UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
(Mark One)
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 20172021
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
Delaware
88-0106100
(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)
8550 Mosley Road
Houston, Texas
77075-1180
Houston
Texas77075-1180
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)


Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(713) 944-6900

Securities registered pursuant to sectionSection 12(b) of the Act:
    Title of each class:                                                                      Name of each exchange on which registered:
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share                                                                
Title of each classTrading SymbolName of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per sharePOWLNASDAQ Global Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of Act: None
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    ☐  Yes     ☒  No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    ☐  Yes    ☒  No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. ☒ Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive DateData File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). ☒ Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§232.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.   o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and "emergingemerging growth company"company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filero
Accelerated filerx
Non-accelerated filero
Smaller reporting companyo
Emerging growth companyo
(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 has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2)12b-2 of the Act). ☐ Yes ☒  No

The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $394$304 million as of March 31, 2017,2021, based upon the closing price on the NASDAQ Global Market on that date.  For purposes of the calculation above only, all directors, executive officers and beneficial owners of 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the registrant's common stock are considered to be “affiliates.”
At December 1, 2017,6, 2021, there were 11,428,63811,724,243 outstanding shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share.

Documents Incorporated By Reference

Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statementproxy statement for the 20182021 annual meeting of stockholders to be filed not later than 120 days after September 30, 2017,2021, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.






POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Page
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 7A.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 9B.
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
Item 15.
Item 16.

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS;
RISK FACTORS
Unless otherwise indicated, all references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “Powell” or “the Company” include Powell Industries, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-K (Annual Report) includes forward-looking statements based on our current expectations, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include information concerning future results of operations and financial condition. Statements that contain words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” “continue,” “should,” “could,” “may,” “plan,” “project,” “predict,” “will” or similar expressions may be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and many factors could affect the future financial results and condition of the Company. Factors that may have a material effect on our revenues, expenses and operating results include, among other things, adverse business or market conditions, our ability to meet our customers’ scheduling requirements, our customers’ financial conditions and their ability to secure financing to support current and future projects, the availability and cost of materials from suppliers, availability of skilled labor force, adverse competitive developments and changes in customer requirements as well as those circumstances discussed under “Item“Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors,” below. Accordingly, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report. Any forward-looking statements made by or on our behalf are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
The forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report are based on current assumptions that we will continue to develop, market, manufacture and ship products and provide services on a competitive and timely basis; that economic and competitive conditions in our markets will not change in a materially adverse way; that we will accurately identify and meet customer needs for products and services; that we will be able to hire and retain skilled laborers and key employees; that our products and capabilities will remain competitive; that the financial markets and banking systems will remain stable and availability of credit will continue; that risks related to shifts in customer demand are minimized and that there will be no material adverse change in the operations or business of the Company. Assumptions relating to these factors involve judgments that are based on available information, which may not be complete, and are subject to changes in many factors beyond the Company’s control that can materially affect results. Because of these and other factors that affect our operating results, past financial performance should not be considered an indicator of future performance, and investors should not use historical trends to anticipate results or trends in future periods.




