amortized at December 31, 2017. See Note E of the Notes to Consolidated 
Financial Statements.   

Income Tax Provision 

We recorded an income tax benefit of $7.4 million in Fiscal 2017, compared to the income tax provision of $2.3 million we recorded 
in Fiscal 2016. The effective tax rate for Fiscal 2017 was 44% compared to an effective tax rate of 13% for Fiscal 2016. The 
effective tax rates for both Fiscal 2017 and 2016 were favorably impacted by the lower tax rate in the U.K., the relative amounts of 
income/loss recognized in various jurisdictions, as well as the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards in Canada that are fully 
reserved with a valuation allowance. Additionally, the effective tax rates for both Fiscal 2017 and 2016 were favorably impacted by 
discrete items recognized, primarily related to the Research and Development Tax Credit (R&D Tax Credit), in the amounts of $0.9 
million and $0.8 million, respectively. See Note H of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.   

Net Income 

In Fiscal 2017, we recorded a net loss of $9.5 million, or $0.83 per diluted share, a decrease from net income of $15.5 million, or 
$1.36 per diluted share that we recorded in Fiscal 2016. The reduction in net income compared to the prior year was primarily due to 
a decline in our project backlog due to depressed market conditions and competitive pricing pressures, primarily in our core oil, gas 
and petrochemical markets. 

Backlog 

Our backlog includes various projects, some of which are petrochemical, oil and gas construction and transportation infrastructure 
projects which take a number of months to produce. The order backlog at September 30, 2017 was $250.1 million, compared to 
$291.4 million at September 30, 2016. New orders placed in Fiscal 2017 totaled $355.1 million, compared to $417.5 million in 
Fiscal 2016. This decrease in orders was primarily due to lower demand from our customers in our core oil, gas and petrochemical 
markets. 

Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2016 Compared to Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2015 

Revenue and Gross Profit 

Revenues decreased 15%, or $96.6 million, to $565.2 in Fiscal 2016, compared to  Fiscal 2015, primarily due to the continued 
decrease in our project backlog as we continued to see lower demand from our customers in the oil and gas markets. Domestic 
revenues decreased 15%, or $69.4 million, to $405.3 million and international revenues decreased 15%, or $27.2 million, to $159.9 
million in Fiscal 2016, compared to Fiscal 2015. These decreases were due to the overall reduction in revenues year over year 
primarily driven by the decline in backlog resulting from lower demand from our customers in the oil and gas markets. Revenues 
from commercial and industrial customers decreased 20%, or $105.4 million, to $419.1 million in Fiscal 2016, compared to Fiscal 
2015, primarily from lower demand from our customers in the oil and gas markets. Revenues from public and private utilities 
increased 20%, or $16.8 million, to $101.9 million in Fiscal 2016, compared to Fiscal 2015. Revenues from municipal and transit 
projects decreased 15%, or $8.0 million, to $44.2 million in Fiscal 2016, compared to Fiscal 2015. 

Gross profit decreased 2%, or $2.1 million, to $106.2 million in Fiscal 2016, compared to Fiscal 2015. Gross profit as a percentage 
of revenues increased to 19% in Fiscal 2016 compared to 16% in Fiscal 2015, primarily due to improvements in our international 
operations.  The  improvements  in  gross  profit  and  gross  profit  as  a  percentage  of  revenues  were  primarily  due  to  improved 

18 

 
efficiencies in project execution at our Canadian operations as the implementation of our project-based integration model has been 
completed in Canada. Our Canadian operations also overcame the operational challenges and cost overruns that occurred in previous 
years from their expansion and relocation into our new Canadian facility. Additionally, gross profit at our U.K. operations improved 
due to project execution. The increase in gross profit from our international operations was partially offset by a decline in gross 
profit from our domestic operations as margins were negatively impacted primarily by our reduced volume as a result of weak oil 
and gas market conditions and cost overruns related to a large U.S.-based transit project. 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses 

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 2%, or $1.9 million, to $74.9 million in Fiscal 2016, compared to Fiscal 
2015. Selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of revenues, increased slightly to 13% in Fiscal 2016 compared 
to 12% in Fiscal 2015, primarily due to the reduction in revenue year over year and the reduction in personnel as a result of the 
restructuring efforts discussed below. 

Restructuring and Separation Expenses 

In Fiscal 2016, we incurred $8.4 million in separation and restructuring costs, compared to $3.4 million in Fiscal 2015. This increase 
in Fiscal 2016 was primarily due to separation costs we incurred from our continued efforts to align our workforce with future 
production requirements, the departure of our former Chief Executive Officer in December 2015, as well as additional costs related 
to a leased Canadian facility that we exited in the third quarter of Fiscal 2015 and that has now been sublet through the remaining 
term of the lease. 

Other Income 

We recorded other income of $2.0 million in Fiscal 2016, compared to $2.4 million in Fiscal 2015. The $2.0 million in Fiscal 2016 
was the amortization of the deferred gain from the amended supply agreement, discussed in Note E of the Notes to Consolidated 
Financial Statements. In Fiscal 2015, in addition to the amortization of the gain from the amended supply agreement, we also 
recorded a $0.4 million death benefit received from our company-owned life insurance policy. 

Income Tax Provision 

Our provision for income taxes was $2.3 million in Fiscal 2016, compared to $13.6 million in Fiscal 2015.  The effective tax rate for 
Fiscal 2016 was 13% compared to an effective tax rate of 59% for Fiscal 2015. The effective tax rate for Fiscal 2016 was favorably 
impacted by $1.4 million due to the lower statutory tax rates in the U.K. and Canada and the relative amounts of income earned in 
those jurisdictions, as well as the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards of $1.9 million in Canada that are fully reserved 
with a valuation allowance. Additionally, the effective tax rate for Fiscal 2016 was favorably impacted by a $0.8 million discrete 
item recorded in the first quarter of Fiscal 2016 related to the retroactive reinstatement of the R&D Tax Credit for the previously 
expired period from January 1, 2015 to September 30, 2015. The effective tax rate in Fiscal 2015 was above the combined U.S. 
federal and state statutory rate as no tax benefit was recorded against Canadian pre-tax losses due to the $9.0 million valuation 
allowance recorded in Fiscal 2015, partially offset by the resolution of an IRS audit and the retroactive reinstatement of the R&D 
Tax Credit for the second through fourth quarters of Fiscal 2014. See Note H of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Net Income 

In Fiscal 2016, we recorded net income of $15.5 million, or $1.36 per diluted share, which increased from net income of $9.4 
million, or $0.79 per diluted share that we recorded in Fiscal 2015. This increase in net income was due to the reduction in income 
tax provision in Fiscal 2016 compared to Fiscal 2015, which was favorably impacted by the income from our Canadian and U.K. 
operations in Fiscal 2016 and the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards discussed above. 

Backlog 

Our backlog includes various projects, some of which are petrochemical, oil and gas construction and transportation infrastructure 
projects which take a number of months to produce. The order backlog at September 30, 2016 was $291.4 million, compared to 
$441.4 million at September 30, 2015. New orders placed in Fiscal 2016 totaled $417.5 million, compared to $606.8 million in 
Fiscal 2015. This decrease in orders was primarily due to lower demand from our customers in the oil and gas markets. 

Liquidity and Capital Resources 

As of September 30, 2017, current assets exceeded current liabilities by 2.9 times and our debt to total capitalization was 0.62%. 

19 

 
 
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments decreased to $95.2 million at September 30, 2017, compared to $97.7 million at 
September 30, 2016. In addition, at September 30, 2017, we had restricted cash of $24.9 million held in a pledged collateral account 
related to our amended credit agreement. As of September 30, 2016, we did not have any cash balances classified as restricted. For 
further information regarding our amended credit agreement, see Note F of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

We have a $75.0 million revolving credit facility in the U.S, and as of September 30, 2017, there were no amounts borrowed under 
this line of credit. Total letters of credit outstanding under our U.S. credit facility, which reduce our availability, were $24.1 million 
at September 30, 2017 and $26.8 million at September 30, 2016. The amount available under the U.S. revolving credit facility at 
September 30, 2017 was $50.9 million. Total long-term debt, including current maturities, totaled $2.0 million at September 30, 
2017, compared to $2.4 million at September 30, 2016. For further information regarding our debt, see Notes F and G of Notes to 
Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Approximately  $36  million  of  our  cash  and  short-term  investments  at  September 30,  2017  was  held  outside  of  the  U.S.  for 
international operations. It is our intention to indefinitely reinvest all current and future foreign earnings internationally in order to 
ensure sufficient working capital to support our international operations. In the event that we elect to repatriate some or all of the 
foreign earnings that were previously deemed to be indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S., under current tax laws we would incur 
additional tax expense upon such repatriation. 

We believe that cash and short-term investments available and borrowing capacity under our existing credit facility should be 
sufficient to finance future operating activities, capital improvements and debt repayments for the foreseeable future. We continue to 
monitor the factors that drive our markets and will continue to strive to maintain our leadership and competitive advantage in the 
markets we serve while aligning our cost structures with market conditions. 

Operating Activities 

During Fiscal 2017, net cash provided by operating activities was $36.8 million. During Fiscal 2016, net cash provided by operating 
activities was $74.9 million and in Fiscal 2015, net cash provided by operating activities was $12.9 million. Cash flow from 
operations is primarily influenced by the timing of  milestone  payments  from our customers and the payment terms  with our 
suppliers,  and  is  favorably  impacted  during  a  down  cycle  as  project  milestones  are  billed  and  collected  as  projects  are 
completed. Cash flow from operations declined during Fiscal 2017 compared to Fiscal 2016 primarily as a result of our decrease in 
operating income and the payments of prior year accrued bonuses and commissions. Cash flow from operations in Fiscal 2017 was 
favorably impacted by the collection of accounts receivable and the reduction in inventories during our down cycle in project 
activity. During Fiscal 2016, our cash provided by operations increased over Fiscal 2015 primarily due to our ability  to reduce 
working capital as projects were completed and payments on contracts were received. 

Investing Activities 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment during Fiscal 2017 totaled $3.6 million compared to $3.0 million and $34.7 million in 
Fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. The reduction in capital spending in Fiscal 2017 and 2016 was in response to our challenging 
market conditions. The $34.7 million spent in Fiscal 2015 was primarily due to the completion of the expansion of our Canadian 
facilities. During Fiscal 2017, we invested a net $26.8 million in short term investments and reclassified $24.9 million as restricted 
cash for pledged collateral as stipulated by our amended credit agreement. 

Financing Activities 

Net cash used in financing activities was $12.7 million in Fiscal 2017, $17.4 million in Fiscal 2016 and $34.9 in Fiscal 2015 and 
includes approximately $12 million of dividends paid in each of the three years. The reduction in financing activities from Fiscal 
2015 was primarily due to the completion of our share repurchase program in December 2015 which is discussed below. 

Share Repurchase Program 

On December 17, 2014, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program which allowed us to repurchase up to $25 
million of our outstanding stock. The purchases were made from time to time in the open market through Rule 10b5-1 trading plans 
in accordance  with applicable laws, rules and regulations. The repurchase of shares  was funded from cash on  hand and cash 
provided by operating activities. The share repurchase program expired on December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2015, we had 
purchased 806,018 shares at an aggregate cost of $25 million under this program. The average purchase price per share from 
inception of the program until its expiration was $31.02. 

20 

 
Contractual and Other Obligations 

At  September 30,  2017,  our  long-term  contractual  obligations  were  limited  to  debt  and  leases.  The  table  below  details  our 
commitments by type of obligation, including interest if applicable, and the period that the payment will become due (in thousands). 

As of September 30, 2017, 
Payments Due by Period: 

Long-Term Debt 
Obligations 

Net Operating 
Lease Obligations 

Total 

Less than 1 year ..............................................................................  $ 
1 to 3 years ......................................................................................  

3 to 5 years ......................................................................................  

More than 5 years ...........................................................................  

Total long-term contractual obligations ..........................................  $ 

419     $ 

1,229    
400    
—    
2,048     $ 

1,890     $ 
3,580    
3,510    
1,172    
10,152     $ 

2,309  
4,809  
3,910  
1,172  
12,200  

As of September 30, 2017, the total unrecognized tax benefit related to uncertain tax positions was $1.2 million. We estimate that 
none of this will be paid within the next 12 months. However, we believe that it is reasonably possible that within the next 12 
months,  the  total  unrecognized  tax  benefits  will  decrease  by  approximately  11%  due  to  the  expiration  of  certain  statutes  of 
limitations or resolution of tax audits. We are unable to make reasonably reliable estimates regarding the timing of future cash 
outflows, if any, associated with the remaining unrecognized tax benefits. 

Other Commercial Commitments 

We are contingently liable for secured and unsecured letters of credit of $28.5 million as of September 30, 2017. 

The following table reflects potential cash outflows that may result in the event that we are unable to perform under our contracts (in 
thousands): 

As of September 30, 2017, 
Payments Due by Period: 
Less than 1 year .................................................................................................................................................  $ 

1 to 3 years ........................................................................................................................................................  

More than 3 years ..............................................................................................................................................  

Total long-term commercial obligations ...........................................................................................................  $ 

Letters of 
Credit 

17,143  
7,739  
3,619  
28,501  

We also had performance and maintenance bonds totaling $218.8 million that were outstanding at September 30, 2017. Performance 
and maintenance bonds are primarily used to guarantee our contract performance to our customers. 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements 

We had no off-balance sheet arrangements during the periods presented. 

Outlook 

The markets in which we participate are capital-intensive and cyclical in nature. Cyclicality is predominantly driven by customer 
demand, global economic conditions and anticipated environmental or regulatory changes which affect the manner in which our 
customers proceed with capital investments. Our customers analyze various factors including the demand and price for oil, gas and 
electrical energy, the overall economic and financial environment, governmental budgets, regulatory actions and environmental 
concerns.  These  factors  influence  the  release  of  new  capital  projects  by  our  customers,  which  are  traditionally  awarded  in 
competitive bid situations. Scheduling of projects is matched to customer requirements.  Projects typically take a number of months 
to produce, and schedules may change during the course of any particular project. 

A significant portion of our revenues have historically been from the oil, gas and petrochemical markets. Unfavorable oil and gas 
commodity price levels have caused, and we anticipate will continue to cause, our customers to further delay their investments. The 
reduction in available projects across the markets we serve has increased price pressures during this downward market cycle. This 
reduction in new business opportunities and increased market price pressures have impacted, and will continue to negatively impact, 
our backlog, revenues and operating results. It is difficult to predict the duration of the current depressed market cycle. 

