10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2017

OR

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

For the transition period from to

Commission File Number 001-12488

Powell Industries, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	88-0106100
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
8550 Mosley Road Houston, Texas	77075-1180
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

(713) 944-6900

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.    ý  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).    ý  Yes    ¨  No

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

Large accelerated filer  ¨	Accelerated filer  x	Non-accelerated filer  ¨	Smaller reporting company  ¨	Emerging growth company  ¨
	(Do not check if a smaller reporting 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    ý  No

At February 2, 2018, there were 11,450,938 outstanding shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share.

1

POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

	Page
Part I — Financial Information	3
Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	3
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations	4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss	5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	6
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	7
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	17
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	20
Item 4. Controls and Procedures	21
Part II — Other Information	21
Item 1. Legal Proceedings	21
Item 1A. Risk Factors	22
Item 6. Exhibits	22
Signatures	23

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PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

	December 31, 2017			September 30, 2017
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	49,587		$	68,359
Short-term investments	23,101			26,829
Restricted cash	19,402			15,104
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $158 and $179	78,978			53,852
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	38,985			51,554
Inventories	18,535			18,448
Income taxes receivable	7,587			8,222
Deferred income taxes	—			3,539
Prepaid expenses	2,804			3,701
Other current assets	268			463
Total Current Assets	239,247			250,071
Property, plant and equipment, net	137,269			139,420
Restricted cash	8,374			9,747
Goodwill and intangible assets, net	1,646			1,719
Other assets	14,057			13,800
Deferred income taxes	5,060			229
Total Assets	$	405,653		$	414,986
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	$	400		$	400
Accounts payable	28,780			33,269
Accrued salaries, bonuses and commissions	10,044			14,984
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	36,729			26,166
Accrued product warranty	2,890			3,174
Income taxes payable	1,437			1,219
Other accrued expenses	4,371			5,860
Deferred credit ─ short term	—			507
Total Current Liabilities	84,651			85,579
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	1,200			1,600
Deferred compensation	5,628			5,314
Other long-term liabilities	1,200			1,197
Total Liabilities	92,679			93,690
Commitments and Contingencies (Note E)
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, par value $.01; 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued	—			—
Common stock, par value $.01; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 12,256,956 and 12,234,656 and shares issued, respectively	122			122
Additional paid-in capital	54,960			54,329
Retained earnings	301,959			310,598
Treasury stock, 806,018 shares at cost	(24,999		)	(24,999		)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(19,068		)	(18,754		)
Total Stockholders' Equity	312,974			321,296
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$	405,653		$	414,986

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

3

POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share data)

	Three months ended December 31,
	2017			2016
Revenues	$	90,184		$	110,341
Cost of goods sold	79,630			95,342
Gross profit	10,554			14,999
Selling, general and administrative expenses	16,215			15,698
Research and development expenses	1,658			1,469
Amortization of intangible assets	73			88
Operating loss	(7,392		)	(2,256		)
Other income	(507		)	(507		)
Interest expense	51			34
Interest income	(203		)	(42		)
Loss before income taxes	(6,733		)	(1,741		)
Income tax benefit	(1,071		)	(1,441		)
Net loss	$	(5,662	)	$	(300	)
Loss per share:
Basic	$	(0.49	)	$	(0.03	)
Diluted	$	(0.49	)	$	(0.03	)
Weighted average shares:
Basic	11,497			11,438
Diluted	11,497			11,438
Dividends per share	$	0.26		$	0.26

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

4

POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (Unaudited)

(In thousands)

	Three months ended December 31,
	2017			2016
Net loss	$	(5,662	)	$	(300	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(314		)	(2,611		)
Comprehensive loss	$	(5,976	)	$	(2,911	)

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

5

POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

(In thousands)

	Three Months Ended December 31,
	2017			2016
Operating Activities:
Net loss	$	(5,662	)	$	(300	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	3,162			3,063
Amortization	73			88
Stock-based compensation	1,069			1,009
Bad debt recovery	(20		)	(113		)
Deferred income tax benefit	(1,292		)	(7		)
Gain on amended supply agreement	(507		)	(507		)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	(25,102		)	12,234
Costs and billings in excess of estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	23,155			2,236
Inventories	(88		)	2,444
Income taxes	853			(1,319		)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,101			554
Accounts payable	(4,144		)	(2,085		)
Accrued liabilities	(6,673		)	(13,398		)
Other, net	15			(525		)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(14,060		)	3,374
Investing Activities:
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	55			—
Purchases of short-term investments	(20,712		)	(14,874		)
Maturities of short-term investments	24,425			—
Changes in restricted cash	(2,925		)	—
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(1,701		)	(928		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(858		)	(15,802		)
Financing Activities:
Payments on industrial development revenue bonds	(400		)	(400		)
Shares withheld in lieu of employee tax withholding	(438		)	(398		)
Dividends paid	(2,977		)	(2,966		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(3,815		)	(3,764		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(18,733		)	(16,192		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(39		)	(946		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	68,359			97,720
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	49,587		$	80,582

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

6

POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

A. OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Overview

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

We develop, design, manufacture and service custom-engineered products and systems for the distribution, control and monitoring of electrical energy. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, we serve the oil and gas refining, onshore and offshore oil and gas production, petrochemical, pipeline, terminal, mining and metals, light rail traction power, electric utility, pulp and paper and other heavy industrial markets.

Basis of Presentation

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Powell and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X for interim financial information. Certain information and footnote disclosures, normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP), have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to fairly state the financial position, results of operations and cash flows with respect to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been included. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire fiscal year. We believe that these financial statements contain all adjustments necessary so that they are not misleading.

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Powell and its subsidiaries included in Powell’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2017, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on December 6, 2017.

References to Fiscal 2018 and Fiscal 2017 used throughout this report shall mean our fiscal years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Use of Estimates

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

New Accounting Standards

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a new standard on revenue recognition that supersedes previously issued revenue recognition guidance. This standard provides a five-step approach to be applied to all contracts with customers and requires expanded disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue (and the related cash flows) arising from customer contracts, significant judgments and changes in judgments used in applying the revenue model and the assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim

7

periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017, which would be our fiscal year ending September 30, 2019. We plan to use the modified retrospective basis upon adoption. While we are still evaluating the potential impact of this standard on our financial statements, we believe accounting for variable consideration and the number of performance obligations contained in each contract will have the greatest significance. The materiality of this guidance on our financial statements will be determined in large part by the contracts that are in progress as of the adoption date.

In November 2015, the FASB issued an amendment to the topic regarding income taxes which requires an entity to separate deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts in the statement of financial position. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. Deferred tax liabilities and assets that are not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting are classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference. To simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes, the amendments require that deferred income tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. We have adopted this topic prospectively in Fiscal 2018 and our statement of financial position at December 31, 2017 reflects this reclassification. We have not retrospectively adjusted prior periods.