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PART I


Item 1. Business
Overview
Powell Industries, Inc. was incorporated in the state ofis a Delaware in 2004 as a successor to a Nevada company incorporated in 1968. The Nevada company was the successor to a companycorporation founded by William E. Powell in 1947,1947. We develop, design, manufacture and service custom-engineered equipment and systems which merged into(1) distribute, control and monitor the Company in 1977.flow of electrical energy and (2) provide protection to motors, transformers and other electrically powered equipment. We are headquartered in Houston, Texas, and our major subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned, include: Powell Electrical Systems, Inc.; Powell (UK) Limited; Powell Canada, Inc.; and Powell Industries International, B.V.
Our website is powellind.com. We make available, free of charge on or through our website, copies of thisour Annual ReportReports on Form 10-K, and other reports,Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports, filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as is reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Additionally, all of our reports filed with the SEC are available via their website at http://www.sec.gov, or may be readwww.sec.gov.
References to Fiscal 2021, Fiscal 2020 and copied at the SEC Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549.Fiscal 2019 used throughout this Annual Report relate to our fiscal years ended September 30, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
We develop, design, manufactureProducts and service custom-engineered products and systems which (1) distribute, control and monitor the flow of electrical energy and (2) provide protection to motors, transformers and other electrically powered equipment. Services
Our principal products include integrated power control room substations (PCRs®), custom-engineered modules, electrical houses (E-Houses), traditional and arc-resistant distribution switchgear and control gear, medium-voltage circuit breakers, monitoring and control communications systems, motor control centers, switches and bus duct systems. These products are designed for application voltages ranging from 480 volts to 38,000 volts and are used in oil and gas refining, onshore and offshore oil and gas production, petrochemical, liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals, pipeline, terminal, mining and metals, light rail traction power, electric utility, pulp and paper and other heavy industrial markets. Our product scope includes designs tested to meet both U.S. and international standards, under both the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and international standardsInternational Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). We assist customers by providing value-added services such as spare parts, field service inspection, installation, commissioning, modification and repair, retrofit and retrofill components for existing systems and replacement circuit breakers for switchgear that is obsolete or that is no longer produced by the original manufacturer. We seek to establish long-term relationships with the end users of our systems as well as the engineering, procurementdesign and construction (EPC)engineering firms contracted by those end users.
References We believe that our culture of safety and focus on customer satisfaction, along with our financial strength, allow us to Fiscal 2017, Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015 used throughout this Annual Report relatecontinue to our fiscal years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Revenues from customers locatedcapitalize on opportunities in the United States of America (U.S.) accounted for approximately 71%, 72% and 72% of our consolidated revenues for Fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Revenues from customers located in Canada accounted for approximately 12%, 14% and 15% of consolidated revenues for Fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Approximately 60% of our long-lived assets were located in the U.S. at September 30, 2017, with 37% of long-lived assets located in Canada and 3% of long-lived assets located in the United Kingdom (U.K.). Detailed geographic information is included in Note L of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report.
Customers and Markets
Our principal customers are sophisticated users of large amounts of electrical energy that typically require a complex combination of electrical components and systems. These customers and their industries include oil and gas refining, onshore and offshore oil and gas production, petrochemical, pipeline, terminal, mining and metals, light rail traction power, electric utility, pulp and paper and other heavy industrial markets.we serve.
Products and services are principally sold directly to the end user or to an EPCengineering, procurement and construction (EPC) firm on behalf of the end user. Each project is specifically engineered and manufactured to meet the exact specifications and requirements of the individual customer. Powell’s expertise is in the design and engineering, manufacturing, project management and integration of the various systems into a single, custom-engineered deliverable. We market and sell our products and services, which are typically awarded in competitive bid situations, to a wide variety of customers and governmental agencies spanning across diverse markets and geographic regions. Contracts often represent large-scale and complex projects with an individual customer. By their nature, these projects are typically nonrecurring. Thus, multiple and/or continuous projects of similar magnitude with the same customer may vary. As such, theare not predictable. The timing of large project awards may cause material fluctuations in our revenues and gross profits.
Occasionally our contracts may operate under a consortium or teaming arrangement. Typically, we enter into these arrangements with reputable companies with which we have conducted business with previously. These arrangements are generally made to leverage competitive positioning or where scale and/or size dictates the use of such arrangement.
Due to the nature and timing of large projects, a significant percentage of our revenues in a given period may result from one specific contract or customer. Although we could be adversely impacted by a significantThe large domestic industrial project that was awarded in Fiscal 2020 accounted for approximately 20% of our consolidated revenues in Fiscal 2021 and represents approximately 25% of our consolidated backlog going into Fiscal 2022. We believe the reduction in business volume from a particular industry we do not believeor the loss of any specifica major customer wouldcould have a materialan adverse effect on our business. However, from