21 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our operating results have been, and we anticipate will continue to be, negatively impacted by factors such as the timing of new 
order awards, customer approval of final engineering and design specifications and delays in customer construction schedules, all of 
which have and will continue to have, a negative impact on the timing of project execution. Our operating results also have been, 
and will continue to be, impacted by the timing and resolution of change orders, project close-out and resolution of potential 
contract claims and liquidated damages, all of which could improve or deteriorate gross margins during the period in which these 
items are resolved with our customers. These factors may result in periods of underutilization of our resources and facilities and 
negatively impact our ability to cover our fixed costs. If our core oil, gas and petrochemical markets remain depressed, or decline 
further, our project backlog and revenue could continue to decline and negatively impact our operations. In response to our reduced 
project backlog and depressed market outlook, we took steps these past two fiscal years to reduce our overall cost structure and 
better align our costs with future production requirements. We continue to assess our cost structure, operating performance and 
service offerings as the oil, gas and petrochemical markets remain challenging and uncertain. During Fiscal 2018, additional actions 
may be necessary. 

We believe that our strong working capital position, cash available, low debt position and borrowing capacity under our existing 
credit facility should be sufficient to finance future operating activities, research and development initiatives, capital improvements 
and debt repayments for the foreseeable future. We continue to monitor the factors that drive our markets and will continue to strive 
to maintain our leadership and competitive advantage in the markets we serve while aligning our cost structures with market 
conditions. 

Effects of Inflation 

We are subject to inflation, which can cause increases in our costs of raw materials, primarily copper, aluminum and steel. Fixed-
price contracts can limit our ability to pass these increases to our customers, thus negatively impacting our earnings. The inflation in 
commodity prices could potentially impact our operations in future years. 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United 
States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, 
revenues and expenses and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on 
various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates. 
We believe the following accounting policies and estimates to be critical in the preparation and reporting of our consolidated 
financial statements. 

For the year ended September 30, 2017, our operating loss was reduced by $3.5 million as a result of changes in contract estimates 
related to projects in progress at the beginning of the year. These changes in estimates resulted primarily from, among other things, 
successful execution and close-out improvements, as well as other changes in facts and circumstances during these periods. 

Revenue Recognition 

Our revenues are primarily generated from the engineering and manufacturing of custom products under long-term contracts that 
may last from one month to several years, depending on the contract. Revenues from long-term contracts are recognized on the 
percentage-of-completion method of accounting. 

Under the percentage-of-completion method of accounting, revenues are recognized as work is performed. The revenue earned to 
date is calculated by multiplying the total contract price by the percentage of performance to date, which is based on total costs or 
total labor dollars incurred to date compared to the total estimated costs or total labor dollars estimated at completion. The method 
used to determine the percentage of completion is typically the cost method, unless the labor method is a more accurate method of 
measuring the  progress of the project. 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. Contract costs include all direct material costs, direct labor 
costs and those indirect costs related to contract performance, such as indirect labor, supplies, tools, repairs and all costs associated 
with operation of equipment. The cost estimation process is based upon the professional knowledge and experience of our engineers, 
project managers and financial professionals. Factors that are considered in estimating the work to be completed and ultimate 
contract recovery include the availability and productivity of labor, the nature and complexity of the work to be performed, the effect 
of change orders, the availability of materials, the effect of any delays on our project performance and the recoverability of any 
claims. Changes in job performance, job conditions, estimated profitability and final contract settlements, including our estimate of 
liquidated damages, if any, may result in revisions to costs and income, with their effects being recognized in the period in which the 
revisions are determined. Whenever revisions of estimated contract costs and contract values indicate that the contract costs will 
exceed estimated revenues, thus creating a loss, a provision for the total estimated loss is recorded in that period. 

22 

 
 
Revenues associated with maintenance, repair and service contracts are recognized when the services are performed. Expenses 
related to these types of services are recognized as incurred. 

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts also include certain costs associated with unapproved 
change orders. These costs are included when change order approval is probable. Amounts are carried at the lower of cost or net 
realizable value. Revenue is recognized to the extent of costs incurred when recovery is probable. The amounts recorded involve the 
use of judgments and estimates; thus, actual recoverable amounts could differ from original assumptions. 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts 

We  maintain and continually  assess the  adequacy of an allowance for doubtful accounts representing our estimate for losses 
resulting from the inability of our customers to pay amounts due to us. This estimated allowance is based on historical experience of 
uncollected accounts, the level of past due accounts, the overall level of outstanding accounts receivable, information about specific 
customers with respect to their inability to make payments and expectations of future conditions that could impact the collectability 
of accounts receivable. However, future changes in our customers’ operating performance and cash flows, or in general economic 
conditions, could have an impact on their ability to fully pay these amounts, which, among other things, could have a material 
adverse impact on our operating results. 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets 

We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not 
be realizable. If an evaluation is required, the estimated future undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset are compared to the 
asset’s carrying amount to determine if recording an impairment of such asset is necessary. This requires us to make long-term 
forecasts of the future revenues and costs related to the assets subject to review. Forecasts require assumptions about demand for our 
products and future market conditions. Estimating future cash flows requires significant judgment, and our projections may vary 
from  cash  flows  eventually  realized.  Future  events  and  unanticipated  changes  to  assumptions  could  require  a  provision  for 
impairment in a future period. The effect of any impairment would be reflected in income (loss) from operations in the Consolidated 
Statements of Operations. In addition, we estimate the useful lives of our long-lived assets and other intangibles and periodically 
review these estimates to determine whether these lives are appropriate. 

Accruals for Contingent Liabilities 

From time to time, contingencies such as insurance-related claims, liquidated damages and legal claims arise in the normal course of 
business. Pursuant to applicable accounting standards, we must evaluate such contingencies to subjectively determine the likelihood 
that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred at the date of the financial statements, as well as evaluate whether the 
amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. If the likelihood is determined to be probable and it can be reasonably estimated, the 
estimated loss is recorded. The amounts we record for contingent liabilities require judgments regarding the amount of expenses that 
will ultimately be incurred. We use past experience and history, as well as the specific circumstances surrounding each contingent 
liability, including estimated legal costs, in evaluating the amount of liability that should be recorded. Actual results could differ 
from our estimates. 

Warranty Costs 

We provide for estimated warranty costs with the recognition of revenue based upon historical rates applicable to individual product 
lines. In addition, specific provisions are made when the costs of such warranties are expected to exceed accruals. Our standard 
terms and conditions of sale include a warranty for parts and service for the earlier of 18 months from the date of shipment or 12 
months from the date of energization, whichever occurs first. Occasionally projects require warranty terms which are longer than our 
standard terms due to the nature of the project. Extended warranty terms may be negotiated and included in our contracts. We use 
past experience and historical claims to determine the estimated liability. Actual results could differ from our estimate. 

Accounting for Income Taxes 

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, based on the income tax laws and rates in the countries in which 
operations are conducted and income is earned. This approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the 
expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. 
Developing our provision for income taxes requires significant judgment and expertise in federal, international and state income tax 
laws, regulations and strategies, including the determination of deferred tax assets and liabilities and, if necessary, any valuation 
allowances that may be required for deferred tax assets. In assessing the extent to which net deferred tax assets may be realized, we 
consider whether it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the net deferred tax assets may not be realized. The ultimate 

23 

 
realization of net deferred tax assets is dependent on the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those 
temporary differences become deductible. Due to the historical Canadian losses, and the losses that we projected at the time of 
determination, we were required under the more-likely-than-not accounting standard to record a valuation allowance against the 
Canadian net deferred tax assets because we anticipated that we may not be able to realize the benefits of the net operating loss 
carryforwards and other deductible differences. Estimates may change as new events occur, estimates of future taxable income 
during the carryforward period are reduced or increased, additional information becomes available or operating environments 
change, which may result in a full or partial reversal of the valuation allowance. We will continue to assess the adequacy of the 
valuation allowance on a quarterly basis. Our judgments and tax strategies are subject to audit by various taxing authorities. 

The objectives of accounting for income taxes are to recognize the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and 
deferred tax liabilities and assets for the  future tax consequences of events that have been  recognized in an entity’s financial 
statements or tax returns. We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax 
position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits 
recognized in the financial statements from such a position should be measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 
50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Accounting literature also provides guidance on derecognition of income 
tax assets and liabilities, classification of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities, accounting for interest and penalties 
associated with tax positions, and income tax disclosures. Judgment is required in assessing the future tax consequences of events 
that  have  been  recognized  in  our  financial  statements  or  tax  returns.  Variations  in  the  actual  outcome  of  these  future  tax 
consequences could materially impact our financial statements. 

See Note H of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for disclosures related to the valuation allowance recorded in relation to 
foreign deferred taxes. 

Foreign Currency Translation 

The functional currency for our foreign operating subsidiaries is the local currency in which the entity is located. The financial 
statements of all subsidiaries with a functional currency other than the U.S. Dollar have been translated into U.S. Dollars. All assets 
and liabilities of foreign operations are translated into U.S. Dollars using year-end exchange rates, and all revenues and expenses are 
translated at average rates during the respective period. The U.S. Dollar results that arise from such translation, as well as exchange 
gains and losses on intercompany balances of a long-term investment nature, are included in the cumulative currency translation 
adjustments in accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity. 

New Accounting Standards 

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a new standard on revenue recognition that supersedes 
previously issued revenue recognition guidance. This standard provides a five-step approach to be applied to all contracts with 
customers and requires expanded disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue (and the related cash 
flows) arising from customer contracts, significant judgments and changes in judgments used in applying the revenue model and the 
assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods 
within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017, which would be our fiscal year ending September 30, 2019. We plan to use 
the modified retrospective basis upon adoption. While we are still evaluating the potential impact of this standard on our financial 
statements, we believe accounting for variable consideration and the number of performance obligations contained in each contract 
will have the greatest significance. The materiality of this guidance on our financial statements will be determined in large part by 
the contracts that are in progress as of the adoption date. 

In November 2015, the FASB issued an amendment to the topic regarding income taxes which requires an entity to separate deferred 
income tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts in the statement of financial position. Deferred tax liabilities 
and assets are classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting.  
Deferred tax liabilities and assets that are not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting are classified according to the 
expected reversal date of the temporary difference. To simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes, the amendments require 
that  deferred  income  tax  liabilities  and  assets  be  classified  as  noncurrent  in  a  classified  statement  of  financial  position.  This 
amendment is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, which would be our fiscal year ending 
September 30, 2018. We have no plans for early adoption. We are still evaluating this new amendment, but we do not expect it to 
have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations. 

In February 2016, the FASB issued a new topic on leases which requires lessees to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the 
balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than twelve months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating,  with 
classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. A modified retrospective transition approach is 

24 

 
required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period 
presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The new topic is effective for fiscal years beginning 
after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, which would be our fiscal year ending September 30, 
2020. We are still evaluating the potential impact of this topic on our financial statements. Our future obligations under operating 
leases as of September 30, 2017 are summarized in Note G of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

In March 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on stock-based compensation, which includes amendments to existing guidance for 
employee  share-based  payment  accounting.  We  elected  to  early  adopt  this  new  guidance  in  the  first  quarter  of  Fiscal  2017.  
Beginning Fiscal 2017, stock-based compensation excess tax benefits or deficiencies are reflected in the Consolidated Statement of 
Operations as a component of income taxes, whereas they were previously recorded in additional paid in capital in the Consolidated 
Statement of Stockholders’ Equity. Additionally, we will now present excess tax benefits as an operating activity in the Consolidated 
Statements of Cash Flows. These changes have been adopted prospectively.  Finally, we will continue to account for forfeitures as 
they occur, rather than estimate expected forfeitures. 

In November 2016, the FASB issued new standards on the statement of cash flows and restricted cash that change the presentation 
of restricted cash and cash equivalents on  the  statement of  cash  flows. Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents  will 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. These standards are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 
2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years, which would be our fiscal year ending September 30, 2019. We have no plans 
for early adoption. We are still evaluating these  new standards, but  we do not expect them to have  a  material impact on our 
consolidated financial position or results of operations. 

In January 2017, the FASB issued new guidance on goodwill impairment intended to simplify the testing for goodwill impairment 
by the elimination of Step 2 in the determination on whether goodwill should be considered impaired. The annual and/or interim 
assessments are still required to be completed. This guidance is effective for fiscal years (including interim periods) beginning after 
December 15, 2019. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position 
or results of operations. 

In May 2017, the FASB issued a new topic on modification accounting with regards to stock based compensation. This new topic 
clarifies when a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award should be accounted for as a modification. An 
entity should account for the effects of a modification unless the fair value, vesting conditions and classification, as an equity 
instrument or a liability instrument, of the modified award are the same before and after a change to the terms or conditions of the 
share-based payment award. This topic is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, which would be 
our fiscal year ending September 30, 2018. We do not expect this topic to have a material impact on our consolidated financial 
position or results of operations. 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 

We are exposed to certain market risks arising from transactions we have entered into in the normal course of business. These risks 
primarily relate to fluctuations in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and commodity prices. 

Market Risk 

We are exposed to general market risk and its potential impact on accounts receivable or costs and estimated earnings in excess of 
billings on  uncompleted contracts. The amounts recorded may be at risk if our customers’ ability  to pay these obligations is 
negatively  impacted  by  economic  conditions.  Our  customers  and  their  industries  are  typically  engineering,  procurement  and 
construction firms, oil and gas refining, offshore oil and gas production, petrochemical, pipeline, terminal, mining and metals, light 
rail traction power, electric utility, pulp and paper and other heavy industrial customers. We maintain ongoing discussions with 
customers  regarding  contract  status  with  respect  to  payment  status,  change  orders  and  billing  terms  in  an  effort  to  monitor 
collections of amounts billed. 

Commodity Price Risk 

We are subject to market risk from fluctuating market prices of certain raw materials used in our products. While such materials are 
typically available from numerous suppliers, commodity raw materials are subject to price fluctuations. We attempt to pass along 
such commodity price increases to our customers on a contract-by-contract basis to avoid a negative effect on profit margin. While 
we may do so in the future, we have not currently entered into any derivative contracts to hedge our exposure to commodity risk. We 
continue to experience price volatility with some of our key raw materials and components. Fixed-price contracts may limit our 

25 

 
 
 
 
 
ability to pass cost increases to our customers, thus negatively impacting our earnings. Fluctuations in commodity prices may have a 
material impact on our future earnings and cash flows. 

