UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
x

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended July 29, 2017January 26, 2019


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

Commission File Number 001-10613
DYCOM INDUSTRIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Florida 59-1277135
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
11780 US Highway 1, Suite 600, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33408
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (561) 627-7171

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, par value $0.33 1/3 per share New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy of information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this formForm 10-K.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer x
Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨
Smaller reporting company ¨
Emerging growth company ¨
   
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨No x
The aggregate market value of the common stock, par value $0.33 1/3 per share, held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the closing price of such stock on the New York Stock Exchange on JanuaryJuly 28, 2017,2018, was $2,430,823,903.$2,694,173,840.
There were 31,089,55531,441,024 shares of common stock with a par value of $0.33 1/3 outstanding at August 30, 2017.February 28, 2019.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
DocumentPart of Annual Report on Form 10-K into which incorporated
Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement to be filed by November 27, 2017May 25, 2019Parts II and III
  
Such Proxy Statement, except for the portions thereof which have been specifically incorporated by reference, shall not be deemed “filed” as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Dycom Industries, Inc.
Table of Contents
   
 
 
   
PART I
   
   
 
PART II
   
   
PART III
   
   
PART IV
   
  

Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
 
This Annual Report on Form 10-K, including any documents incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein, contains forward-looking statements. These statements, relatingas well as any other written or oral forward-looking statements we may make from time to time, including in other filings with the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) are intended to qualify for the “safe harbor” from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may relate to future events, financial performance, strategies, expectations, and the competitive environment. Words such as “outlook,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “project,” “forecast,” “target,” “outlook,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “project,” “target,” and similar expressions, as well as statements written in the future tense, identify forward-looking statements. They will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or at what time such performance or results will be achieved. You should not consider forward-looking statements as guarantees of future performance or results. Forward-lookingWhen made, forward-looking statements are based on information availableknown to management at thesuch time they are made and/or management’s good-faithgood faith belief at that time with respect to future events. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Important factors, assumptions, uncertainties, and risks that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to:

anticipated outcomesfuture economic conditions and trends in the industries we serve;

customer capital budgets and spending priorities;

the effect of contingent events, including litigation;changes in tax law;

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

determinations as to whether the carrying value of our assets is impaired;plans for future operations, growth and services, including contract backlog;

our plans for future acquisitions, dispositions, or financial needs;

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

plans for future operations, growth and acquisitions, dispositions, or financial needs;anticipated outcomes of contingent events, including litigation;

financing availability;

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

restrictions imposed by our credit agreement;

use of our cash flow to service our debt;

future economic conditionspotential liabilities and trends inother adverse effects arising from occupational health, safety, and other regulatory matters;

potential exposure to environmental liabilities;

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

assumptions relating to any of the foregoing;
  
and other factors discussed within Item 1,1. Business, Item 1A,1A. Risk Factors and Item 7,7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and other risks outlined in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).SEC. Our forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Our forward-looking statements are only made as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and weWe undertake no obligation to update themor revise forward-looking statements to reflect new information or new analysis or interpretations of existing information or events or circumstances arising after such date.the date of those statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.


Available Information

Copies of our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to these reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), are available free of charge at our website, www.dycomind.com,, as soon as reasonably practicable after we file these reports with, or furnish these reports to, the SEC. All references to www.dycomind.com in this report are inactive textual references only and the information on ourcontained at that website is not incorporated intoherein and does not constitute a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


PART I

Item 1. Business.

Dycom Industries, Inc. (“Dycom” or the “Company”) is a leading provider of specialty contracting services throughout the United States and in Canada. Our subsidiary companiesStates. We provide program management, engineering, construction, maintenance, and installation services for telecommunications providers, underground facility locating services for various utilities, including telecommunications providers, and other construction and maintenance services for electric and gas utilities. Our consolidated contract revenues for fiscal 20172019 were $3.067$3.1 billion.

Dycom was incorporated in the State of Florida in 1969 and has since expanded its geographic scope and service offerings both organically and through acquisitions. Our established footprintgeographic presence and decentralizedsubstantial workforce provide the scale needed to quickly execute on opportunities to service existing and new customers.

Specialty Contracting Services

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

Engineering services include the planning and design of aerial, underground, and buried fiber optic, copper, and coaxial cable systems that extend from the telephone company central office,hub location, or cable operator headend, to the consumer’s home or business. WeEngineering services also include the planning and design of wireless networks in connection with the deployment of enhanced macro cell and new small cell sites. Additionally, we obtain rights of way and permits in support of our engineering activities and those of our customers as well as provide constructionprogram and project management and inspection personnel in conjunction with engineering services or on a stand-alone basis.

Construction, maintenance, and installation services include the placement and splicing of fiber, copper, and coaxial cables. In addition, we excavate trenches in which to place these cables; place related structures such as poles, anchors, conduits, manholes, cabinets, and closures; place drop lines from main distribution lines to the consumer’s home or business; and maintain and remove these facilities. We provide these services for both telephone companies and cable multiple system operators in connection with the deployment, expansion, or maintenance of new and existing networks. We also provide tower construction, lines and antenna installation, and foundation and equipment pad construction, and small cell site placement for wireless carriers, as well as equipment installation and material fabrication and site testing services. For cable televisionmultiple system operators, we install and maintain customer premise equipment such as digital video recorders, set top boxes and modems.

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

Business Strategy

Capitalize on Long-Term Growth Drivers. We are well-positioned to benefit from the increased demand for network bandwidth that is necessary to ensure reliable video, voice, and data services. Significant developmentsDevelopments in consumer and business applications within the telecommunications industry, including advanced digital and video service offerings, continue to increase the demand for greater capacity and enhanced reliability from our customers’ wireline and wireless networks.network capacity and reliability. Telecommunications network operators are increasingly deploying fiber optic cable technology deeper into their networks and closer to consumers and businesses in order to respond to consumer demand, competitive realities, and public policy support. Additionally, wireless carriers are upgrading their networks and contemplating next generation mobile solutions in response to the significant demand for wireless

broadband, driven by the proliferation of smart phones, mobile data devices and other advances in technology. The increasingIncreasing wireless data traffic and newly emerging wireless technologies are beginning to drivedriving significant incremental wireline deployments in many regions of the country.United States. Furthermore, significant consolidation and merger activity among telecommunications providers can also provide increased demand for our services as networks are integrated.

Selectively Increase Market Share. We believe our reputation for providing high quality services and ourthe ability to provide those services nationally creates opportunities to expand our market share. Our decentralized operating structure and numerousmultiple points of contact within customer organizations positionpositions us favorably to win new opportunities and maintain strong relationships with existing customers. Our significant financial resources enable usWe are able to address larger opportunities that somedue to our significant financial resources. Some of our relativelycomparatively capital-constrained competitors may be unable to perform.do so. We do not intend to increase market share by pursuing unprofitable work.


Pursue Disciplined Financial and Operating Strategies. We manage the financial aspects of our business by centralizing certain activities that allow us to reduce costs through leveragingleverage our scope and scale.scale and reduce costs. We have centralized functions such as information technology, risk management, treasury, tax, and risk management, the approval of capital equipment procurements, and the design and administration of employee benefit plans. We also centralize our information technology infrastructure to provide enhanced operating efficiency. In contrast, we decentralize the recording of transactions and the financial reporting necessary for timely operational decisions. Decentralization promotes greater accountability for business outcomes fromby our local decision makers. Our local managers are responsible for marketing, field operations, and ongoing customer service, and are empowered to capture new business and execute contracts on a timely and cost-effective basis. Our executiveExecutive management team provides support to thesupports our local marketing efforts while also marketing at a national level. This operating approach enables us to utilize capital resources efficientlybenefit from our scale while retaining the organizational agility necessary to compete with smaller, regional and privately owned competitors.

Pursue Selective Acquisitions. We pursue acquisitions that are operationally and financially beneficial for the Company as a whole. In particular, we pursue acquisitions that willthey provide us with incremental revenue, and geographic diversification, while complementing ourand complement existing operations. We generally target companies for acquisition that have defensible leadership positions in their market niches, profitability that meets or exceeds industry averages, proven operating histories, sound management and certain clearly identifiable cost synergies.

Fiscal Year

In September 2017, our Board of Directors approved a change in the Company’s fiscal year end from the last Saturday in July to the last Saturday in January. The change in fiscal year end better aligned our fiscal year with the planning cycles of our customers. For quarterly comparisons, there were no changes to the months in each fiscal quarter. Beginning with fiscal 2019, each fiscal year ends on the last Saturday in January and consists of either 52 or 53 weeks of operations (with the additional week of operations occurring in the fourth fiscal quarter).

We refer to the period beginning January 28, 2018 and ending January 26, 2019 as “fiscal 2019”, the period beginning July 30, 2017 and ending January 27, 2018 as the “2018 transition period”, the period beginning July 31, 2016 and ending July 29, 2017 as “fiscal 2017”, and the period beginning July 26, 2015 and ending July 30, 2016 as “fiscal 2016”.

Acquisitions

Fiscal 2019. During March 2018, we acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of a provider of telecommunications construction and maintenance services in the Midwest and Northeast United States for a cash purchase price of $20.9 million, less an adjustment for working capital received below a target amount estimated to be approximately $0.5 million. This acquisition expands our geographic presence within our existing customer base.

Fiscal 2017. During March 2017, we acquired Texstar Enterprises, Inc. (“Texstar”) for $26.1 million, net of cash acquired. Texstar provides construction and maintenance services for telecommunications providers in the Southwest and Pacific Northwest regions of the United States. This acquisition expands our geographic presence within our existing customer base.

Fiscal 2016. During August 2015, we acquired TelCom Construction, Inc. and an affiliate (together, “TelCom”). The purchase price was $48.8 million paid in cash. TelCom, based in Clearwater, Minnesota, provides construction and maintenance services for telecommunications providers throughout the United States. This acquisition expands our geographic presence within our existing customer base. During May 2016, we acquired NextGen Telecom Services Group, Inc. (“NextGen”) for $5.6 million, net of cash acquired. NextGen provides construction and maintenance services for telecommunications providers in the NortheasternNortheast United States. Additionally, during July 2016, we acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities associated with the wireless network deployment and wireline operations of Goodman Networks Incorporated (“Goodman”) for a net cash purchase price of $100.9 million after an adjustment of approximately $6.6 million for working capital received below a target amount. The acquired operations provide wireless construction services in a number

of markets, including Texas, Georgia, and Southern California. The acquired operations were immediately integrated with the operations of an existing subsidiary, which is a larger, well-established provider of services to the same primary customer. The acquisition reinforces our wireless construction resources and expands our geographic presence within our existing customer base. Subsequent to the close of this acquisition, activity levels within the contracts of the acquired operations trended considerably below expectations. The acquired contracts remain in effect and we have not experienced any adverse changes in customer relations. With the immediate integration of the Goodman operations into our existing subsidiary, we believe our ability to effectively perform services for the customer will provide future opportunities.
Fiscal 2015. During September 2014, we acquired Hewitt Power & Communications, Inc. (“Hewitt”) for $8.0 million, net of cash acquired. Hewitt provides specialty contracting services primarily for telecommunications providers in the Southeastern United States. During January 2015, we acquired the assets of two cable installation contractors for an aggregate purchase price of $1.5 million. During April 2015, we acquired Moll’s Utility Services, LLC (“Moll’s”) for $6.5 million, net of cash acquired. Moll’s provides specialty contracting services primarily for utilities in the Midwest United States. We also acquired the assets of Venture Communications Group, LLC (“Venture”) for $15.6 million during June 2015. Venture provides specialty contracting services primarily for telecommunications providers in the Midwest and Southeastern United States.

Customer Relationships

We have established relationships with many leading telecommunications providers, including telephone companies, cable television multiple system operators, wireless carriers, telecommunication equipment and infrastructure providers, and electric and gas utilities. Our customer base is highly concentrated, with our top five customers during each offiscal 2019, the 2018 transition period, fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015fiscal 2016 accounting for approximately 76.1%78.4%, 69.7%75.8%, 76.8%, and 61.1%70.1% of our total contract revenues, respectively. During fiscal 2017,2019, we derived approximately 26.3%21.2% of our total contract revenues from AT&T Inc., 17.7%20.8% from Comcast Corporation, 17.5%19.2% from Verizon Communications, Inc., 13.6% from CenturyLink, Inc., 9.2% from Verizon Communications, Inc. and 5.4%3.6% from Windstream Corporation.Holdings, Inc. We believe that a substantial portion of our total contract revenues and operating income will continue to be generated from a concentrated group of customers.


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

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

Fiscal Year

Our fiscal 2017 year ended on the last Saturday in July. In September 2017, our Board of Directors approved a change in the Company’s fiscal year end from July to January. Beginning with a six month transitional period ending January 27, 2018, our fiscal year will end on the last Saturday of January. We will file a transition report on Form 10-K containing audited financial statements for the six month period from July 30, 2017 to January 27, 2018. After the transition period, each fiscal year will consist of either 52 or 53 weeks of operations (with the additional week of operations occurring in the fourth fiscal quarter). Our 2019 fiscal year will commence on January 28, 2018.

The change in fiscal year end better aligns our fiscal year with the planning cycles of our customers. Year-over-year quarterly financial data will continue to be comparative to prior periods as the months that comprise each fiscal quarter in the new fiscal year are the same as those in our historical financial statements.

Fiscal 2017completion and 2015 each consisted of 52 weeks of operations and fiscal 2016 consisted of 53 weeks of operations. The next 53 week fiscal period will occur in the fiscal year ending January 30, 2021. Unless otherwise noted, a reference to fiscal year in this report refers to the fiscal year ended on the last Saturday in July.closeout.

Cyclicality and Seasonality

The cyclical nature of the industry we serve may affectaffects demand for our services. The capital expenditure and maintenance budgets of our customers, and the related timing of approvals and seasonal spending patterns, influence our contract revenues and results of operations. The business requirements ofFactors affecting our customers driven by the demands ofand their consumers,capital expenditure budgets include, but are not limited to, overall economic conditions, the introduction of new communication technologies, our customers’ debt levels and capital structures, our customers’ financial performance, and our customers’ positioning and strategic plans. Other factors that may affect our customers and their capital expenditure budgets include new regulations or regulatory actions impacting our customers’ businesses, merger or acquisition activity involving our customers, and the physical maintenance needs of their infrastructure, the actions of our government and the Federal Communications Commission, and overall economic conditions, may affect their capital expenditures and maintenance budgets. Changes in our mix of customers, contracts, and business activities, as well as changes in the general level of construction activity also drive variations in revenues and results of operations.customers’ infrastructure.

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

April compared to the fiscal quarters ending in July and October.

Backlog
 
Our backlog consistsis an estimate of the estimated uncompleted portion of services to be performed under contractual agreements with our customers and totaled $6.016$7.330 billion and $6.031$5.847 billion at July 29, 2017January 26, 2019 and July 30, 2016,January 27, 2018, respectively. We expect to

complete 46.4%37.4% of the July 29, 2017January 26, 2019 total backlog during the next twelve months. Our backlog estimates represent amounts underincludes the estimated uncompleted portion of services to be performed pursuant to master service agreements and other contractual agreements for services projected to be performed over the terms of the contracts andthose contracts. These estimates are based on contract terms our historical experience with customers and more generally, our experienceevaluations regarding the timing of the services to be provided. In the case of master service agreements, backlog is calculated using the amount of work performed in similar procurements. Thethe preceding twelve month period, when applicable. Backlog for newly initiated master service agreements and other long and short-term contracts is estimated using the anticipated scope of the contract and information received from the customer in the procurement process. A significant majority of our backlog estimates comprisecomprises services under master service agreements and other long-term contracts.

Revenue estimates included in our backlog can be subject to change because of project accelerations, contract cancellations, or delays due to various factors, including, but not limited to, commercial issues such as permitting, engineering changes, incremental documentation requirements, difficult job site conditions, and adverse weather. These factors can also cause revenue to be realized in different periods or in different amounts from those originally reflected in backlog. In many instances, our customers are not contractually committed to procure specific volumes of services under a contract. Contract revenue estimates reflected in our backlog can be subject to change due to a number of factors, including contract cancellations and changes in the amount or nature of the work estimated to be performed at the time backlog was calculated. In addition, contract revenues reflected in our backlog may be realized in periods different from those previously reported due to the factors above as well as project accelerations or delays due to various reasons, including, but not limited to, changes in customer spending priorities, scheduling changes, commercial issues such as permitting, engineering revisions, job site conditions, and adverse weather. The amount or timing of our backlog can also be impacted by the merger or acquisition activity of our customers. While we did not experience any material cancellations during fiscal 2017, 2016,2019, the 2018 transition period, or 2015,fiscal 2017, many of our contracts may be cancelled by our customers, or work previously awarded to us pursuant to these contracts may cancel our contracts upon noticebe cancelled, regardless of whether or not we are in default. The amount of backlog related to uncompleted projects in which a provision for estimated losses was recorded is not material.

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

Competition

The specialty contracting services industry in which we operate is highly fragmented and includes a large number of participants. We compete with several large multinational corporations and numerous small,regional and privately owned companies. We also face competition from the in-house service organizationsIn addition, a portion of our existing and prospective customers particularly telecommunications providers that employ personnel whodirectly perform somemany of the same services that we provide. Relatively few barriers to entry exist in the markets in which we operate. As a result, any organization that has adequate financial resources, access to technical expertise, and the necessary equipment and materials may become a competitor. The principal competitive factors for our services include geographic presence, breadthquality of service, offerings, worker and general public safety, price, qualitybreadth of service offerings, and industry reputation. We believe that we compare favorably to our competitors when evaluated against these factors.

Employees

We employed approximately 14,22514,920 persons as of July 29, 2017.January 26, 2019. Our workforce includes a core group of technical and managerial personnel to supervise our projects and fluctuates in size to meet the demands of our customers. We consider our relations with employees to be good and believe our future success will depend, in part, on our continuingcontinued ability to attract, hire, and retain skilled and experienced personnel.

MaterialsIndependent Subcontractors and SubcontractorsMaterials

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

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

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


Safety and Risk Management

We are committed to instilling safe work habits through proper training and supervision of our employees and expect adherence to safety practices that ensure a safe work environment. Our subsidiaries’ safety program requiresprograms require employees to

participate both in safety training required by law as well asand training that which is specifically relevant to the work they perform. The safetySafety directors of our businesses review safety incidents, and claims for our operations, examine trends, and implement changes in procedures to address safety issues.

Claims arising in our business generally include workers’ compensation claims, various general liability and damage claims, and claims related to motor vehicle collisions, including personal injury and property damage. For claims within our insurance program, we retain the risk of loss, up to certain limits, for matters related to automobile liability, general liability (including damages associated with underground facility locating services), workers’ compensation, and employee group health. We carefully monitor claims and actively participate with our insurers in determining claims estimates and adjustments. We accrue the estimated costs of claims as liabilities, and include estimates for claims incurred but not reported. Due to fluctuations in our loss experience from year to year, insurance accruals have varied and can affect the consistency of our operating margins. Our business could be materially and adversely affected if we experience insurance claims in excess of our umbrella coverage limit. See Item 7,7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and Note 8,11, Accrued Insurance Claims, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.10‑K.

Environmental MattersRegulation

We are subject to various federal, state, and local government regulations, including laws and regulations relating to environmental protection, work place safety, and other business requirements.

Environmental.A significant portion of the work we perform is associated with the underground networks of our customers.customers and we often operate in close proximity to pipelines or underground storage tanks that may contain hazardous substances. We could be subject to potential material liabilities in the event we fail to comply with environmental laws or regulations or we cause aor are responsible for the release of hazardous substances or cause other environmental damage resulting from underground objects we encounter. Liabilities for contamination or exposure to hazardous materials, ordamages. In addition, failure to comply with environmental laws and regulations could result in significant costs including clean-upremediation costs, fines, criminal sanctions for violations, and third-party claims for property damage, loss of use, or personal injury. These costs, as well as any direct impactinjury, and, in extreme cases, criminal sanctions.
Workplace Safety. We are subject to ongoing operations,the requirements of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (“OSHA”) and comparable state statutes that regulate the protection of the health and safety of workers. Our failure to comply with OSHA or other workplace safety requirements could adverselyresult in significant liabilities, fines, penalties, or other enforcement actions and affect our resultsability to perform the services that we have been contracted to provide to our customers.
Business. We are subject to a number of operationsstate and cash flows.

federal laws and regulations, including those related to contractor licensing and the operation of our fleet. If we are not in compliance with these laws and regulations, we may be unable to perform services for our customers and may also be subject to fines, penalties, and the suspension or revocation of our licenses.
Executive Officers of the Registrant

The following table sets forth certain information concerning the Company’s executive officers as of January 26, 2019, all of whom serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.
Name Age Office Executive Officer Since
Steven E. Nielsen 5455 Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer February 26, 1996
Timothy R. Estes 6364 Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer September 1, 2001
H. Andrew DeFerrari 4850 Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer November 22, 2005
Richard B. Vilsoet 6466 Senior Vice President, General CounselChief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary June 11, 2005
Kimberly DickensScott P. Horton 55 Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer March 24, 2014September 4, 2018

There are no arrangements or understandings between any executive officer of the Company and any other person pursuant to which any executive officer was selected as an officer of the Company. There are no family relationships among the Company’s executive officers.

Steven E. Nielsen has been the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer since March 1999. Prior to that, Mr. Nielsen was President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company from August 1996 to March 1999, and Vice President from February 1996 to August 1996.

Timothy R. Estes has been the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since September 2001. Prior to that, Mr. Estes was the President of Ansco & Associates, Inc.,LLC, one of the Company’s subsidiaries, from 1997 until 2001 and Vice President from 1994 until 1997.

H. Andrew DeFerrari has been the Company’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since April 2008. Prior to that, Mr. DeFerrari was the Company’s Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer since November 2005 and was the Company’s Financial Controller from July 2004 through November 2005. Mr. DeFerrari was previously a senior audit manager with Ernst & Young Americas, LLC.


Richard B. Vilsoet has been the Company’s Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary since November 2018. Prior to that, Mr. Vilsoet was the Company’s General Counsel and Corporate Secretary since June 2005 and Vice President since November 2005. Before joining the Company, Mr. Vilsoet was a partner with Shearman & Sterling LLP. Mr. Vilsoet was with Shearman & Sterling LLP for over fifteen years.

Kimberly DickensScott P. Horton has been the Company’s Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer since May 2014. BeforeSeptember 2018. Prior to joining the Company, in March 2014, Ms. Dickens wasMr. Horton spent the Vice President, Global Human Resources of Cooper Standard Automotive, Inc. from 2008 to 2013. Prior to this, she held a similar position at Federal Signal Corporation from 2004 to 2008 and spent over fifteenpast 30 years in a variety ofvarious human resources leadership roles at Borg Warner Corporation.within Cooper Industries, Tyco International, and most recently as VP, International Human Resources with Bausch Health Companies.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Our business is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties described below. You should read the following risk factors carefully in connection with evaluating our business and the forward-looking information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. If any of the risks described below, or elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K were to occur, our financial condition and results of operations could suffer and the trading price of our common stock could decline. Additionally, if other risks not presently known to us, or that we do not currently believe to be significant, occur or become significant, our financial condition and results of operations could suffer and the trading price of our common stock could decline.

Demand forEconomic downturns, uncertain economic conditions, and capital market fluctuations may affect our customers’ spending on the services is cyclical and vulnerable to economic downturns affecting the industries we serveprovide. Demand for our services has been, and will likely continue to be, cyclical in nature and vulnerable to downturns in the economy and telecommunications industry. During times of uncertainan economic downturn, or slowingwhen uncertainty regarding current or future economic conditions is elevated, our customers oftenmay reduce or eliminate their capital expenditures and defer or cancel pending projects.spending on the services we provide. In addition, uncertain or adverse economic conditions that create volatility in the credit anddebt or equity markets may reduce the availability of debt or equity financing for our customers causing them to reduce capital spending. Any reduction in capital spending or deferral or cancellation of projects by our existing or prospective customers could reduce demand for, or the timing of, our services, adversely affecting our operations, cash flows, and liquidity. In addition, these conditions make it difficult to estimateimpact our customers’ demand for ouraccess to capital and result in the reduction or elimination of spending on the services and add uncertainty to the determination of our backlog.

We derive a significant portion of our revenues from master service agreements and other long-term contractswe provide. These conditions, which may be canceled by our customers upon notice, do not guaranty a specific amount of work, or which we may be unable to renew on negotiated terms. During fiscal 2017, we derived approximately 87.0% of our revenues from master service agreements and other long-term contracts. The majority of these contracts are cancelable by our customers upon notice regardless of whether or not we are in default. In addition, our customers generally have no obligation to assign a specific amount of work to us under these agreements. Consequently, projected expenditures by customers are not assured until a definitive work order is placed with us and the work completed. This makes it difficult to estimate our customers’ demand for our services. Furthermore, our customers generally require competitive bidding of these contracts upon expiration of their terms. We may not be able to renew a contract if our competitors reduce their prices and underbid us in order to procure business, or we could be required to lower the price charged for work under the contract being rebid in order to retain the contract. The loss of work obtained through master service agreements and other long-term contracts or the reduced profitability of such workcan develop rapidly, could adversely affect our revenues, results of operations, cash flows, and liquidity.

Regulatory changes may affect our customers’ spending on the services we provide. Our customers operate in regulated industries and are subject to regulations that can change frequently and without notice. The telecommunications industry has experienced, and may continueadoption of new laws or regulations, or changes to experience, rapid technological, structural, and competitive changes thatthe enforcement or interpretation of existing laws or regulations, could cause our customers to reduce spending on the need for our services andwe provide, which could adversely affect our revenues.revenues, results of operations, and liquidity.

Technological change may affect our customers’ spending on the services we provide. We generate thea significant majority of our revenues from customers in the telecommunications industry. The telecommunicationsThis industry is characterizedhas been and continues to be impacted by rapid technological change. These changes may affect our customers’ spending on the services we provide. Further, technological change intense competition and changing consumer demands. New technologies,in the telecommunications industry not directly related to the services we provide may affect the ability of one or upgrades to existing technologies by customers, could reduce the need for our services by enabling telecommunication companies to improve their networks without physically upgrading them. New, developing, or existing services could displace the wireline or wireless systems that we install and thatmore of our customers to compete effectively, which could result in a reduction or elimination of their use to deliverof our services. Any reduction or elimination of spending by one of our customers on the services to consumers and businesses. Reduced demand for our services or a loss of a significant customer due to technological changeswe provide could adversely affect our revenues, results of operations, cash flows, and liquidity.

We derive a significant portion of our revenues from a limitedsmall number of customers, and the loss of one or more of these customers through competition from other service providers, industry consolidation or otherwise could adversely affect our revenues, results of operations, and profitability.liquidity. Our customer base is highly concentrated, with our top five customers in each offiscal 2019, the 2018 transition period, fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015fiscal 2016 accounting for approximately 76.1%78.4%, 69.7%75.8%, 76.8%, and 61.1%70.1% of our total revenues, respectively. Revenues underOur industry is highly competitive and the revenue we expect from an existing customer in any market could fail to be realized if competitors who offer comparable services to our contractscustomers do so on more favorable terms or have a better relationship with significant customers may vary from period to period depending ona customer. Additionally, the timingcontinued consolidation of the telecommunications industry could result in the loss of a customer if, as a result of a merger or volume of work that those customers order or perform with their in-house service organizations. Our revenue could significantly decline if we were to lose one or more of our significant customers or ifacquisition involving one or more of our customers, were to elect to do the work we provide with their

in-house service teams or shift a significant portion of that work to another service provider. Additionally, the telecommunications industry has been characterized by consolidation. In the case of a consolidation, merger or acquisition of an existing customer, the amount of work we receive could be reduced if procurement strategies employed by the surviving entity change from those of the existing customer or the surviving entity chooses to use one of our competitors for the services we currently provide. On February 25, 2019, Windstream, our fifth largest customer with contract revenues of $113.6 million during fiscal 2019, filed a different service provider.voluntary petition under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. We expect to continue to provide services to Windstream pursuant to existing contractual obligations but the amount of services performed in the future could be reduced or eliminated. The loss of work froma significant customer, or reduction in services performed for a significant customer, could adversely affect our revenues, results of operations, cash flows, and liquidity.

The capital and operating expenditure budgets and seasonal spending patterns of our customers affect demand for our services. Generally, our customers have no obligation to assign specific amounts of work to us. Customers decide to engage us to provide services based on, among other things, the amount of capital they have available and their spending priorities. Our customers’ capital budgets may change for reasons over which we have no control. These changes may occur quickly and without advance notice. Any fluctuation in the capital or operating expenditure budgets and priorities of our customers could adversely affect our revenues, results of operations, and liquidity.

Seasonality affects demand for our services. Our revenues and results of operations exhibit seasonality as we perform a significant portion of our work outdoors. Consequently, adverse weather, which is more likely to occur with greater frequency, severity, and duration during the winter, as well as reduced daylight hours, impact our operations disproportionately during the fiscal quarters ending in January and April. The effect of weather delays on our projects may be significant if we are unable to adjust the project schedule for such delays. In addition, a disproportionate number of holidays fall within the fiscal quarter ending in January, which decreases the number of available workdays. Because of these factors, we are most likely to experience reduced revenue and profitability during our fiscal quarters ending in January and April compared to our fiscal quarters ending in July and October.

The specialty contracting services industry in which we operate is highly competitive. We compete with other specialty contractors, including numerous small, privately owned companies,local and regional providers, as well as several large multinational corporations that may have financial, technical, and marketing resources exceeding ours. Relatively few barriers to entry exist in the markets in which we operate. Any organization may become a competitor if they haveit has adequate financial resources and access to technical expertise, the ability to engage subcontractors, and the necessary equipment and materials. Additionally, our competitors may develop expertise, experience, and resources to provide services that are equal or superior to our services in both price, and quality, or availability, and we may not be ableunable to maintain or enhance our competitive position. Furthermore, our customers generally require competitive bidding of our contracts upon the expiration of their terms. If competitors underbid us to procure business, we could be required to lower the prices we charge in order to retain contracts. Our revenues and results of operations could be adversely affected if our customers shift a significant portion of our work to a competitor, if we are unsuccessful in bidding or retaining projects, or if our ability to win projects requires us to provide our services at reduced margins.

We alsoface competition from the in-house service organizations of our customers. We face competition from the in-house service organizations of our customers whose personnel perform somea portion of the services that we provide. We can offer no assurance that our existing or prospective customers will continue to outsource specialty contracting services in the future. Our revenues and results of operations cash flows, and liquidity could be materially and adversely affected if we are unsuccessful in bidding on projects, if our ability to win projects requires that we settle for reduced margins or if our existing or prospective customers reduce the amount of specialty contracting services that are outsourced.outsourced to us.

Our profitability is based onWe derive a significant portion of our delivering services within the estimated costs established when pricingrevenues from multi-year master service agreements and other long-term contracts which our contracts.customers may cancel at any time or may reschedule previously assigned work. We perform aThe majority of our serviceslong-term contracts are cancellable by our customers with little or no advance notice and for any, or no, reason. Our customers may also have the right to cancel or remove assigned work without canceling the contract or to reschedule previously assigned work. In addition, these contracts typically include a fixed term that is subject to renewal on a periodic basis. We may be unsuccessful in renewing contracts when their fixed terms expire. Our projected revenues assume that definitive work orders have been, or will be issued by our customer, and that the work will be completed. The potential loss of work under master service agreements and other agreements that contain customer-specified service requirements, having discrete pricing for individual tasks. Revenue is recognized under these arrangements based on units-of-delivery as each unit is completed. Due to the fixed price nature of theselong-term contracts, our profitability could decline if our actual cost to complete each unit exceeds our original estimates. The remainder of our services, representing less than 5% of our contract revenues during each of fiscal 2017 and 2016 and less than 10% of our contract revenues during fiscal 2015, are performed under contracts using the cost-to-cost measure of the percentage of completion method of accounting. Revenue is recognized under these arrangements based on the ratio of contract costs incurred to date to total estimated contract costs. Application of the percentage of completion method of accounting requires the use of estimates of costs to be incurred for the performance of the contract. The cost estimation process is based on the knowledge and experience of our project managers and financial professionals. Due to the fixed price nature of our contracts, any changes in original cost estimates, or the assumptions underpinning such estimates, may result in changes to costs, thereby reducing our profitability. We recognize these changes in the period in which they are determined, potentially resulting in a reduction or eliminationrescheduling of previously recognized earnings.assigned work by a customer could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows, and liquidity, as well as any projections we provide.

We haveOur contracts contain provisions that may require us to pay damages or incur costs if we fail to meet our contractual obligations. If we do not meet our contractual obligations our customers may look to us to pay damages or pursue other remedies, including, in some instances, the payment of liquidated damages. Additionally, if we fail to meet our contractual obligations, or if our customer anticipates that we cannot meet our contractual obligations, our customers may, in certain circumstances, seek reimbursement from us to cover the incremental cost of having a significant amountthird party complete or remediate our work. Our results of accounts receivable andoperations could be adversely affected if we are required to pay damages or incur costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings, which could become uncollectible. We extend credit to our customers as a result of performing work under contract priora failure to billing for that work. We periodically assess the credit risk ofmeet our customers and regularly monitor the timeliness of their payments. However, slowing conditions in the industries we serve, bankruptcies or financial difficulties within the telecommunications sector may impair the financial condition of one or more of our customers and hinder their ability to pay us on a timely basis or at all. As of July 29, 2017, we had net accounts receivable of $369.8 million and costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings of $389.3 million. The failure or delay in payment by our customers could reduce our expected cash flows and adversely affect our liquidity and profitability.

We retain the risk of loss for certain insurance-related liabilities. Within our insurance program, we retain the risk of loss, up to certain limits, for matters related to automobile liability, general liability (including damages associated with underground facility locating services), workers’ compensation, and employee group health. We are self-insured for the majority of all claims because most claims against us fall below the deductibles under our insurance policies. We estimate and develop our accrual for these claims, including losses incurred but not reported, based on facts, circumstances and historical evidence. However, the estimate for accrued insurance claims remains subject to uncertainty as it depends in part on factors not known with precision. These factors include the estimated development of claims, the payment pattern of claims incurred, changes in the medical condition of claimants, and other factors such as inflation, tort reform or other legislative changes, unfavorable jury decisions and court interpretations. Should the cost of actual claims exceed what we have anticipated, our recorded reserves may not be sufficient, and we could incur substantial additional unanticipated charges. See Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies – Accrued Insurance Claims, and Note 8, Accrued Insurance Claims, in Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.contractual obligations.

Our backlog is subject to reduction or cancellation.cancellation, and revenues may be realized in different periods than initially reflected in our backlog. Our backlog consists ofincludes the estimated uncompleted portion of services to be performed under master services agreements and other contractual obligationsagreements with our customers. These estimates are based on contract terms and evaluations regarding the timing of the services to be provided. In the case of master service agreements, backlog is calculated using the amount of work performed in the preceding twelve month period, when applicable. Backlog for newly initiated

master service agreements and other long and short-term contracts is estimated using the anticipated scope of the contract and information received from the customer in the procurement process.

In many instances, our customers are not contractually committed to procure specific volumes of services under a contract and may cancel a contract for convenience. Our backlog estimates represent amounts under master service agreements and other contractual agreements for services projected to be

performed over the terms of the contracts and are based on contract terms, our historical experience with customers and, more generally, our experience in similar procurements. The significant majority of our backlog estimates comprise services under master service agreements and other long-term contracts.contract. Revenue estimates includedreflected in our backlog have in the past and may in the futurecan be subject to change becausedue to a number of factors, including contract cancellations and contract changes made by our customers to the amount or nature of the work actually performed under a contract. In addition, revenue reflected in our backlog may be realized in periods different from those previously reported due to the factors above as well as project accelerations, contract cancellations, or delays due to various factors,reasons, including, but not limited to, customer scheduling changes, commercial issues such as permitting, engineering changes, incremental documentation requirements,revisions, difficult job site conditions, and adverse weather. These factorsThe amount or timing of our backlog can also cause revenue to be realized in different periodsimpacted by the merger or in different amounts from those originally reflected in backlog.acquisition activity of our customers. Our estimates of a customer’sour customers’ requirements during a particular future period may prove to be inaccurate. As a result, our backlog as of any particular date is an uncertain indicator of the amount of or timing of future revenues and earnings.

WeOur failure to comply with occupational health and workplace safety requirements could result in significant liabilities or enforcement actions and adversely impact our ability to perform services for our customers. Our operations are subject to strict laws and regulations governing workplace safety. Our workers frequently operate heavy machinery, work within the vicinity of high voltage lines, and engage in other potentially dangerous activities which could subject them and others to injury or death. If, in the course of our operations, it is determined we have violated safety regulations, our operations may incur impairment charges on goodwillbe disrupted and we may be subject to penalties, fines or, other intangible assets.in extreme cases, criminal sanctions. In addition, if our safety performance were to deteriorate, customers could decide to cancel our contracts or not award us future business. These factors could adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.

Our failure to comply with immigration laws could result in significant liabilities and harm our reputation with our customers, as well as cause disruption to our operations. If we fail to comply with these laws our operations may be disrupted, and we may be subject to fines or, in extreme cases, criminal sanctions. In addition, many of our customer contracts specifically require compliance with immigration laws and in some cases our customers audit compliance with these laws. Further, several of our customers require that we ensure our subcontractors comply with these laws with respect to the workers that perform services for them. A failure to comply with these laws could damage our reputation and may result in the cancellation of our contracts by our customers, or a decision by our customers not to award us future business. These factors could adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.

Our failure to comply with various laws and regulations related to contractor licensing and the operation of our fleet of commercial motor vehicles could result in significant liabilities. We account for goodwillare subject to a number of state and other intangibles in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 350, Intangibles-Goodwillfederal laws and Other (“ASC Topic 350”). Our goodwill resides in multiple reporting units. We assess goodwillregulations, including those related to contractor licensing and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually, asthe operation of the first dayour fleet of the fourth fiscal quarter of each year in order to determine whether their carrying value exceeds their fair value. In addition, reporting units are tested on an interim basis if an event occurs or circumstances change between annual tests that would more likely than not reduce their fair value below carrying value.commercial motor vehicles. If we determineare not in compliance with these laws and regulations, we may be unable to perform services for our customers and may also be subject to fines, penalties, and the fair valuesuspension or revocation of the goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible assets is less than their carrying value as a result of the tests, an impairment loss is recognized. Any such write-down wouldour licenses. Our failure to comply with these laws and regulations may affect our ability to operate and could require us to incur significant costs that adversely affect our results of operations.

The profitability of individual reporting units may suffer periodically dueOur failure to downturns in customer demand and the level of overall economic activity, including in particular construction and housing activity. Our customers may reduce capital expenditures and defer or cancel pending projects during times of slowing economic conditions. Additionally, adverse conditions in the economy and future volatility in the equity and credit markets could impact the valuation of our reporting units. The cyclical nature of our business, the high level of competition existing within our industry, and the concentration of our revenues from a limited number of customers may also cause results to vary. These factors may affect individual reporting units disproportionately, relative to the company as a whole. As a result, the performance of one or more of the reporting units could decline, resulting in an impairment of goodwill or intangible assets. In addition, adverse changes to the key valuation assumptions contributing to the fair value of our reporting unitscomply with environmental laws could result in an impairmentsignificant liabilities. A significant portion of goodwillthe work we perform is associated with the underground networks of our customers and we often operate in close proximity to pipelines or intangible assets.

underground storage tanks that may contain hazardous substances. We maycould be subject to periodic litigationpotential material liabilities in the event that we fail to comply with environmental laws or regulations or we cause or are responsible for the release of hazardous substances or other environmental damages. These liabilities could result in significant costs including remediation costs, fines, third-party claims for property damage, loss of use, or personal injury, and, regulatory proceedings, including Fair Labor Standards Act and state wage and hour class action lawsuits, which mayin extreme cases, criminal sanctions. These costs as well as any direct impact to ongoing operations could adversely affect our business and financial performance. From time to time, we are involved in lawsuits and regulatory actions brought or threatened against us in the ordinary course of business. These actions and proceedings may involve claims for, among other things, compensation for alleged personal injury, workers’ compensation, employment discrimination, breach of contract or property damage. In addition, we may be subject to class action lawsuits, including those involving allegations of violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act and state wage and hour laws. Due to the inherent uncertainties of litigation, we cannot accurately predict the ultimate outcome of any such actions or proceedings. The outcome of litigation, particularly class action lawsuits and regulatory actions, is difficult to assess or quantify, as plaintiffs may seek recovery of very large or indeterminate amounts in these types of lawsuits, and the magnitude of the potential loss may remain unknown for substantial periods of time. In addition, plaintiffs in many types of actions may seek punitive damages, civil penalties, consequential damages or other losses, or injunctive or declaratory relief. These proceedings could result in substantial cost and may require us to devote substantial resources to defend ourselves. The ultimate resolution of these matters through settlement, mediation, or court judgment could have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, new laws and regulations, altered enforcement of existing laws and regulations, the discovery of previously unknown contamination or leaks, or the imposition of new remediation requirements could require us to incur significant costs or create new or increased liabilities that could adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.

Our operations involve activities that are often inherently dangerous and are performed at times in complex or sensitive environments. If our activities result in damage or destruction to the real or personal property of others, or in injury or death to others, we could be exposed to significant financial losses and reputational harm, as well as civil and criminal liabilities. Our operations involve dangerous activities such as underground drilling and the use of mechanized equipment in complex situations. In many instances, those activities are performed in close proximity to other utilities, in environmentally sensitive locations, or in locations that may be susceptible to significant damage. These activities could result in damage to the real and personal property of others, and cause personal injury or death to third parties or our employees. We procure insurance coverage to cover many of these risks; however, there can be no assurance that this coverage will be adequate in scope or amount to address the potential financial losses arising from our operations. As a result, we could incur significant costs to

repair and replace assets or to compensate third parties; reputational harm could result in the loss of future revenue generating opportunities; or we may be subject to civil and, in certain situations, criminal liabilities.

Changes in the cost or availability of materials may adversely affect our revenues and results of operations. For a descriptionmajority of current legal proceedings, see Item 3, Legal Proceedings, and Note 17, Commitments and Contingencies, in Notesthe contract services we perform, we are provided the materials necessary by our customers. Under other contracts, we supply part, or all, of the necessary materials. If we, or our customers, are unable to procure the materials necessary to the Consolidated Financial Statementscontract services we perform, or those materials are only available at undesirable prices, our revenues and results of operations could be adversely affected.