From time to time, an individual manufacturing facility may have significant volume from one particular customer whichthat would be material to that facility. If during that time the customer were to experience financial distress, a decline in business or circumstances that would otherwise necessitate a cancellation of a project with us, our revenue could be adversely impacted. No customer accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated revenues in Fiscal 2017, Fiscal 20162020 or Fiscal 2015.  2019.
Competition
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Research and development activities are critical to Powell’s future and are focused on both the development of new products and services as well as enhancing current product offerings. Our expertise in vacuum circuit breaker engineering is internationally recognized, and we have a sustained commitment to incorporating continuous product improvements that will ensure operational safety and reliability across the markets we serve.
Markets
We strive to be the supplier of choice for custom-engineered system solutions and services to a variety of customers and markets. Our activities are predominantly in the oil and gas and the electric utility industries, but also include other markets where customers need to manage, monitor and control large amounts of electrical energy.energy through a complex network of electrical components and systems. The majority of our business is in support of capital investment projects that are highly complex and competitively bid. Our customized systems are designed to meet the specifications of our customers. Each system is designed, engineered and manufactured to the specific requirements of the particular application. We consider our engineering, project management, systems integration and technical support capabilities vital to the success of our business.
Specific to the oil and gas sector (excluding petrochemical), we serve the upstream, midstream and downstream end markets. Within the downstream segment, our primary customers typically are engaged in refining activities and/or leveraging natural gas feedstocks for the production of petrochemical or LNG products. We have developed strong relationships with our customers over the years and strive to maintain our position as a preferred service provider to solve our customers' complex electrical needs.
We believe that our products and services, integration capabilities, technical and project management strengths,acumen, application engineering expertise and specialty contracting experience, together with our responsivenessfinancial strength and flexibilityresponsiveness to the needs of our customers, and our financial strength, give us a sustainable competitive advantage in our markets. We compete with a small number of multinational competitors that sell to a broad industrial and geographic market, as well as smaller, regional competitors that typically have limited capabilities and scope of supply. Some of our competitors are significantly larger and have substantially greater global resources such as engineering, manufacturing and marketing. Our principal competitors include ABB, Eaton, General Electric Company, Schneider and Siemens. The competitive factors used during bid evaluation by our customers vary from project to project and may include technical support and application expertise, engineering and manufacturing capabilities, equipment rating, delivered value, scheduling and price. While projects are typically non-recurring, a significant portion of our business is from repeat customers and many times involves third-party EPC firms hired by the end user and with whichwhom we also have long, and established relationships. Ultimately, our competitive position is dependent upon our ability to provide quality custom-engineered products, services and systems on a timely basis at a competitive price.
Backlog
Backlog represents management's estimate of the dollar amount of revenue that we expect to realizeremaining unsatisfied performance obligation from work to be performed on our firm orders under uncompleted contracts and customer purchase orders, including approved change orders as well as new contractual agreements on which work has not begun. Our backlog will be recognized as revenue as we complete the remaining performance obligations. Our backlog does not include service and maintenance type contracts for which we have the rights to invoice as services are performed. Typically, our contracts may have an early termination for convenience clause at the discretion of our customers; however, most of these contracts typically provide for the reimbursement of our costs incurred and a reasonable margin in the event of such early termination. Our methodology for determining backlog may not be comparable to the methodology used by other companies. Orders included in our backlog are represented by customer purchase orders and contracts, which we believe to be firm.
Our backlog at September 30, 20172021 totaled $250.1$414.9 million compared to $291.4$476.8 million at September 30, 2016. Backlog declined primarily due to lower demand in our core oil, gas and petrochemical markets.2020. We anticipate that approximately $235.3$291.0 million of Fiscal 20172021 ending backlog will be fulfilled during our fiscal year ending September 30, 2018.2022. Backlog may not be indicative of future operating results as orders in our backlog may be cancelled or modified by our customers.customers and may not be indicative of continuing revenue performance over future fiscal quarters.
Raw Materials and Suppliers
The principal raw materials used in our operations include steel, copper and aluminum and various electrical components. Material costs represented 49% of revenues in Fiscal 2021 and 47% of revenues in both Fiscal 20172020 and Fiscal 2016 and 46% in Fiscal 2015.2019. Unanticipated changes in material requirements, market conditions and disruptions in suppliesthe supply chain or price increases could impact production costs and affect our consolidated results of operations.
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Our supply base for certain key components and raw materials is limited. Changes in our design to accommodate similar components from other suppliers could be implemented to resolve a supply problem related to a sole-sourced component. In this circumstance, supply problems could result in delays in our ability to meet commitments to our customers. We believe that sources of supply for raw materials and components are generally sufficient, and we do not believe a temporary shortage of materials will cause any significant adverse impact in the future. While we are not dependent on any one supplier for the majority of our raw materials, we are highly dependent on our suppliers in order to meet commitments to our customers. During Fiscal 2021, as a result of the challenges created by global transportation issues, the COVID-19 pandemic and market volatility, we experienced minor supply disruptions and anticipate that supply disruptions and material shortages may continue. We continue to work with our key suppliers who have been impacted by these supply disruptions to ensure that we are able to meet our customer commitments. While we have not currently experienced significant or unusual issues in the purchase of key raw materials or components, inwe continue to monitor the past three fiscal years. availability (including transportation) and price of components and raw materials on a regular basis, as well as any potential impact on our operations. 