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

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

In January 2017, the FASB issued new guidance on goodwill impairment intended to simplify the testing for goodwill impairment by the elimination of Step 2 in the determination on whether goodwill should be considered impaired. The annual and/or interim assessments are still required to be completed. This guidance is effective for fiscal years (including interim periods) beginning after December 15, 2019, which would be our fiscal year ending September 30, 2021. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In May 2017, the FASB issued a new topic on modification accounting with regards to stock based compensation. This new topic clarifies when a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award should be accounted for as a modification. An entity should account for the effects of a modification unless the fair value, vesting conditions and classification, as an equity instrument or a liability instrument, of the modified award are the same before and after a change to the terms or conditions of the share-based payment award. This topic is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, which is our fiscal year ending September 30, 2019. We do not expect this topic to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

B. EARNINGS PER SHARE

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

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The following table reconciles basic and diluted weighted average shares used in the computation of earnings per share (in thousands, except per share data):

	Three months ended December 31,
	2017			2016
Numerator:
Net loss	$	(5,662	)	$	(300	)
Denominator:
Weighted average basic shares	11,497			11,438
Dilutive effect of restricted stock units	—			—
Weighted average diluted shares with assumed conversions	11,497			11,438
Net loss per share:
Basic	$	(0.49	)	$	(0.03	)
Diluted	$	(0.49	)	$	(0.03	)

For the quarters ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we incurred net losses and therefore all potential common shares were deemed to be anti-dilutive.

C. DETAIL OF SELECTED BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

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

	Three months ended December 31,
	2017			2016
Balance at beginning of period	$	179		$	811
Bad debt expense (recovery)	(20		)	(113		)
Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries	(1		)	(28		)
Change due to foreign currency translation	—			(6		)
Balance at end of period	$	158		$	664

Inventories

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

	December 31, 2017		September 30, 2017
Raw materials, parts and subassemblies, net	$	17,701	$	17,848
Work-in-progress	834		600
Total inventories	$	18,535	$	18,448

Cost and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts

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

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	December 31, 2017			September 30, 2017
Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts	$	984,882		$	987,164
Estimated earnings	311,391			316,970
	1,296,273			1,304,134
Less: Billings to date	(1,294,017		)	(1,278,746		)
Net underbilled position	$	2,256		$	25,388
Included in the accompanying balance sheets under the following captions:
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	$	38,985		$	51,554
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	(36,729		)	(26,166		)
Net underbilled position	$	2,256		$	25,388

Accrued Product Warranty

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

	Three months ended December 31,
	2017			2016
Balance at beginning of period	$	3,174		$	4,639
Increase to warranty expense	195			370
Deduction for warranty charges	(478		)	(725		)
Change due to foreign currency translation	(1		)	(54		)
Balance at end of period	$	2,890		$	4,230

D. LONG-TERM DEBT

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

	December 31, 2017			September 30, 2017
Industrial development revenue bonds	$	1,600		$	2,000
Less current portion	(400		)	(400		)
Total long-term debt	$	1,200		$	1,600

U.S. Revolver

We have a $75.0 million revolving credit facility (U.S. Revolver) to provide working capital support and letters of credit which expires on June 27, 2022. The amount available under the U.S. Revolver at December 31, 2017 was reduced by $27.0 million for our outstanding letters of credit. There were no loans outstanding under the U.S. Revolver as of December 31, 2017. Amounts available under the U.S. Revolver were $48.0 million at December 31, 2017.

Per the terms of the U.S. Revolver, we are required to maintain a cash balance in a pledged cash collateral account equal to 102% of the outstanding amount of any loans and letter of credit obligations until we meet certain financial ratios. As of December 31, 2017, the balance in the pledged account was $27.8 million. The cash collateral associated with the outstanding letters of credit that are due to expire beyond twelve months has been classified as non-current restricted cash on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2017.

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

The U.S. Revolver is collateralized by a pledge of 100% of the voting capital stock of each of our domestic subsidiaries and 65% of the voting capital stock of each non-domestic subsidiary. The U.S. Revolver provides for customary events of default and carries cross-default provisions with other existing debt agreements. If an event of default (as defined in the U.S. Revolver) occurs and is continuing, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the U.S. Revolver, amounts outstanding under the U.S. Revolver

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may be accelerated and may become immediately due and payable. It also contains financial covenants defining various financial measures and the levels of these measures with which we must comply, as well as a “material adverse change” clause. A “material adverse change” is defined as a material change in our operations, business, properties, liabilities or condition (financial or otherwise) or a material impairment of our ability to perform our obligations under our credit agreements. As of December 31, 2017, we were in compliance with all of the financial covenants of the U.S. Revolver.

Industrial Development Revenue Bonds

We borrowed $8.0 million in October 2001 through a loan agreement funded with proceeds from tax-exempt industrial development revenue bonds (Bonds). These Bonds were issued by the Illinois Development Finance Authority and were used for the completion of our Northlake, Illinois facility. Pursuant to the Bond issuance, a reimbursement agreement between us and a major domestic bank required an issuance by the bank of an irrevocable direct-pay letter of credit (Bond LC), as collateral, to the Bonds’ trustee to guarantee payment of the Bonds’ principal and interest when due. The Bond LC is subject to both early termination and extension provisions customary to such agreements, as well as various covenants, for which we were in compliance at December 31, 2017. While the Bonds mature in 2021, the reimbursement agreement requires annual redemptions of $0.4 million that commenced on October 25, 2002. A sinking fund is used for the redemption of the Bonds. The Bonds bear interest at a floating rate determined weekly by the Bonds’ remarketing agent, which was the underwriter for the Bonds and is an affiliate of the bank. This interest rate was 1.90% as of December 31, 2017.

E. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Letters of Credit, Surety Bonds and Bank Guarantees

Certain customers require us to post letters of credit or surety bonds which assure that we will perform under the terms of our contract. In the event of default, the counterparty may demand payment from the bank under a letter of credit or performance by the surety under a bond. To date, there have been no significant expenses related to either letters of credit or surety bonds for the periods reported. We were contingently liable for letters of credit of $27.0 million as of December 31, 2017. We also had surety bonds totaling $217.0 million that were outstanding, with additional bonding capacity of $533.0 million available, at December 31, 2017.

Additionally, we have a $6.7 million facility agreement (Facility Agreement) between Powell (UK) Limited and a large international bank. This Facility Agreement provides Powell (UK) Limited the ability to enter into bank guarantees as well as forward exchange contracts and currency options. At December 31, 2017, we had outstanding guarantees totaling $3.9 million under this Facility Agreement and amounts available under this Facility Agreement were $2.8 million. This facility expires in May 2018. The Facility Agreement provides for financial covenants and customary events of default, and carries cross-default provisions with our U.S. Revolver. If an event of default (as defined in the Facility Agreement) occurs and is continuing, per the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein, obligations outstanding under the Facility Agreement may be accelerated and declared immediately due and payable. As of December 31, 2017, we were in compliance with all of the financial covenants of the Facility Agreement.  

Litigation

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

Liquidated Damages

Certain of our customer contracts have schedule and performance obligation clauses that, if we fail to meet them, could require us to pay liquidated damages. Each individual contract defines the conditions under which the customer may make a claim against us. As of December 31, 2017, our exposure to possible liquidated damages was $2.4 million, of which approximately $1.5 million is probable. Based on our actual or projected failure to meet these various contractual commitments, $1.4 million has been recorded as a reduction to revenue. We will attempt to obtain change orders, contract extensions or accelerate project completion which may resolve the potential for any unaccrued liquidated damage. Should we fail to achieve relief on some or all of these contractual obligations, we could be required to pay additional liquidated damages, which could negatively impact our future operating results.

F. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

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Refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 for a full description of our existing stock-based compensation plans.

Restricted Stock Units

We issue restricted stock units (RSUs) to certain officers and key employees of the Company. The fair value of the RSUs is based on the closing price of our common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Market on the grant dates. The typical annual grant vests over a three-year period from the date of issuance. Sixty percent of those grants are time-based and vest over a three-year period on each anniversary of the grant date, based on continued employment. The remaining forty percent of the grant will be earned based on the three-year earnings performance of the Company following the grant date. At December 31, 2017, there were 206,584 RSUs outstanding. The RSUs do not have voting rights but do receive dividend equivalents upon vesting; additionally, the shares of common stock underlying the RSUs are not considered issued and outstanding until vested and common stock is issued.