Foreign Currency Transaction Risk 

We have operations that expose us to currency risk in the British Pound Sterling, the Canadian Dollar and to a lesser extent the Euro. 
Amounts invested in our foreign operations are translated into U.S. Dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. 
The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a component of stockholders’ 
equity in our consolidated balance sheets. We believe the exposure to the effects that fluctuating foreign currencies have on our 
consolidated results of operations is limited because the foreign operations primarily invoice customers and collect obligations in 
their respective currencies or U.S. Dollars. Additionally, expenses associated with these transactions are generally contracted and 
paid for in the same local currencies. For Fiscal 2017, our realized foreign exchange gains were $0.2 million and are included in 
selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. 

Our accumulated other comprehensive loss, which is included as a component of stockholders’ equity, was $18.8 million as of 
September 30, 2017, a decrease from $23.8 million at September 30, 2016. This improvement was primarily a result of fluctuations 
in the currency exchange rates for the Canadian Dollar and British Pound Sterling as we remeasured the foreign operations of those 
divisions. During Fiscal 2017, the U.S. Dollar deteriorated relative to these foreign currencies and, as a result, our accumulated other 
comprehensive losses decreased. 

We do not currently hedge our exposure to potential foreign currency translation adjustments. 

Interest Rate Risk 

If we decide to borrow under one of our credit facilities, we will be subject to market risk resulting from changes in interest rates 
related to our floating rate bank credit facility. If we were to make such borrowings, a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in 
variable interest rates may result in a material impact to our financial statements. While we do not currently have any derivative 
contracts to hedge our exposure to interest rate risk, in the past we have entered and may in the future enter into such contracts. 
During each of the past three years, we have not experienced a significant effect on our business due to changes in interest rates. 

26 

 
 
 
 
Item  8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements 
Financial Statements: 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2017 and 2016 

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

  Page 

28 

29 

30 

31 

32 

33 

34 

27 

 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Powell Industries, Inc. 

In  our  opinion,  the  accompanying  consolidated  balance  sheets  and  the  related  consolidated  statements  of  operations,  of 
comprehensive income (loss), of stockholders’ equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position 
of Powell Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries as of September 30, 2017 and 2016 and the results of their operations and their cash 
flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 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 September 30, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework 
(2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  The Company's management 
is responsible for these 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 Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial 
Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company's internal control over 
financial reporting based on our integrated audits.  We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company 
Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable 
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over 
financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test 
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and 
significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  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. 

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 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 

Houston, Texas 
December 6, 2017 

28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
(In thousands, except share and per share data)  

September 30, 

2017 

2016 

Current Assets: 

ASSETS 

$ 

Cash and cash equivalents .......................................................................................................  
Short-term investments ............................................................................................................  
Restricted cash .........................................................................................................................  
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $179 and $811 ........................  
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts ........................  
Inventories ...............................................................................................................................  
Income taxes receivable ..........................................................................................................  
Deferred income taxes .............................................................................................................  
Prepaid expenses .....................................................................................................................  
Other current assets .................................................................................................................  

68,359     $ 
26,829    
15,104    
53,852    
51,554    
18,448    
8,222    
3,539    
3,701    
463    
Total Current Assets .................................................................................................................   250,071    
139,420    
9,747    
1,719    
13,800    
229    
414,986     $ 

Property, plant and equipment, net ...........................................................................................  
Restricted cash .........................................................................................................................  
Goodwill and intangible assets, net ..........................................................................................  
Other assets ..............................................................................................................................  
Deferred income taxes ..............................................................................................................  
$ 

Total Assets ..............................................................................................................................  

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 

Current Liabilities: 

400     $ 

$ 

Current maturities of long-term debt .......................................................................................  
Income taxes payable ..............................................................................................................  
Accounts payable ....................................................................................................................  
Accrued salaries, bonuses and commissions ...........................................................................  
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts ........................  
Accrued product warranty .......................................................................................................  
Other accrued expenses ...........................................................................................................  
Deferred credit ─ short term (Note E) ................................................................................  

1,219    
33,269    
14,984    
26,166    
3,174    
5,860    
507    
Total Current Liabilities ...........................................................................................................   85,579    
1,600    
5,314    
—    
1,197    
—    
Total Liabilities ........................................................................................................................  93,690    

Long-term debt, net of current maturities ................................................................................  
Deferred compensation (Note I) ...............................................................................................  
Deferred income taxes ..............................................................................................................  
Other long-term liabilities ........................................................................................................  
Deferred credit ─ long term (Note E) ......................................................................................  

Commitments and Contingencies (Note G) 
Stockholders' Equity: 

97,720  
—  
—  
101,048  
66,106  
26,521  
1,713  
4,006  
4,569  
2,457  
304,140  
144,977  
—  
2,059  
11,340  
—  
462,516  

400  
1,459  
34,985  
22,550  
43,974  
4,639  
8,212  
2,029  
118,248  
2,000  
4,840  
138  
1,466  
507  
127,199  

—    

—  

Preferred stock, par value $.01; 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued .............................  
Common stock, par value $.01; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 12,234,656 and 

12,199,511 shares issued, respectively .....................................................................................  

Additional paid-in capital ........................................................................................................  
Retained earnings ....................................................................................................................  
Treasury stock, 806,018 shares at cost ....................................................................................  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss ..................................................................................  

122 
54,329    
310,598    
(24,999 )  
(18,754 )  
Total Stockholders' Equity .......................................................................................................   321,296    

Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity ...............................................................................  

$ 

414,986     $ 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

29 

122 
52,003  
331,959  
(24,999 ) 
(23,768 ) 
335,317  
462,516  

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 
(In thousands, except per share data) 

Year Ended September 30, 

2017 

2016 

2015 

Revenues ........................................................................................................................  $  395,911     $  565,243     $  661,858  
553,597  
Cost of goods sold ..........................................................................................................  
108,261  

Gross profit ....................................................................................................................  

459,038    
106,205    

345,142    
50,769    

Selling, general and administrative expenses .................................................................  

Research and development expenses .............................................................................  

Amortization of intangible assets ...................................................................................  

Restructuring and separation expenses...........................................................................  

Operating income (loss) .................................................................................................  

Other income (See Note E) ............................................................................................  

Interest expense ..............................................................................................................  

Interest income ...............................................................................................................  

61,524    
6,906    
355    
1,322    
(19,338 )  

(2,029 )  
168    
(558 )  

Income (loss) before income taxes .................................................................................  

(16,919 )  

74,924    
6,731    
352    
8,441    
15,757    

(2,029 )  
149    
(156 )  
17,793    

76,801  
6,980  
435  
3,397  
20,648  

(2,402 ) 
145  
(86 ) 
22,991  

Income tax provision (benefit) .......................................................................................  

(7,433 )  

2,283 

13,552 

Net income (loss) ...........................................................................................................  $ 

(9,486 )   $ 

15,510 

  $ 

9,439 

Earnings (loss) per share: 

Basic ...............................................................................................................................  

$ 

(0.83 )   $ 

Diluted ............................................................................................................................  

$ 

(0.83 )   $ 

Weighted average shares: 

Basic ...............................................................................................................................   11,453    
Diluted ............................................................................................................................   11,453    
Dividends per share ........................................................................................................  

$ 

1.04     $ 

1.36     $ 
1.36     $ 

0.80  
0.79  

11,400    
11,431    

1.04     $ 

11,869  
11,908  
1.04  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

30 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) 
(In thousands) 

Year Ended September 30, 

2017 

2016 

2015 

Net income (loss) ...........................................................................................................  $ 

Foreign currency translation adjustments .......................................................................  

Postretirement benefit adjustment, net of tax .................................................................  

(9,486 )   $ 
4,822    
192    

Comprehensive income (loss) ........................................................................................  $ 

(4,472 )   $ 

15,510     $ 
(928 )  

(439 )  
14,143     $ 

9,439  
(16,104 ) 
206  

(6,459 ) 

 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

31 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 
(In thousands)  

Common Stock 

Treasury Stock 

Shares 

  Amount   

Shares 

  Amount   

  Accumulated 

Other  
Comprehensive  
Income/(Loss) 

Balance, September 30, 2014 ........................................   12,031    $ 
Net income ..............................................................   —   
Foreign currency translation adjustments.........................   —   
Stock-based compensation...........................................   53   
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation ............   —    
Shares withheld in lieu of employee tax withholding ..........   —    
Issuance of restricted stock ..........................................   16   
Purchase of treasury shares ..........................................   —   
Dividends paid .........................................................   —   
Postretirement benefit adjustment, net of tax of $123 .........   —   
Balance, September 30, 2015 ........................................   12,100    $ 
Net income ..............................................................   —   
Foreign currency translation adjustments.........................   —   
Stock-based compensation...........................................   81   
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation ............   —    
Shares withheld in lieu of employee tax withholding ..........   —    
Issuance of restricted stock ..........................................   18   
Purchase of treasury shares ..........................................   —   
Dividends paid .........................................................   —   
Postretirement benefit adjustment, net of tax of $(237) .......   —   
Balance, September 30, 2016 ........................................   12,199    $ 
Net loss ..................................................................   —   
Foreign currency translation adjustments.........................   —   
Stock-based compensation...........................................   18   
Shares withheld in lieu of employee tax withholding ..........   —    
Issuance of restricted stock ..........................................   17   
Dividends paid .........................................................   —   
Postretirement benefit adjustment, net of tax of $103 .........   —   
Balance, September 30, 2017 ........................................   12,234    $ 

Additional 
Paid-in  
Capital 

Retained 
Earnings 
120    $  46,267    $  331,213   
9,439   
—   
—   
—   
—   
—   
—   
3,171   
—   
—    
—    
(191 )  
—    
—    
(740 )   
—   
—   
1   
—   
—   
—   
—   
—   
(12,358 )  
—   
—   
—   
121    $  48,507    $  328,294   
15,510   
—   
—   
—   
—   
—   
—   
4,883   
—   
—    
—    
(387 )   
—    
—    
(1,000 )   
—   
—   
1   
—   
—   
—   
—   
—   
(11,845 )  
—   
—   
—   
122    $  52,003    $  331,959   
—   
—   
(9,486 )  
—   
—   
—   
—   
2,724   
—   
—    
—    
(398 )   
—   
—   
—   
—   
—   
(11,875 )  
—   
—   
—   
122    $  54,329    $  310,598   

—    $ 
—   
—   
—   
—    
—    
—   
(670 )  
—   
—   

—    $ 
—   
—   
—   
—    
—    
—   
(21,259 )  
—   
—   

(670 )   $  (21,259 )   $ 

—   
—   
—   
—    
—    
—   
(136 )  
—   
—   

—   
—   
—   
—    
—    
—   
(3,740 )  
—   
—   

(806 )   $  (24,999 )   $ 

—   
—   
—   
—    
—   
—   
—   

—   
—   
—   
—    
—   
—   
—   

(806 )   $  (24,999 )   $ 

Total 

(6,503 )   $  371,097  
9,439  
(16,104 ) 
3,171  

(191 ) 

(740 ) 
1  

(21,259 ) 

(12,358 ) 
206  
(22,401 )   $  333,262  
15,510  
(928 ) 
4,883  
(387 ) 

—   
(16,104 )  
—   
—    
—    
—   
—   
—   
206   

—   
(928 )  
—   
—    
—    
—   
—   
—   
(439 )  

(1,000 ) 
1  
(3,740 ) 

(11,845 ) 

(439 ) 
(23,768 )   $  335,317  
(9,486 ) 
4,822  
2,724  
(398 ) 
—  
(11,875 ) 
192  
(18,754 )   $  321,296  

—   
4,822   
—   
—    
—   
—   
192   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

32 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 
(In thousands) 

Operating Activities: 

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

$ 

Year Ended September 30, 

2017 

2016 

2015 

(9,486 )   $ 

15,510     $ 

9,439  

Depreciation ...................................................................................................................  12,400    
Amortization ...................................................................................................................   355    
Stock-based compensation..............................................................................................  2,724    
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation ........................................................   —    
Bad debt expense/(recovery) ..........................................................................................   (160 )  
Deferred income tax expense ..........................................................................................   100    
Gain on amended supply agreement ...............................................................................  (2,029 )  
Cash received from amended supply agreement ............................................................   2,333    
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: 

Accounts receivable ........................................................................................................  47,983    
Costs and billings in excess of estimates on uncompleted contracts ..............................  (3,270 )  
Inventories ......................................................................................................................  8,213    
Income taxes ...................................................................................................................  (6,758 )  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets ......................................................................   453    
Accounts payable ............................................................................................................  (2,417 )  

Accrued liabilities ...........................................................................................................  (11,676 )  

Other, net ........................................................................................................................  (1,950 )  
36,815    

Net cash provided by operating activities .......................................................................  

Investing Activities: 

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment .....................................................  

Purchases of property, plant and equipment ...................................................................   (3,636 )  
12    
Purchases of short-term investments ..............................................................................  (60,018 )  
Maturities of short-term investments ..............................................................................   33,189    
Changes in restricted cash ..............................................................................................  (24,851 )  

Net cash used in investing activities ...............................................................................  

(55,304 )  

Financing Activities: 

Shares withheld in lieu of employee tax withholding ....................................................  

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation .......................................................  

Payments on industrial development revenue bonds ......................................................  

(400 )  
—    
(398 )  
—    
Dividends paid ................................................................................................................   (11,875 )  

Purchase of treasury shares ............................................................................................  

Net cash used in financing activities ...............................................................................  

(12,673 )  

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents.....................................................  

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents ......................................  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period ............................................................  

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period .......................................................................  $ 

(31,162 )  
1,801    
97,720    
68,359     $ 

12,979    
352    
4,883    
387    
187    
2,330    
(2,029 )  
2,333    

369    
39,612    
6,159    
(195 )  
861    
(11,658 )  
3,927    
(1,101 )  
74,906    

(3,044 )  
187    
—    
—    
—    
(2,857 )  

(400 )  

(387 )  

(1,000 )  

(3,740 )  

(11,845 )  

(17,372 )  
54,677    
(526 )  
43,569    
97,720     $ 

13,120  
435  
3,171  
191  
(29 ) 
10,521  
(2,029 ) 
2,333  

391  
(17,430 ) 

(572 ) 

(1,647 ) 
4,222  
(4,992 ) 

(3,373 ) 

(833 ) 
12,918  

(34,719 ) 
112  
—  
—  
—  
(34,607 ) 

(400 ) 

(191 ) 

(740 ) 

(21,259 ) 

(12,358 ) 

(34,948 ) 

(56,637 ) 

(2,912 ) 
103,118  
43,569  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

33 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

A. Business and Organization 

Powell Industries, Inc. (we, us, our, Powell or the Company) was incorporated in the state of Delaware in 2004 as a successor to a 
Nevada company incorporated in 1968. The Nevada company was the successor to a company founded by William E. Powell in 
1947, which merged into the Company in 1977. Our major subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned, include: Powell Electrical 
Systems, Inc.; Powell (UK) Limited; Powell Canada Inc. and Powell Industries International, B.V. 