Our business is subject to the effects of changing material prices. DuringWhile raw material costs have been relatively stable in the last three fiscalpast few years, during Fiscal 2021 we have begun to encounter availability constraints from key suppliers as well as cost increases driven by using alternate suppliers, increased commodity costs as well as higher logistics expense. While these availability challenges have not experienced significant price volatility for raw materials or component parts usedcurrently created execution challenges, we continue to monitor material availability closely. We cannot, however, provide assurance that we will continue to mitigate these material shortages, in the productionwhich case our results of our products.operations may be adversely affected. While the cost outlook for commodities used in the production of our products is not certain, we believe we can manage this volatility through contract pricing adjustments, with material-cost predictive estimating and by actively pursuing internal cost reduction efforts. We did not enter into any derivative contracts to hedge our exposure to commodity price changes in Fiscal 2017, 20162021, 2020 or 2015.2019.


EmployeesHuman Capital
At September 30, 2017,2021, we had 1,8411,892 full-time employees and 181 contract employees located primarily in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. Our employees are not represented by unions, and we believe that our relationship with our employees is good. Periodically, demand for qualified personnel increases in certain geographic areas due to increased construction or economic activity. We continue to monitor our demand for skilled and unskilled labor and provide training and competitive compensation packages in an effort to attract and retain skilled employees. Labor shortages or increased labor costs could impair our ability to maintain our business, meet customer commitments or grow our revenues, and may adversely impact our business and results of operations.
Three of our top human capital priorities are workplace safety, internal promotion and key employee retention. Powell emphasizes a culture of safety that runs throughout the Company. We establish annual goals and monthly operating metrics, which have resulted in a safety incident rate that is one-half the industry average across Powell. We believe that internal promotion and key employee retention are critical components to our long-term success. The average tenure of our employees is 11 years. Our annual Organizational Capabilities Review is focused on succession planning within our organization and is reviewed annually by our Board of Directors. We measure our success based on the percentage of internal promotions to key positions and our ability to attract and retain key employees.
Intellectual Property
While we are the holder ofhold various patents, trademarks, servicemarks, copyrights and licenses, we do not consider any individual intellectual property to be material to our consolidated business operations.

Seasonality
Our operations are not generally affected by seasonality. However, weather and natural phenomena can temporarily impact the performance of our operations. Furthermore, quarterly operating results may fluctuate in our first fiscal quarter due to the reduction in the number of workdays related to the number of holidays in that fiscal quarter.
Government Regulations
We are subject to various government regulations in the United States as well as various international locations where we operate. These regulations cover diverse areas including environmental compliance, import and export controls, economic sanctions, data and privacy protection, transfer pricing rules, anti-bribery, anti-trafficking and anti-trust provisions. Our policies mandate compliance with applicable laws and regulations administered by various state, federal and international agencies. We maintain various training programs to educate our employees on compliance with governmental regulations, as well as applied
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legal and ethical practices in our everyday work. We do not believe that compliance with governmental regulations will have a material impact on our capital expenditures, results of operations or competitive position.


Item 1A. Risk Factors
Our business is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties described below. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business,the business's financial condition, cash flows, liquidity and results of operations couldmay be negatively impacted, and we may not be able to achieve our quarterly, annual or long-range plans. Additional risks and uncertainties not known to us or not described below may also negatively impact our business and results of operations. This Annual Report also includes statements reflecting assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions or beliefs about future events that are intended as “forward-looking statements” under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and should be read in conjunction with the discussion under “Forward-Looking Statements,” above.