RSU activity (number of shares) for the three months ended December 31, 2017 is summarized below:

	Number of Restricted Stock Units		Weighted Average Fair Value Per Share
Outstanding at September 30, 2017	177,737		$	37.00
Granted	86,500		29.88
Vested	(34,853	)	35.64
Forfeited/canceled	(22,800	)	41.88
Outstanding at December 31, 2017	206,584		$	33.71

During the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we recorded compensation expense of $1.0 million and $0.9 million, respectively, related to the RSUs. 

Restricted Stock

Each non-employee director receives 2,000 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock annually. Fifty-percent of the restricted stock granted to each of our non-employee directors vests immediately, while the remaining fifty-percent will vest on the first anniversary of the grant date. Compensation expense is recognized immediately for the first fifty-percent of the restricted stock granted, while compensation expense for the remaining fifty-percent is recognized over the remaining vesting period based on the price per share on the grant date. During the first quarter of Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016, there were no restricted shares granted.

During the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we recorded compensation expense of $0.1 million, respectively, related to restricted stock.  

G. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

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

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

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

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

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

The following table summarizes the fair value of our assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2017 (in thousands):

	Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2017
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Fair Value at December 31, 2017
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	49,587	$	—	$	—	$	49,587
Short-term investments	23,101		—		—		23,101
Restricted cash	27,776		—		—		27,776
Deferred compensation	—		6,641		—		6,641
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation	—		5,322		—		5,322

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

	Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2017
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Fair Value at September 30, 2017
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	68,359	$	—	$	—	$	68,359
Short-term investments	26,829						26,829
Restricted cash	24,851						24,851
Deferred compensation	—		6,442		—		6,442
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation	—		4,991		—		4,991

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

Cash and cash equivalents

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

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

Restricted Cash – Restricted cash represents a pledged cash collateral balance which is required under our U.S. Revolver and is held in an interest-bearing savings account. See Note D for further discussion on restricted cash.

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

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There were no transfers between levels within the fair value measurement hierarchy during the three months ended December 31, 2017.

H. INCOME TAXES

The calculation of the effective tax rate is as follows (in thousands):

	Three months ended December 31,
	2017			2016
Loss before income taxes	$	(6,733	)	$	(1,741	)
Income tax benefit	(1,071		)	(1,441		)
Net loss	$	(5,662	)	$	(300	)
Effective tax rate	16		%	83		%

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Act) was signed into law. The Act lowers the corporate tax rate for C corporations from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. As a result, the effective tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2017 represents a reduced blended U.S. tax rate of 24.5%, but was partially offset by deferred tax expense of $0.7 million due to the re-measurement of our U.S. deferred tax assets, which are not expected to be realized prior to the end of Fiscal 2018. The final impact of the Act may differ from our estimates based on changes in interpretations or assumptions we make, as well as the issuance of additional guidance. Additionally, our effective tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2017 was reduced by a $0.2 million foreign tax loss which is reserved with a valuation allowance.

The effective tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2016 was favorably impacted by the lower tax rate in the United Kingdom, the relative amounts of income/loss recognized in various jurisdictions, as well as the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards in Canada that are fully reserved with a valuation allowance. We also completed an IRS audit during the three months ended December 2016, which favorably impacted the effective tax rate due to the release of a $0.3 million FIN 48 reserve relating to the Research and Development Tax Credit.

I. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On February 5, 2018, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend on our common stock in the amount of $0.26 per share. The dividend is payable on March 21, 2018 to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 21, 2018.

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

We are including the following discussion to inform our existing and potential shareholders generally of some of the risks and uncertainties that can affect our Company and to take advantage of the “safe harbor” protection for forward-looking statements that applicable federal securities law affords.

From time to time, our management or persons acting on our behalf make forward-looking statements to inform existing and potential shareholders about our Company. These statements may include projections and estimates concerning the timing and success of specific projects and our future backlog, revenues, income, acquisitions and capital spending. Forward-looking statements include information concerning future results of operations and financial condition. Statements that contain words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” “continue,” “should,” “could,” “may,” “plan,” “project,” “predict,” “will” or similar expressions may be forward-looking statements. In addition, sometimes we will specifically describe a statement as being a forward-looking statement and refer to this cautionary statement.

In addition, various statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including those that express a belief, expectation or intention, as well as those that are not statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report; we disclaim any obligation to update these statements unless required by securities law, and we caution you not to rely on them unduly. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and assumptions about future events. While our management considers these expectations and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks, contingencies and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. These risks, contingencies and uncertainties relate to, among other matters, the following:

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Our industry is highly competitive.

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

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

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

• The departure of key personnel could disrupt our business.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Catastrophic events could disrupt our business.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We believe the items we have outlined above are important factors that could cause estimates included in our financial statements to differ materially from actual results and those expressed in a forward-looking statement made in this report or elsewhere by us or on our behalf.  We have discussed these factors in more detail in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2017. These factors are not necessarily all of the factors that could affect us. Unpredictable or unanticipated factors we have not discussed in this report could also have material adverse effects on actual results. We do not intend to update our description of important factors each time a potential important factor arises, except as required by applicable securities laws and regulations. We advise our shareholders that they should (1) be aware that factors not referred to above could affect the accuracy of our forward-looking statements and (2) use caution when considering our forward-looking statements.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Resultsof Operations

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2017 which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on December 6, 2017 and is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Overview

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

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

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

Results of Operations

Quarter Ended December 31, 2017 Compared to the Quarter Ended December 31, 2016 (Unaudited)

Revenue and Gross Profit

Revenues decreased by 18%, or $20.2 million, to $90.2 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2018, compared to the first quarter of Fiscal 2017, primarily due to the continued decrease in our project backlog as we complete existing projects and continue to see lower demand from our customers in our core oil, gas and petrochemical markets. Domestic revenues decreased by 30%, or $25.6 million, to $60.1 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2018, compared to the first quarter of Fiscal 2017, and international revenues increased by 22%, or $5.4 million, to $30.1 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2018, compared to the first quarter of Fiscal 2017. The reduction in domestic revenues year over year was driven by the decline in our project backlog mentioned above. However, short-term, high demand remediation efforts following Hurricane Harvey resulted in approximately $7 million of revenue which partially offset the market challenges discussed above. Revenues from commercial and industrial customers decreased by 16%, or $11.9 million, to $60.8 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2018, compared to the first quarter of Fiscal 2017, primarily due to lower demand in our core oil, gas and petrochemical markets. Revenues from public and private utilities increased by 53%, or $8.7 million, to $25.3 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2018, compared to the first quarter of Fiscal 2017. Revenues from municipal and transit projects decreased by 80%, or $17.0 million, to $4.1 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2018, compared to the first quarter of Fiscal 2017. The increase in public and private utilities and the decrease in municipal and transit revenues were primarily due to the timing of projects.

Gross profit for the first quarter of Fiscal 2018decreased by 30%, or $4.4 million, to $10.6 million, compared to the first quarter of Fiscal 2017. Gross profit as a percentage of revenues decreased to 12% in the first quarter of Fiscal 2018, compared to 14% in the first quarter of Fiscal 2017. Gross profit and margins continued to be negatively impacted by our reduced volume resulting in under absorption of our manufacturing facility costs and a shift in project mix to smaller projects. This decline in volume and margins is primarily due to the decline in our project backlogs at the beginning of the respective periods resulting from depressed market conditions and competitive pricing pressures primarily in our core oil, gas and petrochemical markets. Gross profit and margins were also negatively impacted by costs incurred on an oil and gas project for which change orders have not been finalized.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

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Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by 3%, or $0.5 million, to $16.2 million during the first quarter of Fiscal 2018, compared to the first quarter of Fiscal 2017 primarily due to the timing of variable performance based compensation. Selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of revenues, increased to 18% during the first quarter of Fiscal 2018, compared to 14% during the first quarter of Fiscal 2017, primarily due to the reduction in revenue and slight increase in costs quarter over quarter.