We develop, design, manufacture and service custom-engineered equipment and systems for the distribution, control and monitoring 
of electrical energy designed to (1) distribute, control and monitor the flow of electrical energy and (2) provide protection to motors, 
transformers and other electrically powered equipment. Our principal products include integrated power control room substations 
(PCRs®), custom-engineered modules, electrical houses (E-Houses), traditional and arc-resistant distribution switchgear and control 
gear, medium-voltage circuit breakers, monitoring and control communications systems, motor control centers and bus duct systems. 
These products are designed for application voltages ranging from 480 volts to 38,000 volts and are used in oil and gas refining, 
offshore oil and gas production, petrochemical, pipeline, terminal, mining and metals, light rail traction power, electric utility, pulp 
and paper and other heavy industrial markets. Our product scope includes designs tested to meet both U.S. standards (ANSI) and 
international standards (IEC). We assist customers by providing value-added services such as spare parts, field service inspection, 
installation, commissioning, modification and repair, retrofit and retrofill components for existing systems and replacement circuit 
breakers for switchgear that is obsolete or that is no longer produced by the original manufacturer. We seek to establish long-term 
relationships with the end users of our systems as well as the design and construction engineering firms contracted by those end 
users. 

References to Fiscal 2017, Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015 used throughout these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements relate to 
our fiscal years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 

B. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 

Principles of Consolidation 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Powell and our wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts 
and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. 

Use of Estimates 

The  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  accounting  principles  generally  accepted  in  the  United  States 
(U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial 
statements and accompanying footnotes. The most significant estimates used in our financial statements affect revenue and cost 
recognition for construction contracts, the allowance for doubtful accounts, provision for excess and obsolete inventory, warranty 
accruals and income taxes. The amounts recorded for warranties, legal, income taxes, impairment of long-lived assets (when 
applicable) and other contingent liabilities require judgments regarding the amount of expenses that will ultimately be incurred. We 
base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions, as well as the specific circumstances surrounding 
these contingent liabilities, in evaluating the amount of liability that should be recorded. Additionally, the recognition of deferred tax 
assets requires estimates related to future income and other assumptions regarding timing and future profitability.  Estimates may 
change as new events occur, additional information becomes available or operating environments change. Actual results may differ 
from our estimates. 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents, primarily funds held in money market savings instruments, are reported at their current carrying value 
which approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments and are included in cash and cash equivalents in our 
Consolidated Balance Sheets. 

Short-term Investments - Short-term investments include time deposits with original maturities of three months or more. 

Restricted Cash - Restricted cash includes cash and cash equivalents that are unavailable for withdrawal or usage for general 
obligations. Restricted cash on our Consolidated Balance Sheet represents a pledged cash collateral balance which is required under 

34 

 
 
 
 
our recently amended credit agreement and is held in an interest-bearing savings account. See Note F for further discussion on 
restricted cash. 

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information (in thousands): 

Cash paid (received) during the period for: 

Interest paid, net of interest income................................................................................  

$ 

(384 )  $ 

Income taxes paid, net of refunds ...................................................................................  

Non-cash capital expenditures .......................................................................................  

(764 )  
634    

4    
(352 )  
221    

70  
2,298  
147  

Year Ended September 30, 

2017 

2016 

2015 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments 

Financial instruments include cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments, restricted cash, receivables, deferred compensation, 
payables and debt obligations. Except as described below, due to the short-term nature of account receivables and account payables, 
the book value is representative of their fair value. The carrying value of debt approximates fair value as interest rates are indexed to 
the Federal Funds Rate or the bank’s prime rate. 

Accounts Receivable 

Accounts receivable are stated net of allowances for doubtful accounts. We maintain and continually assess the adequacy of the 
allowance for doubtful accounts representing our estimate for losses resulting from the inability of our customers to pay amounts 
due to us. This estimated allowance is based on historical experience of uncollected accounts, the level of past due accounts, the 
overall level of outstanding accounts receivable, information about specific customers  with respect to their inability  to make 
payments and expectations of future conditions that could impact the collectability of accounts receivable. Future changes in our 
customers’ operating performance and cash flows, or in general economic conditions, could have an impact on their ability to fully 
pay these amounts, which could have a material impact on our operating results. In most cases, receivables are not collateralized. 
However, we utilize letters of credit to secure payment on projects when possible. At September 30, 2017 and 2016, accounts 
receivable included retention amounts of $2.1 million and $2.7 million, respectively. Retention amounts are in accordance with 
applicable provisions of contracts and become due upon completion of contractual requirements. All of the retained amount at 
September 30, 2017, is expected to be collected in the next fiscal year. 

Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings on Uncompleted Contracts 

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts arise when revenues are recorded on a percentage-of-
completion basis but cannot be invoiced under the terms of the contract. Such amounts are invoiced upon completion of contractual 
milestones. 

Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts also include certain costs associated with unapproved 
change orders. These costs are included when the approval of the change order is probable. Amounts are carried at the lower of cost 
or net realizable value. Revenue is recognized to the extent of costs incurred when recovery is probable. The amounts recorded 
involve the use of judgments and estimates; thus, actual recoverable amounts could differ from original assumptions. 

In  accordance  with  industry  practice,  assets  and  liabilities  related  to  costs  and  estimated  earnings  in  excess  of  billings  on 
uncompleted contracts, as well as billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts, have been classified 
as current. The contract cycle for certain long-term contracts may extend beyond one year; thus, collection of amounts related to 
these contracts may extend beyond one year. 

Inventories 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market using weighted-average methods and include the cost of materials, labor and 
manufacturing overhead. We use estimates in determining the level of reserves required to state inventory at the lower of cost or 
market.  Our  estimates  are  based  on  market  activity  levels,  production  requirements,  the  physical  condition  of  products  and 
technological innovation. Changes in any of these factors may result in adjustments to the carrying value of inventory. 

35 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
Property, Plant and Equipment 

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of 
the assets. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense when incurred. Expenditures for major renewals and 
improvements, which extend the useful lives of existing equipment, are capitalized and depreciated. Upon retirement or disposition 
of property, plant and equipment, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting 
gain or loss is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. 

We review property, plant and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying 
value may not be realizable. If an evaluation is required, the estimated future undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset are 
compared to the asset’s carrying amount to determine if recording an impairment of such asset is necessary. If an impairment is 
indicated, we record an impairment loss equal to the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the long-lived 
asset.  This requires us to make long-term forecasts of the future revenues and the costs related to the assets subject to review. 
Forecasts require assumptions about demand for our products and future market conditions. Estimating future cash flows requires 
significant judgment and our projections may vary from cash flows eventually realized. Future events and unanticipated changes to 
assumptions could require a provision for impairment in a future period. The effect of any impairment would be reflected in income 
(loss) from operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition, we estimate the useful lives of our property, plant 
and equipment and periodically review these estimates to determine whether these lives are appropriate. 

Income Taxes 

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, based on the income tax laws and rates in the countries in which 
operations are conducted and income is earned. This approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the 
expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. 
Developing our provision for income taxes requires significant judgment and expertise in federal, international and state income tax 
laws, regulations and strategies, including the determination of deferred tax assets and liabilities and, if necessary, any valuation 
allowances that may be required for deferred tax assets. In assessing the extent to which net deferred tax assets may be realized, we 
consider whether it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the net deferred tax assets may not be realized. The ultimate 
realization of net deferred tax assets is dependent on the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those 
temporary differences become deductible. Estimates may change as new events occur, estimates of future taxable income during the 
carryforward period are reduced or increased, additional information becomes available or operating environments change, which 
may result in a full or partial reversal of the valuation allowance. We will continue to assess the adequacy of the valuation allowance 
on a quarterly basis. Our judgments and tax strategies are subject to audit by various taxing authorities. 

The objectives of accounting for income taxes are to recognize the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and 
deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in an entity’s financial 
statements or tax returns. We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax 
position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits 
recognized in the financial statements from such a position should be measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 
50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Accounting literature also provides guidance on derecognition of income 
tax assets and liabilities, classification of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities, accounting for interest and penalties 
associated with tax positions, and income tax disclosures. Judgment is required in assessing the future tax consequences of events 
that  have  been  recognized  in  our  financial  statements  or  tax  returns.  Variations  in  the  actual  outcome  of  these  future  tax 
consequences could materially impact our financial statements. 

Revenue Recognition 

Our revenues are primarily generated from the engineering and manufacturing of custom products under long-term contracts that 
may last from one month to several years, depending on the contract. Revenues from long-term contracts are recognized on the 
percentage-of-completion method of accounting. Occasionally a contract may require that we segment the project into specific 
deliverables for revenue recognition. Segmenting a contract may result in different interim rates of profitability for each scope of 
service than if we had recognized revenue on a combined basis. 

Under the percentage-of-completion method of accounting, revenues are recognized as work is performed. The revenue earned to 
date is calculated by multiplying the total contract price by the percentage of performance to date, which is based on total costs or 
total labor dollars incurred to date compared to the total estimated costs or total labor dollars estimated at completion. The method 
used to determine the percentage of completion is typically the cost method, unless the labor method is a more accurate method of 
measuring the  progress  of the project. 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. Contract costs include all direct material costs, direct labor 
costs and those indirect costs related to contract performance, such as indirect labor, supplies, tools, repairs and all costs associated 

36 

 
 
with operation of equipment. The cost estimation process is based upon the professional knowledge and experience of our engineers, 
project managers and financial professionals. Factors that are considered in estimating the work to be completed and ultimate 
contract recovery include the availability and productivity of labor, the nature and complexity of the work to be performed, the effect 
of change orders, the availability of materials, the effect of any delays on our project performance and the recoverability of any 
claims. Changes in job performance, job conditions, estimated profitability and final contract settlements, including our estimate of 
liquidated damages, if any, may result in revisions to costs and income, with their effects being recognized in the period in which the 
revisions are determined. Whenever revisions of estimated contract costs and contract values indicate that the contract costs will 
exceed estimated revenues, thus creating a loss, a provision for the total estimated loss is recorded in that period. 

Revenues associated with maintenance, repair and service contracts are recognized when the services are performed. Expenses 
related to these types of services are recognized as incurred. 

Warranty Costs 

We provide for estimated warranty costs with the recognition of revenue based upon historical rates applicable to individual product 
lines. In addition, specific provisions are made when the costs of such warranties are expected to exceed accruals. Our standard 
terms and conditions of sale include a warranty for parts and service for the earlier of 18 months from the date of shipment or 12 
months from the date of energization, whichever occurs first. Occasionally projects require warranty terms that are longer than our 
standard terms due to the nature of the project. Extended warranty terms may be negotiated and included in our contracts.  We use 
past experience and historical claims to determine the estimated liability. Actual results could differ from our estimate. 

Research and Development Expense 

Research and development activities are directed toward the development of new products and processes as well as improvements in 
existing products and processes. These costs, which primarily include salaries, contract services and supplies, are expensed as 
incurred. Such amounts were $6.9 million, $6.7 million and $7.0 million in Fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 

Foreign Currency Translation 

The functional currency for our foreign subsidiaries is the local currency in which the entity is located. The financial statements of 
all subsidiaries with a functional currency other than the U.S. Dollar have been translated into U.S. Dollars. All assets and liabilities 
of foreign operations are translated into U.S. Dollars using year-end exchange rates, and all revenues and expenses are translated at 
average rates during the respective period. The U.S. Dollar results that arise from such translation, as well as exchange gains and 
losses on intercompany balances of a long-term investment nature, are included in the cumulative currency translation adjustments 
in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity. 

Stock-Based Compensation 

We  measure  stock-based compensation cost at the grant date  based on the fair value of  the award. Compensation expense  is 
recognized over the period during which the recipient is required to provide service in exchange for the awards, typically the vesting 
period. Excess income tax benefits related to share-based compensation expense is recognized as income tax expense or benefit in 
the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Cash paid when directly withholding shares on an employee's behalf for tax withholding 
purposes is classified as a financing activity. We account for forfeitures as they occur, rather than estimate expected forfeitures. 

New Accounting Standards 

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a new standard on revenue recognition that supersedes 
previously issued revenue recognition guidance. This standard provides a five-step approach to be applied to all contracts with 
customers and requires expanded disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue (and the related cash 
flows) arising from customer contracts, significant judgments and changes in judgments used in applying the revenue model and the 
assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods 
within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017, which would be our fiscal year ending September 30, 2019. We plan to use 
the modified retrospective basis upon adoption. While we are still evaluating the potential impact of this standard on our financial 
statements, we believe accounting for variable consideration and the number of performance obligations contained in each contract 
will have the greatest significance. The materiality of this guidance on our financial statements will be determined in large part by 
the contracts that are in progress as of the adoption date. 

37 

 
In November 2015, the FASB issued an amendment to the topic regarding income taxes which requires an entity to separate deferred 
income tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts in the statement of financial position. Deferred tax liabilities 
and assets are classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting.  
Deferred tax liabilities and assets that are not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting are classified according to the 
expected reversal date of the temporary difference. To simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes, the amendments require 
that  deferred  income  tax  liabilities  and  assets  be  classified  as  noncurrent  in  a  classified  statement  of  financial  position.  This 
amendment is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, which would be our fiscal year ending 
September 30, 2018. We have no plans for early adoption. We are still evaluating this new amendment, but we do not expect it to 
have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations. 

In February 2016, the FASB issued a new topic on leases which requires lessees to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the 
balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than twelve months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating,  with 
classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. A modified retrospective transition approach is 
required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period 
presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The new topic is effective for fiscal years beginning 
after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, which would be our fiscal year ending September 30, 
2020. We are still evaluating the potential impact of this topic on our financial statements. Our future obligations under operating 
leases as of September 30, 2017 are summarized in Note G of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

In March 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on stock-based compensation, which includes amendments to existing guidance for 
employee  share-based  payment  accounting.  We  elected  to  early  adopt  this  new  guidance  in  the  first  quarter  of  Fiscal  2017.  
Beginning Fiscal 2017, stock-based compensation excess tax benefits or deficiencies are reflected in the Consolidated Statement of 
Operations as a component of income taxes, whereas they were previously recorded in additional paid in capital in the Consolidated 
Statement of Stockholders’ Equity. Additionally, we will now present excess tax benefits as an operating activity in the Consolidated 
Statements of Cash Flows. These changes have been adopted prospectively.  Finally, we will continue to account for forfeitures as 
they occur, rather than estimate expected forfeitures. 