Risk Factors Related to our Business and Industry
Our business is largely dependent on customers insubject to the oil and gascyclical nature of the end markets andthat 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.serve. This has had, and may continue to have, an adverse effect on our future operating results.
OilThe end markets that we serve have historically been, and gas prices, while improving somewhatwill continue to be vulnerable to general downturns, which in 2017, are still down from 2014 levelsturn could materially and are expected to remain volatile. This decline in oil and gas prices since 2014 has had a negative effect on our markets and led toadversely affect the reduction of projects available and thus reduced our revenue and our backlog of projects. Unfavorable commodity prices have caused oil and gas companies to change their strategies, reduce project spending and delay and/or cancel projects. The price for oil and gas can be influenced by many factors, including global economic growth, inventory levels and supply and demand for these commodities. These factors could cause oil and gas prices to remain depressed or decrease further, which could result in a continued decrease in customer projects that could adversely impact our operations. Continued periods of reduced oil and gas prices will negatively impact our business and results of operations and could result in impairment losses on our long-lived assets.
Economic uncertainty and financial market conditions may impact our customer base, suppliers and backlog.
Various factors drive demand for our products and services. Our customer projects, budgets for capital expenditures and the need for our services includinghave in the past, and may in the future, be adversely affected by among other things, the price and demand forof oil and gas, capital expenditures,poor economic forecastsconditions, low commodity prices, political uncertainties, and financial markets. Uncertainty regarding these factors could impact our customers and severelycurrency fluctuations. These variables may impact the demand for projectsnumber and/or the amount of new awards, delays in the timing of awards or potential cancellation of projects. Changes in product mix or services can have a significant impact on our gross margins on a quarterly and orders for our products and services. Additionally, the loss of significant volume from one particular customer at oneannual basis. The uncertainty of our facilities could adversely impact that facility. If one or morecontract award timing is outside of our supplierscontrol and can also present difficulties in matching workforce size with contract requirements. In some cases, we bear and maintain the cost of a ready workforce that may be larger than necessary in anticipation of future workforce needs. If an expected contract is delayed or subcontractors experiences difficulties that result in a reduction or interruption in supply to us, or they fail to meet our manufacturing requirements, our business could be adversely impacted until we are able to secure alternative sources. Furthermore, our ability to maintain or expand our business would be limited in the future if we are unable to maintain or increase our bonding capacity or our credit facility on favorable terms or at all. These disruptions could lead to reduced demand for our products and services and could adversely impact our business and results of operations.
Our backlog is subject to unexpected adjustments and cancellations and, therefore, may not be a reliable indicator of our future earnings.
We have a backlog of uncompleted contracts. Backlog represents the dollar amount of revenue that we expect to realize from work to be performed on uncompleted contracts, including new contractual agreements on which work has not begun. From time to time, projects are cancelled or modified and whilereceived, we may be reimbursed for certainincur additional costs we may not have a contractual right to the total revenue reflected in our backlog. In addition to our being unable to recover certain direct costs, cancelled projects may also result in additional unrecoverable costs due to the underutilization of our assets. Accordingly, the amounts recorded in backlog may not be a reliable indicator of our future earnings.