Income Tax Benefit

We recorded an income tax benefit of $1.1 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2018, compared to an income tax benefit of $1.4 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2017. The effective tax rate for the first quarter of Fiscal 2018 was 16% compared to an effective tax rate of 83% in the first quarter of Fiscal 2017. The effective tax rate for the first quarter of Fiscal 2018 was reduced by the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Act). The Act lowers the corporate tax rate for C corporations from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. As a result, the effective tax rate for the first quarter of Fiscal 2018 represents a reduced blended U.S. tax rate of 24.5% for Fiscal 2018, but was partially offset by deferred tax expense of $0.7 million due to the re-measurement of our U.S. deferred tax assets, which are not expected to be realized prior to the end of Fiscal 2018. The final impact of the Act may differ from our estimates based on changes in interpretations or assumptions we make, as well as the issuance of additional guidance. Additionally our effective tax rate for the first quarter of Fiscal 2018 was reduced by a $0.2 million foreign tax loss which is reserved with a valuation allowance.

The effective tax rate for the first quarter of Fiscal 2017 was favorably impacted by the lower tax rate in the United Kingdom, the relative amounts of income/loss recognized in various jurisdictions, as well as the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards in Canada that are fully reserved with a valuation allowance. We also completed an IRS audit during the first quarter of Fiscal 2017, which favorably impacted the effective tax rate due to the release of a $0.3 million FIN 48 reserve relating to the Research and Development Tax Credit.

Net loss

In the first quarter of Fiscal 2018, we recorded a loss of $5.7 million, or $0.49 per diluted share compared to a net loss of $0.3 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, in the first quarter of Fiscal 2017. The increase in our net loss compared to the prior year was primarily due to a decline in our project backlog due to depressed market conditions and competitive pricing pressures, primarily in our core oil, gas and petrochemical markets and the reduction in our effective tax rate as a result of the Act.

Backlog

The order backlog at December 31, 2017 was $260.3 million, an increase from the $250.1 million at September 30, 2017, primarily due to an increase in commercial and industrial projects. New orders increased during the first quarter of Fiscal 2018 to $100.0 million, compared to $90.8 million in the first quarter of Fiscal 2017.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of December 31, 2017, current assets exceeded current liabilities by 2.8 times and our debt to total capitalization was 0.51%.

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments decreased to $72.7 million at December 31, 2017, compared to $95.2 million at September 30, 2017. We had restricted cash held in a pledged collateral account related to our U.S. Revolver of $27.8 million at December 31, 2017 and $24.9 million at September 30, 2017. For further information regarding our U.S. Revolver, see Note D of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Our U.S. Revolver is a $75.0 million revolving credit facility in the U.S. As of December 31, 2017, there were no amounts borrowed under this facility. Total letters of credit outstanding under our U.S. Revolver, which reduce our availability, were $27.0 million at December 31, 2017 and $24.1 million at September 30, 2017. The amount available under our U.S. Revolver at December 31, 2017 was $48.0 million. Total long-term debt, including current maturities, totaled $1.6 million at December 31, 2017, compared to $2.0 million at September 30, 2017. For further information regarding our debt, see Notes D and E of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Approximately $35 million of our cash and short-term investments at December 31, 2017 was held outside of the United States for international operations. It is our intention to indefinitely reinvest all current and future foreign earnings internationally in order to ensure sufficient working capital to support our international operations. In the event that we elect to repatriate some or

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all of the foreign earnings that were previously deemed to be indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S., under current tax laws we would incur additional tax expense upon such repatriation.

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

Operating Activities

Cash used by operating activities decreased to $14.1 million for the first quarter of Fiscal 2018, compared to cash provided by operating activities of $3.4 million during the same period in Fiscal 2017. This decrease in operating cash flow for the first quarter of Fiscal 2018 was primarily due to the reduction in earnings year over year and increases in accounts receivable, partially offset by project billings. Cash flow from operations is primarily influenced by project volume, the timing of milestone payments from our customers and the payment terms with our suppliers.  

Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities during the first quarter of Fiscal 2018 totaled $0.9 million compared to $15.8 million during the same period in Fiscal 2017. For the first quarter of Fiscal 2018, our net short-term investment activity was $3.7 million and we spent approximately $1.7 million on purchases of plant improvements and equipment. In the first quarter of Fiscal 2017, we had purchases of short-term investments of $14.9 million.

Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities was $3.8 million for the both the first quarter of Fiscal 2018 and Fiscal 2017. This was primarily for cash dividends of $3.0 million in both periods.

New Accounting Standards

See Note A of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report for information on new accounting standards.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities known to exist at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis, based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from those estimates.

There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2017.

For the three months ended December 31, 2017, our operating loss was positively impacted by $2.0 million, as a result of changes in contract estimates related to projects in progress at the beginning of the respective periods. These changes in estimates resulted primarily from, among other things, successful execution and close-out improvements, as well as other changes in facts and circumstances during these periods.

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Outlook

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

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

Our operating results have been, and we anticipate will continue to be, negatively impacted by factors such as the timing of new order awards, customer approval of final engineering and design specifications and delays in customer construction schedules, all of which have and will continue to have, a negative impact on the timing of project execution. Our operating results also have been, and will continue to be, impacted by the timing and resolution of change orders, project close-out and resolution of potential contract claims and liquidated damages, all of which could improve or deteriorate gross margins during the period in which these items are resolved with our customers. These factors may result in periods of underutilization of our resources and facilities and negatively impact our ability to cover our fixed costs. If our core oil, gas and petrochemical markets do not improve, or decline further, our project backlog and revenue could continue to decline and negatively impact our operations. In response to our reduced project backlog and depressed market outlook, we took steps in Fiscal 2016 and 2017 to reduce our overall cost structure and better align our costs with future production requirements. We continue to assess our cost structure, operating performance and service offerings as the oil, gas and petrochemical markets remain challenging and uncertain. We anticipate that in Fiscal 2018, additional actions may be necessary.

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

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

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

Market Risk

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

Commodity Price Risk

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

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Foreign Currency Transaction Risk

We have operations that expose us to currency risk in the British Pound Sterling, the Canadian Dollar and to a lesser extent the Euro. Amounts invested in our foreign operations are translated into U.S. Dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a component of stockholders’ equity in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. We believe the exposure to the effects that fluctuating foreign currencies have on our consolidated results of operations is limited because the foreign operations primarily invoice customers and collect obligations in their respective currencies or U.S. Dollars. Additionally, expenses associated with these transactions are generally contracted and paid for in the same local currencies. For the three months ended December 31, 2017, our realized foreign exchange losses were $0.2 million and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Our accumulated other comprehensive loss, which is included as a component of stockholders’ equity, was $19.1 million as of December 31, 2017, a decrease of $0.3 million compared to September 30, 2017. This decrease in comprehensive loss was primarily a result of fluctuations in the currency exchange rates for the Canadian Dollar and British Pound Sterling as we remeasured the foreign operations of those divisions.  