In November 2016, the FASB issued new standards on the statement of cash flows and restricted cash that change the presentation 
of restricted cash and cash equivalents on  the  statement of  cash  flows. Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents  will 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. These standards are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 
2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years, which would be our fiscal year ending September 30, 2019. We have no plans 
for early adoption. We are still evaluating these  new standards, but  we do not expect them to have a  material impact on our 
consolidated financial position or results of operations. 

In January 2017, the FASB issued new guidance on goodwill impairment intended to simplify the testing for goodwill impairment 
by the elimination of Step 2 in the determination on whether goodwill should be considered impaired. The annual and/or interim 
assessments are still required to be completed. This guidance is effective for fiscal years (including interim periods) beginning after 
December 15, 2019. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position 
or results of operations. 

In May 2017, the FASB issued a new topic on modification accounting with regards to stock based compensation. This new topic 
clarifies when a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award should be accounted for as a modification. An 
entity should account for the effects of a modification unless the fair value, vesting conditions and classification, as an equity 
instrument or a liability instrument, of the modified award are the same before and after a change to the terms or conditions of the 
share-based payment award. This topic is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, which would be 
our fiscal year ending September 30, 2018. We do not expect this topic to have a material impact on our consolidated financial 
position or results of operations. 

C. Earnings Per Share 

We compute basic earnings per share by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during 
the period. Diluted earnings per common and potential common share includes the weighted average of additional shares associated 
with the incremental effect of dilutive restricted stock and restricted stock units, as prescribed by the FASB guidance on earnings per 
share. 

The following table reconciles basic and diluted weighted average shares used in the computation of earnings per share for the years 
ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands, except per share data):  

38 

 
 
 
 
Numerator: 

Year Ended September 30, 

2017 

2016 

2015 

Net income (loss) .............................................................................................  

$ 

(9,486 )  $ 

15,510    $ 

9,439  

Denominator: 

Weighted average basic shares .........................................................................   11,453    
—    
Dilutive effect of restricted stock units .............................................................  
Weighted average diluted shares with assumed conversions ............................   11,453    

11,400    
31    
11,431    

11,869  
39  
11,908  

Net earnings (loss) per share: 

Basic earnings (loss) per share ........................................................................  

$ 

(0.83 )  $ 

Diluted earnings (loss) per share .....................................................................  

$ 

(0.83 )  $ 

1.36    $ 
1.36    $ 

0.80  
0.79  

For the year ended September 30, 2017, we incurred a net loss and therefore all potential common shares were deemed to be anti-
dilutive. 

D. Detail of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts 

Activity in our allowance for doubtful accounts consisted of the following (in thousands): 

Balance at beginning of period......................................................................................................... $ 
Bad debt expense (recovery) ............................................................................................................ 
Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries ....................................................................... 
Change due to foreign currency translation ..................................................................................... 

Balance at end of period ................................................................................................................... $ 

Inventories 

The components of inventories are summarized below (in thousands): 

Raw materials, parts and subassemblies ........................................................................................... $ 
Work-in-progress .............................................................................................................................. 
Provision for excess and obsolete inventory .................................................................................... 

Total inventories ............................................................................................................................... $ 

September 30, 

2017 

2016 

811     $ 
(160 )  
(472 )  
—    
179     $ 

746  
187  
(120 ) 
(2 ) 
811  

September 30, 

2017 

2016 

22,100     $ 
600    
(4,252 )  
18,448     $ 

29,639  
996  
(4,114 ) 
26,521  

39 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts 

The components of costs and estimated earnings and related amounts billed on uncompleted contracts are summarized below (in 
thousands): 

September 30, 

Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts ......................................................................................... $ 
Estimated earnings ........................................................................................................................... 

Less: Billings to date ........................................................................................................................ 

Net underbilled position ...................................................................................................................  

$ 

Included in the accompanying balance sheets under the following captions: 
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts – underbilled ........... $ 
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts – overbilled ............. 

Net underbilled position ...................................................................................................................  

$ 

2016 

2017 
987,164     $  1,088,921  
350,125  
316,970    
1,439,046  
1,304,134    
(1,416,914 ) 
(1,278,746 )  
22,132  

25,388     $ 

51,554     $ 
(26,166 )  
25,388     $ 

66,106  
(43,974 ) 
22,132  

Property, Plant and Equipment 

Property, plant and equipment are summarized below (in thousands): 

Land ........................................................................................................................ $ 
Buildings and improvements .................................................................................. 
Machinery and equipment ...................................................................................... 
Furniture and fixtures ............................................................................................. 
Construction in process ........................................................................................... 

$ 
Less: Accumulated depreciation ............................................................................. 

Total property, plant and equipment, net ................................................................  

$ 

September 30, 

Range of 

2017 

2016 

22,441     $ 
121,960    
106,113    
3,806    
1,749    
256,069     $ 
(116,649 )  
139,420     $ 

Asset Lives 
— 

22,107    
119,512     3 - 39 Years 
103,268     3 - 15 Years 
3,806     3 - 10 Years 
1,009    
249,702      
(104,725 )    
144,977      

— 

There were no assets under capital lease as of September 30, 2017 or September 30, 2016. Depreciation expense was $12.4 million, 
$13.0 million and $13.1 million for fiscal years 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. 

Warranty Accrual 

Activity in our warranty accrual consisted of the following (in thousands): 

Balance at beginning of period......................................................................................................... $ 
Increase to warranty expense ........................................................................................................... 
Deduction for warranty charges ....................................................................................................... 
Change due to foreign currency translation ..................................................................................... 

Balance at end of period ................................................................................................................... $ 

September 30, 

2017 

2016 

4,639     $ 
1,806    
(3,314 )  
43    
3,174     $ 

4,930  
4,249  
(4,464 ) 
(76 ) 
4,639  

E. Goodwill and Intangible Assets 

Our intangible assets consist of goodwill of $1.0 million, which is not being amortized, and purchased technology of $0.7 million, 
which is amortized over its estimated useful life. No impairment expense has been recorded for the last three fiscal years. 

40 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intangible assets balances, subject to amortization, at September 30, 2017 and 2016 consisted of the following (in thousands): 

Purchased technology.............................  $ 

11,749     $ 

(11,033 )   $ 

716     $ 

11,749     $ 

(10,693 )   $ 

1,056  

September 30, 2017 

September 30, 2016 

Gross 
Carrying 
Value 

Accumulated 
Amortization 

Net 
Carrying 
Value 

Gross 
Carrying 
Value 

Accumulated 
Amortization 

Net 
Carrying 
Value 

Amortization of intangible assets recorded for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015, was $0.4 million.  

Estimated amortization expense for each of the five subsequent fiscal years is expected to be (in thousands): 

Years Ended September 30, 
2018.........................................................................................................................................................................  $ 
2019.........................................................................................................................................................................  
2020.........................................................................................................................................................................  
2021.........................................................................................................................................................................  
2022.........................................................................................................................................................................  

Total 

204  
176  
176  
160  
—  

On August 7, 2006, we purchased certain assets related to the manufacturing of ANSI medium-voltage switchgear and circuit 
breaker business  from General Electric Company (GE). In connection  with the acquisition,  we entered into a 15-year supply 
agreement with GE pursuant to which GE would purchase from us all of its requirements for ANSI medium-voltage switchgear and 
circuit breakers and other related equipment and components (the Products). We recorded an intangible asset related to this supply 
agreement. On December 30, 2013, we and GE amended the supply agreement to allow GE to manufacture similar Products for sale 
immediately and allow them to begin purchasing Products from other suppliers beginning December 31, 2014. In return, GE paid us 
$10 million upon execution of the amended supply agreement and agreed to pay an additional $7 million over three years, beginning 
March 2015. The final balance of $2.3 million was received in April 2017. We wrote off the intangible asset related to the original 
supply agreement and recorded a deferred credit in the amount of $8.1 million at December 31, 2013, the amount by which the total 
proceeds from GE exceeded the unamortized balance of our intangible asset. We are amortizing this deferred credit over the four-
year life of the agreement and have recognized gains in other income of $2.0 million for all three fiscal years ended September 30, 
2017, 2016 and 2015. As of September 30, 2017, there is approximately $0.5 million remaining in the deferred credit balance. 

F. Long-Term Debt 

Long-term debt consisted of the following (in thousands): 

Industrial development revenue bonds ............................................................................................. $ 
Less: current portion ........................................................................................................................ 

Total long-term debt .........................................................................................................................  

$ 

2,000     $ 
(400 )  
1,600     $ 

2,400  
(400 ) 
2,000  

September 30, 

2017 

2016 

The annual maturities of long-term debt as of September 30, 2017, were as follows (in thousands): 

Year Ending September 30, 
2018...........................................................................................................................................................................  $ 
2019...........................................................................................................................................................................  
2020...........................................................................................................................................................................  
2021...........................................................................................................................................................................  
2022...........................................................................................................................................................................  

Total long-term debt maturities .................................................................................................................................  

$ 

41 

Long-Term 
Debt 
Maturities 

400  
400  
400  
400  
400  
2,000  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Revolver 

We have a $75.0 million revolving credit facility (U.S. Revolver) to provide working capital support and letters of credit. In June 
2017, we entered into the Third Amendment to the Credit Agreement (the Third Amendment). The Third Amendment, among other 
things, (i) extended the Maturity Date from December 2018 to June 2022; (ii) amended the definition of Applicable Rate by (a) 
providing that Pricing Level I shall apply when a Cash Collateral Period (described below) is in effect and that Pricing Level II shall 
apply when no Cash Collateral Period is in effect, (b) decreasing the Letter of Credit Fee percentage for Pricing Level I from 1.00% 
to 0.875% and (c) increasing the Commitment Fee percentage for both Pricing Level I and Pricing Level II from 0.1875% to 0.20%; 
(iii) added a new requirement that during a Cash Collateral Period we maintain a cash balance in a pledged cash collateral account 
equal to at least 102% of the Outstanding Amount of Revolving Loans and Letter of Credit Obligations and (iv) modified the 
Financial Covenants by requiring that, during any Cash Collateral Period, the Consolidated Current Ratio be no less than 1.10 to 1.0. 
Price Level 3 in the prior agreement was removed and our ability to pay dividends remains subject to financial covenant restrictions. 

Generally, a Cash Collateral Period under the Third Amendment is defined as a fiscal quarter during which we have pledged our 
cash collateral account to the Administrative Agent. A Cash Collateral Period will terminate on the last day of the fiscal quarter in 
which we satisfy the Level II Pricing Covenants set forth in the Third Amendment for two consecutive fiscal quarters. If we are not 
in compliance with the Level II Pricing Covenants, we are subject to Level I Pricing Covenants. 

The Cash Collateral Period was in effect as of September 30, 2017, therefore we have placed $24.9 million in a pledged cash 
collateral account, which was approximately 102% of our outstanding letters of credit as of September 30, 2017. The cash collateral 
associated with the outstanding letters of credit that are due to expire beyond twelve months has been classified as non-current 
restricted cash on the balance sheet as of September 30, 2017.   

The interest rate for amounts outstanding under the U.S. Revolver is a floating rate based upon the higher of the Federal Funds Rate 
plus 0.5%, the bank’s prime rate, or the Eurocurrency rate plus 1.00%. Once the applicable rate is determined, a margin ranging up 
to 1.25%, is added to the applicable rate. 

The U.S. Revolver provides for the issuance of letters of credit which reduce the amounts that may be borrowed under this revolver. 
The amount available under the U.S. Revolver was reduced by $24.1 million for our outstanding letters of credit at September 30, 
2017. There were no borrowings outstanding under the U.S. Revolver as of September 30, 2017. Amounts available under the U.S. 
Revolver were $50.9 million at September 30, 2017. The U.S. Revolver expires on June 27, 2022. 

The U.S. Revolver is collateralized by a pledge of 100% of the voting capital stock of each of our domestic subsidiaries and 65% of 
the  voting  capital  stock  of  each  non-domestic  subsidiary,  as  well  as  by  the  pledged  cash  collateral  account  during  any  Cash 
Collateral Period. The U.S. Revolver provides for customary events of default and carries cross-default provisions with other 
existing debt agreements. If an event of default (as defined in the U.S. Revolver) occurs and is continuing, on the terms and subject 
to the conditions set forth in the U.S. Revolver, amounts outstanding under the U.S. Revolver may be accelerated and may become 
immediately due and payable. As of September 30, 2017, we were in compliance with all of the financial covenants of the U.S. 
Revolver. 

Industrial Development Revenue Bonds 

We borrowed $8.0 million in October 2001 through a loan agreement funded with proceeds from tax-exempt industrial development 
revenue bonds (Bonds). These Bonds were issued by the Illinois Development Finance Authority and were used for the completion 
of our Northlake, Illinois facility. Pursuant to the Bond issuance, a reimbursement agreement between us and a major domestic bank 
required an issuance by the bank of an irrevocable direct-pay letter of credit (Bond LC), as collateral, to the Bonds’ trustee to 
guarantee payment of the Bonds’ principal and interest when due. The Bond LC is subject to both early termination and extension 
provisions customary to such agreements, as well as various covenants, for which we were in compliance at September 30, 2017. 
While the Bonds mature in 2021, the reimbursement agreement requires annual redemptions of $0.4 million that commenced on 
October 25, 2002. A sinking fund is used for the redemption of the Bonds. The Bonds bear interest at a floating rate determined 
weekly by the Bonds’ remarketing agent, which was the underwriter for the Bonds and is an affiliate of the bank. This interest rate 
was 1.19% as of September 30, 2017. 

G. Commitments and Contingencies 

Long-Term Debt 

See Note F herein for a discussion of our long-term debt. 

42 

 
 
Leases 

We lease certain offices, facilities and equipment under operating leases expiring at various dates through 2023. We also sublease 
certain facilities that we are no longer occupying. Our sublease terms do not fully cover the existing rental commitments on certain 
facilities. 

At September 30, 2017, the future minimum annual rental commitments and expected receipts under non-cancelable operating 
leases having terms in excess of one year were as follows (in thousands): 

Years Ended September 30, 
2018...................................................................................................................................................  $ 
2019...................................................................................................................................................  
2020...................................................................................................................................................  
2021...................................................................................................................................................  
2022...................................................................................................................................................  
Thereafter ..........................................................................................................................................  

Total lease commitments ...................................................................................................................  

$ 

Operating 
Leases 
Payments 

Operating 
Sublease 
Income 

3,420    
2,973    
1,937    
1,767    
1,743    
1,172    
13,012    

$ 

$ 

(1,530 ) 
(1,292 ) 
(39 ) 
—  
—  
—  
(2,861 ) 

Lease expense and sublease income from third parties was as follows (in thousands): 

Rental expense ....................................................................................................  $ 

Sublease income from third parties .....................................................................  