A failure, outage, or cybersecurity breach of our technology systems or those of third-party providers may adversely affect our operations and financial results. We are increasingly dependent on technology to operate our business, to engage with our customers and other third parties, and to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the services we offer our customers. We use both our own information technology systems and the information technology systems and expertise of third-party service providers to manage our operations, financial reporting, and other business processes. We also use information technology systems to record, transmit, store, and protect sensitive Company, employee, and customer information. A cyber-security attack on these information technology systems may result in this Annual Reportfinancial loss, including potential fines and damages for failure to safeguard data, and may negatively impact our reputation. Additionally, many of our customer contracts can be terminated if we fail to adequately protect their data. The third-party systems of our business partners on Form 10-K.which we rely could also fail or be subject to a cybersecurity attack. Any of these occurrences could disrupt our business or the delivery of services to our customers, result in potential liabilities, the termination of contracts, divert the attention of management from effectively operating our business, cause significant reputational damage, or otherwise have an adverse effect on our financial results. We may also need to expend significant additional resources to protect against cybersecurity threats or to address actual breaches or to redress problems caused by cybersecurity breaches.

We have experienced cybersecurity threats to our information technology infrastructure and attacks attempting to breach our systems and other similar incidents. In November 2017, we determined that certain of our computer systems were subject to unauthorized access. Our investigation determined that documents containing Company financial information were accessed. Law enforcement authorities were notified and new security enhancements and protocols were implemented. Although these prior cybersecurity incidents have not had a material impact on our results of operations, financial position, or liquidity, there is no assurance that future threats would not cause harm to our business and our reputation, and adversely affect our results of operations, financial position, and liquidity.

The loss of one or more of our executive officers or other key employees could adversely affect our business. We depend on the services of our executive officers and other key employees, including the senior management of our subsidiaries whosubsidiaries. These employees have many years of experience in our industry. The loss ofCompetition for senior management personnel is intense and we cannot be certain that any one of them could negatively affect our customer relationships or the ability to execute our business strategy, adversely affecting our operations. Although we have entered into employment agreements with certain of our executive officers and other key employees, we cannot guarantee that any of them or other key management personnel will remain employed by us in such capacity for any length of time. We do not carry “key-person” life insurance on any of our employees. The loss of any one of our executive officers or other key employees could negatively affect our customer relationships or the ability to execute our business strategy, which could adversely affect our business.

Our profitability is based on delivering services within the estimated costs established when we price our contracts. Substantially allof our services are provided under contracts that have discrete pricing for individual tasks. Due to the fixed price nature of the tasks, our profitability could decline if our actual cost to complete each task exceeds our original estimates, as pricing under these contracts is determined based on estimated costs established when we enter into the contracts. A variety of factors could negatively impact the actual cost, such as changes made by our customers to the scope and extent of the services that we are to provide under a contract, delays resulting from weather, conditions at work sites differing materially from those anticipated at the time we bid on the contract, higher than expected costs of materials and labor, delays in obtaining necessary permits, under absorbed costs, and lower than anticipated productivity. An increase in costs due to any of these factors could adversely affect our results of operations.

Our business is labor intensive,labor-intensive, and we may be unable to attract and retain qualified employees.employees or to pass increased labor and training costs to our customers. Our ability to employ, train, and retain skilled personnel is necessary to operate our business and maintain productivity and profitability. Given the highly specialized work we perform, many of our employees receive training in, and possess, specialized technical skills that are necessary to operate our business and maintain productivity and profitability. We cannot be certain that we will be able to maintain the skilled labor force necessary to operate efficiently and support our growth strategy. Our ability to do so depends on a number of factors, such as the general ratesrate of employment, competitive demandscompetition for employees possessing the skills we need, and the level of compensation required to hire and retain qualified employees. In addition, the uncertainty of contract awards and project delays can also present difficulties in appropriately sizing our skilled labor force. Furthermore, due to the fixed price nature of the tasks in our long-term contracts, we may be

labor costs may increase when there is a shortage in the supply of skilled personnel and we may be unable to pass these increases in labor and training costs on to our customers duecustomers. If we are unable to the long-term nature of our contracts, thereby adversely affectingattract or retain qualified employees or incur additional labor and training costs our results of operations.operations could be adversely affected.

We may be unable to secure sufficient independent subcontractors to fulfill our obligations, or our independent subcontractors may fail to satisfy their obligations to us.us, either of which may adversely affect our relationships with our customers or cause us to incur additional costs. We contract with independent subcontractors to help manage fluctuations in work volumes and reduce the amountamounts that we would otherwise expend on fixed assets and working capital. If we are unable to secure independent subcontractors at a reasonable cost or at all, we may be delayed in completing work under a contract or the cost of completing the work may increase. In addition, we may have disputes with these independent subcontractors arising from, among other things, the quality and timeliness of the work they have performed. We may incur additional costs in order to correct such shortfalls in the work performed by independent subcontractors. Any of these factors could adversely affectnegatively impact the quality of our service, our ability to perform under certain customer contracts, and our relationshiprelationships with our customers, which could have an adverse effect onadversely affect our results of operations, cash flows, and liquidity.operations.

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

Higher fuel prices may increase our cost of doing business,costs, and we may not be able to pass along addedincreased fuel costs to our customers. Fuel prices fluctuate based on market events outside of our control. Most of our services are provided under contracts that have discrete pricing for individual tasks and do not allow us to adjust our pricing for higher fuel costs during a contract term andterm. In addition, we may be unable to secure price increases reflectingprices that reflect rising costs when renewing or bidding contracts. As a result, higher fuel costs may negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations. Although we may hedge our anticipated fuel purchases with the use of financial instruments, underlying commodity costs have been volatile in recent periods. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that, at any given time, we will have financial instruments in place to hedge against the impact of increased fuel costs. To the extent we enter into hedge transactions in conjunction with our anticipated fuel purchases, declines in fuel prices below the levels established in the financial instrumentshedges we have in place may require us to make payments which could have an adverse impact onto our financial condition andhedge counterparties. As a result, changes in fuel prices may adversely affect our results of operations.

OurIncreases in healthcare costs could adversely affect our financial results. The costs of providing employee medical benefits have steadily increased over a number of years due to, among other things, rising healthcare costs and legislative requirements. Because of the complex nature of healthcare laws, as well as periodic healthcare reform legislation adopted by Congress, state legislatures, and municipalities, we cannot predict with certainty the future effect of these laws on our healthcare costs. Continued increases in healthcare costs or additional costs created by future health care reform laws adopted by Congress, state legislatures, or municipalities could adversely affect our results of operations fluctuate seasonally.and financial position.

We have a significant amount of accounts receivable and contract assets, which could become uncollectible. Our revenuesWe extend credit to our customers because we perform work under contracts prior to being able to bill for that work. Deteriorating conditions in the industries we serve, bankruptcies, or financial difficulties of a customer or within the telecommunications sector generally may impair the financial condition of one or more of our customers and hinder their ability to pay us on a timely basis or at all. In addition, although we may under state laws file liens for certain projects we may not be successful in enforcing those liens. The failure or delay in payment by one or more of our customers could reduce our cash flows and adversely affect our liquidity and results of operations exhibit seasonality asoperations. On February 25, 2019, Windstream filed a voluntary petition under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. As of January 26, 2019, the Company had outstanding receivables and contract assets in aggregate of approximately $45.0 million. Against this amount, we performhave recorded a significant portionnon-cash charge of $17.2 million reflecting our work outdoors. Consequently, extended periodscurrent evaluation of adverse weather impact our operations. Adverse weather is most likely to occur during the winter season, our fiscal quarters ending in January and April. In addition, a disproportionate percentage of paid holidays fall within the fiscal quarter ending in January, which decreases the number of available workdays. Becauserecoverability of these factors, we are most likelyreceivables and contract assets as of January 26, 2019. The actual amount received for our outstanding accounts receivable and contract assets may differ from the estimated recoverable value and such difference may be material to experience periods of reduced revenue and profitability during our fiscal quarters ending in January and April.financial statements.

Fluctuations in our effective tax rate and tax liabilities may cause volatility in our financial results. We determine and provide for income taxes based on the tax laws of each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. Changes in the mix and level of earnings among jurisdictions could materially impact our effective tax rate in any given financial statement period. Our effective tax rate may also be affected by changes in tax laws and regulations at the federal, state, and local level, or new interpretations of existing tax laws and regulations. In December 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Reform”) was enacted, reducing the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%. As a result, we recorded an income tax benefit of $32.2 million during the 2018 transition period, primarily due to the re-measurement of our net deferred tax liabilities at a lower tax rate. Our interpretations of the provisions of Tax Reform could differ from future interpretations and guidance from the U.S Treasury Department, the Internal Revenue Service, and other regulatory agencies, including state taxing authorities in jurisdictions in which we operate. We are also subject to audits by various taxing authorities. An adverse outcome from an audit could unfavorably impact our effective tax rate and increase our tax liabilities.

Changes to accounting rules can also cause fluctuation in our effective tax rate. For example, under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which we adopted during the 2018 transition period, certain tax effects of the vesting and exercise of share-based awards are recognized in our provision for income taxes rather than in

additional paid-in capital. These tax effects vary from period to period and can cause increased volatility in our effective tax rate.

Any of the factors described above could cause volatility in our results of operations or otherwise impact our financial results includeposition or cash flows.

The preparation of our financial statements requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that may differ from actual results. In preparing our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, a number of estimates and assumptions are made by management that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements. These estimates and assumptions must be made because certain information that is used in the preparation of our financial statements is either dependent on future events or cannot be calculated with a high degree of precision from available data.data and, accordingly, requires the use of management’s judgment. Estimates and assumptions are primarily used in our assessment of the purchase price allocationsrecognition of businesses acquired,revenue under the cost-to-cost method of progress, job specific costs, accrued insurance claims, the allowance for doubtful accounts, accruals for contingencies, stock-based compensation expense for performance-based stock awards, the fair value of reporting units for the goodwill impairment analysis, the assessment of impairment of intangibles and other long-lived assets, asset lives used in computing depreciationthe purchase price allocations of businesses acquired, and amortization, accrued insurance claims, income taxes, accruals for contingencies, including legal matters, recognition of revenue for costs and estimated earnings under the percentage of completion method of accounting, allowance for doubtful accounts, and stock-based compensation expense for performance-based stock awards. In some instances, we must exercise significant judgment for these estimates. At the time they aretaxes. When made, we believe that such estimates and assumptions are fair when considered in conjunction with our consolidated financial position and results of operations taken as a whole. However, actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions, and such differences may be material to our financial statements.

FailureWe retain the risk of loss for certain insurance-related liabilities. Within our insurance program, we retain the risk of loss, up to integrate future acquisitions successfullycertain limits, for matters related to automobile liability, general liability (including damages associated with underground facility locating services), environmental liability, workers’ compensation, and employee group health. We are effectively self-insured for the majority of claims because most claims against us fall below the deductibles under our insurance policies. We estimate and develop our accrual for these claims, including losses incurred but not reported, based on facts, circumstances, and historical evidence. However, the estimate for accrued insurance claims remains subject to uncertainty as it depends in part on factors not known at the time such estimates are made. These factors include the estimated development of claims, the payment pattern of claims incurred, changes in the medical condition of claimants, and other factors such as inflation, tort reform or other legislative changes, unfavorable jury decisions, and court interpretations. Should the cost of actual claims exceed what we have anticipated, our recorded reserves may not be sufficient, and we could incur additional charges that could adversely affect our business and results of operations.operations and financial position. See Item 7, As partManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of our growth strategy, we may acquire companies that expand, complement, or diversify our business. We regularly review various opportunitiesFinancial Condition and periodically engage in discussions regarding possible acquisitions. Future acquisitions may divert management’s attention from our existing businessResults of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies – Accrued Insurance Claims, and expose us to operational challenges and risks, including retaining management and other key employees; unanticipated issues in integrating information, communications and other systems; assumption of unknown liabilities or liabilities for which inadequate reserves have been established; consolidating corporate

and administrative infrastructures; and failure to manage successfully and coordinate the growth of the combined company. These factors could result in increased costs, decreases in the amount of expected revenues and diversion of management’s time and energy, which could materially affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Fluctuations in our tax obligations and effective tax rate may cause volatility in our operating results.Note 11, We are subject to income taxes in numerous jurisdictions in which we operate and we determine and provide for income taxes in each tax jurisdiction. Changes in the mix and level of earnings among jurisdictions could materially impact our effective tax rate in a financial statement period. We are also subject to tax audits by various taxing authorities. During fiscal 2016, we were notified by the Internal Revenue Service that our federal income tax return for fiscal 2014 was selected for examination. We regularly assess the likely outcomes of audits in order to determine the appropriateness of our tax liabilities. We believe our tax positions are properly supported, although the final timing and resolution of tax examinations are subject to uncertainty as the taxing authorities may disagree with our positions. In addition, our effective tax rate in the future could be adversely affected by changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, changes in tax regulations or changes to existing accounting rules. For example, FASB Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”), which is effective for us beginning with the fiscal quarter ending October 28, 2017, will likely result in increased volatility in our income tax provision. See Note 1, Basis of Presentation and Accounting PoliciesAccrued Insurance Claims, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10‑K for additional information regarding ASU 2016-09. Any of the factors described above10-K.

We may be subject to litigation, indemnity claims, and other disputes, which could cause volatilityresult in our operating results or otherwisesignificant liabilities and adversely impact our financial position,results. From time to time, we are subject to lawsuits, arbitration proceedings, and other claims brought or threatened against us in the ordinary course of business. These actions and proceedings may involve claims for, among other things, compensation for personal injury, workers’ compensation, employment discrimination and other employment-related damages, breach of contract, property damage, multiemployer pension plan withdrawal liabilities, liquidated damages, consequential damages, punitive damages and civil penalties or other losses, or injunctive or declaratory relief. In addition, we may also be subject to class action lawsuits, including those alleging violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act, state and municipal wage and hour laws, and misclassification of independent contractors. We also indemnify our customers for claims arising out of or related to the services we provide and our actions or omissions under our contracts. In some instances, we may be allocated risk through our contract terms for the actions or omissions of our customers, subcontractors, or other third parties.

Due to the inherent uncertainties of litigation and other dispute resolution proceedings, we cannot accurately predict their ultimate outcome. The outcome of litigation, particularly class action lawsuits, is difficult to assess or quantify. Class action lawsuits may seek recovery of very large or indeterminate amounts. Accordingly, the magnitude of the potential loss may remain unknown for substantial periods of time. These proceedings could result in substantial cost and may require us to devote substantial resources to defend ourselves. The ultimate resolution of any litigation or proceeding through settlement, mediation, or a judgment could have a material impact on our reputation and adversely affect our results of operations and financial position. See Item 3. Legal Proceedings, and Note 20, Commitments and Contingencies, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

We may be subject to warranty claims, which could result in significant liabilities and adversely impact our financial results. We typically warrant the services we provide by guaranteeing the work performed against defects in workmanship and materials. When warranty claims occur, we may be required to repair or replace warrantied items without receiving any additional compensation. Our performance of warranty services requires us to allocate resources that otherwise might be

engaged in the provision of services that generate revenue. In addition, our customers often have the right to repair or replace warrantied items using the services of another provider and to charge the cost of the repair or replacement to us. Costs incurred for warranty claims, or reductions to revenue-generating activities arising from the allocation of resources to resolve warranty claims, could adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.

Several of our subsidiaries participate in multiemployer pension plans under which we could incur significant liabilities. Pursuant to collective bargaining agreements, several of our subsidiaries participate in various multiemployer pension plans that provide defined pension benefits to covered employees. We make periodic contributions to these plans to allow them to meet their pension benefit obligations to participants. Assets contributed by an employer to a multiemployer plan are not segregated into a separate account and are not restricted to providing benefits only to employees of that contributing employer. Under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”), absent an applicable exemption, a contributing employer to an underfunded multiemployer plan is liable upon withdrawal from the plan for its proportionate share of the plan’s unfunded vested liability. Such underfunding may increase in the event other employers become insolvent or withdraw from the applicable plan or upon the inability or failure of withdrawing employers to pay their withdrawal liability. In addition, if any of the plans in which we participate become significantly underfunded, as defined by the Pension Protection Act of 2006, we may be required to make additional cash contributions in the form of higher contribution rates or surcharges. This could occur because of a shrinking contribution base as a result of insolvency or withdrawal of other companies that currently contribute to these plans, inability or failure of withdrawing companies to pay their withdrawal liability, lower than expected returns on plan assets, or other funding deficiencies. Requirements to pay increased contributions or a withdrawal liability could adversely affect our results of operations, financial position, and cash flows.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, one of our subsidiaries ceased operations. This subsidiary contributed to a multiemployer pension plan, the Pension, Hospitalization and Benefit Plan of the Electrical Industry - Pension Trust Fund (the “Plan”). In October 2016, the Plan demanded payment for a claimed withdrawal liability of approximately $13.0 million. In December 2016, we submitted a formal request to the Plan seeking review of the Plan’s withdrawal liability determination. We are disputing the claim of a withdrawal liability demanded by the Plan as we believe there is a statutory exemption available under ERISA for multiemployer pension plans that primarily cover employees in the building and construction industry. The Plan has taken the position that the work at issue does not qualify for the statutory exemption. We have submitted this dispute to arbitration, as required by ERISA, with a hearing expected during the first half of calendar 2019. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in asserting the statutory exemption as a defense in the arbitration proceeding. As required by ERISA, in November 2016, the subsidiary began making monthly payments of a withdrawal liability to the Plan in the amount of approximately $0.1 million. If we prevail in disputing the withdrawal liability, all such payments will be refunded to the subsidiary. If we do not prevail, we will continue to make such payments until the claimed withdrawal liability has been paid.

We may incur impairment charges on goodwill or other intangible assets. We account for goodwill and other intangibles in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (“ASC Topic 350”). We assess goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually in order to determine whether their carrying value exceeds their fair value. In addition, reporting units are tested on an interim basis if an event occurs or circumstances change between annual tests that indicate their fair value may be below their carrying value. If we determine the fair value of the goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible assets is less than their carrying value as a result of an annual or interim test, an impairment loss is recognized.

Our goodwill resides in multiple reporting units. The profitability of individual reporting units may suffer periodically due to downturns in customer demand, increased costs of providing our services, and the level of overall economic activity. Our customers may reduce capital expenditures and defer or cancel pending projects due to changes in technology, a slowing or uncertain economy, merger or acquisition activity, a decision to allocate resources to other areas of their business, or other reasons. The profitability of reporting units may also suffer if actual costs of providing our services exceed our estimated costs established when we enter into contracts. Additionally, adverse conditions in the economy and future volatility in the equity and credit markets could impact the valuation of our reporting units. The cyclical nature of our business, the high level of competition existing within our industry, and the concentration of our revenues from a small number of customers may also cause results to vary. The factors identified above may affect individual reporting units disproportionately, relative to the Company as a whole. As a result, the performance of one or more of the reporting units could decline, resulting in an impairment of goodwill or intangible assets. In addition, adverse changes to the key valuation assumptions contributing to the fair value of our reporting units could result in an impairment of goodwill or intangible assets. A write-down of goodwill or intangible assets as a result of an impairment could adversely affect our results of operations.

We may not have access in the future to sufficient capital on favorable terms or at all.We may require additional capital to pursue acquisitions, fund capital expenditures, and for working capital needs, or to respond to changing business conditions.

Our existing credit agreement contains significant restrictions on our ability to incur additional debt. In addition, if we seek to incur more debt, we may be required to agree to additional covenants that further limit our operational and financial flexibility. If we pursue additional debt or equity financings, we cannot be certain that such funding will be available on terms acceptable to us, or at all. Our inability to access additional capital could adversely affect our liquidity and may limit our growth and ability to execute our business strategy.

Our bank credit facility imposesdebt obligations impose restrictions that may prevent us from engaginglimit our operating and financial flexibility, and a failure to comply with these obligations could result in beneficial transactions.the acceleration of our debt. We have a credit agreement with a syndicate of banks, which provides for a $450.0$750.0 million revolving facility, $385.0$450.0 million in aggregate term loan facilities, and contains a sublimit of $200.0 million for the issuance of letters of credit. As of July 29, 2017,January 26, 2019, we had $367.7$450.0 million outstanding under the term loans and $48.7$48.6 million of outstanding letters of credit issued under the credit agreement. We did not have any outstanding borrowings under the revolving facility as of July 29, 2017. TheJanuary 26, 2019. This credit agreement contains covenants that restrict or limit our ability to, among other things: make certain payments, including the payment of dividends, redeem or repurchase our capital stock, incur additional indebtedness and issue preferred stock, make investments or create liens, enter into sale and leaseback transactions, merge or consolidate with another entity, sell certain assets, and enter into transactions with affiliates. In addition, theThe credit agreement also requires us to comply with certain financial covenants, including a consolidated net leverage ratio and a consolidated interest coverage ratio. In addition, the credit agreement contains a minimum liquidity covenant. This covenant becomes effective beginning 91 days prior to the maturity date of the Company’s $485.0 million of 0.75% convertible senior notes due September 2021 (the “Notes”) if the outstanding principal amount of the Notes is greater than $250.0 million. In such event, we would be required to maintain liquidity, as defined by the credit agreement, equal to $150.0 million in excess of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes. These covenantsrestrictions may prevent us from engaging in transactions that benefit us including respondingand may limit our flexibility in the execution of our business strategy. Additionally, the indenture governing the Notes includes cross-acceleration and cross-default provisions with our bank credit facility. If our financial results fall below anticipated levels, we may be unable to changing businesscomply with these covenants and economic conditions or securing additional financing, if needed. In addition, a default under our credit agreement could result in the acceleration of our obligations under both the credit agreement and the indenture governing our $485.0 million of 0.75% convertible senior notes due September 15, 2021 as a result of cross-acceleration and cross-default provisions.

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

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

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

We are subject to counterparty risk with respect to the convertible note hedge transactions. liquidity.The hedge counterparties are financial institutions, and we are subject to the risk that they might default under the convertible note hedge transactions. Our exposure to the credit risk of the hedge counterparties is unsecured by any collateral. Global economic conditions have from time to time resulted in failure or financial difficulties for many financial institutions. If a hedge counterparty becomes subject

to insolvency proceedings, we will become an unsecured creditor in those proceedings with a claim equal to our exposure at that time under our transactions with that counterparty. Our exposure will depend on many factors but, generally, our exposure will increase in correlation to the increase in the market price and volatility of our common stock. In addition, upon a default by a hedge counterparty, we may suffer adverse tax consequences and more dilution than we currently anticipate with respect to our common stock. We can provide no assurances as to the financial stability or viability of any hedge counterparty.

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

ManyOur convertible note hedge transactions and the warrant transactions may affect our common stock. In connection with the issuance of our telecommunications customers are highly regulated, and new regulations Notes, we entered into privately negotiated convertible note hedge transactions with the hedge counterparties. These hedge transactions cover, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, the number of shares of common stock that initially underlay the Notes sold in the offering. We also entered into separate, privately negotiated warrant transactions with the hedge counterparties relating to the same number of shares of our common stock, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments. The hedge counterparties and/or changestheir affiliates may modify their hedge positions with respect to existing regulations may adversely impact their demand forthe convertible note hedge transactions and the profitabilitywarrant transactions from time to time. They may do so by purchasing and/or selling shares of our specialty contracting services. common stock and/or other securities of ours, including the Notes, in privately negotiated transactions and/or open-market transactions or by entering into and/or unwinding various over-the-counter derivative transactions with respect to our common stock. The Federal Communications Commission regulates manyhedge counterparties are likely to modify their hedge positions during any observation period related to a conversion of the Notes or following any repurchase of the Notes by us on any fundamental change (as defined in the indenture governing the Notes) repurchase date. The effect, if any, of these transactions on the market price of our telecommunications customerscommon stock will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions, and may alter its application of current regulations and impose additional regulations. If existing or new regulationscould adversely affect the market price of our telecommunications customerscommon stock and lead to increased volatility in transactions involving our common stock. In addition, there may be no visibility with respect to transactions involving the profitabilityhedge counterparties and/or their affiliates, and those parties may choose to engage in, or to discontinue engaging in, any of the services they provide,these transactions with or without notice at any time, and their decisions will be at their sole discretion and not within our customers may reduce expenditures, which could affect the demand for specialty contracting services.control.

We may incur liabilities or suffer negative financial impact relating to occupational health and safety matters. Our operations are subject to stringent laws and regulations governing workplace safety.counterparty risk with respect to the convertible note hedge transactions. We are subject to the risk that the financial institutions that are counterparties to the convertible note hedge transactions could default under the convertible note hedge transactions. Our workers frequently operate heavy machinery and work near high voltage lines, subjecting them and othersexposure to potential injury or death. If any of our workers or other persons are injured or killed in the course of our operations, we could be found to have violated relevant safety regulations, resulting in a fine or, in extreme cases, criminal sanction. In addition, if our safety record were to deteriorate substantially over time, customers could decide to cancel our contracts or not award us future business.

Our failure to comply with environmental laws could result in significant liabilities. A significant portioncredit risk of the work we performhedge counterparties is associated with the underground networks of our customers. We could be subject to potential material liabilities in the event we cause or are responsible for a release of hazardous substances or other environmental damage. Liabilities for contamination or exposure to hazardous materials, or failure to comply with environmental laws and regulations, could result in significant costs including clean-up costs, fines, criminal sanctions for violations, and third-party claims for property damage or personal injury. These costs as well asunsecured by any direct impact to ongoing operations could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows. In addition, new laws and regulations, altered enforcement of existing laws and regulations, the discovery of previously unknown contamination or leaks, or the imposition of new clean-up requirements could require us to incur significant costs or create new or increased liabilities that could harm our financial condition and results of operations.

We may notcollateral. Global economic conditions have access in the future to sufficient funding to finance desired growth. Using cash for operational growth, capital expenditures, share repurchases, or acquisitions may limit our financial flexibility and make us more likely to seek additional capital through future debt or equity financings. Our existing credit agreement contains significant restrictions on our operational and financial flexibility, including our ability to incur additional debt. In addition, if we seek to incur more debt, we may be required to agree to additional covenants that further limit our operational and financial flexibility. If we pursue additional debt or equity financings, we cannot be certain that such funding will be available on terms acceptable to us or at all.

Our capital expenditures may fluctuate because of changes in business requirements. Our anticipated capital expenditure requirements may vary from time to time because of changesresulted in our business. Increased capital expenditures will use cash flowfailure or financial difficulties for many financial institutions. In addition, upon a default by a hedge counterparty, we may suffer adverse tax consequences and may increase our borrowing costs if cash for capital expenditures is not available from operations.more dilution than we currently

Increases inanticipate with respect to our health care costs could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows. The costs of employee health care have been increasing in recent years due to rising health care costs, legislative changes, and general economic conditions.common stock. We retain the risk of loss, up to certain limits, under our employee group health care plan. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (collectively, the “Health Care Reform Laws”) have had a significant impact on employers, insurers and others associated with the health care industry, and are expected to continue to increase our employee health care costs. This legislation requires employers like us to offer health care benefits to full-time employees or face potential annual penalties. To avoid the penalties, employers must offer health benefits providing a minimum level of coverage and limit the amount that employees are charged for the coverage. Because of the breadth and complexity of these laws,can provide no assurances as well as other health care reform legislation considered by Congress and state

legislations, we cannot predict with certainty the future effect of these laws on us. A continued increase in health care costs or additional costs incurred as a result of the Health Care Reform Laws or other future health care reform laws imposed by Congress or state legislations could have a negative impact on our financial position and results of operations.

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

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

Failure to protect critical data and technology systems adequately could materially affect our operations. We use our own information technology systems as well as those of business partners to manage our operations and other business processes and to protect sensitive information maintained in the normal course of business. Third-party security breaches, employee error, malfeasancefinancial stability or other irregularities may compromise our measures to protect these systems and may result in persons obtaining unauthorized access to our or our customers’ data or accounts. The occurrenceviability of any such event could have a material adverse effect on our business.hedge counterparty.

The market price of our common stock has been, and may continue to be, highly volatile. During fiscal 2017,2019, our common stock fluctuated from a low of $71.34$49.39 per share to a high of $108.99$122.80 per share. We may continue to experience significant volatility in the market price of our common stock due to numerous factors, including, but not limited to:

fluctuations in our operating results or the operating results of one or more of our competitors;
announcements by us or our competitors of significant contracts, acquisitions or capital commitments;
announcements by our customers regarding their capital spending and start-up, deferral or cancellation of projects;projects, or
their mergers and acquisitions activities;
the commercialization of new technologies impacting the services that we provide to our customers;
government regulatory actions and changes in tax laws;
changes in recommendations or earnings estimates by securities analysts; and
the impact of economic conditions on the credit and stock markets and on our customers’ demand for our services.

In addition, other factors, unrelated to our operating performance, such as market disruptions, industry outlook, general economic conditions, and political events, could decrease the market price of our common stock and, as a result, investors could lose some or all of their investments.

Our failure to perform sufficient due diligence prior to completing acquisitions could result in significant liabilities. The growth of our business through acquisitions may expose us to risks, including the failure to identify significant issues and risks of an acquired business. A failure to identify or appropriately quantify a liability in our due diligence process could result in the assumption of unanticipated liabilities arising from the prior operations of an acquired business, some of which may not be adequately reserved and may not be covered by indemnification obligations. The assumption of unknown liabilities due to a failure of our due diligence could adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.

Our failure to successfully integrate acquisitions could adversely affect our financial results. As part of our growth strategy, we may acquire companies that expand, complement, or diversify our business. The success of this strategy depends on our ability to realize the anticipated benefits from the acquired businesses, such as the expansion of our existing operations and elimination of redundant costs. To realize these benefits, we must successfully integrate the operations of the acquired businesses with our existing operations. Integrating acquired businesses involves a number of operational challenges and risks, including diversion of management’s attention from our existing business; unanticipated issues in integrating information, communications, and other systems and consolidating corporate and administrative infrastructures; failure to manage successfully and coordinate the growth of the combined company; and failure to retain management and other key employees. These factors could result in increased costs, decreases in the amount of expected revenues and diversion of management’s time and energy, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial position. Additionally, any impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets as a result of our failure to successfully integrate acquisitions could adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.

Anti-takeover provisions of Florida law and provisions in our articles of incorporation and by-laws could make it more difficult to effect an acquisition of our companyCompany or a change in our control. CertainWe are subject to certain anti-takeover provisions of the Florida Business Corporation Act. These anti-takeover provisions could discourage or prevent a change in control. In addition, certain provisions of our articles of incorporation and by-laws could delay or prevent an acquisition or change in control and the replacement of our incumbent directors and management. For example, our board of directors is divided into three classes. At any annual meeting of our shareholders, our shareholders only have the right to appointelect approximately one-third of the directors on our board of directors. In addition, our articles of incorporation authorize our board of directors, without further shareholder approval, to issue up to 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock on such terms and with such rights as our board of directors may determine. The issuance of preferred stock could dilute the voting power of the holders of common stock, including by the grant of voting control to others. Our by-laws

also restrict the right of stockholdersshareholders to call a special meeting of stockholders. Lastly, we are subjectshareholders. As a result, our shareholders may be unable to certain anti-takeover provisionstake advantage of opportunities to dispose of their stock in the Florida Business Corporation Act. These anti-takeover provisions could discourageCompany at higher prices that may otherwise be available in connection with takeover attempts or preventunder a change in control.merger or other proposal.


Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.

Item 2. Properties.
We lease our executive offices located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Our subsidiaries operate from owned or leased administrative offices, district field offices, equipment yards, shop facilities, and temporary storage locations throughout the United States and Canada.States. Those facilities are primarily leased but certain facilities are owned. Our leased properties operate under both non-cancelable and cancelable leases. We believe that our facilities are suitable and adequate for our current operations and, if necessary, additional or replacement facilities would generally be available on commercially reasonable terms, if necessary.terms.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

In May 2013, CertusView Technologies, LLC (“CertusView”), a wholly-owned subsidiaryOn October 25, 2018 and October 30, 2018, the Company, its Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer were named as defendants in two substantively identical lawsuits alleging violations of the Company,federal securities fraud laws. The lawsuits, which purport to be brought on behalf of a class of all purchasers of the Company’s securities between November 20, 2017 and August 10, 2018, were filed suit against S & N Communications, Inc. and S&N Locating Services, LLC (together, “S&N”) in the United States District Court for the EasternSouthern District of Virginia alleging infringement of certain United States patents. InFlorida. The cases were consolidated by the Court on January 2015,11, 2019. The lawsuit alleges that the District Court granted S&N’s motiondefendants made materially false and misleading statements or failed to disclose material facts regarding the Company’s financial condition and business operations, including those related to the Company’s dependency on, and uncertainties related to, the permitting necessary for judgmentits large projects. The plaintiffs seek unspecified damages. The Company believes the allegations in the lawsuit are without merit and intends to vigorously defend the lawsuit. Based on the pleadings for failureearly stage of this matter, it is not possible to claim patent-eligible subject matter, and entered final judgment. CertusView appealed toestimate the Federal Circuit Court the District Courtamount or range of possible loss that may result from an adverse judgment or a settlement of patent invalidity. On August 11, 2017, the Federal Circuit Court affirmed the District Court’s decision. Additionally, in August 2016, S&N filed a motion requesting that the District Court make a finding that the suit was an exceptional case and award S&N recovery of attorney fees. The District Court denied S&N’s motion for an exceptional case finding while allowing S&N permission to refile after conclusion of CertusView’s appeal to the Federal Circuit Court.this matter.

In September 2016, certain former employees of two subcontractors of TESINC, LLC (“TESINC”),On December 17, 2018, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, commenced a lawsuit against those subcontractors, TESINC and a customer of TESINCshareholder derivative action was filed in the United States District Court for the EasternSouthern District of Pennsylvania. The lawsuit alleges violation ofFlorida against the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Act of 1968, the Pennsylvania Wage Payment and Collection Law,Company, as nominal defendant, and the New Jersey Wage and Hour Law by failingmembers of its Board of Directors, alleging that the directors breached fiduciary duties owed to comply with applicable minimum wage and overtime pay requirements as a result of the misclassification of workers as independent contractors. The plaintiffs sought unspecified damages and other relief on behalf of themselves and a putative class of similarly situated workers who had performed work between April 1, 2016 and June 30, 2016. The parties agreed to settle the lawsuit in March 2017 for an immaterial amount. On August 16, 2017, the District Court granted Preliminary Approval of the settlement. A final approval hearing is scheduled for November 2017.

In April 2016, a former employee of Prince Telecom, LLC (“Prince”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company commenced a lawsuit against Princeand violated the securities laws by causing the Company to issue false and misleading statements. The statements alleged to be false and misleading are the same statements that are alleged to be false and misleading in the Superior Court of California under the California Labor Code Private Attorneys General Act (“PAGA”). Thesecurities lawsuit alleges that Prince violated the California Labor Code by, among other things, failing to pay the California minimum wage, failing to pay for all hours worked (including overtime), failing to provide meal breaks and failing to provide accurate wage statements. The plaintiff sought to recover all penalties arising from each alleged PAGA violation on behalf of himself and a putative class of current and former employees of Prince who worked as technicians in the State of California in the year preceding the filing date of the lawsuit. In December 2016, the parties agreed to settle the lawsuit for an immaterial amount.described above. On July 11, 2017,February 28, 2019, the Court enteredstayed this lawsuit pending a further Order from the Court. Based on the early stage of this matter, it is not possible to estimate the amount or range of possible loss that may result from an Order approving the settlement.adverse judgment or a settlement of this matter.

From time to time, we arethe Company is party to various other claims and legal proceedings. Itproceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. While the resolution of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, it is the opinion of management, based on information available at this time, that the ultimate resolution of any such other pending claims or legal proceedings will not, after considering applicable insurance coverage or other indemnities to which the Company may be entitled, have a material effect on ourthe Company’s financial statements.position, results of operations, or cash flow.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.


PART II

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

Market Information for Our Common Stock

Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “DY”. The following table shows the range of high and low closing sales prices for each quarter within the last two fiscal years as reported on the NYSE:    
 Fiscal 2017 Fiscal 2016
 High Low High Low
First Quarter$96.76
 $72.50
 $79.32
 $59.38
Second Quarter$92.95
 $71.34
 $88.91
 $61.89
Third Quarter$108.46
 $76.85
 $68.13
 $48.61
Fourth Quarter$108.99
 $82.21
 $95.94
 $66.44

Holders

As of August 30, 2017,February 28, 2019, there were approximately 476610 holders of record of our $0.33 1/3 par value per share common stock.


Dividend Policy

We have not paid cash dividends since 1982. Our Board of Directors periodically evaluates ourthe payment of a dividend policy based on our financial condition, profitability, cash flow, capital requirements, and the outlook of our business. We currently intend to retain any earnings for use in the business including forand other capital allocation strategies which may include investment in acquisitions and consequentlyshare repurchases. Consequently, we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

The information required by this item is hereby incorporated by reference from the section entitled “Equity Compensation Plan Information” found in our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A.


Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities During the Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2017

The following table summarizes the Company’s purchases of its common stock during the three months ended July 29, 2017:January 26, 2019:
Period 
Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)
 Average Price Paid Per Share Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
April 30, 2017 - May 27, 2017 
3,686(2)

 $84.05
  
(3) 
May 28, 2017 - June 24, 2017 
 $
  
(3) 
June 25, 2017 - July 29, 2017 
128(2)

 $88.39
  
(3) 
Period 
Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)
 Average Price Paid Per Share Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
October 28, 2018 - November 24, 2018 
 $
  
(3) 
November 25, 2018 - December 22, 2018 
51,622(2)

 $56.31
  
(3) 
December 23, 2018 - January 26, 2019 
22(2)

 $55.00
  
(3) 

(1) All shares repurchased have been subsequently canceled.

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

(3) As of the beginning of fiscal 2017, the Company had $100.0 million available for share repurchases through October 2017 under the Company’s AprilJanuary 26, 2016 repurchase authorization. During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company repurchased 313,006 shares of its common stock, at an average price of $79.87, for $25.0 million. During the third quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors extended the term of the $75.0 million remaining available under the April 26, 2016 authorization through August 2018. In connection with the extension of this authorization, the Company’s Board of Directors also authorized an additional $75.0 million to repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock through August 2018 in open market or private transactions. The Company repurchased 400,000 shares of its common stock, at an average price of $94.77 per share, for $37.9 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2017. As of July 29, 2017, $112.12019, $150.0 million remained available for repurchases through February 2020 under the Company’s share repurchase authorization.program.


Performance Graph

The performance graph below compares the five-year cumulative total return for our common stock with the cumulative total return (including reinvestment of dividends) of the Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 Composite Stock Index and that of a selectedtwo different peer group consistingindices, the “Old Peer Group” and the “New Peer Group,” for fiscal 2014 through fiscal 2019. The Old Peer Group consists of MasTec, Inc., Quanta Services, Inc., and MYR Group, Inc. The New Peer Group consists of MasTec, Inc., Quanta Services, Inc., MYR Group, Inc., and Primoris Services Corporation. The Company incorporated Primoris Services Corporation into the New Peer Group and removed Willbros Group, Inc. from the Old Peer Group as a result of the acquisition of Willbros Group, Inc. by Primoris Services Corporation during fiscal 2019. The graph assumes an investment of $100 in our common stock and in each of the respective indices noted on July 31, 2012.2013. The comparisons in the graph are required by the Securities and Exchange Commission and are not intended to forecast or be indicative of the possible future performance of our common stock. 

COMPARISON OF 5-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
Among Dycom Industries, Inc., the S&P 500 Index, Old Peer Group, and a SelectedNew Peer Group

___________chart-87b6ee17466eb03541ca01.jpg
________
*$100 invested on 7/31/1213 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends. Fiscal year ending July 31.

Copyright © 2017 S&P,2019 Standard & Poor’s, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc.S&P Global. All rights reserved.


Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

The selected financial data below should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes, thereto, and with Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Fiscal 2019, fiscal 2017, fiscal 2015, 2014, and 2013fiscal 2014 each consisted of 52 weeks of operations. Fiscal 2016 consisted of 53 weeks of operations. See Item 1. Business, in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding the Company’s fiscal year. The results of operations of businesses acquired are included in the following selected financial data from their dates of acquisition (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):
Fiscal Year EndedFiscal Year Ended Six Months Ended Fiscal Year Ended
2017(3)
 
2016(4)
 
2015(5)
 2014 
2013(6)
January 26, 2019(1)(2)
 
January 27, 2018(3)
 
July 29, 2017(7)
 
July 30, 2016(8)
 
July 25, 2015(9)
 July 26, 2014
Operating Data:
                    
Revenues$3,066,880
 $2,672,542
 $2,022,312
 $1,811,593
 $1,608,612
$3,127,700
 $1,411,348
 $3,066,880
 $2,672,542
 $2,022,312
 $1,811,593
Net income$157,217
 $128,740
 $84,324
 $39,978
 $35,188
$62,907
 $68,835
 $157,217
 $128,740
 $84,324
 $39,978
Earnings Per Common Share:
                    
Basic$5.01
 $3.98
 $2.48
 $1.18
 $1.07
$2.01
 $2.22
 $5.01
 $3.98
 $2.48
 $1.18
Diluted(4)$4.92
 $3.89
 $2.41
 $1.15
 $1.04
$1.97
 $2.15
 $4.92
 $3.89
 $2.41
 $1.15
Balance Sheet Data (at end of period):
                    
Total assets(1)(5)
$1,899,307
 $1,719,716
 $1,353,936
 $1,206,718
 $1,147,927
$2,097,503
 $1,840,956
 $1,899,307
 $1,719,716
 $1,353,936
 $1,206,718
Long-term liabilities(1)(5)
$909,186
 $839,802
 $620,026
 $525,252
 $519,751
$1,008,344
 $856,348
 $909,186
 $839,802
 $620,026
 $525,252
Stockholders’ equity(2)(6)
$671,583
 $557,287
 $507,200
 $484,934
 $428,361
$804,168
 $724,996
 $671,583
 $557,287
 $507,200
 $484,934

(1) During fiscal 2019, we amended and restated our existing credit agreement to extend its maturity date to October 29, 2023 and, among other things, increase the maximum revolver commitment to $750.0 million from $450.0 million, and increase the term loan facility to $450.0 million.