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

Interest Rate Risk

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

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

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

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

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

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

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

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

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Item 1A. Risk Factors

There are no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017.

Item 6. Exhibits

Number		Description of Exhibits
3.1	—	Certificate of Incorporation of Powell Industries, Inc. filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on February 11, 2004 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to our Form 8-A/A filed November 1, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference).
3.2	—	Amended and Restated Bylaws of Powell Industries, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to our Form 8-K filed October 12, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference).
*31.1	—	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a).
*31.2	—	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a).
*32.1	—	Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*32.2	—	Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
*101.INS	—	XBRL Instance Document
*101.SCH	—	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
*101.CAL	—	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
*101.DEF	—	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
*101.LAB	—	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
*101.PRE	—	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
* Filed herewith

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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.

	POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC.
	(Registrant)
Date: February 7, 2018	By:	/s/ Brett A. Cope
		Brett A. Cope
		President and Chief Executive Officer
		(Principal Executive Officer)
	By:	/s/  Don R. Madison
		Don R. Madison
		Executive Vice President
		Chief Financial and Administrative Officer
		(Principal Financial Officer)

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EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Brett A. Cope, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Powell Industries, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a. designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

c. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ Brett A. Cope

Brett A. Cope

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

Date: February 7, 2018

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Don R. Madison, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Powell Industries, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a. designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

c. evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ Don R. Madison 

Don R. Madison

Executive Vice President

Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

Date: February 7, 2018

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with this Quarterly Report (the “Report”) on Form 10-Q of Powell Industries, Inc. (the “Company”) for the quarter ended December 31, 2017, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof, I, Brett A. Cope, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly represents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Brett A. Cope

Brett A. Cope

President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: February 7, 2018

EX-32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with this Quarterly Report (the “Report”) on Form 10-Q of Powell Industries, Inc. (the “Company”) for the quarter ended December 31, 2017, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof, I, Don R. Madison, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly represents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Don R. Madison 

Don R. Madison

Executive Vice President

Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

Date: February 7, 2018

XML

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Feb. 02, 2018
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	POWELL INDUSTRIES INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000080420
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Trading Symbol	powl
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		11,450,938

XML

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 49,587	$ 68,359
Short-term investments	23,101	26,829
Restricted cash	19,402	15,104
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $158 and $179	78,978	53,852
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	38,985	51,554
Inventories	18,535	18,448
Income taxes receivable	7,587	8,222
Deferred income taxes	0	3,539
Prepaid expenses	2,804	3,701
Other current assets	268	463
Total Current Assets	239,247	250,071
Property, plant and equipment, net	137,269	139,420
Restricted cash	8,374	9,747
Goodwill and intangible assets, net	1,646	1,719
Other assets	14,057	13,800
Deferred income taxes	5,060	229
Total Assets	405,653	414,986
Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	400	400
Accounts payable	28,780	33,269
Accrued salaries, bonuses and commissions	10,044	14,984
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	36,729	26,166
Accrued product warranty	2,890	3,174
Income taxes payable	1,437	1,219
Other accrued expenses	4,371	5,860
Deferred credit ─ short term	0	507
Total Current Liabilities	84,651	85,579
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	1,200	1,600
Deferred compensation	5,628	5,314
Other long-term liabilities	1,200	1,197
Total Liabilities	92,679	93,690
Commitments and Contingencies (Note E)
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, par value $.01; 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued	0	0
Common stock, par value $.01; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 12,256,956 and 12,234,656 and shares issued, respectively	122	122
Additional paid-in capital	54,960	54,329
Retained earnings	301,959	310,598
Treasury stock, 806,018 shares at cost	(24,999)	(24,999)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(19,068)	(18,754)
Total Stockholders' Equity	312,974	321,296
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$ 405,653	$ 414,986

XML

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 158	$ 179
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	30,000,000	30,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	12,256,956	12,234,656
Treasury stock, shares	806,018	806,018

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 90,184	$ 110,341
Cost of goods sold	79,630	95,342
Gross profit	10,554	14,999
Selling, general and administrative expenses	16,215	15,698
Research and development expenses	1,658	1,469
Amortization of intangible assets	73	88
Operating loss	(7,392)	(2,256)
Other income	(507)	(507)
Interest expense	51	34
Interest income	(203)	(42)
Loss before income taxes	(6,733)	(1,741)
Income tax benefit	(1,071)	(1,441)
Net loss	$ (5,662)	$ (300)
Loss per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.49)	$ (0.03)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.49)	$ (0.03)
Weighted average shares:
Basic (in shares)	11,497	11,438
Diluted (in shares)	11,497	11,438
Dividends per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.26	$ 0.26

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (5,662)	$ (300)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(314)	(2,611)
Comprehensive loss	$ (5,976)	$ (2,911)

XML

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Operating Activities:
Net loss	$ (5,662)	$ (300)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	3,162	3,063
Amortization	73	88
Stock-based compensation	1,069	1,009
Bad debt recovery	(20)	(113)
Deferred income tax benefit	(1,292)	(7)
Gain on amended supply agreement	(507)	(507)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	(25,102)	12,234
Costs and billings in excess of estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	23,155	2,236
Inventories	(88)	2,444
Income taxes	853	(1,319)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,101	554
Accounts payable	(4,144)	(2,085)
Accrued liabilities	(6,673)	(13,398)
Other, net	15	(525)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(14,060)	3,374
Investing Activities:
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	55	0
Purchases of short-term investments	(20,712)	(14,874)
Maturities of short-term investments	24,425	0
Changes in restricted cash	(2,925)	0
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(1,701)	(928)
Net cash used in investing activities	(858)	(15,802)
Financing Activities:
Payments on industrial development revenue bonds	(400)	(400)
Shares withheld in lieu of employee tax withholding	(438)	(398)
Dividends paid	(2,977)	(2,966)
Net cash used in financing activities	(3,815)	(3,764)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(18,733)	(16,192)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(39)	(946)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	68,359	97,720
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 49,587	$ 80,582

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OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Overview

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

We develop, design, manufacture and service custom-engineered products and systems for the distribution, control and monitoring of electrical energy. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, we serve the oil and gas refining, onshore and offshore oil and gas production, petrochemical, pipeline, terminal, mining and metals, light rail traction power, electric utility, pulp and paper and other heavy industrial markets.

Basis of Presentation

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Powell and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X for interim financial information. Certain information and footnote disclosures, normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP), have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to fairly state the financial position, results of operations and cash flows with respect to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been included. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire fiscal year. We believe that these financial statements contain all adjustments necessary so that they are not misleading.

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Powell and its subsidiaries included in Powell’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2017, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on December 6, 2017.

References to Fiscal 2018 and Fiscal 2017 used throughout this report shall mean our fiscal years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Use of Estimates

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

New Accounting Standards

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

In November 2015, the FASB issued an amendment to the topic regarding income taxes which requires an entity to separate deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts in the statement of financial position. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. Deferred tax liabilities and assets that are not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting are classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference. To simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes, the amendments require that deferred income tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. We have adopted this topic prospectively in Fiscal 2018 and our statement of financial position at December 31, 2017 reflects this reclassification. We have not retrospectively adjusted prior periods.