Year Ended September 30, 

2017 

2016 

2015 

3,734     $ 
(1,389 )  

4,469     $ 
(986 )  

4,907  
(947 ) 

Letters of Credit and Bonds 

Certain customers require us to post bank letter of credit guarantees or surety bonds. These guarantees and surety bonds assure that 
we will perform under the terms of our contract. In the event of default, the counterparty may demand payment from the bank under 
a letter of credit or performance by the surety under a bond. To date, there have been no significant expenses related to either letters 
of credit or surety bonds for the periods reported. We were contingently liable for secured and unsecured letters of credit of $24.1 
million as of September 30, 2017. We also had performance and maintenance bonds totaling $218.8 million that were outstanding, 
with additional bonding capacity of $531.2 million available, at September 30, 2017. 

We have a $6.7 million facility agreement (Facility Agreement) between Powell (UK) Limited and a large international bank. This 
Facility Agreement provides Powell (UK) Limited the ability to enter into bank guarantees as well as forward exchange contracts 
and currency options. At September 30, 2017, we had outstanding guarantees totaling $4.4 million under this Facility Agreement 
and amounts available under this Facility Agreement were $2.3 million. This facility expires in May 2018. The Facility Agreement 
provides for financial covenants and customary events of default, and carries cross-default provisions with our U.S. Revolver. If an 
event of default (as defined in the Facility Agreement) occurs and is continuing, per the terms and subject to the conditions set forth 
therein, obligations outstanding under the Facility Agreement may be accelerated and may become or be declared immediately due 
and payable. As of September 30, 2017, we were in compliance with all of the financial covenants of the Facility Agreement. 

Litigation 

We  are  involved  in  various  legal  proceedings,  claims  and  other  disputes  arising  from  our  commercial  operations,  projects, 
employees and other matters which, in general, are subject to uncertainties and in which the outcomes are not predictable. Although 
we can give no assurances about the resolution of pending claims, litigation or other disputes and the effect such outcomes may have 
on us, management believes that any ultimate liability resulting from the outcome of such proceedings, to the extent not otherwise 
provided or covered by insurance, will not have a  material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of 
operations or liquidity. 

43 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liquidated Damages 

Certain of our customer contracts have schedule and performance obligation clauses that, if we fail to meet them, could require us to 
pay liquidated damages.  Each individual contract defines the conditions under which the customer may make a claim against us. As 
of September 30, 2017, our exposure to possible liquidated damages was $2.3 million, of which approximately $1.2 million was 
probable. Based on our actual or projected failure to meet these various contractual commitments, $1.2 million has been recorded as 
a reduction to revenue. We will attempt to obtain change orders, contract extensions or accelerate project completion which may 
resolve the potential for any unaccrued liquidated damage. Should we fail to achieve relief on some or all of these contractual 
obligations, we could be required to pay additional liquidated damages, which could negatively impact our future operating results. 

H. Income Taxes 

The components of the income tax provision (benefit) were as follows (in thousands): 

Year Ended September 30, 

2017 

2016 

2015 

Current: 

Federal ...................................................................................................................  
State .......................................................................................................................  
Foreign ...................................................................................................................  

$ 

(7,782 )   $ 
(101 )  
350    
(7,533 )  

Deferred: 

Federal ...................................................................................................................  
State .......................................................................................................................  
Foreign ...................................................................................................................  

(1,395 )   $ 
449    
899    
(47 )  

1,923    
47    
360    
2,330    
2,283     $ 

2,638  
699  
(306 ) 
3,031  

3,296  
420  
6,805  
10,521  
13,552  

392    
(515 )  
223    
100    
(7,433 )   $ 

Total income tax provision (benefit) ......................................................................  

$ 

Income (loss) before income taxes was as follows (in thousands): 

Year Ended September 30, 

U.S. ........................................................................................................................  $ 
Other than U.S. .......................................................................................................  

Income (loss) before income taxes .........................................................................  

$ 

2017 
(19,932 )   $ 
3,013    
(16,919 )   $ 

2016 

2015 

5,087     $ 
12,706    
17,793     $ 

33,549  
(10,558 ) 
22,991  

A reconciliation of the statutory U.S. income tax rate and the effective income tax rate, as computed on earnings before income tax 
provision in each of the three years presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, was as follows: 

Year Ended September 30, 

2017 

2016 

2015 

Statutory rate ..........................................................................................................  
State income taxes, net of federal benefit ...............................................................  
Research and development credit ...........................................................................  
Foreign rate differential ..........................................................................................  
Domestic production activities deduction ..............................................................  
Foreign valuation allowance ..................................................................................  
NOL carryback impact on deductions ....................................................................  
Other ......................................................................................................................  

Effective rate ..........................................................................................................  

35 %  
2  
9  
2  
—  
2  
(4 )   
(2 )   

44 %  

35 %  
2  
(8 )   
(8 )   
—  
(11 )   
—  
3  
13 %  

35 % 
3  
(21 ) 
4  
(3 ) 
43  
—  
(2 ) 

59 % 

Our income tax provision (benefit) reflects an effective tax rate on pre-tax earnings of 44% in Fiscal 2017 compared to 13% and 
59% in Fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. The effective tax rate for Fiscal 2017 was favorably impacted by the lower tax rate in the 
U.K., the relative amounts of income/loss recognized in various jurisdictions, the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards in 
Canada that have been fully reserved with a valuation allowance, as well as $0.9 million of discrete items recognized during the 

44 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
year, primarily related to the Research and Development Tax Credit (R&D Tax Credit). The effective tax rate for Fiscal 2016 was 
favorably  impacted  by  the  statutory  tax  rates  in  the  U.K.  and  Canada  and  the  relative  amounts  of  income  earned  in  those 
jurisdictions, as well as the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards mentioned above. Additionally, the effective tax rate for 
Fiscal 2016 was favorably impacted by a $0.8 million discrete item recorded in the first quarter of Fiscal 2016 related to the 
retroactive reinstatement of the R&D Tax Credit for the previously expired period from January 1, 2015 to September 30, 2015. The 
effective tax rate for Fiscal 2015 was adversely impacted by the establishment of a valuation allowance against our Canadian 
deferred tax assets during the second quarter of Fiscal 2015. This was partially offset by the release of a $4.1 million FIN 48 reserve 
related to the R&D Tax Credit upon closing an IRS audit. We also recorded a $0.6 million discrete item in Fiscal 2015 that was 
related to the retroactive reinstatement of the R&D Tax Credit referred to above.  

We have not recorded deferred income taxes on $22.2 million of undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries because of 
management’s  intent  to  indefinitely  reinvest  such  earnings.  Upon  distribution  of  these  earnings  in  the  form  of  dividends  or 
otherwise, we may be subject to U.S. income taxes and foreign withholding taxes. It is not practical, however, to estimate the 
amount of taxes that may be payable on the eventual remittance of these earnings. 

We are subject to income tax in the U.S., multiple state jurisdictions and certain international jurisdictions, primarily the U.K. and 
Canada. We do not consider any state in which we do business to be a major tax jurisdiction. We remain open to examination in the 
other jurisdictions as follows:  Canada 2012 – 2016, United Kingdom 2015 – 2016 and the United States 2013, 2015 and 2016. 

The net deferred income tax asset was comprised of the following (in thousands): 

September 30, 

2017 

2016 

4,384  
(378 ) 
4,006  

16,170  
(16,308 ) 

(138 ) 
3,868  

3,978     $ 
(439 )  
3,539    

Current deferred income taxes: 

Gross assets ......................................................................................................................................  
Gross liabilities and valuation allowance .........................................................................................  

$ 

Net current deferred income tax asset ..............................................................................................  

Noncurrent deferred income taxes: 

Gross assets ......................................................................................................................................   18,559    
Gross liabilities and valuation allowance .........................................................................................   (18,330 )  
Net noncurrent deferred income tax asset (liability) ........................................................................  229    

Net deferred income tax asset ..........................................................................................................  

$ 

3,768     $ 

45 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
The tax effect of temporary differences between U.S. GAAP accounting and federal income tax accounting creating deferred income 
tax assets and liabilities was as follows (in thousands): 

September 30, 

2017 

2016 

Deferred Tax Assets: 

Net operating income/loss ...............................................................................................................  $ 
Uniform capitalization and inventory ..............................................................................................  
Deferred compensation ....................................................................................................................  
Stock-based compensation ...............................................................................................................  
Reserve for accrued employee benefits ...........................................................................................  
Warranty accrual ..............................................................................................................................  
Goodwill ..........................................................................................................................................  
Postretirement benefits liability .......................................................................................................  
Allowance for doubtful accounts .....................................................................................................  
Accrued legal ...................................................................................................................................  
Credit carryforwards ........................................................................................................................  
Other ................................................................................................................................................  

11,823     $ 
1,432    
2,009    
1,094    
1,208    
892    
64    
264    
14    
435    
3,258    
44    
Deferred tax assets ...........................................................................................................................  22,537    

Deferred Tax Liabilities: 

Depreciation and amortization .........................................................................................................  

(10,002 )  

Deferred tax liabilities .....................................................................................................................  

Less: valuation allowance ................................................................................................................ 

Net deferred tax asset ......................................................................................................................  

$ 

(10,002 )  
(8,767 )  
3,768     $ 

10,453  
1,596  
1,853  
760  
1,679  
1,388  
345  
503  
220  
294  
1,292  
171  
20,554  

(8,247 ) 

(8,247 ) 
(8,439 ) 
3,868  

During Fiscal 2015, we established a valuation allowance in the amount of $9.3 million against Canadian net deferred tax assets. In 
assessing the realizability of net deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the net 
deferred tax assets may not be realized.  The ultimate realization of net deferred tax assets is dependent on the generation of future 
taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Due to the historical Canadian losses, 
and the losses that we projected at the time of determination, we were required under the more-likely-than-not accounting standard 
to record a valuation allowance against the Canadian net deferred tax assets because we anticipated that we may not be able to 
realize the benefits of the net operating loss carryforwards and other deductible differences. At September 30, 2017, the valuation 
allowance of $8.8 million was primarily related to these Canadian net deferred tax assets. 

A rollforward of the valuation allowance for the past three years is summarized below: 

Balance at September 30, 2014 .................................................................................................................................  $ 

Charged to cost and expenses ....................................................................................................................................  
Charged to other accounts .........................................................................................................................................  

Balance at September 30, 2015 .................................................................................................................................  $ 

Charged to cost and expenses ....................................................................................................................................  
Charged to other accounts .........................................................................................................................................  

Balance at September 30, 2016 .................................................................................................................................  $ 

Charged to cost and expenses ....................................................................................................................................  
Charged to other accounts .........................................................................................................................................  

Balance at September 30, 2017 .................................................................................................................................  $ 

903  
10,048  
(895 ) 
10,056  
(1,934 ) 
317  
8,439  
(260 ) 
588  
8,767  

46 

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of the unrecognized tax benefits follows (in thousands): 

Balance at beginning of period...............................................................................  $ 
Increases related to tax positions taken during the current period..........................  
Increases related to tax positions taken during a prior period ................................  
Decreases related to expiration of statute of limitations.........................................  
Decreases related to settlement with taxing authorities..........................................  

Balance at end of period .........................................................................................  $ 

Year Ended September 30, 

2017 

2016 

2015 

1,046     $ 
179    
338    
—    
(344 )  
1,219     $ 

784     $ 
293    
—    
(31 )  
—    
1,046     $ 

4,026  
954  
2  
(49 ) 
(4,149 ) 
784  

Our continuing policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters as tax expense. The amount of interest and 
penalty expense recorded for the year ended September 30, 2017 was not material. 

During Fiscal 2013, prior year U.S. federal income tax returns were amended to reflect increased R&D Credits and unrecognized tax 
benefits related to these refund claims were recorded. These amended returns, along with the refund claims, were subject to an 
Internal  Revenue  Service  audit  which  was  closed  during  the  second  quarter  of  Fiscal  2015  resulting  in  a  $4.1  million  tax 
benefit. Due to the expiration of certain federal statutes of limitations, management believes that, within the next 12 months, it is 
reasonably possible that the unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by approximately 11%. 

Management believes that an adequate  provision has been  made  for any adjustments that  may result from tax examinations. 
However, the outcome of tax audits cannot be predicted with certainty. If any issues addressed in our tax audits are resolved in a 
manner not consistent with management’s expectations, we could be required to adjust our provision for income tax in the period 
such resolution occurs. 

I. Employee Benefit Plans 

Retirement Plans 

We have defined employee contribution plans for substantially all of our U.S. employees (401(k) plan) and our Canadian employees 
(Registered Retirement Savings Plan). We recognized expenses under these plans primarily related to matching contributions of $2.8 
million, $3.9 million and $5.9 million in Fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 

Deferred Compensation 

We offer a non-qualified deferred compensation plan to a select group of management and highly compensated individuals. The plan 
permits the deferral of up to 50% of a participant’s base salary and/or 100% of a participant’s annual incentive bonus. The deferrals 
are held in a separate trust, an irrevocable rabbi trust (the Rabbi Trust), which has been established to administer the plan. The Rabbi 
Trust is intended to be used as a source of funds to match respective funding obligations to participants. The assets of the trust are 
subject to the claims of our creditors in the event that we become insolvent. Consequently, the Rabbi Trust qualifies as a grantor 
trust for income tax purposes. We make periodic payments into company-owned life insurance policies held in this Rabbi Trust to 
fund the expected obligations arising under this plan. The assets and liabilities of the plan are recorded in other assets and deferred 
compensation, respectively, in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the deferred compensation balance are 
recorded to compensation expense and reflected within the selling, general and administrative line in the Consolidated Statements of 
Operations. The plan is not qualified under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue code. We recorded net compensation expense 
adjustments of $0.1 million related to this plan in Fiscal 2017. Total assets held by the trustee and deferred compensation liabilities 
were $6.4 million and $5.0 million, respectively, at September 30, 2017. Of the $6.4 million of total assets held by the trustee, $5.6 
million is invested in company-owned life insurance policies and the remainder in mutual funds. 

Certain former executives were provided an executive benefit plan which provides for fixed payments upon normal retirement on or 
after age 65 and the completion of at least 10 years of continuous employment. The estimated present value of these payments were 
accrued over the service life of these individuals, and $0.3 million is recorded in deferred compensation related to this executive 
benefit plan. To assist in funding the deferred compensation liability, we have invested in company-owned life insurance policies. 
The cash surrender value of these policies is presented in other assets and was $4.7 million at September 30, 2017. 