(2) On February 25, 2019, Windstream filed a voluntary petition under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. As of January 26, 2019, we had outstanding receivables and contract assets in aggregate of approximately $45.0 million. Against this amount, we have recorded a non-cash charge of $17.2 million reflecting our current evaluation of recoverability of these receivables and contract assets as of January 26, 2019.

(3) The 2018 transition period includes an income tax benefit associated with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“Tax Reform”) of approximately $32.2 million. This benefit primarily resulted from the re-measurement of our net deferred tax liabilities at a lower U.S. federal corporate income tax rate. In addition, the 2018 transition period includes an income tax benefit of approximately $7.8 million for the tax effects of the vesting and exercise of share-based awards as a result of the application of Accounting Standards Update 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”). See Note 14, Income Taxes, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding these tax benefits.

(4) Diluted shares used in computing diluted earnings per common share for the 2018 transition period increased by approximately 177,575 shares as a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-09. Additionally, diluted shares used in computing diluted earnings per common share for the 2018 transition period increased by 217,394 shares resulting from the embedded convertible feature in our 0.75% convertible senior notes due September 2021 (the “Notes”). See Note 4, Computation of Earnings per Common Share, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding these dilutive effects.

(5) Balance sheet data presented for fiscal 2019 and the 2018 transition period reflects the adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (“ASU 2015-17”), under which deferred tax liabilities are presented net of deferred tax assets. No prior periods have been retrospectively adjusted for the adoption of ASU 2015-17. Additionally, balance sheet data presented for periods prior to fiscal 2016 reflectreflects the retrospective adoption of Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, under which certain debt issuance costs are now presented as a contra-liability of the corresponding long-term debt rather than as other non-current assets. As a result, both total assets and long-term liabilities were reduced by $4.9 million $5.6 million, and $6.3$5.6 million as of July 25, 2015 and July 24, 2014, and July 27, 2013, respectively.

(2)(6) We repurchased sharesdid not repurchase any of our common stock as follows:during fiscal 2019. The following table summarizes our share repurchases during the 2018 transition period, fiscal 2017, fiscal 2016, fiscal 2015, and fiscal 2014:
Fiscal Year Ended Six Months Ended Fiscal Year Ended
2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 January 27, 2018 July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 July 25, 2015 July 26, 2014
Shares713,006
 2,511,578
 1,669,924
 360,900
 1,047,000
 200,000
 713,006
 2,511,578
 1,669,924
 360,900
Amount paid (dollars in millions)$62.9
 $170.0
 $87.1
 $10.0
 $15.2
 $16.9
 $62.9
 $170.0
 $87.1
 $10.0
Average price per share$88.23
 $67.69
 $52.19
 $27.71
 $14.52
 $84.38
 $88.23
 $67.69
 $52.19
 $27.71

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

(4)(8) During fiscal 2016, we issued $485.0 millionthe Notes in a private placement in the principal amount of 0.75% convertible senior notes due September 2021 (the “Notes”) in a private placement.$485.0 million. A portion of the proceeds were used to fund the full redemption of our aggregate7.125% senior subordinated notes in the outstanding principal amount of $277.5 million of 7.125% senior subordinated notes.million. In connection with the offering of the Notes, we entered into convertible note hedge transactions at a cost of approximately $115.8 million. In addition, we entered into separately negotiated warrant transactions resulting in proceeds of approximately $74.7 million. We also amended our credit agreement to establish an additional term loan in the aggregate principal amount of $200.0 million, thereby increasing the aggregate term loan facilities to $350.0 million. See Note 10,13, Debt, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding our debt transactions.

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

(6) On December 3, 2012, we acquired substantially all of the telecommunications infrastructure services subsidiaries of Quanta Services, Inc. for the sum of $275.0 million in cash, an adjustment of approximately $40.4 million for working capital received in excess of a target amount, and approximately $3.7 million for other specified items. Additionally, on December 3, 2012, we

entered into a new, five-year credit agreement which provided for a $275.0 million revolving facility and a $125.0 million term loan. On December 12, 2012, we issued an additional $90.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.125% senior subordinated notes due 2021. The net proceeds of this issuance were used to repay a portion of the borrowings under the credit facility. Further, in connection with businesses acquired in fiscal 2013, we incurred approximately $6.8 million and $3.4 million of acquisition expenses and integration costs, respectively.

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

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes thereto, as well as Part I, Item 1. Business, and Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Introduction

We are a leading provider of specialty contracting services throughout the United States and in Canada. Our subsidiary companiesStates. We provide program management, engineering, construction, maintenance, and installation services for telecommunications providers, underground facility locating services for various utilities, including telecommunications providers, and other construction and maintenance services for electric and gas utilities. We provide the labor, tools and equipment necessary to plan, design, engineer, locate, maintain, expand, upgrade, install, and upgrademaintain the telecommunications infrastructure of our customers.

Significant developmentsDevelopments in consumer and business applications within the telecommunications industry, including advanced digital and video service offerings, continue to increase the demand for greater capacity and enhanced reliability from our customers’ wireline and wireless networks.network capacity and reliability. Telecommunications providers outsource a significant portion of their engineering, construction, maintenance, and installation requirements, driving demand for our services.

Telecommunications network operators are increasingly deploying fiber optic cable technology deeper into their networks and closer to consumers and businesses in order to respond to consumer demand, competitive realities, and public policy support. Several large telephoneTelephone companies have pursued fiber-to-the-premiseare deploying fiber to the home to enable video offerings and fiber-to-the-node initiatives to compete actively with cable operators. Some telephone companies, which have previously deployed fiber-to-the-node architectures, have definitively transitioned to fiber-to-the-home architectures, while others are beginning to provision video over their fiber-to-the-node architectures.1 gigabit high-speed connections. Cable companiesoperators continue to increase the speeds of their services to residential customers and they continue to deploy fiber tofor business customers. Deployments for business customers with increasing urgency. Overall cable capital expenditures, new-build opportunities and capacity expansion through fiber-deep deployments are increasing. A number of industry participants are deploying significant wireline networks across broad sectionsoften in anticipation of the country. These networkscustomer sales process. Fiber deep deployments to expand capacity as well as new build opportunities are generally designed to provision 1 gigabit speeds to individual consumers. Some industry participants have articulated plans to deploy networks designed to provision bandwidth enabling speeds beyond 1 gigabit.increasing.

Significant demand for wireless broadband is driven by the proliferation of smart phonessmartphones and other mobile data devices. To respond to this demand and other advances in technology, wireless carriers are upgrading their networks to 4G technologies and contemplating next generation mobile and fixed wireless solutions such as small cells and 5G technologies. Wireless carriers are actively spending on their networks to respond to the significant increase in wireless data traffic, to upgrade network technologies to

improve performance and efficiency, and to consolidate disparate technology platforms. Wireless construction activity and support of expanded coverage and capacity is expected to accelerate through the deployment of new or enhanced macro and small cells. These initiatives present long-term opportunities for us with the wireless service providers we serve. As the demand for mobile broadband grows, the amount of wireless traffic that must be “backhauled” over customers’ fiber networks increases and, as a result, carriers are accelerating the deployment of fiber optic cables to cellular sitesmacro cells and small cells. Increasing wireless data traffic and newlyIn addition, emerging wireless technologies are beginningdriving significant wireline deployments. A complementary wireline investment cycle is underway to drive significant incremental facilitate the deployment of fully converged wireless/wireline deployments in many regions of the country. These trends arenetworks. The industry effort required to deploy these converged networks is driving demand for the type of services we provide.

Significant consolidationConsolidation and merger activity among telecommunications providers can also provide increased demand for our services as networks are integrated. As a result of merger activity, several of our large customers havea significant customer has committed to the Federal Communications Commission (the “FCC”) to expand and increase broadband network capabilities. These customer activities may further create a competitive response driving long-term demand for our services.

The cyclical nature of the industry we serve may affectaffects demand for our services. The capital expenditure and maintenance budgets of our customers, and the related timing of approvals and seasonal spending patterns, influence our contract revenues and results of operations. The business requirements ofFactors affecting our customers driven by the demands ofand their consumers,capital expenditure budgets include, but are not limited to, overall economic conditions, the introduction of new communication technologies, our customers’ debt levels and capital structures, our customers’ financial performance, and our customers’ positioning and strategic plans. Other factors that may affect our customers and their capital expenditure budgets include new regulations or regulatory actions impacting our customers’ businesses, merger or acquisition activity involving our customers, and the physical maintenance needs of their infrastructure,our customers’ infrastructure.

Fiscal Year

In September 2017, our Board of Directors approved a change in the actionsCompany’s fiscal year end from the last Saturday in July to the last Saturday in January. The change in fiscal year end better aligned our fiscal year with the planning cycles of our governmentcustomers. For quarterly comparisons, there were no changes to the months in each fiscal quarter. Beginning with fiscal 2019, each fiscal year ends on the last Saturday in January and consists of either 52 or 53 weeks of operations (with the additional week of operations occurring in the fourth fiscal quarter). Fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2017 each consisted of 52 weeks of operations and fiscal 2016 consisted of 53 weeks of operations. The next 53 week fiscal period will occur in the fiscal year ending January 30, 2021.

We refer to the period beginning January 28, 2018 and ending January 26, 2019 as “fiscal 2019”, the period beginning July 30, 2017 and ending January 27, 2018 as the “2018 transition period”, the period beginning July 31, 2016 and ending July 29, 2017 as “fiscal 2017”, and the Federal Communications Commission,period beginning July 26, 2015 and overall economic conditions, may affect their capital expenditures and

maintenance budgets. Changes in our mix of customers, contracts, and business activities,ending July 30, 2016 as well as changes in the general level of construction activity also drive variations in revenues and results of operations.“fiscal 2016”.

Customer Relationships and Contractual Arrangements

We have established relationships with many leading telecommunications providers, including telephone companies, cable television multiple system operators, wireless carriers, telecommunicationtelecommunications equipment and infrastructure providers, and electric and gas utilities. Our customer base is highly concentrated, with our top five customers during each of fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015 accounting for approximately 76.1%78.4%, 69.7%75.8%, 76.8%, and 61.1%70.1% of our total contract revenues during fiscal 2019, the 2018 transition period, fiscal 2017, and fiscal 2016, respectively.


The following reflects the percentage of total contract revenues from customers who contributed at least 2.5% to our total contract revenues during fiscal 2019, the 2018 transition period, fiscal 2017, 2016, or 2015:fiscal 2016:
Fiscal Year EndedFiscal Year Ended Six Months Ended Fiscal Year Ended
2017 2016 2015January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018 July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016
AT&T Inc.26.3% 24.4% 20.8%21.2% 20.6% 26.3% 24.4%
Comcast Corporation17.7% 13.6% 12.9%20.8% 21.6% 17.7% 13.6%
CenturyLink, Inc.17.5% 14.5% 14.2%
Verizon Communications Inc.(1)
9.2% 11.2% 7.7%19.2% 12.0% 9.2% 11.2%
Windstream Corporation5.4% 5.7% 4.7%
CenturyLink, Inc.(2)
13.6% 17.5% 18.2% 14.7%
Windstream Holdings, Inc(3)
3.6% 3.8% 5.4% 5.7%
Charter Communications, Inc.(2)(4)
3.9% 6.1% 8.5%3.6% 4.2% 3.9% 6.1%

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

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

(3) On February 25, 2019, Windstream, our fifth largest customer with contract revenues of $113.6 million during fiscal 2019, filed a voluntary petition under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. We expect to continue to provide services to Windstream pursuant to existing contractual obligations but the amount of services performed in the future could be reduced or eliminated.

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

In addition, another customer contributed 3.6%0.7%, 6.2%1.3%, 3.6%, and 5.6%6.2% to our total revenuecontract revenues during fiscal 2019, the 2018 transition period, fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015,fiscal 2016, respectively.

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

We provide the remainder of our services pursuant to contracts for specific projects. These contracts may be long-term (with terms greater than one year) or short-term (with terms generally three to four months in duration)less than one year) and often include customary retainage provisions under which the customer may withhold 5% to 10% of the invoiced amounts pending project completion. Revenuescompletion and closeout.

The following table summarizes our contract revenues from multi-year master service agreements and other long-term contracts, were 22.4%, 19.6%, and 14.7% during fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.as a percentage of contract revenues:
 Fiscal Year Ended Six Months Ended Fiscal Year Ended
 January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018 July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016
Multi-year master service agreements63.8% 67.3% 64.6% 61.4%
Other long-term contracts22.9
 18.9
 22.4
 19.6
Total long-term contracts86.7% 86.2% 87.0% 81.0%

Acquisitions

As part of our growth strategy, we may acquire companies that expand, complement, or diversify our business. We regularly review opportunities and periodically engage in discussions regarding possible acquisitions. Our ability to sustain our growth and maintain our competitive position may be affected by our ability to identify, acquire, and successfully integrate companies.

Fiscal 2019. During March 2018, we acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of a provider of telecommunications construction and maintenance services in the Midwest and Northeast United States for a cash purchase price of $20.9 million, less an adjustment for working capital received below a target amount estimated to be approximately $0.5 million. This acquisition expands our geographic presence within our existing customer base.

Fiscal 2017.During March 2017, we acquired Texstar Enterprises, Inc. (“Texstar”) for $26.1 million, net of cash acquired. Texstar provides construction and maintenance services for telecommunications providers in the Southwest and Pacific Northwest regions of the United States. This acquisition expands our geographic presence within our existing customer base.

Fiscal 2016. During August 2015, we acquired TelCom Construction, Inc. and an affiliate (together, “TelCom”). The purchase price was $48.8 million paid in cash. TelCom, based in Clearwater, Minnesota, provides construction and maintenance services for telecommunications providers throughout the United States. This acquisition expands our geographic presence within our existing customer base. During May 2016, we acquired NextGen Telecom Services Group, Inc. (“NextGen”) for $5.6 million, net of cash acquired. NextGen provides construction and maintenance services for telecommunications providers in the NortheasternNortheast United States. Additionally, during July 2016, we acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities associated with the wireless network deployment and wireline operations of Goodman Networks Incorporated (“Goodman”) for a net cash purchase price of $100.9 million after an adjustment of approximately $6.6 million for working capital received below a target amount. The acquired operations provide wireless construction services in a number of markets, including Texas, Georgia, and Southern California. The acquired operations were immediately integrated with the operations of an existing subsidiary, which is a larger, well-established provider of services to the same primary customer. The acquisition reinforces our wireless construction resources and expands our geographic presence within our existing customer base. Subsequent to the close of this acquisition, activity levels within the contracts of the acquired operations trended considerably below expectations. The acquired contracts remain in effect and we have not experienced any adverse changes in customer relations. With the immediate integration of the Goodman operations into our existing subsidiary, we believe our ability to effectively perform services for the customer will provide future opportunities.

With respect to the acquisition from Goodman, $22.5 million of the purchase price was placed into escrow to cover indemnification claims and working capital adjustments. During fiscal 2017, $2.5 million of escrowed funds were released following resolution of closing working capital and $10.0 million of escrowed funds were released as a result of Goodman’s resolution of a sales tax liability with the State of Texas. In April 2018, $9.7 million of escrowed funds were released in connection with the resolution of certain indemnification claims, of which we received $1.6 million. There was no impact on our results of operations related to the escrow release. As of July 29, 2017, $10.0January 26, 2019, approximately $0.3 million remains in escrow pending resolution of certain post-closing indemnification claims.

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

The results of these businesses acquired are included in theour consolidated financial statements from their respective dates of acquisition. The purchase price allocation of TelCom was completed during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. Purchase price allocations of each of the Goodman2017 and NextGen2016 acquisitions were completed duringwithin the fourth quarter12-month measurement period from the dates of fiscal 2017.acquisition. Adjustments to provisional amounts were recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustments were determined and were not material. The purchase price allocation of Texstarthe fiscal 2019 acquisition is preliminary and will be completed when valuations for intangible assets and other amounts are finalized within the 12-month measurement period from the date of acquisition.

Understanding Our Results of Operations

The following information is presented in order forso that the reader tomay better understand certain factors impacting our results of operations, and profitability, and should be read in conjunction with Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates below, as well as Note 1, 2,Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies & Estimates, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Fiscal Year. Our fiscal 2017 year ended on the last Saturday in July. In September 2017, our Board of Directors approved a change in the Company’s fiscal year end from July to January. See Item 1. Business, in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.

Fiscal 2017 and 2015 each consisted of 52 weeks of operations and fiscal 2016 consisted of 53 weeks of operations. The next 53 week fiscal period will occur in the fiscal year ending January 30, 2021. Unless otherwise noted, a reference to fiscal year in this report refers to the fiscal year ended on the last Saturday in July.

Contract Revenues. We perform a majority of our services under master service agreements and other agreementscontracts that contain customer-specified service requirements, havingrequirements. These agreements include discrete pricing for individual tasks. Revenuetasks including, for example, the placement of underground or aerial fiber, directional boring, and fiber splicing, each based on a specific unit of

measure. Contract revenue is recognized under these arrangements based on units-of-deliveryover time as each unit is completed. The remainder of our services are performed underand customers simultaneously receive and consume the benefits we provide. Output measures such as units delivered are utilized to assess progress against specific contractual performance obligations for the majority of our services. For certain contracts,

using we use the cost-to-cost measure of the percentage of completion method of accountingprogress as more fully described within Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates below.

CostCosts of Earned Revenues. CostCosts of earned revenues includes all direct costs of providing services under our contracts, including costs for direct labor provided by employees, services by independent subcontractors, operation of capital equipment (excluding depreciation), direct materials, insurance costs of insuring our risks, and other direct costs. For claims withinUnder our insurance program, we retain the risk of loss, up to certain limits, for matters related to automobile liability, general liability (including damages associated with underground facility locating services), workers’ compensation, and employee group health.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses primarily consist of employee compensation and related expenses, including performance-based compensation and stock-based compensation, legal, consulting and professional fees, information technology and development costs, provision for or recoveries of bad debt expense, acquisition and integration costs of businesses acquired, and other costs not directly related to the provision of our services under customer contracts. Our provision for bad debt expense is determined by evaluating specific accounts receivable and contract asset balances based on historical collection trends, the age of outstanding receivables, and the creditworthiness of our customers. We incur information technology and development costs primarily to support and enhance our operating efficiency. Our executive management team and the senior management of our subsidiaries perform substantially all of our sales and marketing functions as part of their management responsibilities.

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

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

Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense, net, consists of interest incurred on outstanding variable rate and fixed rate debt and certain other obligations. Interest expense also includes non-cash amortization of our convertible senior notes debt discount and amortization of debt issuance costs. See Note 10,13, Debt, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information on the non-cash amortization of the debt discount and debt issuance costs.

Other Income, Net. Other income, net, primarily consists of gains or losses from sales of fixed assets. Other income, net during fiscal 2017 and the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 also includes discount fee expense associated with the collection of accounts receivable under a customer-sponsored vendor payment program and write-off of deferred financing costs recognized in which we began participating during fiscal 2016.connection with an amendment to our credit agreement.

Seasonality and Quarterly Fluctuations.Fluctuations in Operating Results. Our contract revenues and results of operations exhibit seasonality as we perform a significant portion of our work outdoors. Consequently, extended periods of adverse weather, which areis more likely to occur with greater frequency, severity, and duration during the winter, season,as well as reduced daylight hours, impact our operations disproportionately during the fiscal quarters ending in January and April. In addition, a disproportionate percentagenumber of paid holidays fall within the fiscal quarter ending in January, which decreases the number of available workdays. Because of these factors, we are most likely to experience reduced revenue and profitability during the fiscal quarters ending in January and April.April compared to the fiscal quarters ending in July and October.

We may also experience variations in our profitability driven by a number of factors. SuchThese factors include variations and fluctuations in contract revenues, job specific costs, insurance expense due to changes in claims, experience and actuarial assumptions, variances in incentive pay andthe allowance for doubtful accounts, accruals for contingencies, stock-based compensation expense as a resultfor performance-based stock awards, the fair value of operating performancereporting units for the goodwill impairment analysis, the valuation of intangibles and vesting provisions, changes inother long-lived assets, gains or losses on the sale of fixed assets from the timing and levels of capital assets sold, the employer portion of payroll taxes as a result of reaching statutory limits, and variances in bad debt expense. Other factors that may contribute to quarterly variations in results of operations include gain on sale of fixed assets from the timing and levels of capital assets sold during the period, changes in levels of depreciation expense, and variations in our effective tax rate.

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

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements. These statements which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The preparation of these financial statements inIn conformity with GAAP, the preparation of financial statements requires management to make

estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in these consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates and assumptions require the use of judgment as to the likelihood of various future outcomes and, as a result, actual results could differ materially from these estimates.

WeBelow, we have identified thethose accounting policies below asthat are critical to the accounting forof our business operations and the understanding of our results of operations because they involveoperations. These accounting policies require making significant judgments and estimates that are used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. The impact of these policies affects our reported and expected financial results. We have discussed the development, selection and application of our critical accounting policies with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors, and the Audit Committee has reviewed the disclosure relating to our critical accounting policies herein.

Other significant accounting policies, primarily those with lower levels of uncertainty than those discussed below, are also important to understanding our consolidated financial statements. The Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K contain additional information related to our accounting policies and should be read in conjunction with this discussion.

Revenue Recognition. We perform athe majority of our services under master service agreements and other agreementscontracts that contain customer-specified service requirements, havingrequirements. These agreements include discrete pricing for individual tasks. We recognize revenue under these arrangementstasks including, for example, the placement of underground or aerial fiber, directional boring, and fiber splicing, each based on units-of-delivery asa specific unit of measure. A contractual agreement exists when each unitparty involved approves and commits to the agreement, the rights of the parties and payment terms are identified, the agreement has commercial substance, and collectability of consideration is completed. The remainderprobable. Our services are performed for the sole benefit of our customers, whereby the assets being created or maintained are controlled by the customer and the services representing less than 5%we perform do not have alternative benefits for us. Contract revenue is recognized over time as services are performed and customers simultaneously receive and consume the benefits we provide. Output measures such as units delivered are utilized to assess progress against specific contractual performance obligations for the majority of our services. The selection of the method to measure progress towards completion requires judgment and is based on the nature of the services to be provided. For us, the output method using units delivered best represents the measure of progress against the performance obligations incorporated within the contractual agreements. This method captures the amount of units delivered pursuant to contracts and is used only when our performance does not produce significant amounts of work in process prior to complete satisfaction of the performance obligation. For a portion of contract revenues duringitems, units to be completed consist of multiple tasks. For these items, the transaction price is allocated to each task based on relative standalone measurements, such as selling prices for similar tasks, or in the alternative, the cost to perform the tasks. Contract revenue is recognized as the tasks are completed as a measurement of fiscal 2017progress in the satisfaction of the corresponding performance obligation, and 2016, andrepresented less than 10% of our contract revenues during fiscal 2015, are performed under2019.

For certain contracts, usingrepresenting less than 5.0% of contract revenues during fiscal 2019, the 2018 transition period, fiscal 2017, and fiscal 2016, we use the cost-to-cost measure of progress. These contracts are generally projects that are completed over a period of less than twelve months and for which payment is received in a lump sum at the percentageend of the project. Under the cost-to-cost measure of progress, the extent of progress toward completion method of accounting. Revenue is recognized under these arrangementsmeasured based on the ratio of contract costs incurred to date to the total estimated contract costs. Contract costs include direct labor, direct materials, and subcontractor costs, as well as an allocation of indirect costs. Contract revenues are recorded as costs are incurred. For contracts using the cost-to-cost measure of completion,progress, we accrue the entire amount of a contract loss, if any, at the time the loss is determined to be probable and can be reasonably estimated. During each of fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015, there was no material impact to our results of operations due to changes in contract estimates.

There were no material amounts of unapproved change orders or claims recognized during each of fiscal 2017, 2016, or 2015. The current asset “Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings” represents revenues recognized in excess of amounts billed. The current liability “Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings” represents billings in excess of revenues recognized.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts.Accounts Receivable, net. We grant credit to our customers, generally without collateral, under normal payment terms generally without collateral,(typically 30 to 90 days after invoicing). Generally, invoicing occurs within 45 days after the related services are performed. Accounts receivable represents an unconditional right to consideration arising from our performance under contracts with customers. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses on uncollected balances. Management analyzes the collectability ofAccounts receivable include billed accounts receivable, balances each period. This analysis considers the agingunbilled accounts receivable, and retainage. The carrying value of account balances, historical bad debt experience, changes in customer creditworthiness, current economic trends, customer payment activity, and other relevant factors. Should anysuch receivables, net of these factors change, the estimate made by management may also change, which could affect the level of our future provision for doubtful accounts. We recognize an increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts, when itrepresents their estimated realizable value. Unbilled accounts receivable represent amounts we have an unconditional right to receive payment for although invoicing is probable thatsubject to the completion of certain process or other requirements. Such requirements may include the passage of time, completion of other items within a statement of work, or other contractual billing requirements. Certain of our contracts contain retainage provisions whereby a portion of the revenue earned is withheld from payment as a form of security until contractual provisions

are satisfied. The collectability of retainage is included in our overall assessment of the collectability of accounts receivable. We expect to collect the outstanding balance of current accounts receivable, is not collectiblenet (including trade accounts receivable, unbilled accounts receivable, and retainage) within the next twelve months. Accounts receivable of $24.8 million from Windstream are classified as non-current in other assets and are net of the related allowance for doubtful accounts. On February 25, 2019, Windstream filed a voluntary petition under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts by evaluating specific accounts receivable balances based on historical collection trends, the age of outstanding receivables, and the loss can be reasonably estimated. Any increasecreditworthiness of our customers.

For one customer, we have participated in a customer-sponsored vendor payment program since fiscal 2016. All eligible accounts receivable from this customer are included in the allowance accountprogram and payment is received pursuant to a non-recourse sale to a bank partner of the customer. This program effectively reduces the time to collect these receivables as compared to that customer’s standard payment terms. We incur a discount fee to the bank on the payments received that is reflected as an expense component in other income, net, in the consolidated statements of operations. The operation of this program has not changed since we began participating.

Contract assets. Contract assets include unbilled amounts typically resulting from arrangements whereby complete satisfaction of a corresponding negative effectperformance obligation and the right to payment are conditioned on our resultscompleting additional tasks or services.

Contract liabilities. Contract liabilities consist of operations.amounts invoiced to customers in excess of revenue recognized. Our contract assets and liabilities are reported in a net position on a contract by contract basis at the end of each reporting period. As of January 26, 2019 and January 27, 2018, the contract liabilities balance is classified as current based on the timing of when we expect to complete the tasks required for the recognition of revenue.

Accrued Insurance Claims. For claims within our insurance program, we retain the risk of loss, up to certain limits, for matters related to automobile liability, general liability (including damages associated with underground facility locating services), workers’ compensation, and employee group health. We have established reserves that we believe to be adequate based on current evaluations and our experience with these types of claims. A liability for unpaid claims and the associated claim expenses, including incurred but not reported losses, is determined with the assistance of an actuary and reflected in the consolidated financial statements as accrued insurance claims. The effect on our financial statements is generally limited to the amount needed to satisfy our insurance deductibles or retentions. Amounts for total accrued insurance claims and insurance recoveries/receivables are as follows (dollars in millions):
 January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018
Accrued insurance claims - current$39,961
 $53,890
Accrued insurance claims - non-current68,315
 59,385
Total accrued insurance claims$108,276
 $113,275
    
Insurance recoveries/receivables:   
Current (included in Other current assets)$
 $13,701
Non-current (included in Other assets)13,684
 6,722
Total insurance recoveries/receivables$13,684
 $20,423

The liability for total accrued insurance claims and related processing costs was $101.9 million and $89.7 million as of July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016, respectively, and included incurred but not reported losses of approximately $50.0$55.1 million and $44.5$53.3 million respectively. Insurance recoveries/receivables related to accrued claims as of July 29, 2017January 26, 2019 and July 30, 2016 were $9.2 million and $5.7 million, respectively, which were included in non-current other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.January 27, 2018, respectively.

We estimate the liability for claims based on facts, circumstances, and historical experience. Recorded loss reserves are not discounted evenEven though they will not be paid until sometime in the future.future, recorded loss reserves are not discounted. Factors affecting the determination of the expected cost for existing and incurred but not reported claims include, but are not limited to, the magnitude and quantity of future claims, the payment pattern of claims which have been incurred, changes in the medical condition of claimants, and other factors such as inflation, tort reform or other legislative changes, unfavorable jury decisions, and court interpretations.


With regard to losses occurring in fiscal 20152016 through fiscal 2017,2019, we retain the risk of loss of up to $1.0 million on a per-occurrence basis for automobile liability, general liability, and workers’ compensation. We have maintainedretained this same level of retention for the twelve month policy period ending July 31, 2018.in January 2020. These retention amounts are applicable to all of the states in which we operate, except with respect to workers’ compensation insurance in two states in which we participate in state-sponsored insurance funds. Aggregate stop-loss coverage for automobile liability, general liability, and workers’ compensation

claims was $78.9 million for fiscal 2019, $67.1 million for the 2018 transition period, $103.7 million for fiscal 2017, and is $67.1$84.6 million for the twelve month policy period ending July 31, 2018.fiscal 2016.

We are party to a stop-loss agreement for losses under our employee group health plan. For calendar years 2017 and 2016 through 2019, we retain the risk of loss, on an annual basis, up to the first $400,000 of claims per participant, as well as an annual aggregate amount. With regard to losses occurring in calendar year 2015, we retained the riskamount for all participants of loss up to the first $250,000 of claims per participant as well as an annual aggregate amount.$425,000.

Stock-Based Compensation. The Company has certainWe have stock-based compensation plans under which it grantswe grant stock-based awards, including stock options, time-based restricted share units (“RSUs”), and performance-based restricted share units (“Performance RSUs”) to attract, retain, and reward talented employees, officers, and directors, and to align stockholder and employee interests. We have grantedThe resulting compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, net of actual forfeitures, and is included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. This expense fluctuates over time as a result of the vesting periods of the stock-based awards under our 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2012 Plan”), 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2003 Plan”) and, 2007 Non-Employee Directors Equity Plan (“2007 Directors Plan” and, together withfor Performance RSUs, the 2012 Plan and 2003 Plan, the “Plans”). Our policy is to issue new shares to satisfy equity awards under the Plans. The total numberexpected achievement of shares available for grant under the Plans as of July 29, 2017 was 708,357.performance measures.

Compensation expense for stock-based awards is based on fair value at the measurement date. The fair value of stock options is estimated on the date and fluctuatesof grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. This valuation is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as other inputs, including the expected common stock price volatility over time as a resultthe expected life of the vestingoptions, the expected term of the stock option, risk-free interest rates, and expected dividends, if any. Stock options vest ratably over a four-year period and are exercisable over a period of the stock-based awardsup to ten years. The fair value of RSUs and our performance, as measured by criteria set forth in performance-based awards. This expensePerformance RSUs is included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and the amount of expense ultimately recognized dependsestimated on the numberdate of awardsgrant and is equal to the closing market price per share of our common stock on that actually vest. date. RSUs generally vest ratably over a four-year period. Performance RSUs vest ratably over a three-year period, if certain performance measures are achieved. Each RSU and Performance RSU is settled in one share of our common stock upon vesting.

For performance-based restricted share units (“Performance RSUs”),RSUs, we evaluate compensation expense quarterly and recognize expense for performance-based awards only if we determine it is probable that the performance criteriameasures for the awards will be met. The performance measures for target awards are based on our operating earnings (adjusted for certain amounts) as a percentage of contract revenues and our operating cash flow level (adjusted for certain amounts) for the applicable four-quarter performance period. Additionally, certain awards include three-year performance measures that are more difficult to achieve than those required to earn target awards and, if met, result in supplemental shares awarded. The performance measures for supplemental awards are based on three-year cumulative operating earnings (adjusted for certain amounts) as a percentage of contract revenues and three-year cumulative operating cash flow level (adjusted for certain amounts). In a period we determine it is no longer probable that we will achieve certain performance criteriameasures for the awards, we would reverse the stock-based compensation expense that we had previously recognized associated with the portion of Performance RSUs that are no longer expected to vest. The amount of the expense ultimately recognized depends on the number of awards that actually vest. Accordingly, stock-based compensation expense may vary from period to period.

The fair value of For additional information on our stock-based compensation plans, stock option grants is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Stock options, generally vest ratably over a four-year period and are exercisable over a period of up to ten years. The fair value of time-based restricted share units (“RSUs”)RSUs, and Performance RSUs, is estimated onsee Note 18, Stock-Based Awards, in the date of grant and is generally equalNotes to the closing stock priceConsolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on that date. Each RSU and Performance RSU is settled in one share of our common stock upon vesting. RSUs vest ratably over a period of four years. Performance RSUs vest over a period of three years from the date of grant if certain performance measures are achieved. The performance criteria for target awards are based on our fiscal year operating earnings (adjusted for certain amounts) as a percentage of contract revenues and our fiscal year operating cash flow level. Additionally, certain awards include three-year performance goals that, if met, result in supplemental shares awarded. The three-year performance goals required to earn supplemental awards are more difficult to achieve than those required to earn annual target awards and are based on our three-year cumulative operating earnings (adjusted for certain amounts) as a percentage of contract revenues and our three-year cumulative operating cash flow level.Form 10-K.

Income Taxes. We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. This approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. OurDuring the 2018 transition period, we recognized an income tax benefit of approximately $32.2 million associated with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“Tax Reform”). This benefit primarily resulted from the re-measurement of our net deferred tax liabilities at a lower U.S. federal corporate income tax rate. Additionally, we recognized an income tax benefit of approximately $7.8 million during the 2018 transition period for the tax effects of the vesting and exercise of share-based awards.

In addition to the impacts described above, fluctuations in our effective income tax rate differswere also attributable to the difference in income tax rates from the statutory rate for the tax jurisdictions where we operate primarily as the result of the impact ofstate to state, non-deductible and non-taxable items, and production-related tax creditsdeductions recognized in relation to our pre-tax results. We expect greater volatility in our effective tax rate after we adopt Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”) due toresults during the timing of recognition of certain tax benefits from share-based award activities. ASU 2016-09 will be effective for us beginning with the fiscal quarter ending October 28, 2017.periods. See Note 1,14, Basis of Presentation and Accounting PoliciesIncome Taxes, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information on the expected impacts of ASU 2016-09.further information.

Measurement of our tax position is based on the applicable statutes, federal and state case law, and our interpretations of tax regulations. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income during the period that includes the enactment date. We record net deferred tax assets to the extent we believe these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determination, we consider all relevant factors, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies, and recent financial operations. In the

event we determine that we would be able to realize deferred income tax assets in excess of their net recorded amount, we would adjust the valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.

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

Contingencies and Litigation. In the ordinary course of our business, we are involved in certain legal proceedings.proceedings and other claims, including claims for indemnification by our customers. ASC Topic 450, Contingencies (“ASC Topic 450”) requires an estimated loss from a loss contingency be accrued by a charge to operating results if it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. In determining whether a loss should be accrued, we evaluate, among other factors, the probability of an unfavorable outcome and the ability to make a reasonable estimate of the amount of loss. If only a range of probable loss can be determined, we accrue for our best estimate within the range for the contingency. In those cases where none of the estimates within the range is better than another, we accrue for the amount representing the low end of the range in accordance with ASC Topic 450. As additional information becomes available, we reassess the potential liability related to our pending contingencieslitigation and litigationother contingencies and revise our estimates as applicable. Revisions of our estimates of the potential liability could materially impact our results of operations. Additionally, if the final outcome of such litigation and contingencies differs adversely from that currently expected, it would result in a charge to operating results when determined.

Business Combinations. We account for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. The purchase price of each business acquired is allocated to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on information regarding their respective fair values on the date of acquisition. Any excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the separately identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed is allocated to goodwill. We determine the fair values used in purchase price allocations for intangible assets based on historical data, estimated discounted future cash flows, expected royalty rates for trademarks and trade names, as well as certain other information. The valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires a number of judgments and is subject to revision as additional information about the fair value of assets and liabilities becomes available. Additional information, which existed as of the acquisition date but unknown to us at that time, may become known during the remainder of the measurement period. This measurement period a periodmay not to exceed twelve months from the acquisition date. In accordance with ASU 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments, theThe Company will recognize any adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustments are determined. Additionally, the Company will record, in the same period’s financial statementsperiod in which adjustments are recorded,recognized, the Company will record the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of any change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting adjustment had been completed at the acquisition date. Acquisition costs are expensed as incurred. The results of operations of businesses acquired are included in the consolidated financial statements from their dates of acquisition.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets. As of July 29, 2017, we had approximately $321.7 million of goodwill, $4.7 million of indefinite-lived intangible assets, and $178.9 million of finite-lived intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization. As of July 30, 2016, we had $310.2 million of goodwill, $4.7 million of indefinite-lived intangible assets, and $193.2 million of finite-lived intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization. The increase in goodwill during fiscal 2017 is primarily the result of the preliminary purchase price allocation of Texstar, acquired in the third quarter of fiscal 2017. The decrease in finite lived intangible assets, net is primarily the result of amortization expense recognized during the period. See Note 7, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

We account for goodwill and other intangibles in accordance with ASC Topic 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (“ASC Topic 350”). Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are assessed annually for impairment, as of the first day of the fourth fiscal quarter of each year, or more frequently, if events occur that would indicate a potential reduction in the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. We perform our annual impairment review of goodwill at the reporting unit level. Each of our operating segments with goodwill represents a reporting unit for the purpose of assessing impairment. If we determine the fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible assets is less than their carrying value as a result of the tests,an annual or interim test, an impairment loss is recognized and reflected in operating income or loss in the consolidated statements of operations during the period incurred.

In accordance with ASC Topic 360, Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, we review finite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that indicatesindicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable. Recoverability is determined based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from

the use of an asset and its eventual disposition. Should an asset not be recoverable, an impairment loss is measured by comparing the fair value of the asset to its carrying value. If we determine the fair value of an asset is less than the carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized in operating income or loss in the consolidated statements of operations during the period incurred.

We use judgment in assessing whether goodwill and intangible assets are impaired. Estimates of fair value are based on our projection of revenues, operating costs, and cash flows taking into consideration historical and anticipated future results, general economic and market conditions, as well as the impact of planned business or operational strategies. We determine the

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

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

We evaluate current operating results, including any losses, in the assessment of goodwill and other intangible assets. The estimates and assumptions used in assessing the fair value of the reporting units and the valuation of the underlying assets and liabilities are inherently subject to significant uncertainties. Changes in judgments and estimates could result in significantly different estimates of the fair value of the reporting units and could result in impairments of goodwill or intangible assets of the reporting units. In addition, adverse changes to the key valuation assumptions contributing to the fair value of our reporting units could result in an impairment of goodwill or intangible assets.

We performedhave historically completed our annual goodwill impairment assessment as of the first day of the fourth fiscal quarter of each year. As a result of the change in our fiscal year end, the annual goodwill impairment assessment date was changed to the first day of the fiscal quarter ending on the last Saturday in January, as this became the first day of our fourth fiscal quarter. The change in the annual goodwill impairment assessment date is deemed a change in accounting principle, which we believe to be preferable as the change was made to better align the annual goodwill impairment test with the change in our annual planning and budgeting process related to the new fiscal year end. This change in accounting principle did not delay, accelerate or avoid a goodwill impairment charge and had no effect on the consolidated financial statements, including any cumulative effect on retained earnings.

We performed our annual impairment assessment for fiscal 2019, the 2018 transition period, fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015fiscal 2016, and concluded that no impairment of goodwill or the indefinite-lived intangible asset was indicated at any reporting unit for any of the years.periods. In each of fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015,these periods, qualitative assessments were performed on reporting units that comprise a substantial portion of our consolidated goodwill balance. A qualitative assessment includes evaluating all identified events and circumstances that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of a reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset for the purpose of determining whether it is more likely than not that these assets are impaired. We consider various factors while performing qualitative assessments, including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, financial performance of the reporting units, changes in market capitalization, and any other specific reporting unit considerations. These qualitative assessments indicated that it was more likely than not that the fair value exceeded carrying value for those reporting units. For the remaining reporting units, we performed the first step of the quantitative analysis described in ASC Topic 350 in each of fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015.these periods. When performing the quantitative analysis, the Company determines the fair value of its reporting units using a weightingweighing of fair values derived in equal proportions from the income approach and market approach valuation methodologies. Under the income approach, the key valuation assumptions used in determining the fair value estimates of our reporting units for each annual test were: (a) a discount rate based on our best estimate of the weighted average cost of capital adjusted for certain risks for the reporting units; (b) terminal value based on our best estimate of terminal growth rates; and (c) seven expected years of cash flow before the terminal value.value based on our best estimate of the revenue growth rate and projected operating margin.

We alsoIn fiscal 2017, we performed the first step of the quantitative analysis on our indefinite-lived intangible asset inasset. In fiscal 2017, while in each of2019, the 2018 transition period, and fiscal 2016, and 2015, qualitative assessments were performed on our indefinite-lived intangible asset.


The table below outlines certain assumptions used in our quantitative impairment analyses for fiscal 2019, the 2018 transition period, fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015 annual quantitative impairment analyses:fiscal 2016:
Fiscal Year Ended Six Months Ended Fiscal Year Ended
2017 2016 2015January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018 July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016
Terminal Growth Rate2.0% - 3.0% 2.0% - 3.0% 1.5% - 2.5%2.5% - 3.0% 2.5% - 3.0% 2.0% - 3.0% 2.0% - 3.0%
Discount Rate11.0% 11.5% 11.5%11.0% 11.0% 11.0% 11.5%

The discount rate reflects risks inherent within each reporting unit operating individually. These risks are greater than the risks inherent in the Company as a whole. Determination of discount rates included consideration of market inputs such as the risk-free rate, equity risk premium, industry premium, and cost of debt, among other assumptions. The slightdiscount rate for fiscal 2019 was consistent with the 2018 transition period and fiscal 2017. The decrease in discount ratesrate for fiscal 2017 from fiscal 2016 iswas a result of reduced risk in industry conditions. The changes in these inputs for fiscal 2016 from fiscal 2015 had offsetting impacts and the discount rate remained at 11.5%. We believe the assumptions used in the impairment analysis each year are reflective of the risks inherent in the business models of our reporting units and within our industry. Under the market approach, the guideline company method develops valuation multiples by comparing our reporting units to similar publicly traded companies. Key valuation assumptions and valuation multiples used in determining the fair value estimates of our reporting units rely on: (a) the selection of similar companies; (b) obtaining estimates of forecast revenue and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization for the similar companies; and (c) selection of valuation multiples as they apply to the reporting unit characteristics.