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

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

In January 2017, the FASB issued new guidance on goodwill impairment intended to simplify the testing for goodwill impairment by the elimination of Step 2 in the determination on whether goodwill should be considered impaired. The annual and/or interim assessments are still required to be completed. This guidance is effective for fiscal years (including interim periods) beginning after December 15, 2019, which would be our fiscal year ending September 30, 2021. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In May 2017, the FASB issued a new topic on modification accounting with regards to stock based compensation. This new topic clarifies when a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award should be accounted for as a modification. An entity should account for the effects of a modification unless the fair value, vesting conditions and classification, as an equity instrument or a liability instrument, of the modified award are the same before and after a change to the terms or conditions of the share-based payment award. This topic is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, which is our fiscal year ending September 30, 2019. We do not expect this topic to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

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EARNINGS PER SHARE

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE

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

The following table reconciles basic and diluted weighted average shares used in the computation of earnings per share (in thousands, except per share data):

	Three months ended December 31,
	2017			2016
Numerator:
Net loss	$	(5,662	)	$	(300	)
Denominator:
Weighted average basic shares	11,497			11,438
Dilutive effect of restricted stock units	—			—
Weighted average diluted shares with assumed conversions	11,497			11,438
Net loss per share:
Basic	$	(0.49	)	$	(0.03	)
Diluted	$	(0.49	)	$	(0.03	)

For the quarters ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we incurred net losses and therefore all potential common shares were deemed to be anti-dilutive.

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DETAIL OF SELECTED BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

DETAIL OF SELECTED BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS

DETAIL OF SELECTED BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

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

	Three months ended December 31,
	2017			2016
Balance at beginning of period	$	179		$	811
Bad debt expense (recovery)	(20		)	(113		)
Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries	(1		)	(28		)
Change due to foreign currency translation	—			(6		)
Balance at end of period	$	158		$	664

Inventories

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

	December 31, 2017		September 30, 2017
Raw materials, parts and subassemblies, net	$	17,701	$	17,848
Work-in-progress	834		600
Total inventories	$	18,535	$	18,448

Cost and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts

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

	December 31, 2017			September 30, 2017
Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts	$	984,882		$	987,164
Estimated earnings	311,391			316,970
	1,296,273			1,304,134
Less: Billings to date	(1,294,017		)	(1,278,746		)
Net underbilled position	$	2,256		$	25,388
Included in the accompanying balance sheets under the following captions:
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	$	38,985		$	51,554
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	(36,729		)	(26,166		)
Net underbilled position	$	2,256		$	25,388

Accrued Product Warranty

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

	Three months ended December 31,
	2017			2016
Balance at beginning of period	$	3,174		$	4,639
Increase to warranty expense	195			370
Deduction for warranty charges	(478		)	(725		)
Change due to foreign currency translation	(1		)	(54		)
Balance at end of period	$	2,890		$	4,230

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LONG-TERM DEBT

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

LONG-TERM DEBT

LONG-TERM DEBT

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

	December 31, 2017			September 30, 2017
Industrial development revenue bonds	$	1,600		$	2,000
Less current portion	(400		)	(400		)
Total long-term debt	$	1,200		$	1,600

U.S. Revolver

We have a $75.0 million revolving credit facility (U.S. Revolver) to provide working capital support and letters of credit which expires on June 27, 2022. The amount available under the U.S. Revolver at December 31, 2017 was reduced by $27.0 million for our outstanding letters of credit. There were no loans outstanding under the U.S. Revolver as of December 31, 2017. Amounts available under the U.S. Revolver were $48.0 million at December 31, 2017.

Per the terms of the U.S. Revolver, we are required to maintain a cash balance in a pledged cash collateral account equal to 102% of the outstanding amount of any loans and letter of credit obligations until we meet certain financial ratios. As of December 31, 2017, the balance in the pledged account was $27.8 million. The cash collateral associated with the outstanding letters of credit that are due to expire beyond twelve months has been classified as non-current restricted cash on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2017.

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

The U.S. Revolver is collateralized by a pledge of 100% of the voting capital stock of each of our domestic subsidiaries and 65% of the voting capital stock of each non-domestic subsidiary. The U.S. Revolver provides for customary events of default and carries cross-default provisions with other existing debt agreements. If an event of default (as defined in the U.S. Revolver) occurs and is continuing, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the U.S. Revolver, amounts outstanding under the U.S. Revolver may be accelerated and may become immediately due and payable. It also contains financial covenants defining various financial measures and the levels of these measures with which we must comply, as well as a “material adverse change” clause. A “material adverse change” is defined as a material change in our operations, business, properties, liabilities or condition (financial or otherwise) or a material impairment of our ability to perform our obligations under our credit agreements. As of December 31, 2017, we were in compliance with all of the financial covenants of the U.S. Revolver.

Industrial Development Revenue Bonds

We borrowed $8.0 million in October 2001 through a loan agreement funded with proceeds from tax-exempt industrial development revenue bonds (Bonds). These Bonds were issued by the Illinois Development Finance Authority and were used for the completion of our Northlake, Illinois facility. Pursuant to the Bond issuance, a reimbursement agreement between us and a major domestic bank required an issuance by the bank of an irrevocable direct-pay letter of credit (Bond LC), as collateral, to the Bonds’ trustee to guarantee payment of the Bonds’ principal and interest when due. The Bond LC is subject to both early termination and extension provisions customary to such agreements, as well as various covenants, for which we were in compliance at December 31, 2017. While the Bonds mature in 2021, the reimbursement agreement requires annual redemptions of $0.4 million that commenced on October 25, 2002. A sinking fund is used for the redemption of the Bonds. The Bonds bear interest at a floating rate determined weekly by the Bonds’ remarketing agent, which was the underwriter for the Bonds and is an affiliate of the bank. This interest rate was 1.90% as of December 31, 2017.

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Letters of Credit, Surety Bonds and Bank Guarantees

Certain customers require us to post letters of credit or surety bonds which assure that we will perform under the terms of our contract. In the event of default, the counterparty may demand payment from the bank under a letter of credit or performance by the surety under a bond. To date, there have been no significant expenses related to either letters of credit or surety bonds for the periods reported. We were contingently liable for letters of credit of $27.0 million as of December 31, 2017. We also had surety bonds totaling $217.0 million that were outstanding, with additional bonding capacity of $533.0 million available, at December 31, 2017.

Additionally, we have a $6.7 million facility agreement (Facility Agreement) between Powell (UK) Limited and a large international bank. This Facility Agreement provides Powell (UK) Limited the ability to enter into bank guarantees as well as forward exchange contracts and currency options. At December 31, 2017, we had outstanding guarantees totaling $3.9 million under this Facility Agreement and amounts available under this Facility Agreement were $2.8 million. This facility expires in May 2018. The Facility Agreement provides for financial covenants and customary events of default, and carries cross-default provisions with our U.S. Revolver. If an event of default (as defined in the Facility Agreement) occurs and is continuing, per the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein, obligations outstanding under the Facility Agreement may be accelerated and declared immediately due and payable. As of December 31, 2017, we were in compliance with all of the financial covenants of the Facility Agreement.  

Litigation

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

Liquidated Damages

Certain of our customer contracts have schedule and performance obligation clauses that, if we fail to meet them, could require us to pay liquidated damages. Each individual contract defines the conditions under which the customer may make a claim against us. As of December 31, 2017, our exposure to possible liquidated damages was $2.4 million, of which approximately $1.5 million is probable. Based on our actual or projected failure to meet these various contractual commitments, $1.4 million has been recorded as a reduction to revenue. We will attempt to obtain change orders, contract extensions or accelerate project completion which may resolve the potential for any unaccrued liquidated damage. Should we fail to achieve relief on some or all of these contractual obligations, we could be required to pay additional liquidated damages, which could negatively impact our future operating results.

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STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 for a full description of our existing stock-based compensation plans.