The use of percentage-of-completion accounting on our fixed-price contracts could result in volatility in our results of operations.
As discussed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” and in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report, the majority of our revenues are recognized on the percentage-of-completion method of accounting. Under the percentage-of-completion method of accounting, revenues are recognized as work is performed and costs are incurred. The revenue earned to date is calculated by multiplying the total contract price by the percentage of performance to date, which is based on total costsstaff or total labor dollars incurred to date compared to the total estimated costs or total labor dollars estimated at completion. The method used to determine the percentage of completion is typically the cost method, unless the labor method is a more accurate method of measuring the progress of the project. Application of the percentage-of-completion method of accounting requires the use of estimates of costs to be incurred for the performance of the contract. The cost estimation process is based upon the professional knowledge and experience of our management teams, engineers, project managers and financial professionals. Contract losses are recognized in full when determined, and estimates of revenue and cost to complete are adjusted based on ongoing reviews of estimated contract performance. Previously recorded estimates are adjusted as the project progresses and circumstances change. In certain circumstances, it is possiblefacility redundancy that such adjustments to costs and revenues could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The majority of our contracts contain performance obligations that may subject us to penalties or additional liabilities.
Most of our customer contracts have schedule and performance obligation clauses that, if we fail to meet, could subject us to penalty provisions, liquidated damages or claims against the company or our outstanding letters of credit or performance bonds. In addition, some customer contracts stipulate protection against our gross negligence or willful misconduct. Each individual contract defines the conditions under which the customer may make a claim against us. It is possible that adjustments arising from such claims, or our failure to manage our contract risk, may not be covered by insurance and could have an adverse impact on our results of operations.
Fluctuations in the price and supply of materials used to manufacture our products may reduce our profits and could adversely impact our ability to meet commitments to our customers.
Our material costs represented 47% of our consolidated revenues for Fiscal 2017. Unanticipated increases in raw material requirements or prices, as well as changes in supplier availability or supplier consolidation, could increase production costs and adversely affect profitability as fixed-price contracts may prohibit our ability to charge the customer for the increase in raw material prices. We purchase a wide variety of materials and component parts from various suppliers to manufacture our products, including steel, aluminum, copper and various components. Our supply base for certain key components and raw materials is limited and may come from a single supplier. If we are unable to obtain key components and raw materials from these suppliers, the key components and raw materials may not be readily available from other suppliers or available with acceptable terms. Our success depends on our ability to meet customer commitments and could be negatively impacted if a supplier experiences a disruption or discontinuance in their operations. The time and effort associated with the selection and qualification of a new supplier and changes in our design and testing to accommodate similar components from other suppliers could be significant. Additionally, we rely on certain competitors for key materials used in our products. This could negatively impact our ability to manufacture our products if the relationships change or become adversarial.
Our industry is highly competitive.
Some of our competitors are significantly larger and have substantially greater global resources such as engineering, manufacturing and marketing resources.resources, and at various times, may be a customer or supplier on any given project. Competition in the industry depends on a number of factors, including the number of projects available, technical ability, production capacity, location and price.the ability to win projects we bid. Certain of our competitors may have lower cost structures and may, therefore, be able to provide their products or services at lower prices than we are able to provide.prices. Similarly, we cannot be certain that we will be able to maintain or enhance our competitive position within our industry, maintain our customer base at current levels, increase our customer base or continue to provide technologically superior products at a competitive price. New companies may enter the markets in which we compete, or industry consolidation may occur, further increasing competition in our markets. Our failure to compete effectively and secure projects we bid could adversely affect future revenues and have an adverse impact on our results of operations.
Our operations could be adversely impacted by the effects of government regulations.
Changes in policy, laws or regulations, including those affecting oil and gas exploration and development activities and the resulting decisions by customers and other industry participants could reduce demand for our products and services, which would have a negative impact on our operations. Various regulations have been implemented around the world related to safety and certification