We determined that the fair values of each of the reporting units and the indefinite-lived intangible asset were substantially in excess of their carrying values in the fiscal 2017 annual2019 assessment. Management determined that significant changes were not likely in the factors considered to estimate fair value, and analyzed the impact of such changes were they to occur. Specifically, if there was a 25% decrease in the fair value of any of the reporting units due to a decline in their discounted cash flows resulting from lower operating performance, the conclusion of the assessment would remain unchanged. Additionally, if the discount rate applied in the fiscal 20172019 impairment analysis had been 100 basis points higher than estimated for each of the reporting units, and all other assumptions were held constant, the conclusion of the assessment would remain unchanged and there would be no impairment of goodwill. Additionally, if there was a 25% decrease in the fair value of any of the reporting units due to a decline in their discounted cash flows resulting from lower operating performance, the conclusion of the assessment would remain unchanged for all reporting units except two. For one of these reporting units with goodwill of $5.7 million, the excess of fair value above its carrying value was 18% of the fair value. For the other of these reporting units with goodwill of $10.1 million, the excess of fair value above its carrying value was 19% of the fair value. Additionally, a third reporting unit with goodwill of $13.2 million as of January 26, 2019 had a high concentration of its contract revenues from Windstream. This reporting unit’s fair value was substantially in excess of its carrying value as of the date of the fiscal 2019 impairment assessment. On February 25, 2019, Windstream, filed a voluntary petition under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. The Company expects to continue to provide services to Windstream pursuant to existing contractual obligations but the amount of services performed in the future could be reduced or eliminated. Recent operating performance, along with assumptions for specific customer and industry opportunities, were considered in the key assumptions used during the fiscal 2019 impairment analysis. Management has determined the goodwill balance of these three reporting units may have an increased likelihood of impairment if a prolonged downturn in customer demand were to occur, or if the reporting units were not able to execute against customer opportunities, and the long-term outlook for their cash flows were adversely impacted. Furthermore, changes in the long-term outlook may result in a change to other valuation assumptions. Factors monitored by management which could result in a change to the reporting units’ estimates include the outcome of customer requests for proposals and subsequent awards, strategies of competitors, labor market conditions and levels of overall economic activity. As of July 29, 2017,January 26, 2019, we believe the goodwill and the indefinite-lived intangible asset are recoverable for all of the reporting units and that no impairment has occurred. However, significant adverse changes in the projected revenues and cash flows of a reporting unit could result in an impairment of goodwill or the indefinite-lived intangible asset. There can be no assurances that goodwill or the indefinite-lived intangible asset may not be impaired in future periods.

Certain of our reporting units also have other intangible assets, including customer relationships, trade names, and non-compete intangibles. As of July 29, 2017,January 26, 2019, we believe that the carrying amounts of these intangible assets including those of the recently acquired operations, are recoverable. However, if adverse events were to occur or circumstances were to change indicating that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable, the assets would be reviewed for impairment and the assets could be impaired.


Outlook

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

Telecommunications network operators are increasingly deploying fiber optic cable technology deeper into their networks and closer to consumers and businesses in order to respond to consumer demand, competitive realities, and public policy support. Several large telephoneTelephone companies have pursued fiber-to-the-premiseare deploying fiber to the home to enable video offerings and fiber-to-the-node initiatives to compete actively with cable operators. Some telephone companies, which have previously deployed fiber-to-the-node architectures, have definitively transitioned to fiber-to-the-home architectures, while others are beginning to provision video over their fiber-to-the-node architectures.1 gigabit high-speed connections. Cable companiesoperators continue to increase the speeds of their services to residential customers and they continue to deploy fiber tofor business customers. Deployments for business customers with increasing urgency. Overall cable capital expenditures, new-build opportunities and capacity expansion through fiber-deep deployments are increasing. A number of industry participants are deploying significant wireline networks across broad sectionsoften in anticipation of the country. These networkscustomer sales process. Fiber deep deployments to expand capacity as well as new build opportunities are generally designed to provision 1 gigabit speeds to individual consumers. Some industry participants have articulated plans to deploy networks designed to provision bandwidth enabling speeds beyond 1 gigabit. These long-term initiatives and the possibility that other industry participants may pursue similar strategies create opportunities for us.increasing.

Significant demand for wireless broadband is driven by the proliferation of smart phonessmartphones and other mobile data devices. To respond to this demand and other advances in technology, wireless carriers are upgrading their networks to 4G technologies and contemplating next generation mobile and fixed wireless solutions such as small cells and 5G technologies. Wireless carriers are actively spending

on their networks to respond to the significant increase in wireless data traffic, to upgrade network technologies to improve performance and efficiency, and to consolidate disparate technology platforms. Wireless construction activity and support of expanded coverage and capacity is expected to accelerate through the deployment of new or enhanced macro cells and small cells. These initiatives present long-term opportunities for us with the wireless service providers we serve. As the demand for mobile broadband grows, the amount of wireless traffic that must be “backhauled” over customers’ fiber networks increases and, as a result, carriers are accelerating the deployment of fiber optic cables to cellular sitesmacro cells and small cells. Increasing wireless data traffic and newlyIn addition, emerging wireless technologies are beginningdriving significant wireline deployments. A complementary wireline investment cycle is underway to drive significant incremental facilitate the deployment of fully converged wireless/wireline deployments in many regions of the country. These trends arenetworks. The industry effort required to deploy these converged networks is driving demand for the type of services we provide.

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

Overall economic activity, including in particular construction and housing activity also contributes to the demand for our services. Within the context of the current economy, we believe the latest trends and developments as outlined above support our industry outlook. We will continue to closely monitor the effects that changes in economic and market conditions may have on our customers and our business and we will continue to manage those areas of the business we can control.


Results of Operations

In September 2017, our Board of Directors approved a change in the Company’s fiscal year end from the last Saturday in July to the last Saturday in January. We believe that a reader’s understanding of our results of operations will be enhanced by review of a comparison between our results for the fiscal year ended January 26, 2019 and our results for the prior comparative twelve month period ended January 27, 2018. Accordingly, we present our discussion and analysis below based on comparisons of the results for such periods, as well as based on comparisons of the six months ended January 27, 2018 to the six months ended January 28, 2017 and the fiscal year ended July 29, 2017 to the fiscal year ended July 30, 2016. The results for the twelve months ended January 27, 2018 and the six months ended January 28, 2017 are unaudited.
 
The results of operations of businesses acquired are included in the consolidated financial statements from their dates of acquisition.

Fiscal Year Ended January 26, 2019 Compared to Twelve Months Ended January 27, 2018

The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations for the periods indicatedfiscal year ended January 26, 2019 and the prior comparative twelve month period ended January 27, 2018 and the amounts as a percentage of revenuecontract revenues (totals may not add due to rounding) (dollars in millions):
Fiscal Year EndedFiscal Year Ended Twelve Months Ended
2017 2016 2015January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018
Revenues$3,066.9
 100.0 % $2,672.5
 100.0 % $2,022.3
 100.0 %
    (Unaudited)
Contract revenues$3,127.7
 100.0 % $2,977.9
 100.0 %
Expenses: 
  
               
Cost of earned revenue, excluding depreciation and amortization2,404.7
 78.4
 2,083.6
 78.0
 1,593.3
 78.8
Costs of earned revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization2,562.4
 81.9
 2,369.9
 79.6
General and administrative239.2
 7.8
 217.1
 8.1
 178.7
 8.8
269.1
 8.6
 245.8
 8.3
Depreciation and amortization147.9
 4.8
 124.9
 4.7
 96.0
 4.7
179.6
 5.7
 162.7
 5.5
Total2,791.9
 91.0
 2,425.7
 90.8
 1,868.0
 92.4
3,011.1
 96.3
 2,778.3
 93.3
Interest expense, net(37.4) (1.2) (34.7) (1.3) (27.0) (1.3)(44.4) (1.4) (38.7) (1.3)
Loss on debt extinguishment
 
 (16.3) (0.6) 
 
Other income, net12.8
 0.4
 10.4
 0.4
 8.3
 0.4
15.8
 0.5
 17.1
 0.6
Income before income taxes250.4
 8.2
 206.3
 7.7
 135.6
 6.7
88.0
 2.8
 177.9
 6.0
Provision for income taxes93.2
 3.0
 77.6
 2.9
 51.3
 2.5
25.1
 0.8
 26.6
 0.9
Net income$157.2
 5.1 % $128.7
 4.8 % $84.3
 4.2 %$62.9
 2.0 % $151.3
 5.1 %

OurContract Revenues. Contract revenues were $3.128 billion during fiscal 2017 year2019 compared to $2.978 billion during the twelve months ended January 27, 2018. Contract revenues from acquired businesses that were not owned for the entire period in both the current and comparable prior periods were $69.9 million and $32.3 million for fiscal 2019 and the twelve months ended January 27, 2018, respectively. Additionally, we earned $42.9 million and $35.1 million of contract revenues from storm restoration services during fiscal 2019 and the twelve months ended January 27, 2018, respectively, excluding amounts from acquired businesses.

Excluding amounts generated by acquired businesses that were not owned for the entire period in both the current and comparable prior periods and amounts from storm restoration services, contract revenues increased by $104.4 million during fiscal 2019 compared to the twelve months ended January 27, 2018. Contract revenues increased by approximately $286.6 million for a large telecommunications customer primarily related to services for recent awards and by approximately $22.4 million for a leading cable multiple system operator from construction and maintenance services, including services to provision fiber to small and medium businesses, as well as network improvements. Partially offsetting these increases, contract revenues decreased by approximately $138.4 million for a large telecommunications customer as a result of decreases in services performed under existing contracts and by approximately $39.9 million for services performed on a customer’s fiber network. In addition, contract revenues decreased by approximately $19.6 million for a large telecommunications customer as a result of spending moderation and by approximately $19.6 million for services performed for a telecommunications customer in connection with rural services. All other customers had net increases in contract revenues of $12.9 million on a combined basis during fiscal 2019 compared to the last Saturdaytwelve months ended January 27, 2018.


The percentage of our contract revenues by customer type from telecommunications, underground facility locating, and electric and gas utilities and other customers, was 91.3%, 5.8%, and 2.9%, respectively, for fiscal 2019 compared to 91.4%, 6.0%, and 2.6%, respectively, for the twelve months ended January 27, 2018.

Costs of Earned Revenues. Costs of earned revenues increased to $2.562 billion, or 81.9% of contract revenues, during fiscal 2019 compared to $2.370 billion, or 79.6% of contract revenues, during the twelve months ended January 27, 2018.
The primary components of the increase were a $171.2 million aggregate increase in July.direct labor and subcontractor costs, a $15.5 million increase in equipment maintenance and fuel costs combined, and a $21.0 million increase in other direct costs. Partially offsetting these increases, direct materials decreased by $15.2 million.

Costs of earned revenues as a percentage of contract revenues increased 2.3% during fiscal 2019 compared to the twelve months ended January 27, 2018. As a result, eachpercentage of contract revenues, labor and subcontracted labor costs increased 2.6% during fiscal year consists2019 primarily resulting from under absorption of either 52 weeks or 53 weekscosts incurred on large customer programs and the productivity impacts of operations (withprolonged winter weather conditions that lasted throughout the additional weekfirst quarter of operations occurringfiscal 2019. In addition, equipment maintenance and fuel costs combined increased 0.3% as a percentage of contract revenues and other direct costs increased 0.3% as a percentage of contract revenues primarily resulting from the impact of costs associated with the initiation of customer programs. Partially offsetting these increases was a decline in the fourth quarter). Fiscal 2017required usage of direct materials which decreased 0.9% as a percentage of contract revenues primarily as a result of mix of work.

General and 2015 each consistedAdministrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses increased to $269.1 million, or 8.6% of 52 weekscontract revenues, during fiscal 2019 compared to $245.8 million, or 8.3% of operationscontract revenues, during the twelve months ended January 27, 2018. The increase in total general and administrative expenses during fiscal 2016 consisted2019 primarily resulted from $17.2 million of 53 weeksbad debt expense recorded on accounts receivable and contract assets due from a customer that recently filed a voluntary petition under Chapter 11 of operations. In September 2017, our Board of Directors approved a changethe United States Bankruptcy Code in the Company’sU.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. Additionally, the increase was a result of increased payroll costs and increased software license and maintenance fees. These increases were partially offset by lower performance-based compensation costs and lower professional fees. The increase in total general and administrative expenses as a percentage of contract revenues is primarily attributable to $17.2 million of bad debt expense recorded on accounts receivable and contract assets.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation expense was $157.0 million, or 5.0% of contract revenues, during fiscal year end2019, compared to $138.1 million, or 4.6% of contract revenues, during the twelve months ended January 27, 2018. The increase in depreciation expense during fiscal 2019 was primarily due to the addition of fixed assets during fiscal 2019 that support our expanded in-house workforce and the normal replacement cycle of fleet assets. Amortization expense was $22.6 million and $24.6 million during fiscal 2019 and the twelve months ended January 27, 2018, respectively.

Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense, net was $44.4 million and $38.7 million during fiscal 2019 and the twelve months ended January 27, 2018, respectively. Interest expense includes $19.1 million and $18.1 million for the non-cash amortization of debt discount associated with our convertible senior notes during fiscal 2019 and the twelve months ended January 27, 2018, respectively. Excluding this amortization, interest expense, net increased to $25.3 million during fiscal 2019 from July$20.6 million during the twelve months ended January 27, 2018 as a result of higher outstanding borrowings and higher market interest rates during the current period.

Other Income, Net. Other income, net was $15.8 million and $17.1 million during fiscal 2019 and the twelve months ended January 27, 2018, respectively. Gain on sale of fixed assets was $19.4 million during fiscal 2019 compared to January.$18.9 million during the twelve months ended January 27, 2018 as a result of the number of assets sold and prices obtained for those assets during each respective period. Other income, net also includes $4.1 million and $3.2 million of discount fee expense during fiscal 2019 and the twelve months ended January 27, 2018, respectively, associated with the collection of accounts receivable under a customer-sponsored vendor payment program. Additionally, we recognized $0.2 million in write-off of deferred financing costs during fiscal 2019 in connection with an amendment to our credit agreement.


Income Taxes. The following table presents our income tax provision and effective income tax rate for fiscal 2019 and the twelve months ended January 27, 2018 (dollars in millions):
 Fiscal Year Ended Twelve Months Ended
 January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018
   (Unaudited)
Income tax provision$25.1
 $26.6
Effective income tax rate28.5% 14.9%

During the twelve months ended January 27, 2018, we recognized an income tax benefit of approximately $32.2 million associated with Tax Reform. This benefit primarily resulted from the re-measurement of our net deferred tax liabilities at a lower U.S. federal corporate income tax rate. Additionally, we recognized an income tax benefit of approximately $7.8 million for the tax effects of the vesting and exercise of share-based awards during the twelve months ended January 27, 2018. See Item 1.Note 14, BusinessIncome Taxes, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additionalfurther information.

In addition to the impacts described above, fluctuations in our effective income tax rate were also attributable to the difference in income tax rates from state to state and non-deductible and non-taxable items during the periods. We had total unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $3.8 million as of January 26, 2019 which would reduce our effective tax rate during future periods if it is determined these unrecognized tax benefits are realizable.

Net Income. Net income was $62.9 million for fiscal 2019 compared to $151.3 million for the twelve months ended January 27, 2018.

Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA. Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA was $330.0 million, or 10.5% of contract revenues, for fiscal 2019 compared to $383.5 million, or 12.9% of contract revenues, for the twelve months ended January 27, 2018. See Non-GAAP Measure below for further information regarding Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA.

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

The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations for the six months ended January 27, 2018 and January 28, 2017 and the amounts as a percentage of contract revenues (totals may not add due to rounding) (dollars in millions):
 Six Months Ended
 January 27, 2018 January 28, 2017
     (Unaudited)
Contract revenues$1,411.3
 100.0 % $1,500.4
 100.0 %
Expenses:       
Costs of earned revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization1,141.5
 80.9
 1,176.4
 78.4
General and administrative124.9
 8.9
 118.4
 7.9
Depreciation and amortization85.1
 6.0
 70.3
 4.7
Total1,351.5
 95.8
 1,365.0
 91.0
Interest expense, net(19.6) (1.4) (18.2) (1.2)
Other income, net6.2
 0.4
 1.9
 0.1
Income before income taxes46.6
 3.3
 119.0
 7.9
(Benefit) provision for income taxes(22.3) (1.6) 44.3
 3.0
Net income$68.8
 4.9 % $74.7
 5.0 %

Contract Revenues. Contract revenues were $1.411 billion during the six months ended January 27, 2018 compared to $1.500 billion during the six months ended January 28, 2017. During the six months ended January 27, 2018, contract revenues of $17.0 million were generated by a business acquired during the third quarter of fiscal 2017. Additionally, we earned $35.1 million of contract revenues from storm restoration services during the six months ended January 27, 2018.


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

The percentage of our contract revenues by customer type from telecommunications, underground facility locating, and electric and gas utilities and other customers, was 91.0%, 6.3%, and 2.7%, respectively, for the six months ended January 27, 2018, compared to 92.1%, 5.2%, and 2.7%, respectively, for the six months ended January 28, 2017.

Costs of Earned Revenues. Costs of earned revenues decreased to $1.141 billion, or 80.9% of contract revenues, during the six months ended January 27, 2018 compared to $1.176 billion, or 78.4% of contract revenues, during the six months ended January 28, 2017. The primary components of the decrease were a $34.0 million aggregate decrease in direct labor and subcontractor costs and a $14.1 million decrease in direct material costs, primarily due to a lower level of operations. Partially offsetting these decreases, equipment maintenance and fuel costs combined increased $4.8 million and other direct costs increased $8.4 million.

Costs of earned revenues as a percentage of contract revenues increased 2.5% during the six months ended January 27, 2018 compared to the six months ended January 28, 2017. As a percentage of contract revenues, labor and subcontracted labor costs increased 1.3% during the six months ended January 27, 2018. The increase in labor and subcontracted labor costs as a percentage of contract revenues primarily resulted from costs incurred as the scale of our operations expanded and from widespread adverse weather which reduced the number of available workdays and negatively impacted productivity and margins during the fiscal quarter ended January 27, 2018. Equipment maintenance and fuel costs combined increased 0.6% as a percentage of contract revenues from under absorption of equipment costs and increased fuel costs relative to the mix of work. Additionally, direct material costs and other direct costs increased 0.5% as a percentage of contract revenues, on a combined basis, reflecting lower operating leverage and the impact of costs associated with the initiation of customer programs, including permitting costs.

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

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation expense was $73.0 million, or 5.2% of contract revenues, during the six months ended January 27, 2018 compared to $58.0 million, or 3.9% of contract revenues, during the six months ended January 28, 2017. The increase in depreciation expense during the six months ended January 27, 2018 is primarily due to the addition of fixed assets during fiscal 2017 and the 2018 transition period that support our expanded in-house workforce and the normal replacement cycle of fleet assets. Amortization expense was $12.1 million and $12.3 million during the six months ended January 27, 2018 and January 28, 2017, respectively.

Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense, net was $19.6 million and $18.2 million during the six months ended January 27, 2018 and January 28, 2017, respectively. Interest expense includes $9.2 million and $8.7 million for the non-cash amortization of debt discount associated with our convertible senior notes during the six months ended January 27, 2018 and January 28, 2017, respectively. Excluding this amortization, interest expense, net increased to $10.4 million during the six months ended January 27, 2018 from $9.6 million during the six months ended January 28, 2017 as a result of higher market interest rates during the current period.


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

Income Taxes. The following table presents our income tax (benefit) provision and effective income tax rate for the six months ended January 27, 2018 and January 28, 2017 (dollars in millions):
 Six Months Ended
 January 27, 2018 January 28, 2017
   (Unaudited)
Income tax (benefit) provision$(22.3) $44.3
Effective income tax rate(47.9)% 37.2%

During the six months ended January 27, 2018, we recognized an income tax benefit of approximately $32.2 million associated with Tax Reform. This benefit primarily resulted from the re-measurement of our net deferred tax liabilities at a lower U.S. federal corporate income tax rate. Additionally, we recognized an income tax benefit of approximately $7.8 million for the tax effects of the vesting and exercise of share-based awards during the six months ended January 27, 2018.

In addition to the impacts described above, fluctuations in our effective income tax rate were also attributable to the difference in income tax rates from state to state, non-deductible and non-taxable items, and production-related tax deductions recognized in relation to our pre-tax results during the periods. We had total unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $3.3 million as of January 27, 2018 which would reduce our effective tax rate during future periods if it is determined these unrecognized tax benefits are realizable.

Net Income. Net income was $68.8 million for the six months ended January 27, 2018, compared to $74.7 million for the six months ended January 28, 2017.

Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA. Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA was $157.2 million, or 11.1% of contract revenues, for the six months ended January 27, 2018 compared to $215.4 million, or 14.4% of contract revenues, for the six months ended January 28, 2017. See Non-GAAP Measure below for further information regarding Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA.


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

The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations for the fiscal years ended July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016 and the amounts as a percentage of contract revenues (totals may not add due to rounding) (dollars in millions):
 Fiscal Year Ended
 July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016
Contract revenues$3,066.9
 100.0 % $2,672.5
 100.0 %
Expenses: 
  
    
Costs of earned revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization2,404.7
 78.4
 2,083.6
 78.0
General and administrative239.2
 7.8
 217.1
 8.1
Depreciation and amortization147.9
 4.8
 124.9
 4.7
Total2,791.9
 91.0
 2,425.7
 90.8
Interest expense, net(37.4) (1.2) (34.7) (1.3)
Loss on debt extinguishment
 
 (16.3) (0.6)
Other income, net12.8
 0.4
 10.4
 0.4
Income before income taxes250.4
 8.2
 206.3
 7.7
Provision for income taxes93.2
 3.0
 77.6
 2.9
Net income$157.2
 5.1 % $128.7
 4.8 %

Contract Revenues. Revenues increased toContract revenues were $3.067 billion during fiscal 2017 fromcompared to $2.673 billion during fiscal 2016. Revenues increased in the current period primarilyContract revenues from services for customers deploying 1 gigabit networks, new awards with significant customers, and revenues generated by businesses acquired during fiscal 2017 and 2016.

During fiscal 2017 and 2016, total revenues of $214.9 million and $119.8 million, respectively, were generated by businesses that were not owned for the full yearentire period in both the current and prior fiscal years. years were $214.9 million and $119.8 million for fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016, respectively.

Excluding these amounts generated by acquired businesses that were not owned for the entire period in both the current and prior fiscal years, contract revenues increased by approximately $299.2 million during fiscal 2017 as compared to fiscal 2016. RevenuesContract revenues increased by

approximately $178.2 million for a leading cable multiple system operator from installation, maintenance, and construction services, including services to provision fiber to small and medium businesses, as well as network improvements and by approximately $110.9 million for a large telecommunications customer primarily from increases in the volume of services performed under existing contracts and new awards. RevenuesContract revenues increased by approximately $103.8 million for another significant telecommunications customer improving its network. Additionally, contract revenues increased by approximately $24.4 million for a customer who recently acquired certain wireline operations from another large telecommunications customer. Partially offsetting these increases, contract revenues declineddecreased by approximately $55.3 million for services performed on a customer’s fiber network, by approximately $45.1 million for services performed for a cable multiple system operator, and by approximately $15.4 million for a large telecommunications customer. All other customers had net decreases in contract revenues of $2.3 million on a combined basis during fiscal 2017 as compared to fiscal 2016.

The percentage of our revenuecontract revenues by customer type from telecommunications, underground facility locating, and electric and gas utilities and other customers, was approximately 91.9%, 5.5%, and 2.6%, respectively, for fiscal 2017 compared to 90.7%, 5.9%, and 3.4%, respectively, for fiscal 2016.

Costs of Earned Revenues. Costs of earned revenues increased to $2.405 billion, or 78.4% of contract revenues, during fiscal 2017 compared to $2.084 billion, or 78.0% of contract revenues, during fiscal 2016. The increase in total costs of earned revenues during the fiscal 2017 was primarily due to a higher level of operations, including the operating costs of businesses acquired during fiscal 2017 and 2016, partially offset by the additional week of operations during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. The primary components of the increase were a $241.9 million aggregate increase in direct labor and subcontractor costs, a $43.9 million increase in direct material costs,materials, and a $35.3 million net increase in other direct costs.

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


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

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation expense was $123.1 million, or 4.0% of contract revenues, during fiscal 2017 compared to $105.5 million, or 3.9% of contract revenues, during fiscal 2016. The increase in depreciation expense during fiscal 2017 is a result of the addition of fixed assets and the incremental expense of businesses acquired during fiscal 2017 and 2016. Amortization expense was $24.8 million and $19.4 million during fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively. The increase in amortization expense is a result of the incremental expense of amortizing intangibles for businesses acquired during fiscal 2017 and 2016, partially offset by reduced amortization expense as certain intangible assets became fully amortized during fiscal 2017.

Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense, net was $37.4 million and $34.7 million during fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively. Interest expense includes approximately $17.6 million and $14.7 million for the non-cash amortization of debt discount associated with our convertible senior notes during fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively. Excluding this amortization, interest expense, net decreased to $19.8 million during fiscal 2017 from $20.0 million during fiscal 2016.

Loss on Debt Extinguishment. In connection with the redemption of our 7.125% Notes, we incurred a pre-tax charge for early extinguishment of debt of approximately $16.3 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2016. See Note 10,13, Debt, in Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding the Company’s debt transactions.

Other Income, Net. Other income, net was $12.8 million and $10.4 million during fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively. The increase in other income, net is primarily a function of the number of assets sold and prices obtained for those assets during fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016. Gain on sale of fixed assets was $14.9 million during fiscal 2017 compared to $9.8 million during fiscal 2016. Partially offsetting this increase, other income, net also reflects approximately $3.2 million and

$0.2 $0.2 million of discount fee expense during fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively, associated with the collection of accounts receivable under a customer-sponsored vendor payment program in which we began participating during fiscal 2016.

Income Taxes. The following table presents our income tax provision and effective income tax rate for fiscal 2017 and 2016 (dollars in millions):
 Fiscal Year Ended
 2017 2016
Income tax provision$93.2
 $77.6
Effective income tax rate37.2% 37.6%

Fluctuations in our effective income tax rate were primarily attributable to the difference in income tax rates from state to state, non-deductible and non-taxable items, certain dispositions of incentive stock option exercises, and production-related tax deductions recognized in relation to our pre-tax results during the periods. The decrease in our effective income tax rate during the current year period, asfiscal 2017 compared to the prior year period, isfiscal 2016 was primarily due to increased production-related tax deductions recognized in relation to higher pre-tax results in the current year periodfiscal 2017 and a lesser impact of non-deductible items. We expect greater volatility in our effective tax rate after we adopt ASU 2016-09 due to the timing of recognition of certain tax benefits from share-based award activities. ASU 2016-09 will be effective for us beginning with the fiscal quarter ending October 28, 2017. See Note 1, Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies, in Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for information on the expected impacts of ASU 2016-09. We had total unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $3.1 million and $2.4 million as of July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016, respectively, which, if recognized, would favorably affect our effective tax rate.

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

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

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

During fiscal 2016 and 2015, total revenues of $159.0Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA was $441.6 million, and $17.7 million, respectively, were generated by businesses that were not owned for the full year in both fiscal 2016 and 2015. Excluding these amounts, revenues increased by approximately $508.9 million during fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015. Revenues increased by approximately $224.9 million for a significant telecommunications customer improving its network and by approximately $139.7 million for a large telecommunications customer primarily for increased activity for services performed under new awards. Revenues increased for a leading cable multiple system operator by approximately $102.8 million from installation, maintenance and construction services, including services to provision fiber to small and medium businesses as well as network improvements. Further, revenues increased by approximately $69.3 million for services performed for a telecommunications customer in connection with rural services. Revenues also increased for services performed on a customer’s fiber network by approximately $54.5 million. Partially offsetting these increases, revenues related to stimulus work on projects funded in part by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 declined by $41.5 million during fiscal 2016 as the program was completed. In addition, revenues declined by $31.5 million for a customer where we were providing fiber construction on their end customer’s network. All other customers, on a combined basis, had net decreases in revenues of $9.3 million during fiscal 2016, as compared to fiscal 2015.

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

Costs of Earned Revenues. Costs of earned revenues increased to $2.084 billion during fiscal 2016, compared to $1.593 billion during fiscal 2015. The increase was primarily due to a higher level of operations during fiscal 2016, including the operating costs of businesses acquired during fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 as well as an additional week of operations during fiscal 2016 as a result of our fiscal calendar. The primary components of the increase were a $410.5 million aggregate increase in direct labor and subcontractor costs, $46.3 million increase in direct material costs, $13.0 million net increase in equipment rental, maintenance and fuel costs, and $20.5 million net increase in other direct costs.


Costs of earned revenues as a percentage of contract revenues decreased 0.8% during fiscal 2016, compared to fiscal 2015. Direct material costs and other direct costs combined decreased 2.2% of contract revenues primarily as a result of operating leverage on our increased level of operations, mix of work, and from lower fuel prices. Partially offsetting these decreases, labor and subcontractor costs increased 1.4%or 14.4% of contract revenues, for fiscal 2016,2017 compared to fiscal 2015. The increase in labor and subcontractor costs as a percentage$390.0 million, or 14.6% of contract revenues, primarily resulted from changes in work type mix and costs incurred to expand operations for several large customer programs, including the impact on productivity. Additionally, during the second quarter of fiscal 2016 we experienced a more pronounced seasonal impact from the businesses acquired during calendar year 2015.

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

DepreciationNon-GAAP Measure

Adjusted EBITDA is a Non-GAAP measure, as defined by Regulation G of the Securities and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization was $124.9 million and $96.0 million during fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively, and totaled 4.7% of contract revenues during each fiscal year. The increase inExchange Commission. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, expense during fiscal 2016 is primarily a result of the additiongain on sale of fixed assets, during fiscal 2016stock-based compensation expense, loss on debt extinguishment, and 2015 and incremental expense of businesses acquired in fiscal 2016 and 2015. Amortization expense was $19.4 million and $16.7 million during fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense, net was $34.7 million and $27.0 million during fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. Interest expense includes approximately $14.7 millioncertain non-recurring items. Management believes Adjusted EBITDA is a helpful measure for comparing the non-cash amortization of debt discount associatedCompany’s operating performance with our convertible senior notes during fiscal 2016. Excluding this amortization, interest expense, net decreased to $20.0 million during fiscal 2016 primarily due to a lower interest coupon rate on the convertible senior notes issued in September 2015 compared to the previously outstanding 7.125% Notes.

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

Other Income, Net. Other income, net was $10.4 million and $8.3 million during fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. The increase in other income, net is primarily a function of the number of assets sold and prices obtained for those assets during fiscal 2016, compared to fiscal 2015. Other income, net during fiscal 2016 also includes immaterial discount fees related to a customer-sponsored vendor payment program in which we participate. Under this program, accounts receivable are collected on an expedited basis pursuant to a non-recourse sale of the receivables to a bank partner of the customer. The program significantly reduces the time required to collect that customer’s receivables.
Income Taxes.different capital structures or tax rates. The following table presents ourprovides a reconciliation of net income tax provision and effective income tax rate for fiscal 2016 and 2015to Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA (dollars in millions)thousands):
 Fiscal Year Ended
 2016 2015
Income tax provision$77.6
 $51.3
Effective income tax rate37.6% 37.8%
Fluctuations in our effective income tax rate were primarily attributable to the difference in income tax rates from state to state, non-deductible and non-taxable items, disqualifying dispositions of incentive stock option exercises, and production-related tax deductions recognized in relation to our pre-tax results during the periods. The decrease in our effective income tax rate during fiscal 2016, as compared to fiscal 2015, is primarily due to increased production-related tax deductions recognized in relation to higher pre-tax results in fiscal 2016 and a lesser impact of non-deductible items. We had total unrecognized tax

benefits of approximately $2.4 million and $2.3 million as of July 30, 2016 and July 25, 2015, respectively, which, if recognized, would favorably affect our effective tax rate.
Net Income. Net income was $128.7 million for fiscal 2016, compared to $84.3 million for fiscal 2015.
 Fiscal Year Ended Twelve Months Ended Six Months Ended Fiscal Year Ended
 January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018 
January 27,
2018
 
January 28,
2017
 
July 29,
2017
 
July 30,
2016
Net income$62,907
 $151,339
 $68,835
 $74,713
 $157,217
 $128,740
Interest expense, net44,369
 38,677
 19,560
 18,248
 37,364
 34,720
Provision (benefit) for income taxes25,131
 26,592
 (22,285) 44,332
 93,208
 77,587
Depreciation and amortization expense179,603
 162,708
 85,053
 70,252
 147,906
 124,940
Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation & Amortization312,010
 379,316
 151,163
 207,545
 435,695
 365,987
Gain on sale of fixed assets(19,390) (18,911) (7,217) (3,172) (14,866) (9,806)
Stock-based compensation expense20,187
 23,066
 13,277
 11,015
 20,805
 16,850
Non-cash charge for Windstream accounts receivable and contract assets17,157
 
 
 
 
 
Loss on debt extinguishment
 
 
 
 
 16,260
Acquisition transaction related costs
 
 
 
 
 715
Adjusted EBITDA$329,964
 $383,471
 $157,223
 $215,388
 $441,634
 $390,006

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We are subject to concentrations of credit risk relating primarily to our cash and equivalents, accounts receivable, and costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings.contract assets. Cash and equivalents primarily include balances on deposit with banks and totaled $38.6$128.3 million as of July 29, 2017,January 26, 2019, compared to $33.8$84.0 million as of July 30, 2016.January 27, 2018. We maintain our cash and equivalents at financial institutions we believe to be of high credit quality. To date, we have not experienced any loss or lack of access to cash in our operating accounts.

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

Sources of Cash. Our sources of cash are operating activities, long-term debt, equity offerings, stock option proceeds, bank borrowings, and proceeds from the sale of idle and surplus equipment and real property.property, and stock option proceeds. Cash flow from operations is primarily influenced by demand for our services and operating margins, but can also be influenced by working capital needs associated with the services that we provide. In particular, working capital needs may increase when we have growth in operations and where project costs, primarily associated with labor, subcontractors, equipment, materials, and subcontractors,materials, are required to be paid before the related customer balances owed to us are invoiced and collected. Our working capital (total current assets less total current liabilities, excluding the current portion of debt) was $641.6$817.1 million as of July 29, 2017,January 26, 2019 compared to $541.7$671.6 million as of July 30, 2016.January 27, 2018.

Capital resources are used primarily to purchase equipment and maintain sufficient levels of working capital to support our contractual commitments to customers. We periodically borrow from and repay our revolving credit facility depending on our cash requirements. We currently intend to retain any earnings for use in the business including forand other capital allocation strategies which may include investment in acquisitions and consequentlyshare repurchases. Consequently, we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future.

We expect capital expenditures, net of disposals, to range from $175.0$150.0 million to $185.0$160.0 million during the twelve months ending July 28, 2018fiscal 2020 to support growth opportunities and the replacement of certain fleet assets. Our level of capital expenditures can vary depending on the customer demand for our services, the replacement cycle we select for our equipment, and overall growth. We intend to fund these expenditures primarily from operating cash flows, availability under our credit agreement, and cash on hand.

Sufficiency of Capital Resources. We believe that our capital resources, including existing cash balances and amounts available under our credit agreement, are sufficient to meet our financial obligations. These obligations include interest payments required on our convertible senior notes and outstanding term loan facilities and revolver borrowings under our credit agreement, working capital requirements, and the normal replacement of equipment at our expected level of operations for at least the next twelve months. Our capital requirements may increase to the extent we seek to grow by acquisitions that involve consideration other than our stock, or to the extent we repurchase our common stock, repay credit agreement borrowings, or repurchase or convert our convertible senior notes. Changes in financial markets or other components of the economy could adversely impact our ability to access the capital markets, in which case we would expect to rely on a combination of available cash and our credit agreement to provide short-term funding. Management regularly monitors the financial markets and assesses general economic conditions for possible impact on our financial position. We believe our cash investment policies are prudent and expect that any volatility in the capital markets would not have a material impact on our cash investments.
 

Net Cash Flows. Effective January 28, 2018, the first day of fiscal 2019, we adopted ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (“ASU 2016-18”) and ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (“ASU 2016-15”) on a retrospective basis. See Note 3, Accounting Standards, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information. The following table presents our net cash flows for fiscal 2019, the 2018 transition period, fiscal 2017, and fiscal 2016, which reflect the retrospective adoption of ASU 2016-18 and 2015ASU 2016-15 (dollars in millions):
Fiscal Year EndedFiscal Year Ended Six Months Ended Fiscal Year Ended
2017 2016 2015January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018 July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016
Net cash flows:            
Provided by operating activities$256.4
 $261.5
 $141.9
$124.4
 $160.5
 $256.4
 $275.7
Used in investing activities$(209.1) $(333.1) $(130.1)$(161.4) $(76.0) $(208.7) $(332.7)
(Used in) provided by financing activities$(42.5) $84.1
 $(11.2)
Provided by (used in) financing activities$80.9
 $(38.3) $(42.5) $69.9
 
Cash Provided by Operating Activities. Non-cash items in the cash flows from operating activities during the current and prior periods were primarily depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs, write-off of deferred financing fees and premiumloss on long-term debt extinguishment, deferred income taxes, gain on sale of fixed assets, and bad debt expense.

During fiscal 2019, net cash provided by operating activities was $124.4 million. Changes in working capital (excluding cash) and changes in other long-term assets and liabilities used $167.2 million of operating cash flow during fiscal 2019. Working capital changes that used operating cash flow during fiscal 2019 included increases in accounts receivable and contract assets, net (historically referred to as Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings) of $30.8 million and $149.8 million, respectively. Net increases in other current and non-current assets combined used $41.0 million of operating cash flow during fiscal 2019 primarily as a result of an increase in long-term contract assets of $24.9 million and an increase in inventory. Long-term contract assets increased primarily due to a payment made pursuant to a long-term customer agreement entered into during fiscal 2019. Working capital changes that provided operating cash flow during fiscal 2019 included increases in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $20.1 million and $23.9 million, respectively, primarily resulting from the timing of other payments. In addition, a net decrease in income tax receivable provided $10.4 million of operating cash flow during fiscal 2019.

On January 28, 2018, the first day of fiscal 2019, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”). The adoption of ASU 2014-09 resulted in balance sheet classification changes for amounts that have not been invoiced to customers but for which we have satisfied the performance

obligation and have an unconditional right to receive payment. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2014-09, amounts not yet invoiced to customers were included in our contract assets, historically referred to as Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings. These amounts represent unbilled accounts receivable for which we have an unconditional right to receive payment although invoicing is subject to the completion of certain process or other requirements. Such requirements may include the passage of time, completion of other items within a statement of work, or other contractual billing requirements. Upon adoption, unbilled receivables are included in accounts receivable, net. We adopted ASU 2014-09 using the modified retrospective method. Under the modified retrospective method, balances as of January 26, 2019 reflect the adoption of ASU 2014-09, while prior period balances are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with our historical accounting policies.
To reflect the adoption of ASU 2014-09 and maintain comparability between periods, days sales outstanding (“DSO”) is calculated based on the ending balance of total current and non-current accounts receivable (including unbilled accounts receivable), net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, and current contract assets, net of contract liabilities, divided by the average daily revenue for the most recently completed quarter. Long-term contract assets are excluded from the calculation of DSO, as these amounts represent payments made to customers pursuant to long-term agreements and are recognized as a reduction of contract revenues over the period for which the related services are provided to the customers. Including these balances in DSO is not meaningful to the average time to collect accounts receivable and current contract asset balances. Our DSO was 103 days as of January 26, 2019, compared to 95 days as of January 27, 2018, primarily as a result of an increase in balances on large customer programs consisting of multiple tasks for which collections are expected to be received within contract terms upon submission of billings for remaining tasks to be completed.

See Note 6,Accounts Receivable, Contract Assets, and Contract Liabilities, for further information on our accounts receivable and contract asset balances as of January 26, 2019 and January 27, 2018. We believe that none of our significant customers were experiencing financial difficulties that would materially impact the collectability of our total accounts receivable and contract assets, net as of January 26, 2019 or January 27, 2018 except for Windstream which on February 25, 2019 filed a voluntary petition under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. As of January 26, 2019, we had outstanding receivables and contract assets in aggregate of approximately $45.0 million. Against this amount, we have recorded a non-cash charge of $17.2 million reflecting our current evaluation of recoverability of these receivables and contract assets as of January 26, 2019. See Note 6,Accounts Receivable, Contract Assets, and Contract Liabilities, for further information on our accounts receivable and contract asset balances due from Windstream as of January 26, 2019 and the related allowance for doubtful accounts on these amounts.

During the six months ended January 27, 2018, net cash provided by operating activities was $160.5 million. Changes in working capital (excluding cash) and changes in other long-term assets and liabilities provided $9.1 million of operating cash flow during the six months ended January 27, 2018. Working capital changes that provided operating cash flow during the six months ended January 27, 2018 included decreases in accounts receivable and contract assets, net of $51.0 million and $17.0 million, respectively. Additionally, net decreases in other current and non-current assets combined provided $1.6 million of operating cash flow during the six months ended January 27, 2018. Working capital changes that used operating cash flow during the six months ended January 27, 2018 included decreases in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $21.5 million and $32.1 million, respectively, primarily resulting from amounts paid for annual incentive compensation during October 2017 and timing of other payments. In addition, a net increase in income tax receivable used $6.7 million of operating cash flow during the six months ended January 27, 2018 primarily as a result of the timing of estimated tax payments. Our DSO was 95 days as of January 27, 2018 compared to 89 days as of January 28, 2017.

During fiscal 2017, net cash provided by operating activities was $256.4 million. Changes in working capital (excluding cash) and changes in other long-term assets and liabilities used $85.6 million of operating cash flow during fiscal 2017. Working capital changes that used operating cash flow during fiscal 2017 included increases in accounts receivable and contract assets, net costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings of $33.1 million and $27.8 million, respectively. In addition, there was a net increase in income tax receivable of $13.2 million primarily as a result of the timing of annual estimated tax payments made during fiscal 2017. Net increases in other current assets and other non-current assets combined used $11.2 million of operating cash flow during fiscal 2017 primarily for increases of inventory and prepaid expenses. Changes in accounts payable and accrued liabilities used $0.4 million of operating cash flow, on a combined basis, primarily resulting from the timing of payments.