Restricted Stock Units

We issue restricted stock units (RSUs) to certain officers and key employees of the Company. The fair value of the RSUs is based on the closing price of our common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Market on the grant dates. The typical annual grant vests over a three-year period from the date of issuance. Sixty percent of those grants are time-based and vest over a three-year period on each anniversary of the grant date, based on continued employment. The remaining forty percent of the grant will be earned based on the three-year earnings performance of the Company following the grant date. At December 31, 2017, there were 206,584 RSUs outstanding. The RSUs do not have voting rights but do receive dividend equivalents upon vesting; additionally, the shares of common stock underlying the RSUs are not considered issued and outstanding until vested and common stock is issued.

RSU activity (number of shares) for the three months ended December 31, 2017 is summarized below:

	Number of Restricted Stock Units		Weighted Average Fair Value Per Share
Outstanding at September 30, 2017	177,737		$	37.00
Granted	86,500		29.88
Vested	(34,853	)	35.64
Forfeited/canceled	(22,800	)	41.88
Outstanding at December 31, 2017	206,584		$	33.71

During the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we recorded compensation expense of $1.0 million and $0.9 million, respectively, related to the RSUs. 

Restricted Stock

Each non-employee director receives 2,000 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock annually. Fifty-percent of the restricted stock granted to each of our non-employee directors vests immediately, while the remaining fifty-percent will vest on the first anniversary of the grant date. Compensation expense is recognized immediately for the first fifty-percent of the restricted stock granted, while compensation expense for the remaining fifty-percent is recognized over the remaining vesting period based on the price per share on the grant date. During the first quarter of Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016, there were no restricted shares granted.

During the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we recorded compensation expense of $0.1 million, respectively, related to restricted stock. 

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

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

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

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

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

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

The following table summarizes the fair value of our assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2017 (in thousands):

	Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2017
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Fair Value at December 31, 2017
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	49,587	$	—	$	—	$	49,587
Short-term investments	23,101		—		—		23,101
Restricted cash	27,776		—		—		27,776
Deferred compensation	—		6,641		—		6,641
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation	—		5,322		—		5,322

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

	Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2017
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Fair Value at September 30, 2017
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	68,359	$	—	$	—	$	68,359
Short-term investments	26,829						26,829
Restricted cash	24,851						24,851
Deferred compensation	—		6,442		—		6,442
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation	—		4,991		—		4,991

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

Cash and cash equivalents

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

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

Restricted Cash – Restricted cash represents a pledged cash collateral balance which is required under our U.S. Revolver and is held in an interest-bearing savings account. See Note D for further discussion on restricted cash.

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

There were no transfers between levels within the fair value measurement hierarchy during the three months ended December 31, 2017.

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INCOME TAXES

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES

The calculation of the effective tax rate is as follows (in thousands):

	Three months ended December 31,
	2017			2016
Loss before income taxes	$	(6,733	)	$	(1,741	)
Income tax benefit	(1,071		)	(1,441		)
Net loss	$	(5,662	)	$	(300	)
Effective tax rate	16		%	83		%

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Act) was signed into law. The Act lowers the corporate tax rate for C corporations from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. As a result, the effective tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2017 represents a reduced blended U.S. tax rate of 24.5%, but was partially offset by deferred tax expense of $0.7 million due to the re-measurement of our U.S. deferred tax assets, which are not expected to be realized prior to the end of Fiscal 2018. The final impact of the Act may differ from our estimates based on changes in interpretations or assumptions we make, as well as the issuance of additional guidance. Additionally, our effective tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2017 was reduced by a $0.2 million foreign tax loss which is reserved with a valuation allowance.

The effective tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2016 was favorably impacted by the lower tax rate in the United Kingdom, the relative amounts of income/loss recognized in various jurisdictions, as well as the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards in Canada that are fully reserved with a valuation allowance. We also completed an IRS audit during the three months ended December 2016, which favorably impacted the effective tax rate due to the release of a $0.3 million FIN 48 reserve relating to the Research and Development Tax Credit.

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SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On February 5, 2018, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend on our common stock in the amount of $0.26 per share. The dividend is payable on March 21, 2018 to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 21, 2018.

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OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Powell and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X for interim financial information. Certain information and footnote disclosures, normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP), have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to fairly state the financial position, results of operations and cash flows with respect to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been included. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire fiscal year. We believe that these financial statements contain all adjustments necessary so that they are not misleading.

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Powell and its subsidiaries included in Powell’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2017, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on December 6, 2017.

References to Fiscal 2018 and Fiscal 2017 used throughout this report shall mean our fiscal years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

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

New Accounting Standards

New Accounting Standards

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

In November 2015, the FASB issued an amendment to the topic regarding income taxes which requires an entity to separate deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts in the statement of financial position. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. Deferred tax liabilities and assets that are not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting are classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference. To simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes, the amendments require that deferred income tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. We have adopted this topic prospectively in Fiscal 2018 and our statement of financial position at December 31, 2017 reflects this reclassification. We have not retrospectively adjusted prior periods.

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

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

In January 2017, the FASB issued new guidance on goodwill impairment intended to simplify the testing for goodwill impairment by the elimination of Step 2 in the determination on whether goodwill should be considered impaired. The annual and/or interim assessments are still required to be completed. This guidance is effective for fiscal years (including interim periods) beginning after December 15, 2019, which would be our fiscal year ending September 30, 2021. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In May 2017, the FASB issued a new topic on modification accounting with regards to stock based compensation. This new topic clarifies when a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award should be accounted for as a modification. An entity should account for the effects of a modification unless the fair value, vesting conditions and classification, as an equity instrument or a liability instrument, of the modified award are the same before and after a change to the terms or conditions of the share-based payment award. This topic is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, which is our fiscal year ending September 30, 2019. We do not expect this topic to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

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EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share

The following table reconciles basic and diluted weighted average shares used in the computation of earnings per share (in thousands, except per share data):

	Three months ended December 31,
	2017			2016
Numerator:
Net loss	$	(5,662	)	$	(300	)
Denominator:
Weighted average basic shares	11,497			11,438
Dilutive effect of restricted stock units	—			—
Weighted average diluted shares with assumed conversions	11,497			11,438
Net loss per share:
Basic	$	(0.49	)	$	(0.03	)
Diluted	$	(0.49	)	$	(0.03	)

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DETAIL OF SELECTED BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Activity in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable

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

	Three months ended December 31,
	2017			2016
Balance at beginning of period	$	179		$	811
Bad debt expense (recovery)	(20		)	(113		)
Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries	(1		)	(28		)
Change due to foreign currency translation	—			(6		)
Balance at end of period	$	158		$	664

Components of Inventories

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

	December 31, 2017		September 30, 2017
Raw materials, parts and subassemblies, net	$	17,701	$	17,848
Work-in-progress	834		600
Total inventories	$	18,535	$	18,448

Components of Cost and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts

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

	December 31, 2017			September 30, 2017
Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts	$	984,882		$	987,164
Estimated earnings	311,391			316,970
	1,296,273			1,304,134
Less: Billings to date	(1,294,017		)	(1,278,746		)
Net underbilled position	$	2,256		$	25,388
Included in the accompanying balance sheets under the following captions:
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	$	38,985		$	51,554
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	(36,729		)	(26,166		)
Net underbilled position	$	2,256		$	25,388

Activity in Product Warranty Accrual

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

	Three months ended December 31,
	2017			2016
Balance at beginning of period	$	3,174		$	4,639
Increase to warranty expense	195			370
Deduction for warranty charges	(478		)	(725		)
Change due to foreign currency translation	(1		)	(54		)
Balance at end of period	$	2,890		$	4,230

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LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Components of Long-term debt