47 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Retiree Medical Plan 

We have a plan that extends health benefits to retirees that are also available to active employees under our existing health plans. 
This plan is unfunded. The plan provides coverage for employees with at least 10 years of service who are age 55 or older but less 
than 65. The retiree is required to pay the COBRA rate less a subsidy provided by us based on years of service at the time of 
retirement.  The unfunded liability was $1.1 million and $1.4 million as of September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and our net 
periodic postretirement benefit expenses have been less than $0.1 million for the last three fiscal years. Due to the immateriality of 
the costs and liabilities of this plan, no further disclosure is being presented. 

J. Stock-Based Compensation 

We have the following stock-based compensation plans: 

2014 Equity Incentive Plan 

In February 2014, our stockholders approved and adopted at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan 
(the 2014 Plan) which replaced our 2006 Equity Compensation Plan (2006 Plan). Persons eligible to receive awards under the 2014 
Plan  include  our  officers  and  employees. The  2014 Plan  authorizes  stock  options,  stock  appreciation  rights,  restricted  stock, 
restricted stock units and performance-based awards, as well as certain other awards. Restricted stock grants vest equally over their 
respective vesting period on each anniversary of the grant date and compensation expense is recognized over their respective vesting 
periods based on the price per share on the grant date. 

In accordance with the 2014 Plan, the compensation committee has authorized grants of restricted stock units (RSUs) to certain 
officers and key employees of the company. The fair value of the RSUs is based on the closing price of our common stock as 
reported on the NASDAQ Global Market (NASDAQ) on the grant dates. Typically, these grants vest over a three-year period from 
their date of issuance. Sixty percent of the grant is time-based and vests over a three-year period on each anniversary of the grant 
date,  based  on  continued  employment. The  remaining  forty  percent  of  the  grant  is  earned  based  on  the  three-year  earnings 
performance of the Company following the grant date. At September 30, 2017, there were 177,737 RSUs outstanding. The RSUs do 
not have voting rights but do receive dividend equivalents upon vesting; additionally, the shares of common stock underlying the 
RSUs are not considered issued and outstanding until vested and common stock is issued.   

Total RSU activity (number of shares) for the past fiscal year is summarized below: 

Outstanding at September 30, 2016 ................................................................................................. 

Granted ............................................................................................................................................  
Vested ..............................................................................................................................................  
Forfeited/cancelled ..........................................................................................................................  

Outstanding at September 30, 2017 ................................................................................................. 

Number of 
Restricted 
Stock 
Units 
159,988     $ 
62,100    
(29,051 )  
(15,300 )  
177,737     $ 

Weighted 
Average 
Fair Value 
Per Share 

43.12  
39.57  
39.08  
26.39  
37.00  

We have reserved 750,000 shares of common stock for issuance under the 2014 Plan. As of September 30, 2017, there were 664,911 
shares of common stock left available. 

2014 Non-Employee Director Equity Incentive Plan 

In February 2014, our stockholders approved and adopted at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders the 2014 Non-Employee Director 
Equity  Incentive  Plan  (the  2014  Director  Plan). The  total  number  of  shares  of  common  stock  reserved  under  the  plan  is 
150,000 shares. The plan is administered by the Compensation Committee. Eligibility to participate in the plan is limited to those 
individuals who are members of the Board of the Company and who are not employees of the Company or any affiliate of the 
Company. 

Under the terms of the 2014 Director Plan, the maximum number of shares that may be granted during any calendar year to any 
individual is 12,000 shares. The total number of shares that may be issued for awards to any single participant during a calendar year 
for other stock-based awards (excluding stock options and SARs) is 4,000 shares. The Compensation Committee has determined 
that each non-employee director will receive 2,000 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock annually. Fifty-percent of the 
restricted stock granted to each of our non-employee directors vests immediately, while the remaining fifty-percent vests on the 
anniversary of the grant date. Compensation expense is recognized immediately for the first fifty-percent of the restricted stock 

48 

 
 
 
 
granted, while compensation expense for the remaining fifty-percent will be recognized over the remaining vesting period based on 
the price per share on the grant date.   

In February 2017, we issued 17,000 shares of restricted stock to our non-employee directors at a price of $34.24 per share under the 
2014 Director Plan. In February 2016, we issued 16,000 shares of restricted stock to our non-employee directors at a price of $25.63 
per share and in April 2016, we also issued 1,000 shares of restricted stock to a non-employee director at a price of $29.38 per share 
under the 2014 Director Plan. The total number of shares of common stock available for future awards under the 2014 Director plan 
was 84,600 shares as of September 30, 2017.   

At September 30, 2017 and 2016, there were 16,000 shares and 26,800 shares of unvested restricted stock  outstanding. Total 
compensation expense related to restricted stock grants under all plans was $0.7 million, $0.7 million and $1.3 million for the years 
ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Total compensation expense related to RSU’s under all plans was $2.0 
million, $4.2 million and $1.9 million for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 

We record the amortization of non-vested restricted stock and restricted stock units as an increase to additional paid-in capital. As of 
September 30, 2017 and 2016, amounts not yet recognized related to non-vested stock totaled $1.6 million and $2.1 million, 
respectively. As of September 30, 2017, the total weighted average remaining contractual life of our restricted stock and RSU’s is six 
months and 1.74 years, respectively.   

K. Fair Value Measurements 

We measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value. Fair value is defined as an “exit price” which represents the amount 
that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the 
measurement date. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market 
participants would use in valuing an asset or liability. The accounting guidance requires the use of valuation techniques to measure 
fair value that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. As a basis for considering such 
assumptions and inputs, a fair value hierarchy has been established that identifies and prioritizes three levels of inputs to be used in 
measuring fair value. 

The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows: 

Level 1 — Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. 

Level 2 — Inputs other than the quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly, including: 
quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets 
that are not active or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data. 

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market data and require the reporting entity to develop its 

own assumptions. 

The following table summarizes the fair value of our assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis 
as of September 30, 2017 (in thousands): 

Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2017 

Quoted Prices in 
Active Markets 
for 
Identical Assets 
(Level 1) 

Significant 
Other 
Observable 
Inputs 
(Level 2) 

Significant 
Unobservable 
Inputs 
(Level 3) 

Fair Value at 
September 30, 
2017 

Assets: 

Cash and cash equivalents .....................................................  
Short-term investments ..........................................................  
Restricted cash .......................................................................  
Deferred compensation ..........................................................  

$ 

68,359     $ 
26,829    
24,851    
—    

—     $ 
—    
—    
6,442    

—     $ 
—    
—    
—    

68,359  
26,829  
24,851  
6,442  

Liabilities: 

Deferred compensation ..........................................................  

—    

4,991    

—    

4,991  

49 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
 
The following table summarizes the fair value of our assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis 
as of September 30, 2016 (in thousands): 

Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2016 

Quoted Prices in 
Active Markets 
for 
Identical Assets 
(Level 1) 

Significant 
Other 
Observable 
Inputs 
(Level 2) 

Significant 
Unobservable 
Inputs 
(Level 3) 

Fair Value at 
September 30, 
2016 

Assets: 

Cash and cash equivalents .....................................................  
Deferred compensation ..........................................................  

$ 

97,720     $ 
—    

—     $ 

5,773    

—     $ 
—    

97,720  
5,773  

Liabilities: 

Deferred compensation ..........................................................  

—    

4,449    

—    

4,449  

Fair value guidance requires certain fair value disclosures be presented in both interim and annual reports. The estimated fair value 
amounts of financial instruments have been determined using available market information and valuation methodologies described 
below. 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents, primarily funds held in money market savings instruments, are reported at their current carrying value 
which approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments and are included in cash and cash equivalents in our 
Consolidated Balance Sheets. 

Short-term Investments - Short-term investments include time deposits with original maturities of three months or more. 

Restricted Cash - Restricted cash represents a pledged cash collateral balance which is required under our recently amended credit 
agreement and is held in an interest-bearing savings account. See Note F for further discussion on restricted cash. 

Deferred Compensation – We hold investments in an irrevocable Rabbi Trust for our deferred compensation plan. These assets 
include both mutual fund investments and company-owned life insurance policies. Under the plan, participants designate investment 
options to serve as the basis for measurement of the notional value of their accounts. The mutual funds and company-owned life 
insurance policies are combined in the plan and are therefore categorized as Level 2 in the fair value measurement hierarchy. 

L. Geographic Information 

Revenues by country represent sales to  unaffiliated customers as determined by  the  ultimate  destination of our products and 
services, summarized for the last three fiscal years by region in the table below (in thousands): 

United States ..........................................................................................................  $ 
Canada ....................................................................................................................  
Middle East and Africa ...........................................................................................  
Europe ....................................................................................................................  
Mexico, Central and South America ......................................................................  
Far East ..................................................................................................................  

Total revenues.........................................................................................................  

$ 

Year Ended September 30, 

2017 
279,352     $ 
45,540    
26,639    
21,194    
19,309    
3,877    
395,911     $ 

2016 
405,298     $ 
77,252    
40,294    
26,200    
8,304    
7,895    
565,243     $ 

2015 
474,038  
101,191  
40,557  
23,567  
10,479  
12,026  
661,858  

Long-lived assets: 

United States ....................................................................................................................................  $ 
Canada .............................................................................................................................................  
United Kingdom ..............................................................................................................................  

Total .................................................................................................................................................  

$ 

September 30, 

2017 

2016 

82,589     $ 
52,122    
4,709    
139,420     $ 

88,304  
52,292  
4,381  
144,977  

50 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
Long-lived assets by country consist of property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and are determined 
based on the location of the tangible assets. 

M. Restructuring and Separation Expenses 

In Fiscal 2017, we incurred approximately $1.3 million of restructuring costs as we continued to reduce our overall cost structure to 
better align our costs with future production requirements. Of the $1.3 million of restructuring costs incurred this fiscal year, $1.0 
million has been paid and the remaining $0.3 million will be paid in Fiscal 2018. 

In Fiscal 2016, we incurred approximately $7.9 million of separation costs, of which $3.8 million were separation costs related to 
the departure of our former Chief Executive Officer in December 2015. Additionally in Fiscal 2016, we incurred approximately $0.5 
million of restructuring costs related to a Canadian facility that we leased and exited in the third quarter of Fiscal 2016. Of the $7.9 
million in separation costs, $6.8 million was paid in Fiscal 2016 and the remaining $1.1 million was paid in Fiscal 2017. 

In Fiscal 2015, we incurred $3.4 million of restructuring and separation costs. Of this, $2.6 million were separation and severance 
costs associated with headcount reductions in Canada and certain U.S. operations, as well as the departure of our former Chief 
Operating Officer. The remaining $0.8 million was related to the exit of one of our previously occupied leased facilities in Acheson, 
Alberta, Canada and the write-off of associated leasehold improvements. 

N. Share Repurchase Program 

On December 17, 2014, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program which allowed us to repurchase up to $25 
million of our outstanding stock. The purchases were made from time to time in the open market through Rule 10b5-1 trading plans 
in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. The repurchase of shares  was funded from cash on hand and cash 
provided by operating activities. The Repurchase Program expired on December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2015, we had 
purchased 806,018 shares at a cost of $25 million under the Repurchase Program. The average purchase price per share since 
inception of the program was $31.02. 

O.  Quarterly Information 

The table below sets forth the unaudited consolidated operating results by fiscal quarter for the years ended September 30, 2017 and 
2016 (in thousands, except per share data):  

Revenues .............................................................  $ 
Gross profit .........................................................  
Net income (loss) ................................................  
Earnings (loss) per share: 

2017 Quarters 

First 
110,341     $ 
14,999    
(300 )  

Second 
104,680     $ 
15,822    
(829 )  

Third 

Fourth 

85,927     $ 
9,054    
(3,215 )  

94,963     $ 
10,894    
(5,142 )  

2017 
395,911  
50,769  
(9,486 ) 

Basic ....................................................................  $ 
Diluted .................................................................  $ 

(0.03 )   $ 
(0.03 )   $ 

(0.07 )   $ 
(0.07 )   $ 

(0.28 )   $ 
(0.28 )   $ 

(0.45 )   $ 
(0.45 )   $ 

(0.83 ) 
(0.83 ) 

Revenues .............................................................  $ 
Gross profit .........................................................  
Net income (loss) ................................................  
Earnings (loss) per share: 

2016 Quarters 

First 
149,977     $ 
23,150    
(459 )  

Second 
152,266     $ 
30,094    
5,567    

Third 
133,207     $ 
27,285    
4,894    

Fourth 
129,793     $ 
25,676    
5,508    

2016 
565,243  
106,205  
15,510  

Basic ....................................................................  $ 
Diluted .................................................................  $ 

(0.04 )   $ 
(0.04 )   $ 

0.49     $ 
0.49     $ 

0.43     $ 
0.43     $ 

0.48     $ 
0.48     $ 

1.36  
1.36  

The  sum  of  the  individual  earnings  per  share  amounts  may  not  agree  with  year-to-date  earnings  per  share  as  each  period’s 
computation is based on the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period. 

51 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
P.  Subsequent Events 

On November 7, 2017, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend on our common stock in the amount of $0.26 per 
share. The dividend is payable on December 13, 2017 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 21, 2017. 

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

None. 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures 

We have established and maintain a system of disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to provide reasonable assurance 
that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as 
amended (Exchange Act), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms 
of the SEC and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer 
(CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. 

Management,  with the participation of our CEO and CFO, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our 
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period 
covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based on such evaluation, our CEO and CFO have each concluded that, as of 
September 30, 2017, the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our disclosure controls and procedures 
were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under 
the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms 
and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to 
allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. 

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 
13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our system of internal control was designed using a top-down risk-based approach 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. Due to 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 ineffective due to changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with the policies or 
procedures. 

Management of the Company has assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 
2017. Management evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria in Internal 
Control  – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the  Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission 
(COSO). Based on management’s evaluation, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was 
effective at the reasonable assurance level as of September 30, 2017, based on criteria in Internal Control – Integrated Framework 
(2013) issued by the COSO. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers  LLP,  an  independent  registered  public  accounting  firm,  has  audited  and  issued  their  report  on  the 
effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2017, which appears in their report on the financial 
statements included herein. 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the last fiscal quarter that have 
materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. 

Item 9B. Other Information 

None. 

52 

 
 
 
 
 
 
PART III 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 

The information required by this item is incorporated in this Annual Report by reference to our definitive proxy statement pursuant 
to Regulation 14A, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the close of our fiscal year 
ended September 30, 2017. 

We  have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics  that applies to all employees, including our executive officers and 
directors. A copy of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics may be obtained at the Investor Relations section of our website, 
www.powellind.com, or by written request addressed to the Secretary, Powell Industries, Inc., 8550 Mosley Road, Houston, Texas 
77075. We will satisfy the requirements under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding disclosure of amendments to, or waivers from, 
provisions of our code of ethics that apply to the chief executive officer, chief financial officer or controller by posting such 
information on our website. 