Our days sales outstanding (“DSO”) for accounts receivable is calculated based on the ending accounts receivable divided by the average daily revenue for the most recently completed quarter. Contract payment terms vary by customer and primarily range from 30 to 90 days after invoicing. Our DSO for accounts receivable was 4387 days as of July 29, 2017 compared to 4185 days as of July 30, 2016. The Company participates in a customer-sponsored vendor payment program. All eligible accounts receivable from this customer are included in the program and payment is received pursuant to a non-recourse sale to a bank partner of the customer. This program effectively reduces the time to collect these receivables as compared to that customer’s standard payment terms. The program has not changed since its inception during fiscal 2016. Our DSO for costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings (“CIEB”) was 44 days as of both July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016, respectively.

Our CIEB balances are maintained at a detailed task-specific level or project level and are evaluated regularly for realizability. Such amounts are invoiced in the normal course of business according to contract terms that consider the completion of specific tasks and the passage of time. Project delays for commercial issues such as permitting, engineering changes, incremental documentation requirements, or difficult job site conditions can extend the time needed to complete certain work orders, which may delay invoicing to the customer for work performed. We were not experiencing any material project delays or other circumstances that would impact the realizability of the CIEB balance as of July 29, 2017 or July 30, 2016. Additionally, there were no material amounts of CIEB related to claims or unapproved change orders as of July 29, 2017 or July 30, 2016. As of July 29, 2017, we believe that none of our significant customers were experiencing financial difficulties that would impact the realizability of our CIEB or the collectability of our trade accounts receivable.
During fiscal 2016, net cash provided by operating activities was $261.5$275.7 million. Changes in working capital (excluding cash) and changes in other long-term assets and liabilities used $33.8 million of operating cash flow during fiscal 2016. Working capital changes that used operating cash flow during fiscal 2016 included an increase in costs and estimated earnings in excess of billingscontract assets, net of $71.0 million. In addition, net increases in other current assets and other non-current assets combined used $16.7 million of operating cash flow during fiscal 2016 primarily for inventory and prepaid costs. Working capital changes that provided operating cash flow during fiscal 2016, primarily resulting from the timing of payments, were net increases in income taxes

payable of $20.1 million, accrued liabilities of $15.9 million, primarily resulting from an increase in accrued performance-based compensation as a result of operating performance, and accounts payable of $15.1 million. Additionally, a decrease in accounts receivable provided $2.7 million of operating cash flow during fiscal 2016.

Our DSO for accounts receivable was 41 days as of July 30, 2016, compared to 50 days as of July 25, 2015. Our DSO declined due to strong customer collections during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, we began participating in a customer-sponsored vendor payment program whereby accounts receivable are collected on an expedited basis pursuant to a non-recourse sale of the receivables to a bank partner of the customer, improving the time

required to collect the related receivables by 10 days as of July 30, 2016. Our DSO for CIEB was 44 days and 41 days as of July 30, 2016 and July 25, 2015, respectively.

During fiscal 2015, net cash provided by operating activities was $141.9 million. Changes in working capital (excluding cash) and changes in other long-term assets and liabilities used $40.3 million of operating cash flow during fiscal 2015. Working capital changes that used operating cash flow during fiscal 2015 were increases in accounts receivable and net costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings of $40.4 million and $41.0 million, respectively. Net increases in other current and other non-current assets combined used $8.0 million of operating cash flow during fiscal 2015, primarily for pre-paid costs during fiscal 2015. The primary working capital sources of cash flow during fiscal 2015 were changes in other accrued liabilities of $30.3 million, primarily resulting from an increase in accrued insurance claims and an increase in accrued performance-based compensation as a result of operating performance. In addition, increases in accounts payable of $7.1 million and increases in income tax payable, net of income tax receivables, of $11.8 million provided operating cash flow during fiscal 2015 due to the timing of cash payments.

Cash Used in Investing Activities. Net cash used in investing activities was $209.1$161.4 million during fiscal 2017.2019. During fiscal 2017,2019, capital expenditures of $201.2 million were offset in part by proceeds from the sale of assets of $16.0$165.0 million, primarily as a result of spending for new work opportunities and the replacement of certain fleet assets.assets, were offset in part by proceeds from the sale of assets of $22.9 million. During fiscal 2019, we paid $20.9 million in connection with the acquisition of certain assets and assumption of certain liabilities of a telecommunications construction and maintenance services provider, net of cash acquired. Additionally, we received $1.6 million of escrowed funds during fiscal 2019 in connection with the resolution of certain indemnification claims related to a prior acquisition.
Net cash used in investing activities was $76.0 million during the six months ended January 27, 2018. During the six months ended January 27, 2018, capital expenditures of $87.8 million, primarily as a result of spending for new work opportunities and the replacement of certain fleet assets, were offset in part by proceeds from the sale of assets of $11.8 million.
Net cash used in investing activities was $208.7 million during fiscal 2017. During fiscal 2017, capital expenditures of $201.2 million, primarily as a result of spending for new work opportunities and the replacement of certain fleet assets, were offset in part by proceeds from the sale of assets of $16.0 million. During the third quarter of fiscal 2017, we paid $26.1 million for the acquisition of Texstar, net of cash acquired. We received $1.8 million in proceeds during the second quarter of fiscal 2017 for working capital adjustments related to the Goodman acquisition. Other investing activities provided approximately $0.3$0.7 million of cash flow during fiscal 2017.
Net cash used in investing activities was $333.1$332.7 million during fiscal 2016. During fiscal 2016, we paid $157.2 million in connection with acquisitions during the year. Capital expenditures of $186.0 million, primarily as a result of spending for new work opportunities and the replacement of certain fleet assets, were offset in part by proceeds from the sale of assets of $10.5 million during fiscal 2016,2016.

Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities. Net cash provided by financing activities was $80.9 million during fiscal 2019. During fiscal 2019, borrowings under our credit agreement, net of repayments, were $91.9 million primarily as a result of spendingincreasing our term loan facility under an amendment to our credit agreement. Additionally, we paid $7.3 million of debt financing fees in connection with this amendment. See Compliance with Credit Agreement below for new work opportunitiesfurther discussion on the terms of the amended credit agreement. During fiscal 2019, we withheld shares and paid $4.7 million to tax authorities in order to meet the replacementpayroll tax withholding obligations on restricted share units that vested during the period. Partially offsetting these uses, we received $0.9 million from the exercise of certain fleet assets. Restricted cash, primarily related to funding provisions of our insurance program, increased approximately $0.5 millionstock options during fiscal 2016.2019.

Net cash used in investingfinancing activities was $130.1$38.3 million during fiscal 2015.the six months ended January 27, 2018. During fiscal 2015,the six months ended January 27, 2018, we repurchased 200,000 shares of our common stock in open market transactions, at an average price of $84.38 per share, for $16.9 million. We also made principal payments of $9.6 million on our term loan facilities. Additionally, we withheld shares and paid $31.9$12.6 million to tax authorities in connection with acquisitionsorder to meet the payroll tax withholding obligations on restricted share units that vested during the year. Capital expenditures of $103.0six months ended January 27, 2018. Partially offsetting these uses, we received $0.7 million were offset in part by proceeds from the saleexercise of assets of $9.4 millionstock options during fiscal 2015. Additionally, during fiscal 2015, we made an investment of $4.0 million in non-voting senior units of a former customer in connection with their restructuring plan. Restricted cash, primarily related to funding provisions of our insurance program, increased approximately $0.5 million during fiscal 2015.the six months ended January 27, 2018.

Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities.Net cash used in financing activities was $42.5 million during fiscal 2017. During fiscal 2017, borrowings under our credit agreement, net of repayments, were $21.4 million. We repurchased 713,006 shares of our common stock in open market transactions, at an average price of $88.23 per share, for $62.9 million. Other financing activities during fiscal 2017 included $1.4 million received from the exercise of stock options and $8.4 million received for excess tax benefits, primarily from the vesting of restricted share units. We withheld shares and paid $10.8 million to tax authorities in order to meet the payroll tax withholding obligations on restricted share units that vested during fiscal 2017.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $84.1$69.9 million during fiscal 2016. The primary source of cash provided by financing activities during fiscal 2016 was the $485.0 million principal amount of 0.75% convertible senior notes due 2021 (the “Notes”) issued in a private placement in September 2015. We used $277.5 million of the net proceeds from the Notes issuance to fund the redemption of our 7.125% senior subordinated notes. Furthermore, in connection with the offering of the Notes, we entered into convertible note hedge transactions with counterparties for a total cost of approximately $115.8 million. We also entered into separately negotiated warrant transactions with the same counterparties, and received proceeds of approximately $74.7 million from the sale of these warrants. During fiscal 2016, net repayments on the revolving facility under our credit agreement were $95.3 million and net borrowings on the term loan facilities under our credit agreement were $196.3 million. Additionally, we paid approximately $14.2 million in total debt extinguishment costs and $16.4 million in total debt issuance

costs in connection with the amendments ofto our credit agreement and our issuance of the Notes during fiscal 2016. During fiscal 2016, we repurchased 2,511,578 shares of our common stock in open market transactions, at an average price of $67.69 per share, for approximately $170.0 million. In addition, during fiscal 2016 we received $2.7 million from the exercise of stock options and received excess tax benefits of $13.0 million, primarily from the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted share units. We withheld shares and paid $12.6 million to tax authorities in order to meet the payroll tax withholding obligations on restricted share units that vested during fiscal 2016.

Net cash used in financing activities was $11.2 million during fiscal 2015. During fiscal 2015, borrowings under our credit agreement, net of repayments, were $68.2 million. Additionally, in fiscal 2015, we paid $3.9 million of debt issuance costs in

connection with the amendment of our credit agreement. We also paid a $1.0 million obligation related to a business acquired in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013. During fiscal 2015, we repurchased 1,669,924 shares of our common stock in open market transactions for approximately $87.1 million, an average price of $52.19 per share. Additionally, we received $8.9 million from the exercise of stock options and received excess tax benefits of $8.4 million primarily from the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted share units during fiscal 2015. We withheld shares and paid $4.7 million to tax authorities in order to meet payroll tax withholdings obligations on restricted share units that vested during fiscal 2015.

Compliance with Credit AgreementAgreement. On October 19, 2018, we amended and Indenture. We are party to arestated our existing credit agreement, with the various lenders named therein, dated as of December 3, 2012, (asas amended as of June 17, 2016, May 20, 2016,on April 24, 2015 and September 9, 2015)as subsequently amended and supplemented (the “Credit Agreement”), that matures on April 24, 2020.with the various lenders party thereto. The credit agreement provides for amaturity date of the Credit Agreement was extended to October 19, 2023 and, among other things, the maximum revolver commitment was increased to $750.0 million from $450.0 million revolving facility and $385.0 million in aggregate term loan facilities, including $35.0 million from an incrementalthe term loan facility entered into during the second quarter of fiscal 2017.was increased to $450.0 million. The credit agreement also containsCredit Agreement includes a sublimit of $200.0 million sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit.

Subject to certain conditions the credit agreementCredit Agreement provides us with the ability to enter into one or more incremental facilities, either by increasing the revolving commitments under the credit agreementCredit Agreement and/or in the form of term loans, up to the greater of (i) $150.0$350.0 million and (ii) an amount such that, after giving effect to such incremental facilities on a pro forma basis (assuming that the amount of the incremental commitments are fully drawn and funded), the consolidated senior secured net leverage ratio does not exceed 2.25 to 1.00. The consolidated senior secured net leverage ratio is the ratio of our consolidated senior secured indebtedness reduced by unrestricted cash and equivalents in excess of $50.0 million to our trailing twelve-month consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, (“EBITDA”), as defined by the credit agreement. PaymentsCredit Agreement (“EBITDA”). Borrowings under the credit agreementCredit Agreement are guaranteed by substantially all of our subsidiaries and secured by the equity interests of the substantial majority of our subsidiaries.

Borrowings underUnder our credit agreementCredit Agreement, borrowings bear interest at the rates described below based upon our consolidated net leverage ratio, which is the ratio of our consolidated total funded debt reduced by unrestricted cash and equivalents in excess of$50.0 million to our trailing twelve month consolidated EBITDA, as defined by the credit agreement.Credit Agreement. In addition, we incur certain fees for unused balances and letters of credit at the rates described below, also based upon our consolidated net leverage ratio:
Borrowings - Eurodollar Rate Loans1.25% - 2.00% plus LIBOR
Borrowings - Base Rate Loans
0.25% - 1.00% plus administrative agent’s base rate(1)
Unused Revolver Commitment0.25%0.20% - 0.40%
Standby Letters of Credit1.25% - 2.00%
Commercial Letters of Credit0.625% - 1.00%

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

Standby letters of credit of approximately $48.6 million, issued as part of our insurance program, were outstanding under the Credit Agreement as of both January 26, 2019 and January 27, 2018.

The weighted average interest rates and fees for balances under the credit agreementCredit Agreement as of July 29, 2017January 26, 2019 and July 30, 2016January 27, 2018 were as follows:
Weighted Average Rate End of PeriodWeighted Average Rate End of Period
July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018
Borrowings - Term loan facilities2.98% 2.49%4.25% 3.30%
Borrowings - Revolving facility(1)
—% —%—% —%
Standby Letters of Credit1.75% 2.00%1.75% 1.75%
Unused Revolver0.35% 0.40%
Unused Revolver Commitment0.35% 0.35%

(1) There were no outstanding borrowings under the revolving facility as of July 29, 2017January 26, 2019 or July 30, 2016.January 27, 2018.

The credit agreementCredit Agreement contains a financial covenant that requires us to maintain a consolidated net leverage ratio of not greater than 3.50 to 1.00, as measured at the end of each fiscal quarter. Itquarter and provides for certain increases to this ratio in connection with permitted acquisitions on the terms and conditions specified in the credit agreement. In addition, the creditacquisitions. The agreement also contains a financial covenant that requires us to maintain a

consolidated interest coverage ratio, which is the ratio of our trailing twelve-month consolidated EBITDA to our consolidated interest expense, each as defined by the credit agreement,Credit Agreement, of not less than 3.00 to 1.00, as measured at the end of each fiscal quarter. In addition, the Credit Agreement contains a minimum liquidity covenant that is applicable beginning 91 days prior to the maturity date of our 0.75% convertible senior notes due September 2021 (the “Notes”) if the outstanding principal amount of the Notes is greater than $250.0 million. In such event, we would be required to maintain liquidity, as defined by the Credit Agreement, equal to $150.0 million in excess of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes. This covenant terminates at the earliest date of when the outstanding principal amount of the Notes is reduced to $250.0 million or less, the Notes are amended pursuant to terms that extend the maturity date to 91 or more days beyond the maturity date of the Credit Agreement, or the Notes are refinanced pursuant to terms that extend the maturity date to 91 or more days beyond the maturity date of the Credit Agreement. At July 29, 2017January 26, 2019 and July 30, 2016,January 27, 2018, we were in compliance with the financial covenants of our credit agreementthe Credit Agreement and had additional borrowing availability in the revolving facility of $401.3$412.9 million and $392.4$401.4 million, respectively, as determined by the most restrictive covenant.

Contractual Obligations. The following table sets forth our outstanding contractual obligations as of July 29, 2017January 26, 2019 (dollars in thousands):
Less than 1 Year Years 1 – 3 Years 3 – 5 Greater than 5 Years TotalLess than 1 Year Years 1 – 3 Years 3 – 5 Greater than 5 Years Total
0.75% convertible senior notes due September 2021$
 $
 $485,000
 $
 $485,000
$
 $485,000
 $
 $
 $485,000
Credit agreement – revolving facility
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Credit agreement – term loan facilities21,656
 346,032
 
 
 367,688
5,625
 47,813
 396,562
 
 450,000
Fixed interest payments on long-term debt(1)
3,638
 7,275
 5,456
 
 16,369
3,638
 7,275
 
 
 10,913
Operating lease obligations23,554
 27,307
 9,014
 4,469
 64,344
28,415
 33,085
 11,028
 3,675
 76,203
Employment agreements12,583
 7,694
 305
 
 20,582
11,238
 9,287
 68
 
 20,593
Purchase and other contractual obligations(2)
28,422
 
 
 
 28,422
25,487
 5,474
 
 
 30,961
Total$89,853
 $388,308
 $499,775
 $4,469
 $982,405
$74,403
 $587,934
 $407,658
 $3,675
 $1,073,670

(1) Includes interest payments on our $485.0 million principal amount of 0.75% convertible senior notes due 2021 outstanding and excludes any interest payments on our variable rate debt. Variable rate debt as of July 29, 2017January 26, 2019 consisted of $367.7$450.0 million outstanding under our term loan facilities.

(2) We have committed capital for the expansion of our vehicle fleet in order to accommodate manufacturer lead times. As of July 29, 2017,January 26, 2019, purchase and other contractual obligations includes approximately $26.5$24.2 million for issued production orders with delivery dates scheduled to occur over the next twelve months. We have excluded contractual obligations under the multi-employer defined pension plans that cover certain of our employees, as these obligations are determined based on our future union employee payrolls, which cannot be reliably determined as of July 29, 2017.January 26, 2019. See Note 13,16, Employee Benefit Plans, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding obligations under multi-employer defined pension plans.
 
Our consolidated balance sheet as of July 29, 2017January 26, 2019 includes a long-term liability of approximately $62.0$68.3 million for accrued insurance claims. This liability has been excluded from the table above table as the timing of payments is uncertain.
 
The liability for unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions was $3.1approximately $3.8 million and $2.4$3.3 million, as of July 29, 2017January 26, 2019 and July 30, 2016,January 27, 2018, respectively, and is included in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. This amount has been excluded from the contractual obligations table because we are unable to reasonably estimate the timing of the resolution of the underlying tax positions with the relevant tax authorities.

Performance and Payment Bonds and Guarantees. We have obligations under performance and other surety contract bonds related to certain of our customer contracts. Performance bonds generally provide a customer with the right to obtain payment and/or performance from the issuer of the bond if we fail to perform our contractual obligations. As of July 29, 2017January 26, 2019 and July 30, 2016,January 27, 2018 we had $118.2$123.5 million and $165.8$118.1 million of outstanding performance and other surety contract bonds, respectively. The estimated cost to complete projects secured by our outstanding performance and other surety contract bonds was approximately $22.3$64.0 million as of July 29, 2017.January 26, 2019. As part of our insurance program, we also provide surety bonds that collateralize our obligations to our insurance carriers. As of January 26, 2019 and January 27, 2018, we had $23.2 million and $21.9 million, respectively, of outstanding surety bonds related to our insurance obligations. Additionally, we have periodically guaranteed certain obligations of our subsidiaries, including obligations in connection with obtaining state contractor licenses and leasing real property and equipment.

 
Letters of Credit. We have standby letters of credit issued under our credit agreement as part of our insurance program. These letters of credit collateralize obligations to our insurance carriers in connection with the settlement of potential claims. As of July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016,In connection with these collateral obligations, we had $48.7$48.6 million and $57.6 million, respectively, outstanding standby letters of credit issued under our credit agreement.agreement as of both January 26, 2019 and January 27, 2018.
 
Backlog. Our backlog consistsis an estimate of the estimated uncompleted portion of services to be performed under contractual agreements with our customers and totaled $6.016$7.330 billion and $6.031$5.847 billion at July 29, 2017January 26, 2019, and July 30, 2016,January 27, 2018, respectively. We expect to complete 46.4%37.4% of the July 29, 2017January 26, 2019 total backlog during the next twelve months. Our backlog estimates represent amounts underrepresents an estimate of services to be performed pursuant to master service agreements and other contractual agreements for services projected to be performed over the terms of the contracts andthose contracts. These estimates are based on contract terms our historical experience with customers and more generally, our experienceevaluations regarding the timing of the services to be provided. In the case of master service agreements, backlog is estimated based on the work performed in similar procurements. Thethe preceding twelve month period, when available. When estimating backlog for newly initiated master service agreements and other long and short-term contracts, we also consider the anticipated scope of the contract and information received from the customer during the procurement process. A significant majority of our backlog estimates comprisecomprises services under master service agreements and other long-term contracts.


Revenue estimates included in our backlog can be subject to change because of project accelerations, contract cancellations, or delays due to various factors, including, but not limited to, commercial issues such as permitting, engineering changes, incremental documentation requirements, difficult job site conditions, and adverse weather. These factors can also cause revenue to be realized in different periods or in different amounts from those originally reflected in backlog. In many instances, our customers are not contractually committed to procure specific volumes of services under a contract. Contract revenue estimates reflected in our backlog can be subject to change due to a number of factors, including contract cancellations or changes in the amount of work we expect to be performed at the time the estimate of backlog is developed. In addition, contract revenues reflected in our backlog may be realized in different periods from those previously reported due to these factors as well as project accelerations or delays due to various reasons, including, but not limited to, changes in customer spending priorities, scheduling changes, commercial issues such as permitting, engineering revisions, job site conditions, and adverse weather. The amount or timing of our backlog can also be impacted by the merger or acquisition activity of our customers. While we did not experience any material cancellations during fiscal 2017, 2016,2019, the 2018 transition period, or 2015,fiscal 2017, many of our contracts may be cancelled by our customers, or work previously awarded to us pursuant to these contracts may cancel our contracts upon noticebe cancelled, regardless of whether or not we are in default. The amount of backlog related to uncompleted projects in which a provision for estimated losses was recorded is not material.

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

Legal Proceedings

In May 2013, CertusView Technologies, LLC (“CertusView”), a wholly-owned subsidiaryOn October 25, 2018 and October 30, 2018, the Company, its Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer were named as defendants in two substantively identical lawsuits alleging violations of the Company,federal securities fraud laws. The lawsuits, which purport to be brought on behalf of a class of all purchasers of the Company’s securities between November 20, 2017 and August 10, 2018, were filed suit against S & N Communications, Inc. and S&N Locating Services, LLC (together, “S&N”) in the United States District Court for the EasternSouthern District of Virginia alleging infringement of certain United States patents. InFlorida. The cases were consolidated by the Court on January 2015,11, 2019. The lawsuit alleges that the District Court granted S&N’s motiondefendants made materially false and misleading statements or failed to disclose material facts regarding the Company’s financial condition and business operations, including those related to the Company’s dependency on, and uncertainties related to, the permitting necessary for judgmentits large projects. The plaintiffs seek unspecified damages. The Company believes the allegations in the lawsuit are without merit and intends to vigorously defend the lawsuit. Based on the pleadings for failureearly stage of this matter, it is not possible to claim patent-eligible subject matter, and entered final judgment. CertusView appealed toestimate the Federal Circuit Court the District Courtamount or range of possible loss that may result from an adverse judgment or a settlement of patent invalidity. On August 11, 2017, the Federal Circuit Court affirmed the District Court’s decision. Additionally, in August 2016, S&N filed a motion requesting that the District Court make a finding that the suit was an exceptional case and award S&N recovery of attorney fees. The District Court denied S&N’s motion for an exceptional case finding while allowing S&N permission to refile after conclusion of CertusView’s appeal to the Federal Circuit Court.this matter.

In September 2016, certain former employees of two subcontractors of TESINC, LLC (“TESINC”),On December 17, 2018, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, commenced a lawsuit against those subcontractors, TESINC and a customer of TESINCshareholder derivative action was filed in the United States District Court for the EasternSouthern District of Pennsylvania. The lawsuit alleges violation ofFlorida against the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Act of 1968, the Pennsylvania Wage Payment and Collection Law,Company, as nominal defendant, and the New Jersey Wage and Hour Law by failingmembers of its Board of Directors, alleging that the directors breached fiduciary duties owed to comply with applicable minimum wage and overtime pay requirements as a result of the misclassification of workers as independent contractors. The plaintiffs sought unspecified damages and other relief on behalf of themselves and a putative class of similarly situated workers who had performed work between April 1, 2016 and June 30, 2016. The parties agreed to settle the lawsuit in March 2017 for an immaterial amount. On August 16, 2017, the District Court granted Preliminary Approval of the settlement. A final approval hearing is scheduled for November 2017.

In April 2016, a former employee of Prince Telecom, LLC (“Prince”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company commenced a lawsuit against Princeand violated the securities laws by causing the Company to issue false and misleading statements. The statements alleged to be false and misleading are the same statements that are alleged to be false and misleading in the Superior Court of California under the California Labor Code Private Attorneys General Act (“PAGA”). Thesecurities lawsuit alleges that Prince violated the California Labor Code by, among other things, failing to pay the California minimum wage, failing to pay for all hours worked (including overtime), failing to provide meal breaks and failing to provide accurate wage statements. The plaintiff sought to recover all penalties arising from each alleged PAGA violation on behalf of himself and a putative class of current and former employees of Prince who worked as technicians in the State of California in the year preceding the filing date of the lawsuit. In December 2016, the parties agreed to settle the lawsuit for an immaterial amount.described above. On July 11, 2017,February 28, 2019, the Court enteredstayed this lawsuit pending a further Order from the Court. Based on the early stage of this matter, it is not possible to estimate the amount or range of possible loss that may result from an Order approving the settlement.adverse judgment or a settlement of this matter.

From time to time, we are party to various other claims and legal proceedings. Itproceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. While the resolution of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, it is the opinion of management, based on information available at this time, that the ultimate resolution of any such other pending claims or legal proceedings will not, after considering applicable insurance coverage or other indemnities to which the we may be entitled, have a material effect on the our financial statements.position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Refer to Note 1,3, Accounting PoliciesStandards, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10‑K for a discussion of recent accounting standards and pronouncements.

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

Interest Rate and Market Price Risk. We are exposed to market risks related to interest rates on our cash and equivalents and interest rates and market price sensitivity on our debt obligations. We monitor the effects of market changes on interest rates and manage interest rate risks by investing in short-term cash equivalents with market rates of interest and by maintaining a mix of fixed and variable rate debt obligations.

 
Our credit agreement permits borrowings at a variable rate of interest. On July 29, 2017,January 26, 2019, we had variable rate debt outstanding under our credit agreement of $367.7$450.0 million under our term loan facilities. Interest related to these borrowings fluctuates based on LIBOR or the base rate of the bank administrative agent of the credit agreement. At the current level of borrowings, for every 50 basis point change in the interest rate, interest expense associated with such borrowings would correspondingly change by approximately $1.8$2.3 million annually.

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

The following table summarizes the carrying amount and fair value of the Notes, net of the debt discount and debt issuance costs. The fair value of the Notes as of July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016 was approximately $474.5 million and $458.7 million, respectively, based on quoted market prices (Level 2), compared to a net carrying amount of $392.2 million and $373.1 million, respectively. The fair value and net carrying amounts as of July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016 are both reflected net of the debt discount of $84.1 million and $101.7 million, respectively, and debt issuance costs of $8.7 million and $10.2 million, respectively. The fair values of the Notes as of July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016 were determinedis based on the closing trading pricesprice per $100 of the Notes as of the last day of trading for the respective periods (Level 2), which were $116.96was $96.31 and $117.65, respectively. $136.01 as of January 26, 2019 and January 27, 2018, respectively (dollars in thousands):
 January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018
Principal amount of Notes$485,000
 $485,000
Less: Debt discount and debt issuance costs(61,801) (82,751)
Net carrying amount of Notes$423,199
 $402,249
    
Fair value of principal amount of Notes$467,104
 $659,649
Less: Debt discount and debt issuance costs(61,801) (82,751)
Fair value of Notes$405,303
 $576,898

A hypothetical 50 basis point change in the market interest rates in effect would result in an increase or decrease in the fair value of the Notes of approximately $10.7$7.2 million, calculated on a discounted cash flow basis as of July 29, 2017.January 26, 2019.

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

We also entered into separately negotiated warrant transactions with the same counterparties as the convertible note hedge transactions whereby we sold warrants to purchase, subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments, up to 5.006 million shares of our common stock at a price of $130.43 per share. We expect to settle the warrant transactions on a net share basis. See Note 10,13, Debt, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional discussion of these debt transactions.


We also have market risk for foreign currency exchange rates related to our operations in Canada. As of July 29, 2017,January 26, 2019, the market risk for foreign currency exchange rates was not significant as our operations in Canada were not material.


Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
 Page


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

July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018
ASSETS      
Current assets:      
Cash and equivalents$38,608
 $33,787
$128,342
 $84,029
Accounts receivable, net369,800
 328,030
625,258
 318,684
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings389,286
 376,972
Contract assets215,849
 369,472
Inventories83,204
 73,606
94,385
 79,039
Deferred tax assets, net26,524
 22,733
Income tax receivable7,493
 
3,461
 13,852
Other current assets23,603
 16,106
29,145
 39,710
Total current assets938,518
 851,234
1,096,440
 904,786
      
Property and equipment, net422,107
 326,670
424,751
 414,768
Goodwill321,748
 310,157
325,749
 321,743
Intangible assets, net183,561
 197,879
161,125
 171,469
Other33,373
 33,776
Other assets89,438
 28,190
Total non-current assets960,789
 868,482
1,001,063
 936,170
Total assets$1,899,307
 $1,719,716
$2,097,503
 $1,840,956
      
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 
  
 
  
Current liabilities: 
  
 
  
Accounts payable$132,974
 $115,492
$119,485
 $92,361
Current portion of debt21,656
 13,125
5,625
 26,469
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings9,284
 19,557
Contract liabilities15,125
 6,480
Accrued insurance claims39,909
 36,844
39,961
 53,890
Income taxes payable1,112
 15,307
721
 755
Other accrued liabilities113,603
 122,302
104,074
 79,657
Total current liabilities318,538
 322,627
284,991
 259,612
      
Long-term debt738,265
 706,202
867,574
 733,843
Accrued insurance claims62,007
 52,835
68,315
 59,385
Deferred tax liabilities, net non-current103,626
 76,587
65,963
 57,428
Other liabilities5,288
 4,178
6,492
 5,692
Total liabilities1,227,724
 1,162,429
1,293,335
 1,115,960
      
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES, Note 17

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES, Note 20

 

      
Stockholders’ equity: 
  
 
  
Preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share: 1,000,000 shares authorized: no shares issued and outstanding
 

 
Common stock, par value $0.33 1/3 per share: 150,000,000 shares authorized: 31,087,285 and 31,420,310 issued and outstanding, respectively10,362
 10,473
Common stock, par value $0.33 1/3 per share: 150,000,000 shares authorized: 31,430,031 and 31,185,669 issued and outstanding, respectively10,477
 10,395
Additional paid-in capital10,092
 10,208
22,489
 6,170
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(1,158) (1,274)(1,282) (1,146)
Retained earnings652,287
 537,880
772,484
 709,577
Total stockholders’ equity671,583
 557,287
804,168
 724,996
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$1,899,307
 $1,719,716
$2,097,503
 $1,840,956
      
See notes to the consolidated financial statements.See notes to the consolidated financial statements.
See notes to the consolidated financial statements.


DYCOM INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 29, 2017, JULY 30, 2016, AND JULY 25, 2015
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts)

Fiscal Year EndedFiscal Year Ended Six Months Ended Fiscal Year Ended
2017 2016 2015January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018 July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016
REVENUES:            
Contract revenues$3,066,880
 $2,672,542
 $2,022,312
$3,127,700
 $1,411,348
 $3,066,880
 $2,672,542
            
EXPENSES:     
       
Costs of earned revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization2,404,734
 2,083,579
 1,593,250
2,562,392
 1,141,480
 2,404,734
 2,083,579
General and administrative (including stock-based compensation expense of $20.8 million, $16.8 million, and $13.9 million, respectively)239,231
 217,149
 178,700
General and administrative (including stock-based compensation expense of $20.2 million, $13.3 million, $20.8 million, and $16.8 million, respectively)269,140
 124,930
 239,231
 217,149
Depreciation and amortization147,906
 124,940
 96,044
179,603
 85,053
 147,906
 124,940
Total2,791,871
 2,425,668
 1,867,994
3,011,135
 1,351,463
 2,791,871
 2,425,668
            
Interest expense, net(37,364) (34,720) (27,025)(44,369) (19,560) (37,364) (34,720)
Loss on debt extinguishment
 (16,260) 

 
 
 (16,260)
Other income, net12,780
 10,433
 8,291
15,842
 6,225
 12,780
 10,433
Income before income taxes250,425
 206,327
 135,584
88,038
 46,550
 250,425
 206,327
            
Provision for income taxes:     
Provision (benefit) for income taxes:       
Current74,975
 50,805
 50,016
16,608
 (2,620) 74,975
 50,805
Deferred18,233
 26,782
 1,244
8,523
 (19,665) 18,233
 26,782
Total provision for income taxes93,208
 77,587
 51,260
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes25,131
 (22,285) 93,208
 77,587
            
Net income$157,217
 $128,740
 $84,324
$62,907
 $68,835
 $157,217
 $128,740
            
Earnings per common share:            
Basic earnings per common share$5.01
 $3.98
 $2.48
$2.01
 $2.22
 $5.01
 $3.98
            
Diluted earnings per common share$4.92
 $3.89
 $2.41
$1.97
 $2.15
 $4.92
 $3.89
            
Shares used in computing earnings per common share:            
Basic31,351,367
 32,315,636
 34,045,481
31,250,376
 31,059,140
 31,351,367
 32,315,636
            
Diluted31,984,731
 33,115,755
 35,026,688
31,990,168
 32,054,945
 31,984,731
 33,115,755
            
See notes to the consolidated financial statements.


DYCOM INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 29, 2017, JULY 30, 2016, AND JULY 25, 2015
(Dollars in thousands)

Fiscal Year EndedFiscal Year Ended Six Months Ended Fiscal Year Ended
2017 2016 2015January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018 July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016
Net income$157,217
 $128,740
 $84,324
$62,907
 $68,835
 $157,217
 $128,740
Foreign currency translation gains (losses), net of tax116
 (76) (1,040)
Foreign currency translation (losses) gains, net of tax(136) 12
 116
 (76)
Comprehensive income$157,333
 $128,664
 $83,284
$62,771
 $68,847
 $157,333
 $128,664
            
See notes to the consolidated financial statements.


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

Common Stock Additional
Paid-in Capital
 Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 Retained
Earnings
 Total
Equity
Common Stock Additional
Paid-in Capital
 Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 Retained
Earnings
 Total
Equity
Shares Amount Shares Amount 
Balances as of July 26, 201433,990,589
 $11,330
 $131,819
 $(158) $341,943
 $484,934
Stock options exercised735,330
 245
 8,677
 
 
 8,922
Stock-based compensation4,062
 1
 13,922
 
 
 13,923
Issuance of restricted stock, net of tax withholdings321,722
 107
 (4,818) 
 
 (4,711)
Repurchase of common stock(1,669,924) (556) (86,590) 
 
 (87,146)
Tax benefits from stock-based compensation
 
 7,994
 
 
 7,994
Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 (1,040) 
 (1,040)
Net income
 
 
 
 84,324
 84,324
Balances as of July 25, 201533,381,779
 11,127
 71,004
 (1,198) 426,267
 507,200
33,381,779
 11,127
 $71,004
 $(1,198) $426,267
 $507,200
Stock options exercised212,619
 71
 2,674
 
 
 2,745
212,619
 71
 2,674
 
 
 2,745
Stock-based compensation3,015
 1
 16,849
 
 
 16,850
3,015
 1
 16,849
 
 
 16,850
Issuance of restricted stock, net of tax withholdings334,475
 111
 (12,715) 
 
 (12,604)334,475
 111
 (12,715) 
 
 (12,604)
Repurchase of common stock(2,511,578) (837) (152,033) 
 (17,127) (169,997)(2,511,578) (837) (152,033) 
 (17,127) (169,997)
Tax benefits from stock-based compensation
 
 13,003
 
 
 13,003

 
 13,003
 
 
 13,003
Equity component of 0.75% convertible senior notes due 2021, net
 
 112,554
 
 
 112,554

 
 112,554
 
 
 112,554
Sale of warrants
 
 74,690
 
 
 74,690

 
 74,690
 
 
 74,690
Purchase of convertible note hedges
 
 (115,818) 
 
 (115,818)
 
 (115,818) 
 
 (115,818)
Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 (76) 
 (76)
 
 
 (76) 
 (76)
Net income
 
 
 
 128,740
 128,740

 
 
 
 128,740
 128,740
Balances as of July 30, 201631,420,310
 10,473
 10,208
 (1,274) 537,880
 557,287
31,420,310
 10,473
 10,208
 (1,274) 537,880
 557,287
Stock options exercised102,831
 34
 1,415
 
 
 1,449
102,831
 34
 1,415
 
 
 1,449
Stock-based compensation2,847
 1
 20,804
 
 
 20,805
2,847
 1
 20,804
 
 
 20,805
Issuance of restricted stock, net of tax withholdings274,303
 92
 (10,859) 
 
 (10,767)274,303
 92
 (10,859) 
 
 (10,767)
Repurchase of common stock(713,006) (238) (19,861) 
 (42,810) (62,909)(713,006) (238) (19,861) 
 (42,810) (62,909)
Tax benefits from stock-based compensation
 
 8,385
 
 
 8,385

 
 8,385
 
 
 8,385
Other comprehensive gain
 
 
 116
 
 116

 
 
 116
 
 116
Net income
 
 
 
 157,217
 157,217

 
 
 
 157,217
 157,217
Balances as of July 29, 201731,087,285
 $10,362
 $10,092
 $(1,158) $652,287
 $671,583
31,087,285
 10,362
 10,092
 (1,158) 652,287
 671,583
Stock options exercised52,553
 18
 727
 
 
 745
Stock-based compensation1,492
 1
 13,276
 
 
 13,277
Issuance of restricted stock, net of tax withholdings244,339
 81
 (7,985) 
 (4,677) (12,581)
Repurchase of common stock(200,000) (67) (9,940) 
 (6,868) (16,875)
Other comprehensive gain
 
 
 12
 
 12
Net income
 
 
 
 68,835
 68,835
Balances as of January 27, 201831,185,669
 10,395
 6,170
 (1,146) 709,577
 724,996
Stock options exercised82,235
 27
 844
 
 
 871
Stock-based compensation3,122
 1
 20,186
 
 
 20,187
Issuance of restricted stock, net of tax withholdings159,005
 54
 (4,711) 
 
 (4,657)
Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 (136) 
 (136)
Net income
 
 
 
 62,907
 62,907
Balances as of January 26, 201931,430,031
 $10,477
 $22,489
 $(1,282) $772,484
 $804,168
                      
See notes to the consolidated financial statements.

DYCOM INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 29, 2017, JULY 30, 2016, AND JULY 25, 2015
(Dollars in thousands)
Fiscal Year EndedFiscal Year Ended Six Months Ended Fiscal Year Ended
2017 2016 2015January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018 July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:            
Net income$157,217
 $128,740
 $84,324
$62,907
 $68,835
 $157,217
 $128,740
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities, net of acquisitions:            
Depreciation and amortization147,906
 124,940
 96,044
179,603
 85,053
 147,906
 124,940
Deferred income tax provision18,233
 26,782
 1,244
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)8,523
 (19,665) 18,233
 26,782
Stock-based compensation20,805
 16,850
 13,923
20,187
 13,277
 20,805
 16,850
Bad debt expense, net199
 1,252
 465
17,071
 201
 199
 1,252
Gain on sale of fixed assets(14,866) (9,806) (7,110)(19,390) (7,217) (14,866) (9,806)
Write-off of deferred financing fees and premium on long-term debt
 2,017
 
Loss on debt extinguishment
 
 
 16,260
Amortization of premium on long-term debt
 (94) (397)
 
 
 (94)
Amortization of debt discount17,610
 14,709
 
19,103
 9,170
 17,610
 14,709
Amortization of debt issuance costs and other3,323
 2,875
 2,040
3,686
 1,736
 3,323
 2,875
Excess tax benefit from share-based awards(8,385) (13,003) (8,371)
 
 (8,385) (13,003)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:            
Accounts receivable, net(33,068) 2,729
 (40,444)(30,750) 50,955
 (33,068) 2,729
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings, net(27,773) (70,957) (41,021)
Other current assets and inventory(13,232) (13,800) (1,138)
Contract assets, net(149,828) 16,982
 (27,773) (70,957)
Other current assets and inventories(15,842) (67) (13,232) (13,800)
Other assets2,064
 (2,936) (6,875)(25,110) 1,630
 2,064
 (2,936)
Income taxes receivable/payable(13,189) 20,148
 11,758
10,357
 (6,716) (13,189) 20,148
Accounts payable977
 15,132
 7,114
20,064
 (21,503) 977
 15,132
Accrued liabilities, insurance claims, and other liabilities(1,378) 15,910
 30,344
23,866
 (32,138) (1,378) 15,910
Net cash provided by operating activities256,443
 261,488
 141,900
124,447
 160,533
 256,443
 275,731
            
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:            
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired(26,070) (157,183) (31,909)
Capital expenditures(201,197) (186,011) (102,997)(164,963) (87,839) (201,197) (186,011)
Proceeds from sale of assets16,029
 10,540
 9,392
22,949
 11,808
 16,029
 10,540
Changes in restricted cash and other266
 (479) (538)
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired(20,917) 
 (26,070) (157,183)
Proceeds from acquisition working capital adjustment1,825
 
 

 
 1,825
 
Other investing activities
 
 (4,000)1,576
 
 666
 
Net cash used in investing activities(209,147) (333,133) (130,052)(161,355) (76,031) (208,747) (332,654)

        
  
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
      
 
Proceeds from borrowings on senior credit agreement, including term loans707,000
 1,310,000
 535,750
423,188
 
 707,000
 1,310,000
Principal payments on senior credit agreement, including term loans(685,563) (1,209,000) (467,563)(331,250) (9,625) (685,563) (1,209,000)
Repurchases of common stock(62,909) (169,997) (87,146)
Repurchase of common stock
 (16,875) (62,909) (169,997)
Proceeds from issuance of 0.75% convertible senior notes due 2021
 485,000
 

 
 
 485,000
Proceeds from sale of warrants
 74,690
 

 
 
 74,690
Purchase of convertible note hedges
 (115,818) 
Purchase of convertible note hedge
 
 
 (115,818)
Principal payments for satisfaction and discharge of 7.125% senior subordinated notes
 (277,500) 

 
 
 (277,500)
Debt extinguishment costs
 
 
 (14,243)
Debt issuance costs(70) (16,376) (3,854)(7,275) 
 (70) (16,376)
Exercise of stock options1,449
 2,745
 8,922
871
 745
 1,449
 2,745
Restricted stock tax withholdings(10,767) (12,604) (4,711)(4,657) (12,581) (10,767) (12,604)
Excess tax benefit from share-based awards8,385
 13,003
 8,371

 
 8,385
 13,003
Principal payments on other financing activities
 
 (1,000)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities(42,475) 84,143
 (11,231)
Net increase in cash and equivalents4,821
 12,498
 617
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities80,877
 (38,336) (42,475) 69,900
Net increase in cash and equivalents and restricted cash43,969
 46,166
 5,221
 12,977
  

        

CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD33,787
 21,289
 20,672
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD90,182
 44,016
 38,795
 25,818
  

         
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD$38,608
 $33,787
 $21,289
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH AT END OF PERIOD$134,151
 $90,182
 $44,016
 $38,795

DYCOM INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 29, 2017, JULY 30, 2016, AND JULY 25, 2015(Continued)
(Dollars in thousands)

Fiscal Year EndedFiscal Year Ended Six Months Ended Fiscal Year Ended
2017 2016 2015January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018 July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF OTHER CASH FLOW ACTIVITIES AND NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES: 
  
         
Cash paid for interest$16,505
 $15,917
 $25,369
$22,312
 $7,748
 $16,505
 $15,917
Cash paid for taxes, net$88,060
 $31,159
 $39,057
$6,396
 $4,749
 $88,060
 $31,159
Purchases of capital assets included in accounts payable or other accrued liabilities at period end$21,978
 $7,196
 $2,372
$6,795
 $1,634
 $21,978
 $7,196
            
See notes to the consolidated financial statements.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

Dycom Industries, Inc. (“Dycom” or the “Company”) is a leading provider of specialty contracting services throughout the United States and in Canada.States. The Company provides program management, engineering, construction, maintenance and installation services for telecommunications providers, underground facility locating services for various utilities, including telecommunications providers, and other construction and maintenance services for electric and gas utilities.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements includeof the results of DycomCompany and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated and the financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring accruals that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of such statements. These financial statementswholly-owned, have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of such statements have been included. This includes all normal and recurring adjustments and elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions.