requirements applicable to oil and gas drilling and production activities and we cannot predict whether operators will be able to satisfy these requirements. Further, we cannot predict future changes in any country in which we operate and how those changes may affect our ability to perform projects in those regions.
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act requires disclosure of use of "conflict" minerals mined from the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries and our efforts to prevent the use of such minerals. In our industry, conflict minerals are most commonly found in metals. As there may be only a limited number of suppliers offering "conflict free" metals, we cannot be sure that we will be able to obtain necessary metals in sufficient quantities or at competitive prices. Also, we may face challenges with our customers and suppliers if we are unable to sufficiently verify that the metals used in our products are "conflict free."
Changes in tax laws and regulations may change our effective tax rate and could have a material effect on our financial results.
We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. A change in tax laws, deductions or credits, treaties or regulations, or their interpretation, in the countries in which we operate could result in a higher tax rate on our pre-tax income, which could have a material impact on our net income. We are regularly under audit by tax authorities, and our tax estimates and tax positions could be materially affected by many factors including the final outcome of tax audits and related litigation, the introduction of new tax accounting standards, legislation, regulations and related interpretations, our global mix of earnings, the extent to which deferred tax assets are realized and changes in uncertain tax positions. A significant increase in our tax rate could have a material impact on our net income or loss and cash flow.
Our international operations expose us to risks that are different from, or possibly greater than, the risks we are exposed to domestically and may adversely affect our operations.
Revenues with customers located outside of the U.S., including sales from our operations in the U.K. and Canada, accounted for approximately 29% of our consolidated revenues in Fiscal 2017. While our manufacturing facilities are located in developed countries with historically stable operating and fiscal environments, our business and results of operations could be adversely affected by a number of factors, including:  political and economic instability; social unrest, acts of terrorism, force majeure, war or other armed conflict; inflation; changes in tax laws; the application of foreign labor regulations; currency fluctuations, devaluations and conversion restrictions and/or governmental activities that limit or disrupt markets, restrict payments or limit the movement of funds and trade restrictions or economic embargoes imposed by the U.S. or other countries. Additionally, the compliance with foreign and domestic import and export regulations and anti-corruption laws, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or similar laws of other jurisdictions outside the U.S., could adversely impact our ability to compete for contracts in such jurisdictions. Moreover, the violation of such laws or regulations, by us or our representatives, could result in severe penalties including monetary fines, criminal proceedings and suspension of export privileges.
The departure of key personnel could disrupt our business.
We depend on the continued efforts of our executive officers, senior management and other key professionals. We cannot be certain that any individual will continue in such capacity for any particular period of time. The loss of key personnel, or the inability to hire and retain qualified employees, could negatively impact our ability to perform and manage our business.
Our business requires skilled labor and we may be unable to attract and retain qualified employees.
Our ability to maintain our productivity at competitive levels may be limited by our ability to employ, train and retain personnel necessary to meet our requirements. We face significant competition for qualified personnel in our industry. We may experience shortages of qualified personnel such as engineers, project managers and select skilled trades. We cannot be certain that we will be able to maintain an adequate skilled labor force or key technical personnel necessary to operate efficiently and to support our growth strategy and operations. We cannot be certain that our labor costs will not increase as a result of a shortage in the supply of skilled and technical personnel. Labor shortages or increased labor costs could impair our ability to maintain our business, meet customer commitments or grow our revenues, and may adversely impact our business and results of operations.
We are exposed to risks relating to the use of subcontractors on some of our projects.
We hire subcontractors to perform work on some projects and sometimes depend on third-party suppliers to provide equipment and materials necessary to complete or ship our products. If our subcontractors do not perform as expected for any reason, we may experience delays in completing work or experience additional costs. In addition, we may have disputes with these independent subcontractors arising from, among other things, the quality and timeliness of the work they have performed. Any of these factors could adversely impact our business and results of operations.