Item 11. Executive Compensation 

The information required by this item is incorporated in this Annual Report by reference to our definitive proxy statement pursuant 
to Regulation 14A, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the close of our fiscal year 
ended September 30, 2017. 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 

The information required by this item is incorporated in this Annual Report by reference to our definitive proxy statement pursuant 
to Regulation 14A, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the close of our fiscal year 
ended September 30, 2017. 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 

The information required by this item is incorporated in this Annual Report by reference to our definitive proxy statement pursuant 
to Regulation 14A, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the close of our fiscal year 
ended September 30, 2017. 

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services 

The information required by this item is incorporated in this Annual Report by reference to our definitive proxy statement pursuant 
to Regulation 14A, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the close of our fiscal year 
ended September 30, 2017. 

53 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART IV 

Item  15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules 

1. Financial Statements. Reference is made to the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements at Item 8 of this Annual Report. 

2. Financial Statement Schedule. All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in 
the financial statements or the notes to the financial statements. 

3. Exhibits. 

Number 

  Description of Exhibits 

3.1     —    Certificate of Incorporation of Powell Industries, Inc. filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on 
February 11, 2004 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to our Form 8-A/A filed November 1, 2004, and incorporated herein by 
reference). 

3.2     —    Amended and Restated By-laws of Powell Industries, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to our Form 8-K filed October 12, 

2012, and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.1     —    Description of Supplemental Executive Benefit Plan (filed as Exhibit 10 to our Form 10-K for the fiscal year 

ended October 31, 1984, and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.2     —    Powell Industries, Inc. Directors’ Fees Program (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended 

October 31, 1992, and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.3     —    Powell Industries, Inc. Executive Severance Protection Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to our Form 10-K for the fiscal 

year ended October 31, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.4     —    Powell Industries, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.9 to our Form 10-K for the fiscal year 

ended October 31, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.5     —    Banking  facilities  between  HSBC  Bank  plc  and  Switchgear  &  Instrumentation  Limited  and  Switchgear  & 
Instrumentation Properties Limited dated September 12, 2005 (filed as Exhibit 10.16 to our Form 10-K for the 
fiscal year ended October 31, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.6     —    Lease Agreement between the Company and C&L Partnership, Ltd. dated April 19, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to 

our Form 8-K filed August 9, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.7     —    Employment Agreement dated as of May 8, 2012 between the Company and Don R. Madison (filed as Exhibit 
10.1 to our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.8   —    Employment Agreement dated as of May 8, 2012 between the Company and Milburn E. Honeycutt (filed as 
Exhibit 10.2 to our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.9   —    Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of April 26, 2012, between Powell PowerComm Inc., as 
Borrower, Powell Industries, Inc., Nextron Limited, PPC Technical Services Inc., as Guarantors, and HSBC Bank 
Canada,  as  Lender  (filed  as  Exhibit  10.4  to  our  Form  10-Q  for  the  quarter  ended  March  31,  2012,  and 
incorporated herein by reference). 

10.10   —    Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of January 15, 2014, between the Company and Kapsch TrafficCom IVHS, 

Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 8-K filed January 17, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference). 

**10.11   —    Amended and Restated Powell Supply Agreement dated as of December 30, 2013, between the Company and 
General Electric Company (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Form 10-Q filed February 5, 2014 and incorporated 
herein by reference). 

10.12   —    Restated Credit Agreement dated as of December 31, 2013, between the Company and Bank of America, N.A. 

(filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Form 10-Q filed February 5, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference). 

54 

 
 
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
 
Number 

  Description of Exhibits 

10.13     —    2014 Equity Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Form 10-Q filed May 7, 2014 and incorporated herein by 

reference). 

10.14     —    Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Form 

10-Q filed May 7, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.15     —    Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to our 

Form 10-Q filed May 7, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.16     —    Form of Performance Unit Award Agreement under 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to our Form 

10-Q filed May 7, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.17     —    Form of Stock Option Award Agreement under 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to our Form 10-

Q filed May 7, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.18     —    Form of Stock Appreciation Right Award Agreement under 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to 

our Form 10-Q filed May 7, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.19     —    2014 Non-Employee Director Equity Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.8 to our Form 10-Q filed May 7, 2014 

and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.20   —    Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under 2014 Non-Employee Director Equity Incentive Plan (filed as 

Exhibit 10.9 to our Form 10-Q filed May 7, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.21     —    First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of March 28, 2014, among Powell Industries, Inc., as Parent, 
certain  subsidiaries  of  Powell  Industries,  Inc.  identified  therein,  as  Guarantors,  Bank  of America,  N.A.,  as 
Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C issuer, and the Lenders party thereto (filed as Exhibit 10.10 to 
our Form 10-Q filed May 7, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.22     —    Renewed banking facilities between HSBC Bank plc and Powell (UK) Limited dated October 20, 2014 (filed as 
Exhibit 10.48 to our Form 10-K filed December 3, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.23     —    Second Amendment to Amended Credit Agreement, dated December 31, 2014, among Powell Industries, Inc., as 
Parent, certain subsidiaries of Powell Industries, Inc. identified therein, as Guarantors, Bank of America, N.A., as 
Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C issuer, and the Lenders party thereto (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to 
our Form 10-Q filed February 4, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.24     —    Amending Agreement to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, effective as of March 31, 2015, between 
Powell Canada Inc., Powell Industries, Inc., Nextron Limited, PCG Northern Services Inc. and HSBC Bank 
Canada (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 10-Q filed May 6, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.25     —    Severance Agreement and Release effective as of December 24, 2015, between the Company and Michael A. 
Lucas (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 10-Q filed February 3, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.26     —    Employment Agreement dated September 29, 2016, between the Company and Brett A. Cope (filed as Exhibit 

10.1 to our 8-K filed September 30, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.27      

  Third Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated June 27, 2017, between Powell Industries, Inc., the subsidiaries of 
Powell named therein, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swingline Lender and L/C issuer and 
the Lenders party thereto (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 8-K filed June 30, 2017 and incorporated herein by 
reference). 

*21.1   —    Subsidiaries of Powell Industries, Inc. 

*23.1   —    Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. 

*31.1   —    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a). 

*31.2   —    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a). 

*32.1   —    Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to 

Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 

55 

 
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
Number 

  Description of Exhibits 

*32.2   —    Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to 

Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 

101.INS   —    XBRL Instance Document 

101.SCH   —    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document 

101.CAL   —    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document 

101.DEF   —    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document 

101.LAB   —    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document 

101.PRE   —    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document 

* 

** 

Filed herewith. 

Portions of this exhibit have been omitted based on a request for confidential treatment pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such omitted portions have been filed separately with the Commission. 

Item 16.  Form 10-K Summary 

None. 

56 

 
 
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused 

this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. 

SIGNATURES 

POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC. 
/s/ Brett A. Cope 
By: 

Brett A. Cope 
President and Chief Executive 
Officer 
(Principal 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 in the capacities and on the date indicated: 

Signature 
/s/Thomas W. Powell 
Thomas W. Powell 

/s/Brett A. Cope 

Brett A. Cope 

/s/Don R. Madison 

Don R. Madison 

/s/Milburn Honeycutt 

Milburn Honeycutt 

/s/ Eugene L. Butler 

Eugene L. Butler 

/s/ Christopher E. Cragg 

Christopher E. Cragg 

/s/ Bonnie V. Hancock 

Bonnie V. Hancock 

/s/ Scott E. Rozzell 

Scott E. Rozzell 

/s/ Stephen W. Seale, Jr. 

Stephen W. Seale, Jr. 

/s/ John D. White 

John D. White 

/s/Richard E. Williams 

Richard E. Williams 

Title 

Chairman of the Board 

Director 
President and Chief Executive Officer 
(Principal Executive Officer) 

Executive Vice President 
Chief Financial and Administrative Officer 
(Principal Financial Officer) 

Vice President 
Chief Accounting Officer 
Corporate Controller 
(Principal Accounting Officer) 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Date: December 6, 2017  

57 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number 

  Description of Exhibits 

EXHIBIT INDEX 

3.1     —    Certificate of Incorporation of Powell Industries, Inc. filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on 
February 11, 2004 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to our Form 8-A/A filed November 1, 2004, and incorporated herein by 
reference). 

3.2     —    Amended and Restated By-laws of Powell Industries, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to our Form 8-K filed October 12, 

2012, and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.1     —    Description of Supplemental Executive Benefit Plan (filed as Exhibit 10 to our Form 10-K for the fiscal year 

ended October 31, 1984, and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.2     —    Powell Industries, Inc. Directors’ Fees Program (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended 

October 31, 1992, and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.3     —    Powell Industries, Inc. Executive Severance Protection Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to our Form 10-K for the fiscal 

year ended October 31, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.4     —    Powell Industries, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.9 to our Form 10-K for the fiscal year 

ended October 31, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.5   —    Banking  facilities  between  HSBC  Bank  plc  and  Switchgear  &  Instrumentation  Limited  and  Switchgear  & 
Instrumentation Properties Limited dated September 12, 2005 (filed as Exhibit 10.16 to our Form 10-K for the 
fiscal year ended October 31, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.6     —    Lease Agreement between the Company and C&L Partnership, Ltd. dated April 19, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to 

our Form 8-K filed August 9, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.7     —    Employment Agreement dated as of May 8, 2012 between the Company and Don R. Madison (filed as Exhibit 
10.1 to our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.8     —    Employment Agreement dated as of May 8, 2012 between the Company and Milburn E. Honeycutt (filed as 
Exhibit 10.2 to our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.9     —    Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of April 26, 2012, between Powell PowerComm Inc., as 
Borrower, Powell Industries, Inc., Nextron Limited, PPC Technical Services Inc., as Guarantors, and HSBC Bank 
Canada,  as  Lender  (filed  as  Exhibit  10.4  to  our  Form  10-Q  for  the  quarter  ended  March  31,  2012,  and 
incorporated herein by reference). 

10.10    

  Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of January 15, 2014, between the Company and Kapsch TrafficCom IVHS, 

Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 8-K filed January 17, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference). 

**10.11   —    Amended and Restated Powell Supply Agreement dated as of December 30, 2013, between the Company and 
General Electric Company (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Form 10-Q filed February 5, 2014 and incorporated 
herein by reference). 

10.12     —    Restated Credit Agreement dated as of December 31, 2013, between the Company and Bank of America, N.A. 

(filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Form 10-Q filed February 5, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.13     —    2014 Equity Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Form 10-Q filed May 7, 2014 and incorporated herein by 

reference). 

10.14     —    Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Form 

10-Q filed May 7, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.15     —    Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to our 

Form 10-Q filed May 7, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.16     —    Form of Performance Unit Award Agreement under 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to our Form 

10-Q filed May 7, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.17     —    Form of Stock Option Award Agreement under 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to our Form 10-

Q filed May 7, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference). 

58 

 
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
Number 

  Description of Exhibits 

10.18     —    Form of Stock Appreciation Right Award Agreement under 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to 

our Form 10-Q filed May 7, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.19     —    2014 Non-Employee Director Equity Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.8 to our Form 10-Q filed May 7, 2014 

and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.20   —    Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under 2014 Non-Employee Director Equity Incentive Plan (filed as 

Exhibit 10.9 to our Form 10-Q filed May 7, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.21     —    First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of March 28, 2014, among Powell Industries, Inc., as Parent, 
certain  subsidiaries  of  Powell  Industries,  Inc.  identified  therein,  as  Guarantors,  Bank  of America,  N.A.,  as 
Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C issuer, and the Lenders party thereto (filed as Exhibit 10.10 to 
our Form 10-Q filed May 7, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.22     —    Renewed banking facilities between HSBC Bank plc and Powell (UK) Limited dated October 20, 2014 (filed as 
Exhibit 10.48 to our Form 10-K filed December 3, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.23     —    Second Amendment to Amended Credit Agreement, dated December 31, 2014, among Powell Industries, Inc., as 
Parent, certain subsidiaries of Powell Industries, Inc. identified therein, as Guarantors, Bank of America, N.A., as 
Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C issuer, and the Lenders party thereto (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to 
our Form 10-Q filed February 4, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.24     —    Amending Agreement to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, effective as of March 31, 2015, between 
Powell Canada Inc., Powell Industries, Inc., Nextron Limited, PCG Northern Services Inc. and HSBC Bank 
Canada (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 10-Q filed May 6, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.25     —    Severance Agreement and Release effective as of December 24, 2015, between the Company and Michael A. 
Lucas. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 10-Q filed February 3, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.26     —    Employment Agreement dated September 29, 2016, between the Company and Brett A. Cope (filed as Exhibit 

10.1 to our 8-K filed September 30, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference). 

10.27    

  Third Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated June 27, 2017, between Powell Industries, Inc., the subsidiaries of 
Powell named therein, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swingline Lender and L/C issuer and 
the Lenders party thereto (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 8-K filed June 30, 2017 and incorporated herein by 
reference). 

*21.1   —    Subsidiaries of Powell Industries, Inc. 

*23.1   —    Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. 

*31.1   —    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a). 

*31.2   —    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a). 

*32.1   —    Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to 

Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 

*32.2   —    Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to 

Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 

101.INS   —    XBRL Instance Document 

101.SCH   —    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document 

101.CAL   —    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document 

59 

 
 
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
 
Number 

  Description of Exhibits 

101.DEF   —    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document 

101.LAB   —    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document 

101.PRE   —    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document 

* 

** 

Filed herewith. 

Portions of this exhibit have been omitted based on a request for confidential treatment pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such omitted portions have been filed separately with the Commission. 

60 

 
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
COR POR ATE INFORMATION

Powell Industries, Inc.
8550 Mosley Road
Houston, Texas 77075-1180
713.944.6900

Corporate Counsel
Winstead PC 
600 Travis Street, Suite 5200
Houston, Texas 77002-2900
713.650.8400

Independent Public 
Accountants
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
1000 Louisiana Street 
Suite 5800 
Houston TX 77002 
713.356.4000

Board of Directors
Thomas W. Powell
Chairman of the Board

Eugene L. Butler
Brett A. Cope
Christopher E. Cragg
Bonnie V. Hancock
Scott E. Rozzell
Stephen W. Seale, Jr.
John D. White
Richard E. Williams

Officers
Brett A. Cope
President and  
Chief Executive Officer

Don R. Madison
Executive Vice President,  
Chief Financial and  
Administrative Officer

Milburn E. Honeycutt
Vice President,
Corporate Controller and  
Chief Accounting Officer

Powell Industries, Inc.
8550 Mosley Road
Houston, Texas 77075-1180

powellind.com