Accounting Period. In September 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a change in the Company’s fiscal year end from the last Saturday in July to the last Saturday in January. The change in fiscal year end better aligned the Company’s fiscal year with the planning cycles of its customers. For quarterly comparisons, there were no changes to the months in each fiscal quarter. Beginning with fiscal 2019, each fiscal year ends on the last Saturday in January and consists of either 52 or 53 weeks of operations (with the additional week of operations occurring in the fourth fiscal quarter). Fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2017 each consisted of 52 weeks of operations and fiscal 2016 consisted of 53 weeks of operations. The next 53 week fiscal period will occur in the fiscal year ending January 30, 2021.

The Company refers to the period beginning January 28, 2018 and ending January 26, 2019 as “fiscal 2019”, the period beginning July 30, 2017 and ending January 27, 2018 as the “2018 transition period”, the period beginning July 31, 2016 and ending July 29, 2017 as “fiscal 2017”, and the period beginning July 26, 2015 and ending July 30, 2016 as “fiscal 2016”.

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

Accounting Period. The Company’s fiscal 2017 year ended on the last Saturday in July. In September 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a change in the Company’s fiscal year end from July to January. See Item 1. Business, in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.

Fiscal 2017 and 2015 each consisted of 52 weeks of operations and fiscal 2016 consisted of 53 weeks of operations. The next 53 week fiscal period will occur in the fiscal year ending January 30, 2021. Unless otherwise noted, a reference to fiscal year in this report refers to the fiscal year ended on the last Saturday in July.

2. Significant Accounting Policies &and Estimates

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

Revenue Recognition. The Company performs a majority of its services under master service agreements and other agreementscontracts that contain customer-specified service requirements, havingrequirements. These agreements include discrete pricing for individual tasks including, for example, the placement of underground or aerial fiber, directional boring, and fiber splicing, each based on a specific unit of measure. A contractual agreement exists when each party involved approves and commits to the agreement, the rights of the parties and payment terms are identified, the agreement has commercial substance, and collectability of consideration is probable. The Company’s services are performed for the sole benefit of its customers, whereby the assets being created or maintained are controlled by the customer and the services the Company performs do not have alternative benefits for the Company. Revenue is recognized over time as services are performed and customers simultaneously receive and consume the benefits provided by the Company. Output measures such as units delivered are utilized to assess progress against specific contractual performance obligations for the majority of the Company’s services. The selection of the method to measure progress towards completion requires judgment and is based on the nature of the services to be provided. For the

Company, the output method using units delivered best represents the measure of progress against the performance obligations incorporated within the contractual agreements. This method captures the amount of units delivered pursuant to contracts and is used only when the Company’s performance does not produce significant amounts of work in process prior to complete satisfaction of the performance obligation. For a portion of contract items, units to be completed consist of multiple tasks. For these items, the transaction price is allocated to each task based on relative standalone measurements, such as selling prices for similar tasks, or in the alternative, the cost to perform the tasks. Revenue is recognized under these arrangements based on units-of-delivery as each unit is completed. The remainderthe tasks are completed as a measurement of progress in the satisfaction of the Company’s services, representingcorresponding performance obligation, and represented less than 5%10.0% of its contract revenues during each of fiscal 2017 and 2016, and less than 10% of its contract revenues during fiscal 2015, are performed under2019.

For certain contracts, usingrepresenting less than 5.0% of contract revenues during fiscal 2019, the 2018 transition period, fiscal 2017, and fiscal 2016, the Company uses the cost-to-cost measure of progress. These contracts are generally projects that are completed over a period of less than twelve months and for which payment is received in a lump sum at the percentageend of the project. Under the cost-to-cost measure of progress, the extent of progress toward completion method of accounting. Revenue is recognized under these arrangementsmeasured based on the ratio of contract costs incurred to date to the total estimated contract costs. Contract costs include direct labor, direct materials, and subcontractor costs, as well as an allocation of indirect costs. Contract revenues are recorded as costs are incurred. For contracts using the cost-to-cost measure of the percentage of completion method of accounting,progress, the Company accrues the entire amount of a contract loss, if any, at the time the loss is determined to be probable and can be reasonably estimated. During fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015, there were no material impacts to the Company’s results of operations due to changes in contract estimates.

There were no material amounts of unapproved change orders or claims recognized during fiscal 2019, the 2018 transition period, fiscal 2017, 2016, or 2015. fiscal 2016.

Accounts Receivable, Net. The Company grants credit to its customers, generally without collateral, under normal payment terms (typically 30 to 90 days after invoicing). Generally, invoicing occurs within 45 days after the related services are performed. Accounts receivable represents an unconditional right to consideration arising from the Company’s performance under contracts with customers. Accounts receivable include billed accounts receivable, unbilled accounts receivable, and retainage. The carrying value of such receivables, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts, represents their estimated realizable value. Unbilled accounts receivable represent amounts the Company has an unconditional right to receive payment for although invoicing is subject to the completion of certain process or other requirements. Such requirements may include the passage of time, completion of other items within a statement of work, or other contractual billing requirements. Certain of the Company’s contracts contain retainage provisions whereby a portion of the revenue earned is withheld from payment as a form of security until contractual provisions are satisfied. The collectability of retainage is included in the Company’s overall assessment of the collectability of accounts receivable. The Company expects to collect the outstanding balance of current asset “Costsaccounts receivable, net (including trade accounts receivable, unbilled accounts receivable, and estimated earningsretainage) within the next twelve months. Accounts receivable of $24.8 million from Windstream are classified as non-current in other assets and are net of the related allowance for doubtful accounts. On February 25, 2019, Windstream filed of a voluntary petition under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. The Company estimates its allowance for doubtful accounts by evaluating specific accounts receivable balances based on historical collection trends, the age of outstanding receivables, and the credit worthiness of the Company’s customers.

For one customer, the Company has participated in a customer-sponsored vendor payment program since fiscal 2016. All eligible accounts receivable from this customer are included in the program and payment is received pursuant to a non-recourse sale to a bank partner of the customer. This program effectively reduces the time to collect these receivables as compared to that customer’s standard payment terms. The Company incurs a discount fee to the bank on the payments received that is reflected as an expense component in other income, net, in the consolidated statements of operations. The operations of this program have not changed since the Company began participating.

Contract Assets. Contract assets include unbilled amounts typically resulting from arrangements whereby complete satisfaction of a performance obligation and the right to payment are conditioned on completing additional tasks or services.

Contract Liabilities. Contract liabilities consist of amounts invoiced to customers in excess of billings” represents revenues recognizedrevenue recognized. The Company’s contract assets and liabilities are reported in excessa net position on a contract by contract basis at the end of amounts billed. Theeach reporting period. As of January 26, 2019 and January 27, 2018, the contract liabilities balance is classified as current liability “Billings in excessbased on the timing of costs and estimated earnings” represents billings in excesswhen the Company expects to complete the tasks required for the recognition of revenues recognized.revenue.

Cash and Equivalents. Cash and equivalents primarily include balances on deposit in banks. The Company maintains its cash and equivalents at financial institutions it believes to be of high credit quality. To date, the Company has not experienced any loss or lack of access to cash in its operating accounts.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. The Company grants credit under normal payment terms, generally without collateral, to its customers. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses on uncollected balances. Management analyzes the collectability of accounts receivable balances each period. This analysis considers the aging of account balances, historical bad debt experience, changes in customer creditworthiness, current economic trends, customer payment activity, and other relevant factors. Should any of these factors change, the estimate made by management may also change, which could affect the level of the Company’s future provision for doubtful accounts. The Company recognizes an increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts when it is probable that a receivable is not collectible and the loss can be reasonably estimated. Any increase in the allowance account has a corresponding negative effect on the Company’s results of operations.

Inventories. Inventories consist of materials and supplies used in the ordinary course of business and are carried at the lower of cost (using the first-in, first-out method) or market.net realizable value. Inventories also include certain job specific materials that are valued using the specific identification method. For contracts where the Company is required to supply part or all of the materials on behalf of a customer, the loss of a customer or declines in contract volumes could result in an impairment of the value of materials purchased.

Property and Equipment. Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives (see Note 6,9, Property and Equipment, for the range of useful lives). Leasehold improvements are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the asset or the remaining lease term. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred and major improvements are capitalized. When assets are sold or retired, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss is included in other income. Capitalized software is accounted for in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 350-40, Internal Use Software. Capitalized software consists primarily of costs to purchase and develop internal-use software and is amortized over its useful life as a component of depreciation expense. Property and equipment includes internally developed capitalized computer software at net book value of $27.5$28.5 million and $23.0$28.8 million as of July 29, 2017January 26, 2019 and July 30, 2016,January 27, 2018, respectively.

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

The Company has historically completed its annual goodwill impairment assessment as of the first day of the fourth fiscal quarter of each year. As a result of the change in the Company’s fiscal year end, the annual goodwill impairment assessment date was changed to the first day of the fiscal quarter ending on the last Saturday in January, as this became the first day of the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter. The change in the annual goodwill impairment assessment date is deemed a change in accounting principle, which the Company believes to be preferable as the change was made to better align the annual goodwill impairment test with the change in the Company’s annual planning and budgeting process related to the new fiscal year end. This change in accounting principle did not delay, accelerate or avoid a goodwill impairment charge and had no effect on the consolidated financial statements, including any cumulative effect on retained earnings. 

In accordance with ASC Topic 360, Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, the Company reviews finite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that indicatesindicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable. Recoverability is determined based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of an asset and its eventual disposition. Should an asset not be recoverable, an impairment loss is measured by comparing the fair value of the asset to its carrying value. If the Company determines the fair value of an asset is less than the carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized in operating income or loss in the consolidated statements of operations during the period incurred.

The Company uses judgment in assessing whether goodwill and intangible assets are impaired. Estimates of fair value are based on the Company’s projection of revenues, operating costs, and cash flows taking into consideration historical and anticipated future results, general economic and market conditions, as well as the impact of planned business or operational strategies. The Company determines the fair value of its reporting units using a weighing of fair values derived in equal proportions from the income approach and market approach valuation methodologies. The income approach uses the

discounted cash flow method and the market approach uses the guideline company method. Changes in the Company’s judgments and projections could result in significantly different estimates of fair value, potentially resulting in impairments of goodwill and other intangible assets. The inputs used for fair value measurements of the reporting units and other related indefinite-lived intangible assets are the lowest level (Level 3) inputs. See Note 7,10, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, for additional information regarding the Company’s annual assessment of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets and additional disclosure regarding recently acquired operations.assets.

Business Combinations. The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. The purchase price of each business acquired is allocated to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on information regarding their respective fair values on the date of acquisition. Any excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the separately identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed is allocated to goodwill. Management determines the fair values used in purchase price allocations for intangible assets based on historical data,

estimated discounted future cash flows, expected royalty rates for trademarks and trade names, as well as certain other information. The valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires a number of judgments and is subject to revision as additional information about the fair value of assets and liabilities becomes available. Additional information, which existed as of the acquisition date but unknown to the Company at that time, may become known during the remainder of the measurement period. This measurement period a periodmay not to exceed twelve months from the acquisition date. In accordance with Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments, theThe Company will recognize any adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustments are determined. Additionally, the Company will record, in the same period’s financial statementsperiod in which adjustments are recorded,recognized, the Company will record the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of any change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting adjustment had been completed at the acquisition date. Acquisition costs are expensed as incurred. The results of operations of businesses acquired are included in the consolidated financial statements from their dates of acquisition.

Long-Lived Tangible Assets. The Company reviews long-lived tangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable. Determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of an asset group and its eventual disposition. Measurement of an impairment loss is based on the fair value of the asset compared to its carrying value. Long-lived tangible assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.

Accrued Insurance Claims. For claims within the Company’s insurance program, it retains the risk of loss, up to certain limits, for matters related to automobile liability, general liability (including damages associated with underground facility locating services), workers’ compensation, and employee group health. The Company has established reserves that it believes to be adequate based on current evaluations and its experience with these types of claims. A liability for unpaid claims and the associated claim expenses, including incurred but not reported losses, is determined with the assistance of an actuary and reflected in the consolidated financial statements as accrued insurance claims. The effect on the Company’s financial statements is generally limited to the amount needed to satisfy its insurance deductibles or retentions. The liability for total accrued insurance claims and related processing costs was $101.9 million and $89.7 million as of July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016, respectively, and included incurred but not reported losses of approximately $50.0 million and $44.5 million, respectively. Insurance recoveries/receivables related to accrued claims as of July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016 were $9.2 million and $5.7 million, respectively, which were included in non-current other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

The Company estimates the liability for claims based on facts, circumstances, and historical experience. Recorded loss reserves are not discounted evenEven though they will not be paid until sometime in the future.future, recorded loss reserves are not discounted. Factors affecting the determination of the expected cost for existing and incurred but not reported claims include, but are not limited to, the magnitude and quantity of future claims, the payment pattern of claims which have been incurred, changes in the medical condition of claimants, and other factors such as inflation, tort reform or other legislative changes, unfavorable jury decisions and court interpretations.

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

The Company will adoptadopted FASB ASUAccounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”) beginningon a prospective basis effective July 30, 2017, the first day of the 2018 transition period. Under the amended guidance, excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies arising from the vesting and exercise of share-based awards are no longer included in the fiscal quarter ending October 28, 2017. Under

ASU 2016-09, the assumedhypothetical proceeds will not include any windfall tax benefitsused to repurchase shares when applying the treasury stock method for computing diluted earnings per common share which may result in a greater numberunder the treasury stock method. See Note 4, Computation of dilutive shares outstanding. See Earnings Per Share,Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements - Account Standards Not Yet Adopted - Stock-Based Compensation below for additional information related to ASU 2016-09.2016-09’s impact on per share data.

Stock-Based Compensation. The Company has certain stock-based compensation plans under which it grants stock-based awards, including stock options, time-based restricted share units (“RSUs”), and performance-based restricted share units (“Performance RSUs”) to attract, retain, and reward talented employees, officers, and directors, and to align stockholder and employee interests. The Company has grantedresulting compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, net of actual forfeitures, and is included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. This expense fluctuates over time as a result of the vesting periods of the stock-based awards under its 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2012 Plan”), 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2003 Plan”) and, for the 2007 Non-Employee Directors Equity Plan (“2007 Directors Plan” and, together withCompany’s Performance RSUs, the 2012 Plan and 2003 Plan, the “Plans”). The Company’s policy is to issue new shares to satisfy equity awards under the Plans. The total numberexpected achievement of shares available for grant under the Plans as of July 29, 2017 was 708,357.performance measures.

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

date. The fair value of stock option grantsoptions is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. This valuation is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as other inputs, including the expected common stock price volatility over the expected life of the options, the expected term of the stock option, risk-free interest rates, and expected dividends, if any. Stock options generally vest

ratably over a four-year period and are exercisable over a period of up to ten years. The fair value of time-based restricted share units (“RSUs”)RSUs and Performance RSUs is estimated on the date of grant and is generally equal to the closing market price per share of the Company’s common stock price on that date. RSUs generally vest ratably over a four-year period. Performance RSUs vest ratably over a three-year period, if certain performance measures are achieved. Each RSU and Performance RSU is settled in one share of the Company’s common stock upon vesting. RSUs vest ratably over a period of four years.

For Performance RSUs, vest over a period of three years from the date of grantCompany evaluates compensation expense quarterly and recognizes expense only if certainit determines it is probable that the performance measures are achieved.for the awards will be met. The performance criteriameasures for target awards are based on the Company’s fiscal year operating earnings (adjusted for certain amounts) as a percentage of contract revenues and its fiscal year operating cash flow level.level (adjusted for certain amounts) for the applicable four-quarter performance period. Additionally, certain awards include three-year performance goalsmeasures that if met, result in supplemental shares awarded. The three-year performance goals required to earn supplemental awards are more difficult to achieve than those required to earn annual target awards and, if met, result in supplemental shares awarded. The performance measures for supplemental awards are based on the Company’s three-year cumulative operating earnings (adjusted for certain amounts) as a percentage of contract revenues and its three-year cumulative operating cash flow level.level (adjusted for certain amounts). In a period the Company determines it is no longer probable that it will achieve certain performance measures for the awards, it reverses the stock-based compensation expense that it had previously recognized and associated with the portion of Performance RSUs that are no longer expected to vest. The amount of the expense ultimately recognized depends on the number of awards that actually vest. Accordingly, stock-based compensation expense may vary from period to period. For additional information on the Company’s stock-based compensation plans, stock options, RSUs, and Performance RSUs, see Note 18, Stock-Based Awards.

Income Taxes. The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. This approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. The Company’s effective income tax rate differs from the statutory rate for the tax jurisdictions where it operates primarily as the result of the impact of non-deductible and non-taxable items, and tax credits recognized in relation to pre-tax results. The Company expects greater volatility in its effective tax rate after it adopts ASU 2016-09 due to the timing of recognition ofresults, certain tax benefitsimpacts from the vesting and exercise of share-based award activities. ASU 2016-09 will be effectiveawards, and certain tax impacts from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“Tax Reform”). Tax Reform had a substantial impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the Company beginning with the fiscal quarter ending October 28, 2017.2018 transition period. See Note 14, Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Income Taxesbelow, for information on the expected impacts of ASU 2016-09.further information.

Measurement of the Company’s tax position is based on the applicable statutes, federal and state case law, and its interpretations of tax regulations. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income during the period that includes the enactment date. The Company records net deferred tax assets to the extent it believes these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determination, the Company considers all relevant factors, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations. In the event the Company determines that it would be able to realize deferred income tax assets in excess of their net recorded amount, the Company would adjust the valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.

In accordance with ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes (“ASC Topic 740”), the Company recognizes tax benefits in the amount that it deems more likely than not will be realized upon ultimate settlement of any tax uncertainty. Tax positions that fail to qualify for recognition are recognized during the period in which the more-likely-than-not standard has been reached, when the tax positions are resolved with the respective taxing authority or when the statute of limitations for tax examination has expired.

The Company recognizes applicable interest related to tax amounts in interest expense and penalties within general and administrative expenses.

The Company believes its provision for income taxes is adequate; however, any assessment would affect the Company’s results of operations and cash flows. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or Canadian income tax examinations for fiscal years ended 2014 and prior.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments. The Company’s financial instruments primarily consist of cash and equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, income taxes receivable and payable, accounts payable, certain accrued expenses, and long-term debt. The carrying amounts of these items approximate fair value due to their short maturity, except for certainthe fair value of the Company’s outstanding long-term debt, which is based on observable market-based inputs (Level 2). See Note 10,13, Debt, for further information regarding the fair value of such financial instruments. The Company’s cash and equivalents are based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) as of July 29,January 26, 2019 and January 27, 2018. During fiscal 2019, the 2018 transition period, fiscal 2017, and July 30, 2016. During fiscal 2017 and 2016, the Company had no material nonrecurring fair value measurements of assets or liabilities subsequent to their initial recognition.

Taxes Collected from Customers. ASC Topic 605,606, Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities, addresses the income statement presentation of any taxes collected from customers and remitted to a government

authority and provides that the presentation of taxes on either a gross basis or a net basis inis an accounting policy decision that should be disclosed. The Company’s policy is to present contract revenues net of sales taxes.

Other Assets. As of July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016, other non-current assets consisted of deferred financing costs related to the Company’s revolving credit facility of $4.8 million and $6.4 million, respectively, insurance recoveries/receivables related to accrued claims of $9.2 million and $5.7 million, respectively, as well as other long-term deposits, prepaid discounts, and other non-current assets totaling $9.9 million and $12.7 million, respectively. Additionally, other non-current assets included $5.4 million and $5.0 million of restricted cash held as collateral in support of the Company’s insurance obligations as of July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016, respectively. Changes in restricted cash are reported in cash flows used in investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. As of July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016, other non-current assets also included $4.0 million for an investment in nonvoting senior units of a former customer, which is accounted for using the cost method.

Recently Issued3. Accounting PronouncementsStandards

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

Business Combinations.Revenue Recognition. In September 2015,May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments2014-09, (“ASU 2015-16”)Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). ASU 2015-162014-09 replaces numerous requirements in GAAP, including industry-specific requirements, and provides companies with a single revenue recognition model for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. The core principle of the requirementnew standard is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for an acquirer in a business combinationthose goods or services. Under the new standard, the two permitted transition methods are the full retrospective method and the modified retrospective method. The full retrospective method requires the standard to retrospectively adjust provisional amountsbe applied to each prior reporting period presented and the cumulative effect of applying the standard to be recognized at the acquisitionearliest period shown. The modified retrospective method requires the cumulative effect of applying the standard to be recognized at the date of initial application. Effective January 28, 2018, the Company adopted the requirements of ASU 2014-09 using the modified retrospective method. As a practical expedient, the Company adopted the new standard only for existing contracts as of January 28, 2018, the date of adoption. Any contracts that had expired prior to January 28, 2018 were not evaluated against the new standard. The Company believes its application of the new standard to only those contracts existing as of January 28, 2018 did not have a material impact on adoption.

In accordance with a corresponding adjustmentthe guidance under ASU 2014-09, the Company reclassified $311.7 million of unbilled receivables from contract assets (historically referred to goodwill when measurement period adjustments are identified. The new guidance requires an acquireras Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings) to recognize adjustments inaccounts receivable, net as of January 28, 2018, the reporting period in whichdate of the adjustment amounts are determined. The acquirer must record, in the same period’s financial statements, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, asCompany’s adoption. As a result of the changereclassification, accounts receivable, net and contract assets were $630.4 million and $57.8 million, respectively, as of January 28, 2018. The reclassification was a non-cash activity between contract assets and accounts receivable, net and did not impact net cash provided by operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows. The impact of adoption on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of January 26, 2019 was as follows, including both current and non-current balances (dollars in thousands):
 January 26, 2019
 As reported Balances Without Adoption of ASU 2014-09 Effect of Change
Assets     
Accounts receivable, net$625,258
 $341,795
 $283,463
Contract assets215,849
 499,312
 (283,463)

The adoption of ASU 2014-09 resulted in balance sheet classification changes for amounts that have not been invoiced to customers but for which the Company has satisfied the performance obligation and has an unconditional right to receive payment. Prior to the provisionaladoption of ASU 2014-09, amounts calculatednot yet invoiced to customers were included in the Company’s contract assets (historically referred to as ifCosts and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings). These amounts represent unbilled accounts receivable for which the accounting had been completed atCompany has an unconditional right to receive payment although invoicing is subject to the acquisition date. Additionally,completion of certain process or other requirements. Such requirements may include the acquirer must present separately onpassage of time, completion of other items within a statement of work, or other contractual billing requirements.

The standard did not impact the faceopening retained earnings of the incomeCompany’s consolidated balance sheet or the Company’s consolidated statement or discloseof operations as timing and amount of revenue recognized under the new standard was unchanged as compared to the Company’s historical revenue recognition practices.

Restricted Cash. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (“ASU 2016-18”). ASU 2016-18 is intended to reduce diversity in practice regarding the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash within the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this update require that amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents be included with the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts of cash and cash equivalents in the notes, the portionstatement of the amount recorded in current period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustments had been recognized as of the acquisition date.cash flows. The Company adopted ASU 2015-162016-18 effective January 28, 2018, the first day of fiscal 2019, and applied this change of presentation retrospectively to the Company’s consolidated statement of cash flows. As a result of the retrospective adoption, the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts of cash and cash equivalents have been restated to include restricted cash of $6.2 million, $5.4 million, $5.0 million,

and $4.5 million as of January 27, 2018, July 29, 2017, July 30, 2016, and July 25, 2015, respectively. Restricted cash primarily relates to funding provisions of the Company’s insurance program.

Statement of Cash Flows. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (“ASU 2016-15”). ASU 2016-15 is intended to reduce diversity in practice regarding the classification of certain transactions within the statement of cash flows and addresses eight specific topics including, among other things, the classification of cash flows related to debt prepayment and debt extinguishment costs. Under the amended guidance, cash payments for debt prepayment and debt extinguishment costs are classified as financing activities, whereas historically, the Company has classified such cash flows as operating activities. The Company adopted ASU 2016-15 effective January 28, 2018, the first day of fiscal 2019 on a retrospective basis as required. As a result of the retrospective adoption, payments of certain debt extinguishment costs of $14.2 million have been reclassified from operating activities to financing activities in the Company’s consolidated statement of cash flows for the fiscal year ended July 30, 2016.

The Company also adopted the following Accounting Standards Updates during fiscal 2017 and it did not have2019, neither of which had a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.statements:
ASUAdoption Date
2016-16Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than InventoryJanuary 28, 2018
2017-01Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a BusinessJanuary 28, 2018

Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

Stock Compensation. LeasesIn May 2017,February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09,2016-02, Compensation - Stock CompensationLeases (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting842) (“ASU 2017-09”2016-02”), which provides guidance about which changesis intended to theincrease transparency and comparability of accounting for lease transactions. For all leases with terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in ASC Topic 718. Undergreater than twelve months, the new guidance modification accounting is required only ifwill require lessees to recognize right-of-use assets and corresponding lease liabilities on the fair value, the vesting conditions, or the classification of the award (as equity or liability) changes asbalance sheet and to disclose qualitative and quantitative information about lease transactions. The new standard maintains a distinction between finance leases and operating leases. As a result, the effect of leases in the change in terms or conditions.statement of operations and statement of cash flows is largely unchanged. ASU 2017-092016-02 will be effective for the Company for the fiscal year ended January 26, 201925, 2020 and interim reporting periods within that year. Early adoption is permitted. The Company expectswill adopt the guidance using the transition provisions at the date of adoption instead of this guidanceat the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. Accordingly, comparative financial statements for periods prior to the date of adoption will not havebe adjusted. The Company has evaluated the impact of applying the practical expedients and expects to elect the group of practical expedients that allow it to not reassess the following: whether any expired or existing contracts represent leases, the classification of any expired or existing leases, and the initial direct costs for any expired or existing leases. The Company will not elect the use of hindsight practical expedient.

The Company has substantially completed its evaluation of the effect of ASU 2016-02 on its systems, business processes, controls, disclosures, and consolidated financial statements, and has implemented a lease accounting and administration software in connection with the new standard. On adoption, the Company currently expects to recognize right-of-use assets and corresponding lease liabilities ranging from $70.0 million to $75.0 million on its consolidated balance sheet for its operating leases with terms greater than twelve months. The Company does not expect a material effect onimpact to its consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, or cash flows. These expectations may change as the Company’s consolidated financial statements.assessment is finalized.

Goodwill. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (“ASU 2017-04”). ASU 2017-04 simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment testing. An entity will no longer determine goodwill impairment by calculating the implied fair value of goodwill by assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to all of its assets and liabilities as if that reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. Instead, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognize an impairment

charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. The loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. ASU 2017-04 will be effective for the Company for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2021 and interim reporting periods within that year. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company expects the adoption of this guidance will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

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

Revenue Recognition. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), requiring entities to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of control of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those goods or services. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date (“ASU 2015-14”), which defers the effective date of the new revenue standard. In 2016, the FASB issued several accounting standards updates to clarify certain topics within the standard. ASU 2014-09 and the related amendments and updates are referred to herein as “ASU 2014-09”.

The Company is in the process of evaluating the effect of ASU 2014-09 on its systems, business processes, controls, disclosures, and consolidated financial statements. This assessment involves the comparison of a selected representation of contracts with customers with requirements of the new standard and historical accounting practices. Based on the results of the contract reviews performed to date, the Company is expecting to recognize the majority of its revenue from master service agreements and other agreements that contain customer-specified service requirements, recognized over time, using the units-of-delivery input method under ASU 2014-09. For the remainder of the Company’s contracts, representing less than 5% of its contract revenues during fiscal 2017, the Company is expecting to use a cost-to-cost output measurement of revenue, recognized over time, based on the ratio of contract costs incurred to date to total estimated contract costs. The Company expects that the amount and timing of revenue recognition under ASU 2014-09 will not materially differ from historic accounting practices.

The amendments of ASU 2014-09 must be applied using either a full retrospective approach or a modified (cumulative effect) retrospective approach. The Company anticipates adopting ASU 2014-09 under the modified (cumulative effect) retrospective approach. Under this approach, ASU 2014-09 would apply to all new contracts initiated on or after January 28, 2018. For existing contracts with remaining performance obligations as of January 28, 2018, a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening retained earnings balance would be recognized for those contracts, as the difference between the current revenue recognition practices and the criteria required by ASU 2014-09. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company will adopt ASU 2014-09 as of January 28, 2018. The Company has not yet quantified the potential impact of adopting ASU 2014-09; however, based on contracts evaluated to date, the adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the timing or amount of revenue recognized under contracts with customers, as compared to current revenue recognition practices. The Company expects the cumulative impact adjustment to opening retained earnings to be immaterial, with an immaterial impact to the Company’s net income on an ongoing basis. Prior periods will not be retrospectively adjusted. This expectation may change as the process to assess the impact is still ongoing. The Company expects to complete the assessment of the impact of ASU 2014-09 during the fiscal quarter ending January 27, 2018.

Restricted Cash. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (“ASU 2016-18”). ASU 2016-18 is intended to reduce the diversity in practice regarding the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash within the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this update require that amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-18 will be effective for the Company for the fiscal year ended January 26, 2019 and interim reporting periods within that year. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. If an entity early adopts the amendments in an interim period, any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. The Company expects the adoption of this guidance will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.


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

Statement of Cash Flows. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (“ASU 2016-15”)ASU 2016-15 is intended to reduce the diversity in practice regarding the classification of certain transactions within the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 will be effective for the Company for the fiscal year ended January 26, 2019 and interim reporting periods within that year. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of the adoption of this guidance on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Stock Compensation. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. ASU 2016-09 includes provisions intended to simplify accounting for share-based payment transactions including income tax consequences, classification of share-based awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. Under ASU 2016-09, all excess tax benefits (or tax deficiencies) will be recognized as income tax benefit (or expense) in the statement of operations. Additionally, when applying the treasury stock method for computing diluted earnings per share under ASU 2016-09 the assumed proceeds will not include any windfall tax benefits, which may result in a greater number of dilutive shares outstanding. Further, excess tax benefits will be classified along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity. ASU 2016-09 also permits income tax withholding up to the maximum statutory tax rate in applicable jurisdictions as the threshold to qualify for equity classification. ASU 2016-09 will be effective for the Company beginning in the fiscal quarter ending October 28, 2017. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period with all adjustments to be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The application of ASU 2016-09 may result in greater volatility in the effective tax rate in future periods.

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

Income Taxes. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (“ASU 2015-17”). ASU 2015-17 eliminates the current requirement for an entity to separate deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and non-current amounts in a classified statement of financial position. To simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes, the amendments in ASU 2015-17 require that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as non-current in a classified statement of financial position. ASU 2015-17 will be effective for the Company beginning in the fiscal quarter ending October 28, 2017. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The adoption of this guidance will change the presentation of deferred tax assets and liabilities within the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Inventory. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (“ASU 2015-11”), which provides guidance on the measurement of inventory that uses the first-in, first-out or average cost method. An entity should measure inventory within the scope of ASU 2015-11 at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. ASU 2015-11 will be effective for the Company beginning in the fiscal quarter ending October 28, 2017 and applied on a prospective basis. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.


2.4. Computation of Earnings per Common Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):
 Fiscal Year EndedFiscal Year Ended Six Months Ended Fiscal Year Ended
 2017 2016 2015January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018 July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016
Net income available to common stockholders (numerator) $157,217
 $128,740
 $84,324
$62,907
 $68,835
 $157,217
 $128,740
             
Weighted-average number of common shares (denominator) 31,351,367
 32,315,636
 34,045,481
31,250,376
 31,059,140
 31,351,367
 32,315,636
             
Basic earnings per common share $5.01
 $3.98
 $2.48
$2.01
 $2.22
 $5.01
 $3.98
             
Weighted-average number of common shares
31,351,367
 32,315,636
 34,045,481
31,250,376
 31,059,140
 31,351,367
 32,315,636
Potential shares of common stock arising from stock options, and unvested restricted share units(1)
633,364
 800,119
 981,207
555,993
 778,411
 633,364
 800,119
Potential shares of common stock issuable on conversion of 0.75% convertible senior notes due 2021(2)
183,799
 217,394
 
 
Total shares-diluted (denominator) 31,984,731
 33,115,755
 35,026,688
31,990,168
 32,054,945
 31,984,731
 33,115,755
             
Diluted earnings per common share $4.92
 $3.89
 $2.41
$1.97
 $2.15
 $4.92
 $3.89
       
Anti-dilutive weighted shares excluded from the calculation of earnings per common share:Anti-dilutive weighted shares excluded from the calculation of earnings per common share:
Stock-based awards130,779
 93,117
 73,830
 65,514
0.75% convertible senior notes due 20214,821,935
 4,788,340
 5,005,734
 5,005,734
Warrants5,005,734
 5,005,734
 5,005,734
 5,005,734
Total9,958,448
 9,887,191
 10,085,298
 10,076,982

(1) The weighted-average numberCompany adopted ASU 2016-09 on a prospective basis effective July 30, 2017, the first day of common shares outstanding usedthe 2018 transition period. Under the amended guidance, excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies arising from the vesting and exercise of share-based awards are no longer included in the computation ofhypothetical proceeds used to repurchase shares when computing diluted earnings per common share does not includeunder the effect oftreasury stock method. As a result, diluted shares used in computing diluted earnings per common share for the following instruments because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive:
  Fiscal Year Ended
  2017 2016 2015
Stock-based awards 73,830
 65,514
 103,896
0.75% convertible senior notes due 2021 5,005,734
 5,005,734
 
Warrants 5,005,734
 5,005,734
 
Total anti-dilutive weighted shares excluded from the calculation of earnings per common share
10,085,298
 10,076,982
 103,896
2018 transition period increased by approximately 177,575 shares.

(2) Under the treasury stock method, the convertible senior notes will have a dilutive impact on earnings per common share if the Company’s average stock price for the period exceeds the $96.89 per share conversion price for the convertible senior notes of $96.89 per share.notes. The warrants associated with the Company’s convertible senior notes will have a dilutive impact on earnings per common share if the Company’s average stock price for the period exceeds the $130.43 per share warrant strike priceprice. During the first quarter of $130.43 per share. Asfiscal 2019, the second quarter of fiscal 2019, and the second quarter of the 2018 transition period, the Company’s average stock price for fiscal 2017 was belowof $110.46, $99.27, and $106.11, respectively, each exceeded the conversion price for the convertible senior notes. As a result, shares presumed to be issuable under the convertible senior notes that were dilutive during each period are included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share for fiscal 2019 and the 2018 transition period. As the Company’s average stock price did not exceed the strike price for the warrants, the underlying common shares were anti-dilutive as reflected above. See Note 10, Debt, for additional information related toin the Company’s convertible senior notes and warrant transactions.table above.

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

when the average stock price for the period is above $96.89 per share. See Note 10,13, Debt, for additional information related to the Company’s convertible note hedge.senior notes, warrant transactions, and hedge transactions.

3.5. Acquisitions

Fiscal 2019. During March 2018, the Company acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of a provider of telecommunications construction and maintenance services in the Midwest and Northeast United States for a cash purchase price of $20.9 million, less an adjustment for working capital received below a target amount estimated to be approximately$0.5 million. This acquisition expands the Company’s geographic presence within its existing customer base.

Fiscal 2017. During March 2017, the Company acquired Texstar Enterprises, Inc. (“Texstar”) for $26.1 million, net of cash acquired. Texstar provides construction and maintenance services for telecommunications providers in the Southwest and Pacific Northwest regions of the United States. This acquisition expands the Company’s geographic presence within its existing customer base.


Fiscal 2016. During August 2015, the Company acquired TelCom Construction, Inc. and an affiliate (together, “TelCom”). The purchase price was $48.8 million paid in cash. TelCom, based in Clearwater, Minnesota, provides construction and maintenance services for telecommunications providers throughout the United States. This acquisition expands the Company’s geographic presence within its existing customer base. During May 2016, the Company acquired NextGen Telecom Services Group, Inc. (“NextGen”) for $5.6 million, net of cash acquired. NextGen provides construction and maintenance services for telecommunications providers in the NortheasternNortheast United States. Additionally, during July 2016, the Company acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities associated with the wireless network deployment and wireline operations of Goodman Networks Incorporated (“Goodman”) for a net cash purchase price of $100.9 million after an adjustment of approximately $6.6 million for working capital received below a target amount. The acquired operations provide wireless construction services in a number of markets, including Texas, Georgia, and Southern California. The acquisition reinforces the Company’s wireless construction resources and expands the Company’s geographic presence within its existing customer base.

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

Fiscal 2017 and 2016 Purchase Price Allocations

The purchase price allocations of each of the 2017 and 2016 acquisitions were completed within the 12-month measurement period from the dates of acquisition. Adjustments to provisional amounts were recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustments were determined and were not material. The purchase price allocation of TelCom was completed during the fourth quarter ofbusiness acquired in fiscal 2016. Purchase price allocations of the Goodman and NextGen acquisitions were completed during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017. The purchase price allocation of Texstar2019 is preliminary and will be completed when valuations for intangible assets and other amounts are finalized within the 12-month measurement period from the date of acquisition. In accordance with ASU 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments, the Company will recognize any adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustments are determined. Additionally, the Company will record, in the same period’s financial statements in which adjustments are recorded, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of any change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting adjustment had been completed at the acquisition date.

During fiscal 2017, the Company recorded adjustments to the fair values assigned to working capital items in connection with the purchase price allocation of the Goodman acquisition and increased the value assigned to goodwill by approximately $1.5 million, net of $1.8 million of proceeds received during the second quarter of fiscal 2017 for a working capital adjustment. The income statement impact during fiscal 2017 related to these fair value adjustments was not significant.


The following table summarizes the aggregate consideration paid for businesses acquired in fiscal 2019, fiscal 2017, and fiscal 2016 and presents the allocation of these amounts to the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets based on their estimated fair values as of the respective dates of acquisition (dollars in millions):
2017 20162019 2017 2016
Assets        
Accounts receivable$8.8
 $16.9
$5.6
 $8.9
 $16.9
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings2.4
 21.8
Contract assets
 2.4
 21.8
Inventories and other current assets0.2
 15.0
0.2
 0.2
 15.0
Property and equipment5.6
 11.5
0.5
 5.6
 11.5
Goodwill10.1
 39.9
4.0
 10.1
 39.9
Intangible assets - customer relationships9.8
 94.5
12.3
 9.8
 94.5
Intangible assets - trade names and other0.7
 1.8

 0.7
 1.8
Total assets37.6
 201.4
22.6
 37.7
 201.4
        
Liabilities        
Accounts payable3.2
 23.7
2.2
 3.2
 23.7
Accrued and other current liabilities3.3
 22.3

 3.4
 22.3
Deferred tax liabilities, net non-current5.0
 

 5.0
 
Total liabilities11.5
 46.0
2.2
 11.6
 46.0
        
Net Assets Acquired$26.1
 $155.4
$20.4
 $26.1
 $155.4

With respect to the acquisition from Goodman, $22.5 million of the purchase price was placed into escrow to cover indemnification claims and working capital adjustments. During fiscal 2017, $2.5 million of escrowed funds were released following resolution of closing working capital and $10.0 million of escrowed funds were released as a result of Goodman’s resolution of a sales tax liability
The goodwill associated with the Statestock purchase of Texas. As of July 29, 2017, $10.0 million remains in escrow pending resolution of certain post-closing indemnification claims.

Texstar is not deductible for tax purposes. Results of businesses acquired during fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015 are included in the consolidated financial statements from their respective dates of acquisition. The revenues and net income of the fiscal 2019 acquisition, TelCom, NextGen, and Texstar were not material during fiscal 2019, the 2018 transition period, fiscal 2017, or fiscal 2016. The acquired operations of Goodman were immediately integrated within the operations of an existing subsidiary. See Note 7, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, for information regarding the goodwill and intangible assets of businesses acquired.

4. 6. Accounts Receivable, Contract Assets, and Contract Liabilities

The following provides further details on the balance sheet accounts of accounts receivable, net, contract assets, and contract liabilities. See Note 2, Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates, for further information on the Company’s policies related to these balance sheet accounts, as well as its revenue recognition policies.