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

	December 31, 2017			September 30, 2017
Industrial development revenue bonds	$	1,600		$	2,000
Less current portion	(400		)	(400		)
Total long-term debt	$	1,200		$	1,600

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STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Schedule of Restricted Stock Units Activity

RSU activity (number of shares) for the three months ended December 31, 2017 is summarized below:

	Number of Restricted Stock Units		Weighted Average Fair Value Per Share
Outstanding at September 30, 2017	177,737		$	37.00
Granted	86,500		29.88
Vested	(34,853	)	35.64
Forfeited/canceled	(22,800	)	41.88
Outstanding at December 31, 2017	206,584		$	33.71

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis

The following table summarizes the fair value of our assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2017 (in thousands):

	Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2017
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Fair Value at December 31, 2017
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	49,587	$	—	$	—	$	49,587
Short-term investments	23,101		—		—		23,101
Restricted cash	27,776		—		—		27,776
Deferred compensation	—		6,641		—		6,641
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation	—		5,322		—		5,322

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

	Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2017
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Fair Value at September 30, 2017
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	68,359	$	—	$	—	$	68,359
Short-term investments	26,829						26,829
Restricted cash	24,851						24,851
Deferred compensation	—		6,442		—		6,442
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation	—		4,991		—		4,991

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INCOME TAXES (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate

The calculation of the effective tax rate is as follows (in thousands):

	Three months ended December 31,
	2017			2016
Loss before income taxes	$	(6,733	)	$	(1,741	)
Income tax benefit	(1,071		)	(1,441		)
Net loss	$	(5,662	)	$	(300	)
Effective tax rate	16		%	83		%

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EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Numerator:
Net loss	$ (5,662)	$ (300)
Denominator:
Weighted average basic shares (in shares)	11,497	11,438
Dilutive effect of restricted stock units (in shares)	0	0
Weighted average diluted shares with assumed conversions	11,497	11,438
Net loss per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.49)	$ (0.03)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.49)	$ (0.03)

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DETAIL OF SELECTED BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS - Activity in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 179	$ 811
Bad debt expense (recovery)	(20)	(113)
Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries	(1)	(28)
Change due to foreign currency translation	0	(6)
Balance at end of period	$ 158	$ 664

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DETAIL OF SELECTED BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS - Components of Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Raw materials, parts and subassemblies, net	$ 17,701	$ 17,848
Work-in-progress	834	600
Total inventories	$ 18,535	$ 18,448

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DETAIL OF SELECTED BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS - Cost and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts	$ 984,882	$ 987,164
Estimated earnings	311,391	316,970
Total	1,296,273	1,304,134
Less: Billings to date	(1,294,017)	(1,278,746)
Net underbilled position	2,256	25,388
Included in the accompanying balance sheets under the following captions:
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts	38,985	51,554
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts	(36,729)	(26,166)
Net underbilled position	$ 2,256	$ 25,388

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DETAIL OF SELECTED BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS - Activity in Product Warranty Accrual (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 3,174	$ 4,639
Increase to warranty expense	195	370
Deduction for warranty charges	(478)	(725)
Change due to foreign currency translation	(1)	(54)
Balance at end of period	$ 2,890	$ 4,230

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LONG-TERM DEBT - Components of Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Industrial development revenue bonds	$ 1,600	$ 2,000
Less current portion	(400)	(400)
Total long-term debt	$ 1,200	$ 1,600

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LONG-TERM DEBT - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2001
U.S. Revolver
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility	$ 75,000,000.0
Revolving credit facility borrowings, outstanding amount	0
Amount of credit facility remaining borrowing capacity	$ 48,000,000
Percentage of voting capital stock pledged as collateral	100.00%
Non-domestic subsidiaries of voting capital stock	65.00%
U.S. Revolver | Maximum
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.25%
U.S. Revolver | Federal Funds Rate
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	0.50%
U.S. Revolver | Eurocurrency Rate
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.00%
U.S. Revolver | The Third Amendment
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Cash collateral percent of outstanding debt (at least)	102.00%
Cash collateral pledged balance	$ 27,800,000
U.S. Revolver | Financial Standby Letter of Credit
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Guarantee liability	27,000,000
Industrial Development Revenue Bonds
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Borrowings		$ 8,000,000.0
Reimbursement agreement requires annual redemptions	$ 400,000
Interest rate	1.90%

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Guarantee Obligations [Line Items]
Additional bonding capacity	$ 533,000,000
Liquidated damages	2,400,000
Probable liquidated damages	1,500,000
Loss contingency, estimate of actual or projected loss	1,400,000
Facility Agreement | Powell (UK) Limited
Guarantee Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantee liability	3,900,000
Revolving credit facility	6,700,000
Amount of credit facility remaining borrowing capacity	2,800,000
Surety Bonds
Guarantee Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantee liability	217,000,000
U.S. Revolver
Guarantee Obligations [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility	75,000,000.0
Amount of credit facility remaining borrowing capacity	48,000,000
U.S. Revolver | Financial Standby Letter of Credit
Guarantee Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantee liability	$ 27,000,000

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STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock granted (in shares)	0	0
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Unvested restricted stock outstanding (in shares)	206,584		177,737
Compensation expense	$ 1.0	$ 0.9
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Time Based Restricted Stock Unit
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Actual amount of RSUs earned based on cumulative earnings	60.00%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Target RSUs granted range	40.00%
Restricted Stock
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense	$ 0.1	$ 0.1
Restricted Stock | Immediate Vesting
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting, percentage	50.00%
Restricted Stock | Anniversary of Grant Date
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting, percentage	50.00%
Non Employee Director Equity Incentive Plan | Restricted Stock
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares issued under the plan	2,000

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STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Schedule of Restricted Stock Units Activity (Details) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 $ / shares shares
Number of Restricted Stock Units
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares) | shares	177,737
Granted (in shares) | shares	86,500
Vested (in shares) | shares	(34,853)
Forfeited/cancelled (in shares) | shares	(22,800)
Outstanding at end of period (in shares) | shares	206,584
Weighted Average Fair Value Per Share
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 37.00
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	29.88
Vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	35.64
Forfeited/canceled (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	41.88
Outstanding at end of period(in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 33.71

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 49,587	$ 68,359
Short-term investments	23,101	26,829
Restricted cash	27,776	24,851
Deferred compensation	6,641	6,442
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation	5,322	4,991
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	49,587	68,359
Short-term investments	23,101	26,829
Restricted cash	27,776	24,851
Deferred compensation	0	0
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Short-term investments	0
Restricted cash	0
Deferred compensation	6,641	6,442
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation	5,322	4,991
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Short-term investments	0
Restricted cash	0
Deferred compensation	0	0
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation	$ 0	$ 0

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INCOME TAXES - Schedule of Effective Tax Rate (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Loss before income taxes	$ (6,733)	$ (1,741)
Income tax benefit	(1,071)	(1,441)
Net loss	$ (5,662)	$ (300)
Effective tax rate	16.00%	83.00%

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INCOME TAXES - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Income tax benefit	$ 1,071	$ 1,441
Effective tax rate	16.00%	83.00%
Blended tax rate	24.50%
Re-measurement of deferred tax assets	$ 700
Valuation allowance	200
Research And Development Tax Credit
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Release of Fin 48 reserve relating to Research and Development Tax Credit	$ 300

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SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) - $ / shares		3 Months Ended
	Feb. 05, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Quarterly cash dividend (in dollars per share)		$ 0.26	$ 0.26
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Quarterly cash dividend (in dollars per share)	$ 0.26