Accounts Receivable
 
Accounts receivable, net classified as current consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):
July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018
Contract billings$348,990
 $297,532
Trade accounts receivable$331,903
 $300,271
Unbilled accounts receivable283,463
 
Retainage21,645
 32,101
10,831
 19,411
Total370,635
 329,633
626,197
 319,682
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts(835) (1,603)(939) (998)
Accounts receivable, net$369,800
 $328,030
$625,258
 $318,684
 
The Company grants credit under normal payment terms, generally without collateral, to its customers. The Company expects to collectAccounts receivable of $24.8 million from Windstream are classified as non-current in other assets and are net of the outstanding balancerelated allowance for doubtful accounts. See Note 7, Other Assets, for further information on the Company’s non-current accounts receivable, net.

As of January 27, 2018, the Company’s accounts receivable, net (including retainage) withinwere $318.7 million. Subsequently, on January 28, 2018 (the Company’s first day of adoption of ASU 2014-09) the next twelve months. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses on uncollected balances. During fiscal 2017reclassified $311.7 million of unbilled receivables from contract assets (historically referred to as Costs and 2016, write-offsEstimated Earnings in Excess of Billings) to the allowance for doubtful accounts, net of recoveries, were not material. There were no material accounts receivable, amounts representing claims or other similar items subject to uncertaintynet in accordance with the guidance under ASU 2014-09. As a result of the reclassification, accounts receivable, net were $630.4 million as of July 29, 2017 or July 30, 2016.

The Company participates in a customer-sponsored vendor payment program. All eligible accounts receivable from this customer are included inJanuary 28, 2018. As of January 26, 2019, the programcorresponding balance was $625.3 million, including current and payment is received pursuant to a non-recourse sale to a bank partner of the customer. This program effectively reduces the time to collect these receivables as compared to that customer’s standard payment terms. The Company incurs a discount fee to the banknon-current receivables. See Note 3, Accounting Standards, for further information on the payments received that is reflected as an expense component in other income, net, in the consolidated statementsadoption of operations. The program has not changed since its inception during fiscal 2016.ASU 2014-09.

The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses on uncollected balances. The allowance for doubtful accounts changed as follows (dollars in thousands):
Fiscal Year EndedFiscal Year Ended Six Months Ended
2017 2016January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018
Allowance for doubtful accounts at beginning of period$1,603
 $1,216
$998
 $835
Bad debt expense199
 1,252
16,677
 201
Amounts charged against the allowance(967) (865)
Amounts recovered (charged) against the allowance27
 (38)
Allowance for doubtful accounts at end of period$835
 $1,603
$17,702
 $998

5. Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings (“CIEB”) includes revenue for services performed under contracts using the units-of-delivery method of accounting and the cost-to-cost measureApproximately $16.8 million of the percentageallowance for doubtful accounts as of completion method of accounting. AmountsJanuary 26, 2019 is classified as non-current.

Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities

Net contract assets consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):
 July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016
Costs incurred on contracts in progress$327,312
 $307,826
Estimated to date earnings92,781
 92,226
Total costs and estimated earnings420,093
 400,052
Less: billings to date(40,091) (42,637)
 $380,002
 $357,415
Included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets under the captions: 
  
 Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings$389,286
 $376,972
 Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings(9,284) (19,557)
 $380,002
 $357,415
 January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018
Contract assets$215,849
 $369,472
Contract liabilities15,125
 6,480
Contract assets, net$200,724
 $362,992


As of July 29, 2017,January 27, 2018, the Company’s contract assets (historically referred to as Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings) were $369.5 million. Subsequently, on January 28, 2018 (the Company’s first day of adoption of ASU 2014-09) the Company expects that substantiallyreclassified $311.7 million of unbilled receivables from contract assets to accounts receivable, net in accordance with the guidance under ASU 2014-09. As a result of the reclassification, contract assets were $57.8 million as of January 28, 2018. As of January 26, 2019, the corresponding balance was $215.8 million. The increase primarily resulted from services performed under contracts consisting of multiple tasks, for which billings will be submitted upon completion of the remaining tasks not yet completed. There were no other significant changes in contract assets during the period. During fiscal 2019, the Company performed services and recognized revenue related to all but an immaterial amount of its CIEB will be billed to customerscontract liabilities that existed at January 27, 2018. See Note 3, Accounting Standards, for further information on the adoption of ASU 2014-09 and collected inNote 7, Other Current Assets and Other Assets, for information on the normal courseCompany’s long-term contract assets.

Customer Credit Concentration

Customers whose combined amounts of business within the next twelve months. Additionally, there were no material CIEB amounts representing claims or other similar items subject to uncertaintytrade accounts receivable and contract assets, net exceeded 10% of total combined accounts receivable and contract assets, net as of July 29, 2017January 26, 2019 or July 30, 2016.January 27, 2018 were as follows (dollars in millions):
 January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018
 Amount % of Total Amount % of Total
Verizon Communications Inc.$298.4
 36.2% $98.2
 14.4%
CenturyLink, Inc.$147.2
 17.9% $126.0
 18.5%
Comcast Corporation$127.2
 15.4% $166.5
 24.5%
AT&T Inc.$90.6
 11.0% $79.2
 11.6%

The Company believes that none of the customers above were experiencing financial difficulties that would materially impact the collectability of the Company’s total accounts receivable and contract assets, net as of January 26, 2019 or January 27, 2018.

6.7. Other Current Assets and Other Assets
Other current assets consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):
 January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018
Prepaid expenses$12,758
 $13,167
Insurance recoveries/receivables for accrued insurance claims
 13,701
Receivables on equipment sales69
 31
Deposits and other current assets, including restricted cash16,318
 12,811
Total other current assets$29,145
 $39,710

Other assets (long-term) consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):
 January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018
Deferred financing costs$9,036
 $3,873
Restricted cash4,253
 5,253
Insurance recoveries/receivables for accrued insurance claims13,684
 6,722
Long-term contract assets30,399
 5,486
Long-term accounts receivable, net24,815
 
Other non-current deposits and assets7,251
 6,856
Total other assets$89,438
 $28,190

Insurance recoveries/receivables represent the amount of accrued insurance claims that are covered by insurance as the amounts exceed the Company’s loss retention. During fiscal 2019, total insurance recoveries/receivables decreased approximately $6.7 million primarily due to the settlement of claims.


Long-term contract assets represent payments made to customers pursuant to long-term agreements and are recognized as a reduction of contract revenues over the period for which the related services are provided to the customers. During fiscal 2019, long-term contract assets increased approximately $24.9 million primarily due to a long-term customer agreement entered into during fiscal 2019.

Long-term accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, represent trade receivables due from Windstream as of January 26, 2019. On February 25, 2019, Windstream filed a voluntary petition under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. As of January 26, 2019, the Company had outstanding receivables and contract assets in aggregate of approximately $45.0 million. Against this amount, the Company has recorded a non-cash charge of $17.2 million reflecting its current evaluation of recoverability of these receivables and contract assets as of January 26, 2019.

8. Cash and Equivalents and Restricted Cash
Amounts of cash and equivalents and restricted cash reported in the consolidated statement of cash flows consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):
 January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018
Cash and equivalents$128,342
 $84,029
Restricted cash included in:   
Other current assets1,556
 900
Other assets (long-term)4,253
 5,253
Total cash and equivalents and restricted cash$134,151
 $90,182

9. Property and Equipment
 
Property and equipment consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):
Estimated Useful Lives (Years) July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016Estimated Useful Lives (Years) January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018
Land $3,470
 $3,475
 $4,359
 $3,470
Buildings10-35 12,073
 11,969
10-35 13,555
 12,315
Leasehold improvements1-10 13,912
 13,753
1-10 16,185
 14,202
Vehicles1-5 496,820
 404,273
1-5 589,741
 536,379
Computer hardware and software1-7 107,779
 95,570
1-7 140,327
 117,058
Office furniture and equipment1-10 12,226
 10,374
1-10 12,804
 11,686
Equipment and machinery1-10 288,993
 242,079
1-10 296,408
 273,712
Total 935,273
 781,493
 1,073,379
 968,822
Less: accumulated depreciation (513,166) (454,823) (648,628) (554,054)
Property and equipment, net $422,107
 $326,670
 $424,751
 $414,768

Depreciation expense and repairs and maintenance expense were as follows (dollars in thousands):
Fiscal Year EndedFiscal Year Ended Six Months Ended Fiscal Year Ended
2017 2016 2015January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018 July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016
Depreciation expense$123,125
 $105,514
 $79,331
$156,959
 $72,961
 $123,125
 $105,514
Repairs and maintenance expense$31,272
 $29,487
 $22,054
$36,109
 $16,438
 $31,272
 $29,487


7.10. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill

The Company’s goodwill balance was $321.7$325.7 million and $310.2$321.7 million as of July 29, 2017January 26, 2019 and July 30, 2016,January 27, 2018 respectively. Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for fiscal 2017 were as follows (dollars in thousands):
 Goodwill Accumulated Impairment Losses Total
Balance as of July 25, 2015$467,420
 $(195,767) $271,653
Purchase price allocation adjustments101
 
 101
Goodwill from fiscal 2016 acquisitions38,403
 
 38,403
Balance as of July 30, 2016505,924
 (195,767) 310,157
Goodwill from fiscal 2017 acquisition10,087
 
 10,087
Purchase price allocation adjustments from fiscal 2016 acquisitions1,504
 
 1,504
Balance as of July 29, 2017$517,515
 $(195,767) $321,748
 Goodwill Accumulated Impairment Losses Total
Balance as of July 29, 2017$517,515
 $(195,767) $321,748
Purchase price allocation adjustments from fiscal 2017 acquisition(5) 
 (5)
Balance as of January 27, 2018517,510
 (195,767) 321,743
Goodwill from fiscal 2019 acquisition4,097
 
 4,097
Purchase price allocation adjustments from fiscal 2019 acquisition(91) 
 (91)
Balance as of January 26, 2019$521,516
 $(195,767) $325,749

The Company’s goodwill associated with the stock purchase of Texstar is not deductible for tax purposes. Goodwill largelyresides in multiple reporting units and primarily consists of expected synergies, resulting from acquisitions, includingtogether with the expansion of the Company’s geographic presence and strengthening of its customer base.

The Company’s goodwill resides in multiple reporting units. Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are assessed annually for impairment, as of the first day of the fourth fiscal quarter of each year, or more frequently, if events occur that would indicate a potential reduction in the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. The profitability of individual reporting units may suffer periodically due to downturns in customer demand, increased costs of providing services, and the level of overall economic activity including, in particular, construction and housing activity. The Company’s customers may reduce capital expenditures and defer or cancel pending projects during timesdue to changes in technology, a slowing or uncertain economy, merger or acquisition activity, a decision to allocate resources to other areas of slowing economic conditions.their business, or other reasons. The profitability of reporting units may also suffer if actual costs of providing services exceed the costs established when the Company enters into contracts. Additionally, adverse conditions in the economy and future volatility in the equity and credit markets could impact the valuation of the Company’s reporting units. The cyclical nature of the Company’s business, the high level of competition existing within its industry, and the concentration of its revenues from a limited number of customers may also cause results to vary. These factors may affect individual reporting units disproportionately, relative to the Company as a whole. As a result, the performance of one or more of the reporting units could decline, resulting in an impairment of goodwill or intangible assets.

The Company evaluates current operating results, including any losses, in the assessment of goodwill and other intangible assets. The estimates and assumptions used in assessing the fair value of the reporting units and the valuation of the underlying assets and liabilities are inherently subject to significant uncertainties. Changes in judgments and estimates could result in significantly different estimates of the fair value of the reporting units and could result in impairments of goodwill or intangible assets of the reporting units. In addition, adverse changes to the key valuation assumptions contributing to the fair value of the Company’s reporting units could result in an impairment of goodwill or intangible assets.

The Company performedhas historically completed its annual goodwill impairment assessment as of the first day of the fourth fiscal quarter of each year. As a result of the change in the Company’s fiscal year end, the annual goodwill impairment assessment date was changed to the first day of the fiscal quarter ending on the last Saturday in January, as this became the first day of the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter. The change in the annual goodwill impairment assessment date is deemed a change in accounting principle, which the Company believes to be preferable as the change was made to better align the annual goodwill impairment test with the change in the Company’s annual planning and budgeting process related to the new fiscal year end. This change in accounting principle did not delay, accelerate or avoid a goodwill impairment charge and had no effect on the consolidated financial statements, including any cumulative effect on retained earnings. 

The Company performed its annual impairment assessment for fiscal 2019, the 2018 transition period, fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015fiscal 2016, and concluded that no impairment of goodwill or the indefinite-lived intangible asset was indicated at any reporting unit for any of the years.periods. In each of fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015,these periods, qualitative assessments were performed on reporting units that comprise a substantial portion of the Company’s consolidated goodwill balance. A qualitative assessment includes evaluating all identified events and circumstances that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of a reporting unit or indefinite-lived intangible asset for the purpose of determining whether it is more likely than not that these assets are impaired. The Company considers various factors while performing qualitative assessments, including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, financial performance of the reporting units, changes in market

capitalization, and any other specific reporting unit considerations. These qualitative assessments indicated that it was more likely than not that the fair value

exceeded carrying value for those reporting units. For the remaining reporting units, the Company performed the first step of the quantitative analysis described in ASC Topic 350 in each of fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015.these periods. When performing the quantitative analysis, the Company determines the fair value of its reporting units using a weighing of fair values derived in equal proportions from the income approach and market approach valuation methodologies. Under the income approach, the key valuation assumptions used in determining the fair value estimates of the Company’s reporting units for each annual test were: (a) a discount rate based on the Company’s best estimate of the weighted average cost of capital adjusted for certain risks for the reporting units; (b) terminal value based on the Company’s best estimate of terminal growth rates; and (c) seven expected years of cash flow before the terminal value.value based on the Company’s best estimate of the revenue growth rate and projected operating margin.

TheIn fiscal 2017, the Company also performed the first step of the quantitative analysis on its indefinite-lived intangible asset inasset. In fiscal 2017 while, in each of2019, the 2018 transition period, and fiscal 2016, and 2015, qualitative assessments were performed on the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible asset.

The table below outlines certain assumptions used in the Company’s quantitative impairment analyses for fiscal 2019, the 2018 transition period, fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015 annual quantitative impairment analyses:fiscal 2016:
Fiscal Year Ended Six Months Ended Fiscal Year Ended
2017 2016 2015January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018 July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016
Terminal Growth Rate2.0% - 3.0% 2.0% - 3.0% 1.5% - 2.5%2.5% - 3.0% 2.5% - 3.0% 2.0% - 3.0% 2.0% - 3.0%
Discount Rate11.0% 11.5% 11.5%11.0% 11.0% 11.0% 11.5%

The discount rate reflects risks inherent within each reporting unit operating individually. These risks are greater than the risks inherent in the Company as a whole. Determination of discount rates included consideration of market inputs such as the risk-free rate, equity risk premium, industry premium, and cost of debt, among other assumptions. The slightdiscount rate for fiscal 2019 was consistent with the 2018 transition period and fiscal 2017. The decrease in discount ratesrate for fiscal 2017 from fiscal 2016 iswas a result of reduced risk in industry conditions. The changes in these inputs for fiscal 2016 from fiscal 2015 had offsetting impacts and the discount rate remained at 11.5%. The Company believes the assumptions used in the impairment analysis each year are reflective of the risks inherent in the business models of its reporting units and within its industry. Under the market approach, the guideline company method develops valuation multiples by comparing the Company’s reporting units to similar publicly traded companies. Key valuation assumptions and valuation multiples used in determining the fair value estimates of the Company’s reporting units rely on: (a) the selection of similar companies; (b) obtaining estimates of forecast revenue and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization for the similar companies; and (c) selection of valuation multiples as they apply to the reporting unit characteristics.

The Company determined that the fair values of each of the reporting units and the indefinite-lived intangible asset were substantially in excess of their carrying values in the fiscal 2017 annual2019 assessment. Management determined that significant changes were not likely in the factors considered to estimate fair value, and analyzed the impact of such changes were they to occur. Specifically, if there was a 25% decrease in the fair value of any of the reporting units due to a decline in their discounted cash flows resulting from lower operating performance, the conclusion of the assessment would remain unchanged. Additionally, if the discount rate applied in the fiscal 20172019 impairment analysis had been 100 basis points higher than estimated for each of the reporting units, and all other assumptions were held constant, the conclusion of the assessment would remain unchanged and there would be no impairment of goodwill. Additionally, if there was a 25% decrease in the fair value of any of the reporting units due to a decline in their discounted cash flows resulting from lower operating performance, the conclusion of the assessment would remain unchanged for all reporting units except for two. For one of these reporting units with goodwill of $5.7 million, the excess of fair value above its carrying value was 18% of the fair value. For the other of these reporting units with goodwill of $10.1 million, the excess of fair value above its carrying value was 19% of the fair value. Additionally, a third reporting unit with goodwill of $13.2 million as of January 26, 2019 had a high concentration of its contract revenues from Windstream. This reporting unit’s fair value was substantially in excess of its carrying value as of the date of the fiscal 2019 impairment assessment. On February 25, 2019, Windstream filed a voluntary petition under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. The Company expects to continue to provide services to Windstream pursuant to existing contractual obligations but the amount of services performed in the future could be reduced or eliminated. Recent operating performance, along with assumptions for specific customer and industry opportunities, were considered in the key assumptions used during the fiscal 2019 impairment analysis. Management has determined the goodwill balance of these three reporting units may have an increased likelihood of impairment if a prolonged downturn in customer demand were to occur, or if the reporting units were not able to execute against customer opportunities, and the long-term outlook for their cash flows were adversely impacted. Furthermore, changes in the long-term outlook may result in a change to other valuation assumptions. Factors monitored by management which could result in a change to the reporting units’ estimates include the outcome of customer requests for proposals and subsequent awards, strategies of competitors, labor market conditions and levels of overall economic activity. As of July 29, 2017,January 26, 2019, the Company believes the goodwill and the indefinite-lived intangible asset are recoverable for all of the reporting units and that no impairment has

occurred. However, significant adverse changes in the projected revenues and cash flows of a reporting unit could result in an impairment of goodwill or the indefinite-lived intangible asset. There can be no assurances that goodwill or the indefinite-lived intangible asset may not be impaired in future periods.


Intangible Assets

The Company’s intangible assets consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):
 July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016
 Weighted Average Remaining Useful Lives (Years) Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Intangible Assets, Net Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Intangible Assets, Net
Customer relationships12.1 $299,717
 $124,084
 $175,633
 $289,955
 $101,012
 $188,943
Trade names7.7 10,350
 7,285
 3,065
 9,800
 6,034
 3,766
UtiliQuest trade name 4,700
 
 4,700
 4,700
 
 4,700
Non-compete agreements2.5 450
 287
 163
 685
 329
 356
Contract backlog 
 
 
 4,780
 4,666
 114
   $315,217
 $131,656
 $183,561
 $309,920
 $112,041
 $197,879
During fiscal 2017, certain intangible assets became fully amortized. As a result, the gross carrying amount and the associated accumulated amortization each decreased $5.2 million. This decrease had no effect on the net carrying value of intangible assets.
 January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018
 Weighted Average Remaining Useful Lives (Years) Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Intangible Assets, Net Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Intangible Assets, Net
Customer relationships11.1 $312,017
 $157,691
 $154,326
 $299,717
 $135,544
 $164,173
Trade names8.0 10,350
 8,312
 2,038
 10,350
 7,872
 2,478
UtiliQuest trade name 4,700
 
 4,700
 4,700
 
 4,700
Non-compete agreements1.5 200
 139
 61
 450
 332
 118
   $327,267
 $166,142
 $161,125
 $315,217
 $143,748
 $171,469

Amortization of the Company’s customer relationship intangibles and contract backlog intangibles is recognized on an accelerated basis as a function of the expected economic benefit. Amortization for the Company’s other finite-lived intangibles is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life. Amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets was $22.6 million, $12.1 million, $24.8 million, $19.4 million, and $16.7$19.4 million for fiscal 2019, the 2018 transition period, fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015,fiscal 2016, respectively.

As of July 29, 2017,January 26, 2019, total amortization expense for existing finite-lived intangible assets for each of the next five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter is as follows (dollars in thousands):
 Amount Amount
2018 $23,113
2019 20,757
2020 19,847
 $21,180
2021 18,452
 20,663
2022 14,899
 17,490
2023 15,334
2024 13,903
Thereafter 81,793
 67,855
Total $178,861
 $156,425

As of July 29, 2017,January 26, 2019, the Company believes that the carrying amounts of its intangible assets are recoverable. However, if adverse events were to occur or circumstances were to change indicating that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable, the assets would be reviewed for impairment and the assets could be impaired.

8.11. Accrued Insurance Claims
 
For claims within its insurance program, the Company retains the risk of loss, up to certain limits, for matters related to automobile liability, general liability (including damages associated with underground facility locating services), workers’ compensation, and employee group health. With regard to losses occurring in fiscal 2017,2016 through fiscal 2019, the Company retains the risk of loss up to $1.0 million on a per occurrence basis for automobile liability, general liability, and workers’ compensation. These retention amounts are applicable to all of the states in which the Company operates, except with respect to workers’ compensation insurance in two states in which the Company participates in state-sponsored insurance funds. Aggregate stop-loss coverage for automobile liability, general liability, and workers’ compensation claims iswas $78.9 million for fiscal 2019, $67.1 million for the 2018 transition period, $103.7 million for fiscal 2017, and is $67.1$84.6 million for the twelve month policy period ending July 31, 2018.fiscal 2016.


The Company is party to a stop-loss agreement for losses under its employee group health plan. For calendar years 2017 and 2016 through 2019, the Company retains the risk of loss, on an annual basis, up to the first $400,000 of claims per participant, as well as

an annual aggregate amount. With regard to losses occurring in calendar year 2015, the Company retained the riskamount for all participants of loss up to the first $250,000 of claims per participant as well as an annual aggregate amount.

The liability$425,000. Amounts for total accrued insurance claims and related processing costs was $101.9 million and $89.7 millioninsurance recoveries/receivables are as of July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016, respectively, of which $62.0 million and $52.8 million, respectively, was long-term and reflectedfollows (dollars in non-current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. thousands):
 January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018
Accrued insurance claims - current$39,961
 $53,890
Accrued insurance claims - non-current68,315
 59,385
Total accrued insurance claims$108,276
 $113,275
    
Insurance recoveries/receivables:   
Current (included in Other current assets)$
 $13,701
Non-current (included in Other assets)13,684
 6,722
Total insurance recoveries/receivables$13,684
 $20,423

Insurance recoveries/receivables relatedrepresent the amount of accrued insurance claims that are covered by insurance as the amounts exceed the Company’s loss retention. During fiscal 2019, total insurance recoveries/receivables decreased approximately $6.7 million primarily due to accruedthe settlement of claims. Accrued insurance claims as of July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016 were $9.2 million and $5.7 million, respectively, which were included in non-current other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.decreased by a corresponding amount.

9.12. Other Accrued Liabilities
 
Other accrued liabilities consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):
July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018
Accrued payroll and related taxes$24,554
 $23,908
$25,591
 $23,010
Accrued employee benefit and incentive plan costs42,135
 40,943
25,482
 16,097
Accrued construction costs29,942
 41,123
36,449
 24,582
Other current liabilities16,972
 16,328
16,552
 15,968
Total other accrued liabilities$113,603
 $122,302
$104,074
 $79,657

10.13. Debt
 
The Company’s outstanding indebtedness consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):
July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018
Credit Agreement - Revolving facility (matures April 2020)$
 $
Credit Agreement - Term loan facilities (mature April 2020)367,688
 346,250
Credit Agreement - Revolving facility (matures October 2023)$
 $
Credit Agreement - Term loan facility (matures October 2023)450,000
 358,063
0.75% convertible senior notes, net (mature September 2021)392,233
 373,077
423,199
 402,249
759,921
 719,327
873,199
 760,312
Less: current portion(21,656) (13,125)(5,625) (26,469)
Long-term debt$738,265
 $706,202
$867,574
 $733,843

Senior Credit Agreement

TheOn October 19, 2018, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries are party to aamended and restated its existing credit agreement, with the various lenders named therein, dated as of December 3, 2012, (asas amended as of June 17, 2016, May 20, 2016,on April 24, 2015 and September 9, 2015), that matures on April 24, 2020 (asas subsequently amended theand supplemented (the “Credit Agreement”)., with the various lenders party thereto. The maturity date of the Credit Agreement was extended to October 19, 2023 and, among other things, the maximum revolver commitment was increased to $750.0 million from $450.0 million and the term loan facility was increased to $450.0 million. The Credit Agreement provides forincludes a $450.0$200.0 million revolving facility and $385.0 million in aggregate term loan facilities, including $35.0 million from an incremental term loan facility entered into during the second quarter of fiscal 2017. The additional term loan is subject to terms and conditions substantially similar to those applicable to the existing term loan facilities. The proceeds were used for general corporate purposes. The credit agreement also contains a sublimit of $200.0 million for the issuance of letters of credit.

Subject to certain conditions, the Credit Agreement provides the Company with the ability to enter into one or more incremental facilities either by increasing the revolving commitments under the Credit Agreement and/or in the form of term

loans, up to the greater of (i) $150.0$350.0 million and (ii) an amount such that, after giving effect to such incremental facilities on a pro forma basis (assuming that the amount of the incremental commitments are fully drawn and funded), the consolidated senior secured net leverage ratio does not exceed 2.25 to 1.00. The consolidated senior secured net leverage ratio is the ratio of the Company’s consolidated senior secured indebtedness reduced by unrestricted cash and equivalents in excess of $50.0 million to its trailing twelve month consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, (“EBITDA”), as defined by the Credit Agreement. PaymentsAgreement (“EBITDA”). Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by substantially all of the Company’s subsidiaries and secured by the equity interests of the substantial majority of the Company’s subsidiaries.


Borrowings underUnder the Credit Agreement, borrowings bear interest at the rates described below based upon the Company’s consolidated net leverage ratio, which is the ratio of the Company’s consolidated total funded debt reduced by unrestricted cash and equivalents in excess of $50.0 million to its trailing twelve month consolidated EBITDA, as defined by the Credit Agreement. In addition, the Company incurs certain fees for unused balances and letters of credit at the rates described below, also based upon the Company’s consolidated net leverage ratio:ratio.
Borrowings - Eurodollar Rate Loans1.25% - 2.00% plus LIBOR
Borrowings - Base Rate Loans
0.25% - 1.00% plus administrative agent’s base rate(1)
Unused Revolver Commitment0.25%0.20% - 0.40%
Standby Letters of Credit1.25% - 2.00%
Commercial Letters of Credit0.625% - 1.00%

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

Standby letters of credit of approximately $48.7 million and $57.6$48.6 million, issued as part of the Company’s insurance program, were outstanding under the Credit Agreement as of July 29, 2017both January 26, 2019 and July 30, 2016, respectively.January 27, 2018.

The weighted average interest rates and fees for balances under the Credit Agreement as of July 29, 2017January 26, 2019 and July 30, 2016January 27, 2018 were as follows:
Weighted Average Rate End of PeriodWeighted Average Rate End of Period
July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018
Borrowings - Term loan facilities2.98% 2.49%4.25% 3.30%
Borrowings - Revolving facility(1)
—% —%—% —%
Standby Letters of Credit1.75% 2.00%1.75% 1.75%
Unused Revolver0.35% 0.40%
Unused Revolver Commitment0.35% 0.35%

(1) There were no outstanding borrowings under the revolving facility as of July 29, 2017January 26, 2019 or July 30, 2016.January 27, 2018.

The Credit Agreement contains a financial covenant that requires the Company to maintain a consolidated net leverage ratio of not greater than 3.50 to 1.00, as measured at the end of each fiscal quarter. Itquarter, and provides for certain increases to this ratio in connection with permitted acquisitions on the terms and conditions specified in the Credit Agreement. In addition, the Credit Agreementacquisitions. The agreement also contains a financial covenant that requires the Company to maintain a consolidated interest coverage ratio, which is the ratio of the Company’s trailing twelve month consolidated EBITDA to its consolidated interest expense, each as defined by the Credit Agreement, of not less than 3.00 to 1.00, as measured at the end of each fiscal quarter. In addition, the Credit Agreement contains a minimum liquidity covenant. This covenant becomes effective beginning 91 days prior to the maturity date of the Company’s 0.75% convertible senior notes due September 2021 (the “Notes”) if the outstanding principal amount of the Notes is greater than $250.0 million. In such event, the Company would be required to maintain liquidity, as defined by the Credit Agreement, equal to $150.0 million in excess of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes. This covenant terminates at the earliest date of when the outstanding principal amount of the Notes is reduced to $250.0 million or less, the Notes are amended pursuant to terms that extend the maturity date to 91 or more days beyond the maturity date of the Credit Agreement, or the Notes are refinanced pursuant to terms that extend the maturity date to 91 or more days beyond the maturity date of the Credit Agreement. At July 29, 2017January 26, 2019 and July 30, 2016,January 27, 2018, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants of the Credit Agreement and had additional borrowing availability inunder the revolving facility of $401.3$412.9 million and $392.4$401.4 million, respectively, as determined by the most restrictive covenant.


0.75% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2021

On September 15, 2015, the Company issued $485.0 million principal amount of 0.75% convertible senior notes due September 2021 (the “Notes”) in a private placement. The Company received net proceedsplacement in the principal amount of approximately $471.7 million after deducting the initial purchasers’ discount of approximately $13.3$485.0 million. The Company used approximately $60.0 million of the net proceeds to repurchase 805,000 shares of its common stock from the initial purchasers of the Notes in privately negotiated transactions. In addition, the Company used approximately $296.6 million of the net proceeds to fund the redemption of all of its 7.125% senior subordinated notes due 2021 and approximately $41.1 million for the net cost of convertible note hedge transactions and warrant transactions as further described below. The remainder of the proceeds of approximately $73.9 million was used for general corporate purposes.

The Notes, governed by the terms of an indenture between the Company and a bank trustee are unsecured obligations and do not contain any financial covenants or restrictions on the payments of dividends, the incurrence of indebtedness or the issuance or repurchase of securities by the Company. The Notes bear interest at a rate of 0.75% per year, payable in cash semiannually in March and September, and will mature on September 15, 2021, unless earlier purchased by the Company or converted. In the event the Company fails to perform certain obligations under the indenture, the Notes will accrue additional

interest. Certain events are considered “events of default” under the Notes, which may result in the acceleration of the maturity of the Notes, as described in the indenture.

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

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

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, the closing price of the Company’s common stock did not meet or exceed 130% of the applicable conversion price of the Notes for at least 20 of the last 30 consecutive trading dates of the quarter. Additionally, no other conditions allowing holders of the Notes to convert have been met as of January 26, 2019. As a result, the Notes were not convertible during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 and are classified as long-term debt.

In accordance with ASC Topic 470, Debt (“ASC Topic 470”), certain convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion are required to be separately accounted for as separate liability and equity components. The carrying amount of the liability component is calculated by measuring the fair value of a similar instrument that does not have an associated convertible feature using an indicative market interest rate (“Comparable Yield”) as of the date of issuance. The difference between the principal amount of the notes and the carrying amount represents a debt discount. The debt discount is amortized to interest expense using the Comparable Yield (5.5% with respect to the Notes) using the effective interest rate method over the term of the notes.Notes. The Company incurred $19.1 million, $9.2 million, $17.6 million, and $14.7 million of interest expense during fiscal 2019, the 2018 transition period, fiscal 2017, and fiscal 2016, respectively, for the non-cash amortization of the debt discount. The liability component of the Notes consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):
 July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016
Liability component   
Principal amount of 0.75% convertible senior notes due September 2021$485,000
 $485,000
Less: Debt discount(84,069) (101,679)
Less: Debt issuance costs(1)
(8,698) (10,244)
Net carrying amount of Notes$392,233
 $373,077

(1) Original issuance costs of approximately $15.1 million related to the Notes included the initial purchasers’ discount of approximately $13.3 million and approximately $1.8 million paid to third parties. Approximately $11.5 million of issuance costs of the Notes was allocated to the liability component and recorded as a contra-liability, presented net against the carrying amount for the Notes on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet, of which $8.7 million and $10.2 million remained unamortized as of July 29,��2017 and July 30, 2016, respectively. Debt issuance costs attributable to the liability component are amortized to interest expense on the effective interest rate method over the term of the Notes.
 January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018
Liability component   
Principal amount of 0.75% convertible senior notes due September 2021$485,000
 $485,000
Less: Debt discount(55,795) (74,899)
Less: Debt issuance costs(6,006) (7,852)
Net carrying amount of Notes$423,199
 $402,249

The equity component of the Notes was recognized at issuance and represents the difference between the principal amount of the Notes and the debt discount.fair value of the liability component of the Notes at issuance. The equity component approximated $112.6 million at the time of issuance and its fair value is not remeasured as long as it continues to meet the conditions for equity classification. Approximately $3.6 million of issuance costs paid to the initial purchasers of the Notes and third parties was allocated to the equity component and recorded net against the equity component in stockholders’ equity on the consolidated balance sheets.

The Company determined thatfollowing table summarizes the fair value of the Notes, as of July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016 was approximately $474.5 million and $458.7 million, respectively, based on quoted market prices (Level 2), compared to a net carrying amount of $392.2 million and $373.1 million, respectively. The fair value and net carrying amounts as of July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016 are both reflected net of the debt discount of $84.1 million and $101.7 million, respectively, and debt issuance costscosts. The fair value of $8.7 millionthe Notes is based on the closing trading price per $100 of the Notes as of the last day of trading for the respective periods (Level 2), which was $96.31 and $10.2 million, respectively.$136.01 as of January 26, 2019 and January 27, 2018, respectively (dollars in thousands):
 January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018
Fair value of principal amount of Notes$467,104
 $659,649
Less: Debt discount and debt issuance costs(61,801) (82,751)
Fair value of Notes$405,303
 $576,898

Convertible Note Hedge and Warrant Transactions

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

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

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

The Company recorded an initial deferred tax liability of $43.4 million in connection with the debt discount associated with the Notes and recorded an initial deferred tax asset of $43.2 million in connection with the convertible note hedge transactions. Both the deferred tax liability and deferred tax asset are included in non-current deferred tax liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. See Note 14, Income Taxes, for additional information regarding the Company’s deferred tax liabilities and assets.

7.125% Senior Subordinated Notes - Loss on Debt Extinguishment

As of July 25, 2015, Dycom Investments, Inc. (the “Issuer”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, had outstanding an aggregate principal amount of $277.5 million of 7.125% senior subordinated notes due 2021 (the “7.125% Notes”). The outstanding 7.125% Notes were redeemed on October 15, 2015 (the “Redemption Date”) with a portion of the proceeds from the Notes offering described above. The aggregate amount paid in connection with the redemption was $296.6 million and was comprised of the $277.5 million principal amount of the outstanding 7.125% Notes, $4.9 million for accrued and unpaid interest to the Redemption Date, and approximately $14.2 million for the applicable call premium as defined in the indenture governing the 7.125% Notes. The call premium amount consisted of: (a) the present value as defined under the indenture of the sum of (i) approximately $4.9 million representing interest for the period from the Redemption Date through January 15, 2016, and (ii) the redemption price of 103.563% (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount) of the 7.125% Notes at January 15, 2016, minus (b) the principal amount of the 7.125% Notes.

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


11.14. Income Taxes

The components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes were as follows (dollars in thousands):
Fiscal Year EndedFiscal Year Ended Six Months Ended Fiscal Year Ended
2017 2016 2015January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018 July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016
Current:            
Federal$62,455
 $42,096
 $42,516
$9,507
 $(4,384) $62,455
 $42,096
Foreign176
 310
 502
2,204
 598
 176
 310
State12,344
 8,399
 6,998
4,897
 1,166
 12,344
 8,399
74,975
 50,805
 50,016
16,608
 (2,620) 74,975
 50,805
Deferred:            
Federal17,051
 26,467
 305
8,706
 (21,332) 17,051
 26,467
Foreign(35) (296) 268
(446) (37) (35) (296)
State1,217
 611
 671
263
 1,704
 1,217
 611
18,233
 26,782
 1,244
8,523
 (19,665) 18,233
 26,782
Total Tax Provision$93,208
 $77,587
 $51,260
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes$25,131
 $(22,285) $93,208
 $77,587

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“Tax Reform”) was enacted in December 2017 and includes significant changes to U.S. income tax law. Tax Reform, among other things, reduced the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent.

The Company’s effective income tax rate differs from the statutory rate for the tax jurisdictions where it operates primarily as the result of the impact of non-deductible and non-taxable items, tax credits recognized in relation to pre-tax results, certain tax impacts from the vesting and exercise of share-based awards, and impacts from Tax Reform. The Company iswas subject to a blended statutory tax rate of approximately 33% for the six months ended January 27, 2018 resulting from Tax Reform taking effect for a portion of the period based on the Company’s fiscal year end. A reconciliation of the amount computed by applying the Company’s statutory income tax rate to pre-tax income to the total tax provision is as follows (dollars in thousands):
 Fiscal Year Ended Six Months Ended Fiscal Year Ended
 January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018 July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016
Statutory rate applied to pre-tax income$18,488
 $15,334
 $87,649
 $72,214
State taxes, net of federal tax benefit4,004
 1,406
 9,868
 7,398
Tax Reform and related effects
 (32,249) 
 
Federal benefit of vesting and exercise of share-based awards(200) (7,067) 
 
Non-deductible and non-taxable items, net2,433
 1,585
 (4,686) (2,013)
Change in accruals for uncertain tax positions464
 250
 632
 113
Tax credits(1,835) (1,596) 
 
Change in valuation allowance291
 
 
 
Effect of rates other than statutory1,537
 557
 6
 118
Other items, net(51) (505) (261) (243)
Total provision (benefit) for income taxes$25,131
 $(22,285) $93,208
 $77,587

During the six months ended January 27, 2018, the Company recognized an income tax benefit of approximately $32.2 million primarily resulting from the re-measurement of the Company’s net deferred tax liabilities to reflect the reduced rate under Tax Reform. Additionally, the Company recognized an income tax benefit (including federal income taxes inand state tax benefits) of approximately $7.8 million during the United Statessix months ended January 27, 2018 for certain tax effects of the vesting and the income taxesexercise of multiple state jurisdictions and in Canada. Amounts of pre-tax earnings related to Canadian operations forshare-based awards.


During fiscal 2017 and 2016, non-taxable and 2015 were not material. With few exceptions,non-deductible items consisted of a production related tax deduction of $6.0 million and $4.5 million, respectively, offset by $1.3 million and $2.5 million of non-deductible items, respectively. There was no production related tax deduction for the Companysix months ended January 27, 2018. Additionally, beginning in fiscal 2019, the production related tax deduction is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or Canadian income tax examinations for fiscal years ended 2012 and prior. permitted as a result of changes from Tax Reform.

During fiscal 2017 and 2016, the Company was notified by the Internal Revenue Service that its federal income tax return for fiscal 2014 was selected for examination. The Company believes its provision for income taxes is adequate; however, any assessment would affect the Company’s resultscredits of operations and cash flows. Income taxes receivable totaled $7.5$1.0 million and $1.4$0.7 million, as of July 29, 2017respectively, were presented within Non-deductible and July 30, 2016, respectively. Income taxes receivable is included in current assetsnon-taxable items, net in the consolidated balance sheets as of July 30, 2016.table above.

Deferred Income taxes payable totaled $1.1 million and $15.3 million as of July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016, respectively.Taxes

The deferred tax provision represents the change in the deferred tax assets and the liabilities representing the tax consequences of changes in the amount of temporary differences and changes in tax rates during the year. The significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):
July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018
Deferred tax assets:      
Insurance and other reserves$36,955
 $33,847
$22,885
 $22,368
Allowance for doubtful accounts and reserves1,975
 1,013
5,323
 1,081
Net operating loss carryforwards765
 1,151
5,515
 822
Stock-based compensation8,022
 6,424
3,324
 3,405
Other1,750
 1,363
3,764
 1,174
Total deferred tax assets49,467
 43,798
40,811
 28,850
Valuation allowance(122) (358)(418) (148)
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance$49,345
 $43,440
$40,393
 $28,702
Deferred tax liabilities:      
Property and equipment$87,581
 $63,926
$77,490
 $59,933
Goodwill and intangibles38,125
 32,632
27,780
 25,852
Other741
 736
1,086
 345
Deferred tax liabilities$126,447
 $97,294
$106,356
 $86,130
      
Net deferred tax liabilities$77,102
 $53,854
$65,963
 $57,428

The Company’s net deferred tax liabilities as of January 27, 2018 were remeasured to reflect the reduced rate under Tax Reform that will apply in future periods when such assets and liabilities are expected to be settled or realized.

The valuation allowance above reduces the deferred tax asset balances to the amount that the Company has determined is more likely than not to be realized. The valuation allowance primarily relates to immaterial state net operating loss carryforwards and an immaterial foreign tax credit carryforward, which generally begin to expire in fiscal 2022.

The difference between the total tax provision2023 and the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rates to pre-tax income is as follows (dollars in thousands):
 Fiscal Year Ended
 2017 2016 2015
Statutory rate applied to pre-tax income$87,649
 $72,214
 $47,454
State taxes, net of federal tax benefit9,868
 7,398
 5,159
Non-taxable and non-deductible items, net(4,686) (2,013) (1,220)
Change in accruals for uncertain tax positions632
 113
 (74)
Other items, net(255) (125) (59)
Total tax provision$93,208
 $77,587
 $51,260

Non-taxable and non-deductible items during fiscal 2017 and 2016 consisted of a production related tax deduction of $6.0 million and $4.5 million, respectively, offset by $1.3 million and $2.5 million of non-deductible items,2022, respectively.

The Company’s effective income tax rate differs from the statutory rate for the tax jurisdictions where it operates primarily as the result of the impact of non-deductible and non-taxable items and tax credits recognized in relation to pre-tax results. The application of ASU 2016-09 may result in greater volatility in the effective tax rate in future periods due to the timing of recognition of certain tax benefits from share-based award activities. ASU 2016-09 will be effective for the Company beginning with the fiscal quarter ending October 28, 2017. See Note 1, Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies, for information on the expected impacts of ASU 2016-09.Uncertain Tax Positions

As of July 29, 2017January 26, 2019 and July 30, 2016,January 27, 2018, the Company had total unrecognized tax benefits of $3.1$3.8 million and $2.4$3.3 million, respectively, resulting from uncertain tax positions. The Company’s effective tax rate will be reduced during future periods if it is determined these unrecognized tax benefits are realizable. The Company had approximately $1.2$1.4 million and $1.0$1.2 million accrued for the payment of interest and penalties as of July 29, 2017January 26, 2019 and July 30, 2016,January 27, 2018, respectively. Interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits for the Company forwas not material during fiscal 2019, the 2018 transition period, or fiscal 2017, and 2016 was not material.or fiscal 2016.


A summary of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (dollars in thousands):
Fiscal Year EndedFiscal Year Ended Six Months Ended Fiscal Year Ended
2017 2016 2015January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018 July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016
Balance at beginning of year$2,440
 $2,327
 $2,401
$3,322
 $3,072
 $2,440
 $2,327
Additions based on tax positions related to the fiscal year441
 161
 44
444
 283
 441
 161
Additions (reductions) based on tax positions related to prior years229
 86
 (98)77
 (33) 229
 86
Reductions related to the expiration of statutes of limitation(38) (134) (20)(57) 
 (38) (134)
Balance at end of year$3,072
 $2,440
 $2,327
$3,786
 $3,322
 $3,072
 $2,440

12.15. Other Income, Net

The components of other income, net, were as follows (dollars in thousands):
Fiscal Year EndedFiscal Year Ended Six Months Ended Fiscal Year Ended
2017 2016 2015January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018 July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016
Gain on sale of fixed assets$14,866
 $9,806
 $7,110
$19,390
 $7,217
 $14,866
 $9,806
Miscellaneous (expense) income, net(2,086) 627
 1,181
Miscellaneous expense, net(3,392) (992) (2,086) 627
Write-off of deferred financing costs(156) 
 
 ��
Total other income, net$12,780
 $10,433
 $8,291
$15,842
 $6,225
 $12,780
 $10,433


OtherFor one customer, the Company has participated in a customer-sponsored vendor payment program since fiscal 2016. All eligible accounts receivable from this customer are included in the program and payment is received pursuant to a non-recourse sale to a bank partner of the customer. This program effectively reduces the time to collect these receivables as compared to that customer’s standard payment terms. The Company incurs a discount fee to the bank on the payments received that is reflected as an expense component in other income, net, in the consolidated statements of operations. During fiscal 2019, the 2018 transition period, fiscal 2017, and fiscal 2016, miscellaneous expense, net includes approximately $4.1 million, $1.4 million, $3.2 million, and $0.2 million, respectively, of discount fee expense incurred during fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively, associatedin connection with the collectionnon-recourse sale of accounts receivable under a customer-sponsored vendor paymentthis program. The operation of this program in whichhas not changed since the Company began participatingparticipating.

The Company recognized $0.2 million in write-off of deferred financing costs during fiscal 2016.2019 in connection with an amendment to the Credit Agreement.

13.16. Employee Benefit Plans

The Company sponsors a defined contribution plan that provides retirement benefits to eligible employees who elect to participate (the “Dycom Plan”). Under the plan, participating employees may defer up to 75% of their base pre-tax eligible compensation up to the IRS limits. The Company contributes 30% of the first 5% of base eligible compensation that a participant contributes to the plan and may make discretionary matching contributions from time to time. The Company’s contributions were $3.5 million, $1.7 million, $5.0 million, $4.8 million, and $4.0$4.8 million related to fiscal 2019, the 2018 transition period fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015 periods,fiscal 2016, respectively.

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


assets contributed to the multiemployer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers;

if a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be allocated to the remaining participating employers; and

if the Company stops participating in the multiemployer plan, the Company may be required to pay the plan an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan. This payment is referred to as a withdrawal liability.

The information available to the Company about the multiemployer plans in which it participates is generally dated due to the nature of the reporting cycle of multiemployer plans and legal requirements under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) as amended by the Multiemployer Pension Plan Amendments Act (“MPPAA”). Based upon the most recently available annual reports, the Company’s contribution to each of the plans was less than 5% of each plans’plan’s total contributions. The Pension, Hospitalization and Benefit Plan of the Electrical Industry – Pension Trust Fund (“the Plan”) was considered individually significant and is presented separately below. All other plans are presented in the aggregate in the following table (dollars in thousands):
   Company Contributions Expiration Date of CBA
 
PPA Zone Status(1)
 Company Contributions Expiration Date of CBA 
PPA Zone Status(1)
 
FIP/ RP Status(2)
 Fiscal Year Ended Six Months Ended Fiscal Year Ended Surcharge Imposed 
Fund EIN 2016 2015 
FIP/RP Status(2)
 2017 2016 2015 Surcharge Imposed  2017 2016 2019 2018 2017 2016 
The Plan 13-6123601 Green Green No $
 $3,057
 $3,852
 No 5/5/2016
The Plan (EIN 13-6123601) Green Green No $
 $
 $
 $3,057
 No 5/5/2016
Other Plans 384
 622
 934
 Various 726
 319
 384
 622
 Various
Total Contributions $384
 $3,679
 $4,786
 
Total $726
 $319
 $384
 $3,679
 

(1) The most recent Pension Protection Act (the “PPA”) zone status was provided by the Plan for Plan years ending September 30, 20162017 and September 30, 2015,2016, respectively. The zone status is based on information provided by the Plan and is certified by the Plan’s actuary. Generally, plans in the red zone are less than 65% funded, plans in the yellow zone are between 65% and 80% funded, and plans in the green zone are at least 80% funded.

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

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, one of the Company’s subsidiaries, which previously contributed to the Plan, ceased operations. In October 2016, the Plan demanded payment for a claimed withdrawal liability of approximately $13.0 million. In December 2016, the Company submitted a formal request to the Plan seeking review of the Plan’s withdrawal liability determination. The Company is disputing the claim of a withdrawal liability demanded by the Plan as it believes there is a statutory exemption available under ERISA for multiemployer pension plans that primarily cover employees in the building and construction industry. The Plan has taken the position that the work at issue does not qualify for the statutory exemption. The Company has submitted this dispute to arbitration, as required by ERISA, with a hearing expected sometime in 2018.during the first half of calendar 2019. As required by ERISA, in November 2016, the subsidiary began making monthly payments of a withdrawal liability to the Plan in

the amount of approximately $0.1 million.$0.1 million. If the Company prevails in disputing the withdrawal liability, all such payments will be refunded to the Company.


14.17. Capital Stock

Repurchases of Common Stock. The Company madedid not repurchase any of its common stock during fiscal 2019. The following table summarizes the followingCompany’s share repurchases during fiscal 2016, fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015:the 2018 transition period (all shares repurchased have been canceled):
Period Number of Shares Repurchased 
Total Consideration
(In thousands)
 Average Price Per Share
Fiscal 2015 1,669,924
 $87,146
 $52.19
Fiscal 2016 2,511,578
 $169,997
 $67.69
Fiscal 2017 713,006
 $62,909
 $88.23

Fiscal 2015. The Company repurchased 1,669,924 shares of its common stock, at an average price of $52.19 per share, for $87.1 million during fiscal 2015.
Period Number of Shares Repurchased 
Total Consideration
(In thousands)
 Average Price Per Share
Fiscal 2016 2,511,578
 $169,997
 $67.69
Fiscal 2017 713,006
 $62,909
 $88.23
2018 Transition Period 200,000
 $16,875
 $84.38

Fiscal 2016. In connection with the Notes offering in September 2015, the Company used approximately $60.0 million of the net proceeds from the Notes to repurchase 805,000 shares of its common stock from the initial purchasers of the Notes in privately negotiated transactions at a price of $74.53 per share, the closing price of Dycom’s common stock on September 9, 2015. The additional $110.0 million paid during fiscal 2016 was for shares repurchased under the Company’s authorized share repurchase programs.program.

Fiscal 2017. As of the beginning of fiscal 2017, the Company had $100.0 million available for share repurchases through October 2017 under the Company’s April 26, 2016 repurchase authorization. During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company repurchased 313,006 shares of its common stock, at an average price of $79.87, for $25.0 million. During the third quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors extended the term of the $75.0 million remaining available under the April 26, 2016 authorization through August 2018. In connection with the extension of this authorization, the Company’s Board of Directors also authorized an additional $75.0 million to repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock through August 2018 in open market or private transactions. The Company repurchased 400,000 shares of its common stock, at an average price of $94.77 per share, for $37.9 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2017.

2018 Transition Period. The Company repurchased 200,000 shares of its common stock, at an average price of $84.38 per share, for $16.9 million during the 2018 transition period. As of July 29, 2017, $112.1January 27, 2018, $95.2 million remained available for repurchases.repurchases through August 2018.

AllFiscal 2019. On August 29, 2018, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized a new $150.0 million program to repurchase shares repurchased have been canceled. Upon cancellation,of the excess over par value is recorded as a reductionCompany’s outstanding common stock through February 2020 in open market or private transactions. The repurchase authorization replaced the Company’s previous repurchase authorization which expired in August 2018. At expiration, approximately $95.2 million of additional paid-in capital until the balance is reduced to zero, withprevious authorization remained outstanding. The Company did not repurchase any additional excess recorded as a reduction of retained earnings. Duringits common stock during fiscal 2017 and 2016, $42.82019. As of January 26, 2019, $150.0 million and $17.1 million, respectively, was charged to retained earnings related toremained available for repurchases through February 2020 under the Company’s share repurchases during the respective fiscal year.repurchase program.

Restricted Stock Tax Withholdings. During fiscal 2019, the 2018 transition period, fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015,fiscal 2016, the Company withheld 73,300 shares, 117,426 shares, 134,736 shares, 161,988 shares, and 145,395161,988 shares, respectively, totaling $10.8$4.7 million, $12.6 million, $10.8 million, and $4.7$12.6 million, respectively, to meet payroll tax withholdings obligations arising from the vesting of restricted share units. All shares withheld have been canceled. Shares of common stock withheld for tax withholdings do not reduce the Company’s total share repurchase authority.

Upon cancellation of shares repurchased or withheld for tax withholdings, the excess over par value is recorded as a reduction of additional paid-in capital until the balance is reduced to zero, with any additional excess recorded as a reduction of retained earnings. During the 2018 transition period, fiscal 2017, and fiscal 2016, $11.5 million, $42.8 million, and $17.1 million, respectively, was charged to retained earnings related to shares canceled during the respective fiscal year.
 
15.18. Stock-Based Awards

The Company has outstanding stock-based awards under its 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan, 2007 Non-Employee Directors Equity Plan, 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan, and 2017 Non-Employee Directors Equity Plan (collectively, the “Plans”). No further awards will be granted under the 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan or 2007 Non-Employee Directors Equity Plan. As of January 26, 2019, the total number of shares available for grant under the Plans was 1,201,611.

Stock-based compensation expense and the related tax benefit recognized and realized during fiscal 2019, the 2018 transition period, fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015fiscal 2016 were as follows (dollars in thousands):
 Fiscal Year Ended
 2017 2016 2015
Stock-based compensation$20,805
 $16,850
 $13,923
Related tax benefit for stock-based compensation$7,996
 $6,436
 $5,458
Cash tax benefit realized from option exercises and stock vestings$14,487
 $18,097
 $13,976
 Fiscal Year Ended Six Months Ended Fiscal Year Ended
 January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018 July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016
Stock-based compensation$20,187
 $13,277
 $20,805
 $16,850
Recognized tax benefit of stock-based compensation$5,043
 $4,793
 $7,996
 $6,436
In addition, the Company realized approximately $0.2 million, $7.8 million, $8.4 million, and $13.0 million of excess tax benefits, net of tax deficiencies, during fiscal 2019, the 2018 transition period, fiscal 2017, and fiscal 2016, respectively, related to the vesting and exercise of share-based awards. Excess tax benefits, net of tax deficiencies, represent cash flows realized from tax deductions in excess of the recognized tax benefit of stock-based compensation.

As of July 29, 2017,January 26, 2019, the Company had unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options, time-based restricted share units (“RSUs”),RSUs, and target Performance RSUs (based on the Company’s estimateexpected achievement of performance goal achievement)measures) of $2.8$2.5 million, $8.5$9.0 million, and $18.5$16.7 million, respectively. This expense will be recognized over a weighted-average number of years of 2.6, 2.6,2.2, 2.4, and 2.0,1.0, respectively, based on the average remaining service periods for the awards. As of July 29, 2017,January 26, 2019, the

Company may recognize an additional $6.7$10.3 million in compensation expense in future periods if the maximum amount of Performance RSUs is earned based on certain performance measures being met.

The following table summarizes the valuation of stock options and restricted share units granted during fiscal 2019, the 2018 transition period, fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015fiscal 2016 and the significant valuation assumptions:
Fiscal Year EndedFiscal Year Ended Six Months Ended Fiscal Year Ended
2017 2016 2015January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018 July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016
Weighted average fair value of RSUs granted$79.04
 $72.41
 $31.42
$97.90
 $87.34
 $79.04
 $72.41
Weighted average fair value of Performance RSUs granted$79.29
 $77.86
 $31.03
$106.19
 $84.13
 $79.29
 $77.86
Weighted average fair value of stock options granted$78.46
 $78.20
 $19.48
$48.19
 $42.60
 $39.90
 $45.13
Stock option assumptions:            
Risk-free interest rate2.3% 2.0% 2.1%2.7% 2.3% 2.3% 2.0%
Expected life (in years)7.6
 7.3
 8.8
6.3
 7.6
 7.6
 7.3
Expected volatility44.7% 55.0% 54.5%43.3% 43.4% 44.7% 55.0%
Expected dividends
 
 

 
 
 


Stock Options

The following table summarizes stock option award activity during fiscal 2017:2019:
Stock OptionsStock Options
Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life
(In years)
 Aggregate Intrinsic Value
(In thousands)
Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life
(In years)
 Aggregate Intrinsic Value
(In thousands)
Outstanding as of July 30, 2016737,267
 $20.99
  
Outstanding as of January 27, 2018636,730
 $27.93
  
Granted36,914
 $78.46
  28,796
 $106.19
  
Options exercised(102,831) $14.09
  (82,235) $10.59
  
Canceled(1,000) $6.83
  
 $
  
Outstanding as of July 29, 2017670,350
 $25.24
 4.9 $43,614
Outstanding as of January 26, 2019583,291
 $34.24
 4.4 $17,785
          
Exercisable options as of July 29, 2017539,378
 $18.34
 4.2 $38,812
Exercisable options as of January 26, 2019512,871
 $26.43
 3.9 $17,785

The total amount of exercisable options as of July 29, 2017January 26, 2019 presented above reflects the approximate amount of options expected to vest after giving effect to estimated forfeitures at an insignificant rate.vest. The aggregate intrinsic values presented above represent the total pre-tax intrinsic values (the difference between the Company’s closing stock price of $90.30$59.18 on the last trading day of fiscal 20172019 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on the last trading day of fiscal 2017.2019. The amount of aggregate intrinsic value will change based on the price of the Company’s common stock. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $5.7 million, $4.5 million, $7.8 million, $15.0 million, and $24.9$15.0 million for fiscal 2019, the 2018 transition period, fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015,fiscal 2016, respectively. The Company received cash from the exercise of stock options of $0.9 million, $0.7 million, $1.4 million, $2.7 million, and $8.9$2.7 million during fiscal 2019, the 2018 transition period, fiscal 2017, and fiscal 2016, and 2015, respectively.


RSUs and Performance RSUs

The following table summarizes RSU and Performance RSU award activity during fiscal 2017:2019:
Restricted StockRestricted Stock
RSUs Performance RSUsRSUs Performance RSUs
Share Units Weighted Average Grant Price Share Units Weighted Average Grant PriceShare Units Weighted Average Grant Price Share Units Weighted Average Grant Price
Outstanding as of July 30, 2016251,264
 $42.56
 625,971
 $47.66
Outstanding as of January 27, 2018133,896
 $71.81
 390,327
 $80.52
Granted66,382
 $79.04
 274,282
 $79.29
62,477
 $97.90
 218,628
 $106.19
Share units vested(126,186) $34.65
 (287,593) $40.53
(63,230) $65.49
 (173,139) $79.84
Forfeited or canceled(3,995) $46.87
 (58,778) $43.52
(6,673) $70.56
 (58,462) $75.34
Outstanding as of July 29, 2017187,465
 $60.71
 553,882
 $67.46
Outstanding as of January 26, 2019126,470
 $87.92
 377,354
 $96.51

The total amount of granted Performance RSUs presented above consists of 198,140158,841 target shares and 76,14259,787 supplemental shares. During fiscal 2017,2019, the Company canceled 49,79724,689 supplemental shares of Performance RSUs, outstanding as of July 30, 2016, as a result of the fiscal 2016 performance criteria for attaining those supplemental shares not being partially met for the applicable performance periods. Approximately 23,384 target shares and 15,385 supplemental shares outstanding as of January 26, 2019 will be canceled during the three months ended April 27, 2019 as a result of the fiscal 2019 performance period criteria being partially met. The total amount of Performance RSUs outstanding as of July 29, 2017January 26, 2019 consists of 413,805273,219 target shares and 140,077104,135 supplemental shares. Of the supplemental shares outstanding as of July 29, 2017, approximately 46,211 shares will vest and approximately 21,136 will be canceled in the quarter ending October 28, 2017 as a result of the fiscal 2017 performance criteria for attaining supplemental shares being partially met.

The unvested RSUs reflect the approximate amount of units expected to vest after giving effect to estimated forfeitures at an insignificant rate. The total fair value of restricted share units vested during fiscal 2019, the 2018 transition period, fiscal 2017, and fiscal 2016 and 2015 was $15.3 million, $37.7 million, $33.2 million, $39.1 million, and $15.2$39.1 million, respectively.


16.19. Customer Concentration of Credit Riskand Revenue Information

Geographic Location

The Company is subject to concentrations of credit risk relating primarily to its cashprovides services throughout the United States and equivalents, accounts receivable, and costs and estimated earningspreviously in excess of billings. The Company grants credit under normal payment terms, generally without collateral, to its customers. These customers primarily consist of telephone companies, cable television multiple system operators, wireless carriers, network operators, telecommunication equipment and infrastructure providers, and electric and gas utilities and others. With respect to a portion of theCanada. Revenues from services provided to these customers, in Canada were not material during fiscal 2019, the Company has statutory lien rights which may in certain circumstances assist in the Company’s collection efforts. Adverse changes in overall business and economic factors may impact the Company’s customers and increase credit risks. These risks may become elevated as a result of economic weakness and market volatility. In the past, some of the Company’s customers have experienced significant financial difficulties and likewise, some may experience financial difficulties in the future. These difficulties expose the Company to increased risks related to the collectability of amounts due for services performed.2018 transition period, fiscal 2017, or fiscal 2016.

Significant Customers

The Company’s customer base is highly concentrated, with its top five customers in each of fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015 accounting for approximately 76.1%78.4%, 69.7%75.8%, 76.8%, and 61.1%70.1%, of its total contract revenues during fiscal 2019, the 2018 transition period, fiscal 2017, and fiscal 2016, respectively. Customers whose contract revenues exceeded 10% of total contract revenues during fiscal 2019, the 2018 transition period, fiscal 2017, or fiscal 2016, or 2015as well as total contract revenues from all other customers combined, were as follows:
 Fiscal Year Ended
 2017 2016 2015
AT&T Inc.26.3% 24.4% 20.8%
Comcast Corporation17.7% 13.6% 12.9%
CenturyLink, Inc.17.5% 14.5% 14.2%
Verizon Communications Inc.(1)
9.2% 11.2% 7.7%


Customers whose combined amounts of trade accounts receivable and costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings, net (“CIEB, net”) exceeded 10% of total combined trade receivables and CIEB, net as of July 29, 2017 or July 30, 2016 were as follows (dollars in millions):
July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016Fiscal Year Ended Six Months Ended Fiscal Year Ended
Amount % of Total Amount % of TotalJanuary 26, 2019 January 27, 2018 July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016
Amount% of Total Amount% of Total Amount% of Total Amount% of Total
AT&T Inc.664.221.2% 290.120.6% 806.726.3% 650.924.4%
Comcast Corporation$159.7
 21.3% $95.3
 13.9%650.220.8% 304.421.6% 543.617.7% 363.113.6%
CenturyLink, Inc.$136.1
 18.1% $79.0
 11.5%
AT&T Inc.$87.1
 11.6% $138.8
 20.3%
Windstream Corporation$84.7
 11.3% $79.0
 11.5%
Verizon Communications Inc.(1)
$73.7
 9.8% $70.2
 10.2%599.819.2% 168.712.0% 282.79.2% 298.211.2%
Century Link, Inc.(2)
425.613.6% 247.017.5% 556.818.2% 394.014.7%
Total other customers combined787.925.2% 401.128.3% 877.128.6% 966.336.1%
Total contract revenues$3,127.7
100.0% 1,411.3100% 3,066.9100.0% 2,672.5100%

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

In addition, another(2) For comparison purposes in the table above, amounts from CenturyLink, Inc. and Level 3 Communications, Inc. have been combined for periods prior to their November 2017 merger.

See Note 6, Accounts Receivable, Contract Assets, and Contract Liabilities, for information on the Company’s customer had combined amountscredit concentration and collectability of trade accounts receivable and CIEB, netcontract assets.

On February 25, 2019, Windstream, the Company’s fifth largest customer with contract revenues of $47.2$113.6 million during fiscal 2019, filed a voluntary petition under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. The Company expects to continue to provide services to Windstream pursuant to existing contractual obligations but the amount of services performed in the future could be reduced or 6.3%, as of July 29,eliminated.


Customer Type

Total contract revenues by customer type during fiscal 2019, the 2018 transition period, fiscal 2017, and $71.5 million, or 10.4%,fiscal 2016 were as follows (dollars in millions):
 Fiscal Year Ended Six Months Ended Fiscal Year Ended
 January 26, 2019 January 27, 2018 July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016
 Amount% of Total Amount% of Total Amount% of Total Amount% of Total
Telecommunications$2,855.8
91.3% $1,284.1
91.0% $2,819.9
91.9% $2,424.2
90.7%
Underground facility locating$182.7
5.8% $88.6
6.3% $167.9
5.5% $156.7
5.9%
Electrical and gas utilities and other$89.2
2.9% $38.6
2.7% $79.1
2.6% $91.6
3.4%
Total contract revenues$3,127.7
100% $1,411.3
100% $3,066.9
100% $2,672.5
100%

Remaining Performance Obligations

Master service agreements and other contractual agreements with customers contain customer-specified service requirements, such as discrete pricing for individual tasks. In most cases, the Company’s customers are not contractually committed to procure specific volumes of July 30, 2016.services under these agreements.

Services are generally performed pursuant to these agreements in accordance with individual work orders. An individual work order generally is completed within one year or in many cases, less than one week. As a result, the Company’s remaining performance obligations under the work orders not yet completed is not meaningful in relation to the Company’s overall revenue at any given point in time. The Company believesapplies the practical expedient in Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and does not disclose information about remaining performance obligations that nonehave original expected durations of its significant customers were experiencing financial difficulties that would materially impact the collectability of the Company’s trade accounts receivable and costs in excess of billings as of July 29, 2017. See Note 4, Accounts Receivable, and Note 5, Costs and Estimated Earnings in Excess of Billings,for additional information regarding the Company’s trade accounts receivable and costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings.one year or less.

17.20. Commitments and Contingencies

In May 2013, CertusView Technologies, LLC (“CertusView”), a wholly-owned subsidiaryOn October 25, 2018 and October 30, 2018, the Company, its Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer were named as defendants in two substantively identical lawsuits alleging violations of the Company,federal securities fraud laws. The lawsuits, which purport to be brought on behalf of a class of all purchasers of the Company’s securities between November 20, 2017 and August 10, 2018, were filed suit against S & N Communications, Inc. and S&N Locating Services, LLC (together, “S&N”) in the United States District Court for the EasternSouthern District of Virginia alleging infringement of certain United States patents. InFlorida. The cases were consolidated by the Court on January 2015,11, 2019. The lawsuit alleges that the District Court granted S&N’s motiondefendants made materially false and misleading statements or failed to disclose material facts regarding the Company’s financial condition and business operations, including those related to the Company’s dependency on, and uncertainties related to, the permitting necessary for judgmentits large projects. The plaintiffs seek unspecified damages. The Company believes the allegations in the lawsuit are without merit and intends to vigorously defend the lawsuit. Based on the pleadings for failureearly stage of this matter, it is not possible to claim patent-eligible subject matter, and entered final judgment. CertusView appealed toestimate the Federal Circuit Court the District Courtamount or range of possible loss that may result from an adverse judgment or a settlement of patent invalidity. this matter.
On August 11, 2017, the Federal Circuit Court affirmed the District Court’s decision. Additionally,December 17, 2018, a shareholder derivative action was filed in August 2016, S&N filed a motion requesting that the District Court make a finding that the suit was an exceptional case and award S&N recovery of attorney fees. The District Court denied S&N’s motion for an exceptional case finding while allowing S&N permission to refile after conclusion of CertusView’s appeal to the Federal Circuit Court.

In September 2016, certain former employees of two subcontractors of TESINC, LLC (“TESINC”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, commenced a lawsuit against those subcontractors, TESINC and a customer of TESINC in the United States District Court for the EasternSouthern District of Pennsylvania. The lawsuit alleges violation ofFlorida against the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Act of 1968, the Pennsylvania Wage Payment and Collection Law,Company, as nominal defendant, and the New Jersey Wage and Hour Law by failingmembers of its Board of Directors, alleging that the directors breached fiduciary duties owed to comply with applicable minimum wage and overtime pay requirements as a result of the misclassification of workers as independent contractors. The plaintiffs sought unspecified damages and other relief on behalf of themselves and a putative class of similarly situated workers who had performed work between April 1, 2016 and June 30, 2016. The parties agreed to settle the lawsuit in March 2017 for an immaterial amount. On August 16, 2017, the District Court granted Preliminary Approval of the settlement. A final approval hearing is scheduled for November 2017.

In April 2016, a former employee of Prince Telecom, LLC (“Prince”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company commenced a lawsuit against Princeand violated the securities laws by causing the Company to issue false and misleading statements. The statements alleged to be false and misleading are the same statements that are alleged to be false and misleading in the Superior Court of California under the California Labor Code Private Attorneys General Act (“PAGA”). Thesecurities lawsuit alleges that Prince violated the California Labor Code by, among other things, failing to pay the California minimum wage, failing to pay for all hours worked (including overtime), failing to provide meal breaks and failing to provide accurate wage statements. The plaintiff sought to recover all penalties arising from each alleged PAGA violation on behalf of himself and a putative class of current and former employees of Prince who worked as technicians in the State of California in the year preceding the filing date of the lawsuit. In December 2016, the parties agreed to settle the lawsuit for an immaterial amount.described above. On July 11, 2017,February 28, 2019, the Court enteredstayed this lawsuit pending a further Order from the Court. Based on the early stage of this matter, it is not possible to estimate the amount or range of possible loss that may result from an Order approving the settlement.adverse judgment or a settlement of this matter.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, one of the Company’s subsidiaries ceased operations. This subsidiary contributed to a multiemployer pension plan, the Pension, Hospitalization and Benefit Plan of the Electrical Industry - Pension Trust Fund (the “Plan”). In October 2016, the Plan demanded payment for a claimed withdrawal liability of approximately $13.0 million.

In December 2016, the Company submitted a formal request to the Plan seeking review of the Plan’s withdrawal liability determination. The Company is disputing the claim of a withdrawal liability demanded by the Plan as it believes there is a statutory exemption available under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act for multiemployer pension plans that primarily cover employees in the building and construction industry. The Plan has taken the position that the work at issue does not qualify for the statutory exemption. The Company has submitted this dispute to arbitration, as required by ERISA, with a hearing expected sometime in 2018.during the first half of calendar 2019. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in

asserting the statutory exemption as a defense in the arbitration proceeding. As required by ERISA, in November 2016, the subsidiary began making monthly payments of a withdrawal liability to the Plan in the amount of approximately $0.1 million. If the Company prevails in disputing the withdrawal liability, all such payments will be refunded to the Company.subsidiary.

With respect to the acquisition from Goodman, $22.5 million of the purchase price was placed into escrow to cover indemnification claims and working capital adjustments. During fiscal 2017, $2.5 million of escrowed funds were released following resolution of closing working capital and $10.0 million of escrowed funds were released as a result of Goodman’s resolution of a sales tax liability with the State of Texas. In April 2018, $9.7 million of escrowed funds were released in connection with the resolution of certain indemnification claims, of which Dycom received $1.6 million. There was no impact on the Company’s results of operations related to the escrow release. As of July 29, 2017, $10.0January 26, 2019, approximately $0.3 million remains in escrow pending resolution of certain post-closing indemnification claims.

From time to time, the Company is party to various other claims and legal proceedings. Itproceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. While the resolution of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, it is the opinion of management, based on information available at this time, that the ultimate resolution of any such other pending claims or legal proceedings will not, after considering applicable insurance coverage or other indemnities to which the Company may be entitled, have a material effect on itsthe Company’s financial statements.position, results of operations, or cash flow.

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

Commitments

Leases. The Company and its subsidiaries have operating leases primarily covering office facilities that have original noncancelable terms in excess of one year. Certain of these leases contain renewal provisions and generally require the Company to pay insurance, maintenance, and other operating expenses. Total expense incurred under these operating lease agreements was $32.5$31.5 million, $26.8$15.0 million, $26.0 million, and $18.5$23.0 million, and for fiscal 2019, the 2018 transition period, fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015,fiscal 2016, respectively. The future minimum obligation under these leases with original noncancelable terms in excess of one year is as follows (dollars in thousands):
Future Minimum Lease PaymentsFuture Minimum Lease Payments
2018$23,554
201917,422
20209,885
$28,415
20215,762
20,166
20223,252
12,919
20236,686
20244,342
Thereafter4,469
3,675
Total$64,344
$76,203

The Company also incurred rental expense under operating leases with original terms of one year or less of $26.0$35.4 million, $23.0$14.4 million, $32.5 million, and $20.4$26.8 million for fiscal 2019, the 2018 transition period, fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015,fiscal 2016, respectively.

Performance and Payment Bonds and Guarantees. The Company has obligations under performance and other surety contract bonds related to certain of its customer contracts. Performance bonds generally provide a customer with the right to obtain payment and/or performance from the issuer of the bond if the Company fails to perform its contractual obligations. As of July 29, 2017January 26, 2019 and July 30, 2016,January 27, 2018, the Company had $118.2$123.5 million and $165.8$118.1 million, respectively, of outstanding performance and other surety contract bonds. As part of its insurance program, the Company also provides surety bonds respectively.

Thethat collateralize its obligations to its insurance carriers. As of January 26, 2019 and January 27, 2018, the Company had $23.2 million and $21.9 million, respectively, of outstanding surety bonds related to its insurance obligations. Additionally, the Company periodically guarantees certain obligations of its subsidiaries, including obligations in connection with obtaining state contractor licenses and leasing real property and equipment.
 

Letters of Credit. The Company has issued standby letters of credit issued under its Credit Agreement as part ofthat collateralize its obligations to its insurance program. These standby letters of credit collateralize obligations to the Company’s insurance carriers in connection with the

settlement of potential claims.carriers. As of July 29, 2017both January 26, 2019 and July 30, 2016,January 27, 2018, the Company had $48.7$48.6 million and $57.6 million, respectively, of outstanding standby letters of credit issued under the Credit Agreement.

18.21. Transition Period Comparative Data

The following table presents certain financial information for the six months ended January 27, 2018 and January 28, 2017, respectively (dollars in thousands, except share amounts):
 For the Six Months Ended
 January 27, 2018 January 28, 2017
   (Unaudited)
Revenues$1,411,348
 $1,500,355
Expenses:   
Costs of earned revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization1,141,480
 1,176,361
General and administrative124,930
 118,395
Depreciation and amortization85,053
 70,252
Total1,351,463
 1,365,008
Interest expense, net(19,560) (18,248)
Other income, net6,225
 1,946
Income before income taxes46,550
 119,045
(Benefit) provision for income taxes(22,285) 44,332
Net income$68,835
 $74,713
    
Earnings per common share:   
Basic$2.22
 $2.37
Diluted$2.15
 $2.32
    
Shares used in computing earnings per common share:   
Basic31,059,140
 31,480,660
Diluted32,054,945
 32,180,923


22. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

In the opinion of management, the following unaudited quarterly financial data from fiscal 20172019, the 2018 transition period, and 2016fiscal 2017 reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals), which are necessary to present a fair presentation of amounts shown for such periods. The Company’s fiscal year consists of either 52 weeks or 53 weeks of operations with the additional week of operations occurring in the fourth quarter. Fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2017 each consisted of 52 weeks of operations. The sum of the quarterly results may not equal the reported annual amounts due to rounding (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts).
Fiscal 2017:
First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter 
Fourth Quarter(1)
Contract revenues$799,223
 $701,131
 $786,338
 $780,188
Costs of earned revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization$614,990
 $561,371
 $621,475
 $606,898
Gross profit$184,233
 $139,760
 $164,863
 $173,290
Net income$51,050
 $23,663
 $38,796
 $43,708
Earnings per common share - Basic$1.62
 $0.75
 $1.24
 $1.41
Earnings per common share - Diluted$1.59
 $0.74
 $1.22
 $1.38
 Quarter Ended
Fiscal 2019First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter 
Fourth Quarter(1)
Contract revenues$731,375
 $799,470
 $848,237
 $748,619
Costs of earned revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization$599,573
 $642,376
 $687,164
 $633,279
Gross profit$131,802
 $157,094
 $161,073
 $115,340
Net income (loss)$17,231
 $29,900
 $27,830
 $(12,054)
Earnings (loss) per common share - Basic$0.55
 $0.96
 $0.89
 $(0.38)
Earnings (loss) per common share - Diluted(2)
$0.53
 $0.94
 $0.87
 $(0.38)

Fiscal 2016(2):
First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter 
Fourth Quarter(1)
Quarter Ended
2018 Transition Period(3):
First Quarter Second Quarter
Contract revenues$659,268
 $559,470
 $664,645
 $789,159
$756,215
 $655,133
Costs of earned revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization$506,978
 $450,284
 $520,408
 $605,909
$600,847
 $540,633
Gross profit$152,290
 $109,186
 $144,237
 $183,250
$155,368
 $114,500
Net income$30,824
 $15,473
 $33,083
 $49,360
$28,776
 $40,059
Earnings per common share - Basic$0.94
 $0.47
 $1.02
 $1.57
$0.93
 $1.29
Earnings per common share - Diluted$0.91
 $0.46
 $1.00
 $1.54
$0.90
 $1.24

 Quarter Ended
Fiscal 2017:
First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter
Contract revenues$799,223
 $701,131
 $786,338
 $780,188
Costs of earned revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization$614,990
 $561,371
 $621,475
 $606,898
Gross profit$184,233
 $139,760
 $164,863
 $173,290
Net income$51,050
 $23,663
 $38,796
 $43,708
Earnings per common share - Basic$1.62
 $0.75
 $1.24
 $1.41
Earnings per common share - Diluted$1.59
 $0.74
 $1.22
 $1.38

(1) The Company usesOn February 25, 2019, Windstream filed a fiscal year ending onvoluntary petition under Chapter 11 of the last Saturday in July. As a result, each fiscal year consists of either 52 weeks or 53 weeks of operations (with the additional week of operations occurringUnited States Bankruptcy Code in the fourth quarter). Fiscal 2017 consistedU.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of 52 weeks, compared to fiscal 2016 which consistedNew York. As of 53 weeks with an additional weekJanuary 26, 2019, the Company had receivables and contract assets in aggregate of operations duringapproximately $45.0 million. Against this amount, the fourth quarter.Company has recorded a non-cash charge of $17.2 million reflecting its current evaluation of recoverability of these receivables and contract assets as of January 26, 2019.

(2) DuringLoss per common diluted share for the firstfourth quarter of fiscal 2016,2019 excludes the Company incurred a pre-tax chargeeffect of common stock equivalents related to share-based awards as their effect would be anti-dilutive.


(3) The second quarter of the 2018 transition period includes an income tax benefit associated with Tax Reform of approximately $16.3 million for early extinguishment of debt in connection with$32.2 million. This benefit primarily resulted from the redemptionre-measurement of the Company’s 7.125% senior subordinated notes.net deferred tax liabilities at a lower U.S. federal corporate income tax rate. The 2018 transition period also includes an income tax benefit of approximately $7.8 million for the tax effects of the vesting and exercise of share-based awards. See Note 10,14, DebtIncome Taxes, for additional information regarding the Company’s debt transactions.these tax benefits.

19. Subsequent Events

In September 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a change in the Company’s fiscal year end from July to January. Beginning with a six month transitional period ending January 27, 2018, the Company’s fiscal year will end on the last Saturday of January. The Company will file a transition report on Form 10-K containing audited financial statements for the six month period from July 30, 2017 to January 27, 2018. After the transition period, each fiscal year will consist of either 52 or 53 weeks of operations (with the additional week of operations occurring in the fourth fiscal quarter). The Company’s 2019 fiscal year will commence on January 28, 2018.

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

Report of Independent Registered Certified Public Accounting Firm

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


Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

In our opinion,We have audited the accompanying consolidatedbalance sheets of Dycom Industries, Inc.and its subsidiaries(the “Company”) as of January 26, 2019 and January 27, 2018,and the related consolidated statements of operations, of comprehensive income, of stockholders’ equity and of cash flowsfor the year ended January 26, 2019, for the six months ended January 27, 2018, and for the years ended July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”).We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of January 26, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the consolidatedfinancial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Dycom Industries, Inc.the Company as of January 26, 2019 and January 27, 2018, and the results of its operations and its subsidiariesatcash flows for the year ended January 26, 2019, for the six months ended January 27, 2018, and for the years ended July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016 and the results of theiroperations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended July 29, 2017 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of July 29, 2017,January 26, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework(2013)issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). COSO.

Basis for Opinions

The Company’sCompany's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’sManagement's Report on Internal Control Overover Financial Reportingappearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these the Company’s consolidatedfinancial statements and on the Company’sCompany's internal control over financial reporting based on our integratedaudits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

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

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

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the 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
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
September 1, 2017March 4, 2019

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

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

There have been no changes in or disagreements with accountants on accounting and financial disclosures within the meaning of Item 304 of Regulation S-K.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) as of July 29, 2017,January 26, 2019, the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of July 29, 2017,
January 26, 2019, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and (2) accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, in a manner that allows timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the Company’s fourthmost recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management of Dycom Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15(d)-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company’s internal control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance that the reported financial information is presented fairly, that disclosures are adequate and that the judgments inherent in the preparation of financial statements are reasonable. There are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any system of internal control, including the possibility of human error and overriding of controls. Consequently, an effective internal control system can only provide reasonable, not absolute assurance, with respect to reporting financial information. Further, because of changes in conditions, effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting may vary over time.

Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of July 29, 2017.January 26, 2019.

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of July 29, 2017January 26, 2019 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Company’s independent registered certified public accounting firm. Their report, which is set forth in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of July 29, 2017.January 26, 2019.

Item 9B. Other Information.

None.


PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
Information concerning directors and nominees of the Registrant and other information as required by this item are hereby incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A. The information set forth under the caption “Executive Officers of the Registrant” in Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference.
Code of Ethics

The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers, which is a code of ethics as that term is defined in Item 406(b) of Regulation S-K and which applies to its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, Controller, and other persons performing similar functions. The Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers is available on the Company’s website at www.dycomind.com.www.dycomind.com. If the Company makes any substantive amendments to, or a waiver from, provisions of the Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers, it will disclose the nature of such amendment, or waiver, on its website or in a report on Form 8-K. Information on the Company’s website is not deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 11. Executive Compensation.
The information required by Item 11 regarding executive compensation is included under the headings “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Compensation Committee Report,” and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” in the Company’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, and is incorporated herein by reference.

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

Information concerning the ownership of certain of the Registrant’s beneficial owners and management and related stockholder matters is hereby incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A.

Item 13. Certain Relationships, Related Transactions and Director Independence.
Information concerning relationships and related transactions is hereby incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A.

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
Information concerning principal accounting fees and services is hereby incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A.


PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

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

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

2. Financial statement schedules: All schedules have been omitted because they are inapplicable, not required, or the information is included in the above referenced consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto.

3. Exhibits furnished pursuant to the requirements of Form 10-K:
Exhibit Number
  





101 +The following materials from the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 29, 2017January 26, 2019 formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations; (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity; (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (vi) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
  
+Filed herewith
*Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

Item 16.Form 10-K Summary.

None.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
   DYCOM INDUSTRIES, INC.
   Registrant
     
Date:September 1, 2017March 4, 2019 /s/ Steven E. Nielsen
   Name: 
Title:
Steven E. Nielsen
President and Chief Executive Officer

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

NamePositionDate
   
/s/ Steven E. NielsenPresident, Chief Executive Officer and DirectorSeptember 1, 2017March 4, 2019
Steven E. Nielsen(Principal Executive Officer) 
   
/s/ H. Andrew DeFerrariSenior Vice President and Chief Financial OfficerSeptember 1, 2017March 4, 2019
H. Andrew DeFerrari(Principal Financial Officer) 
   
/s/ Rebecca Brightly RoachSharon R. VillaverdeVice President and Chief Accounting OfficerSeptember 1, 2017March 4, 2019
Rebecca Brightly RoachSharon R. Villaverde(Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ Charles B. CoeDirectorSeptember 1, 2017
Charles B. Coe 
   
/s/ Stephen C. ColeyDirectorSeptember 1, 2017March 4, 2019
Stephen C. Coley  
   
/s/ Dwight B. DukeDirectorSeptember 1, 2017March 4, 2019
Dwight B. Duke  
   
/s/ Eitan GertelDirectorSeptember 1, 2017March 4, 2019
Eitan Gertel  
   
/s/ Anders GustafssonDirectorSeptember 1, 2017March 4, 2019
Anders Gustafsson  
   
/s/ Patricia L. HigginsDirectorSeptember 1, 2017March 4, 2019
Patricia L. Higgins
/s/ Peter T. Pruitt, Jr.DirectorMarch 4, 2019
Peter T. Pruitt, Jr.
/s/ Richard K. SykesDirectorMarch 4, 2019
Richard K. Sykes  
   
/s/ Laurie J. ThomsenDirectorSeptember 1, 2017March 4, 2019
Laurie J. Thomsen  


8296