Actual and potential claims, lawsuits and proceedings could ultimately reduce our profitability and liquidity and weaken our financial condition.
We could be named as a defendant in future legal proceedings that claim damages in connection with the operation of our business. Most of the actions against us arise out of the normal course of our performing services or manufacturing equipment. From time to time, we may be a plaintiff in legal proceedings against customers in which we seek to recover payment of contractual amounts due to us, as well as claims for increased costs incurred by us. When appropriate, we establish provisions against certain legal exposures, and we adjust such provisions from time to time according to ongoing developments related to each exposure, as well as any potential recovery from our insurance, if applicable. If, in the future, our assumptions and estimates related to such exposures prove to be inadequate or wrong, or our insurance coverage is insufficient, our business and results of operations could be adversely affected. In addition, claims, lawsuits and proceedings may harm our reputation or divert management resources away from operating our business. Losses arising from such events may or may not be fully covered by our various insurance policies or may be subject to deductibles or exceed coverage limits.
Quality problems with our products could harm our reputation and erode our competitive position.
The success of our business depends upon the quality of our products and our relationships with customers. In the event that one of our products fails to meet our customers' standards, safety requirements or fails to operate effectively, our reputation could be harmed, which would adversely affect our marketing and sales efforts. We provide warranties to our customers for our products and the cost to satisfy customer warranty claims, which may include, among other things, costs for the repair or replacement of products, could adversely impact our business and results of operations.
A failure in our business systems or cyber security attacks on any of our facilities, or those of third parties, could adversely affect our business and our internal controls.
Our organization is dependent upon the proper functioning of our business systems that support our production, engineering, human resources, estimating, finance, and project management functions. If any of our financial, operational, or other data processing systems fail or have other significant shortcomings due to natural disaster, power loss, telecommunications failures, cyber security attacks or other similar events, our business or results of operations could be adversely affected. In addition, despite implementation of security measures, our business systems may be vulnerable to computer viruses, cyber-attacks and other unauthorized access.These security breaches could result in a disruption to our operations or in legal claims or proceedings. A material network breach of our business systems could involve the theft of intellectual property, financial data, employee or customer data, which may be used by competitors. We rely on third-party systems which could also suffer operational system failure or cyber-attacks. Any of these occurrences could disrupt our business, result in potential liability or reputational damage or otherwise have an adverse effect on our business or results of operations.
We carry insurance against many potential liabilities, but our management of risk may leave us exposed to unidentified or unanticipated risks.
Although we maintain insurance policies with respect to our related exposures, including certain casualty, property, business interruption and self-insured medical and dental programs, these policies contain deductibles, self-insured retentions and limits of coverage. In addition, we may not be able to continue to obtain insurance at commercially reasonable rates or may be faced with liabilities not covered by insurance, such as, but not limited to, environmental contamination or terrorist attacks. We estimate our liabilities for known claims and unpaid claims and expenses based on information available as well as projections for claims incurred but not reported. However, insurance liabilities, some of which are self-insured, are difficult to estimate due to various factors. If any of our insurance policies or programs are not effective in mitigating our risks, we may incur losses that are not covered by our insurance policies, that are subject to deductibles or that exceed our estimated accruals or our insurance policy limits which could adversely impact our business and results of operations.
Changes in and compliance with environmental laws could adversely impact our financial results.
Private lawsuits or enforcement actions by federal, state, provincial or foreign regulatory agencies may materially increase our costs. Certain environmental laws may make us potentially liable for the remediation of contamination at or emanating from our properties or facilities. Although we seek to obtain indemnities against liabilities relating to historical contamination at the facilities we own or operate, we cannot provide any assurance that we will not incur liabilities relating to the remediation of potential contamination, including contamination we did not cause.
Technological innovations by competitors may make existing products and production methods obsolete.


All of the products that we manufacture and sell depend upon the best available technology for success in the marketplace. The industries in which we operate are characterized by intense competition and are highly sensitive to technological innovation and customer requirements. It is possible for competitors (both domestic and international) to develop products or production methods that will make current products or methods obsolete or at a minimum hasten their obsolescence; therefore, we cannot be certain that our competitors will not develop the expertise, experience and resources to provide products and services that are superior in both price and quality. Our future success will depend, in part, on our ability to anticipate and offer products that meet changing customer specifications.specifications as well as fund our research and development costs. Consumer demand for further automation is changing the markets we operate in. Failure to successfully develop new products, or to enhance existing products, could result in the loss of existing customers to competitors, the inability to attract new business or an overall reduction in our competitive position, any of which may adversely affect our business or results of operations.
Catastrophic events could disrupt our business.
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The occurrence of catastrophic events, ranging from natural disasters to health epidemics, to acts of war and terrorism, could disrupt or delay our ability to operate our business and complete projects for our customers and could potentially expose us to third-party liability claims. We may declare the existence of a force majeure event under our contracts in certain situations; however, a customer may dispute our force majeure claim, which may result in additional liabilities. Losses arising from such events may or may not be fully covered by our various insurance policies or may be subject to deductibles or exceed coverage limits. In addition, such events could result in temporary or long-term delays and/or cancellations of orders for raw materials from our suppliers which could impact our project execution. These situations or other disruptions are outside of our control and may adversely impact our business and results of operations.

Unforeseen difficulties with expansions, relocations, or consolidations of existing facilities could adversely affect our operations.
From time to time we may decide to enter new markets, build or lease additional facilities, expand our existing facilities, or relocate or consolidate one or more of our operations.operations or exit a facility we may own or lease. Increased costs and production delays arising from the staffing, relocation, sublease, expansion or consolidation of our facilities could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Quality problems with our products could harm our reputation and erode our competitive position.
The success of our business depends upon the quality of our products and our relationships with customers. In the event that one of our products fails to meet our customers' standards or safety requirements or fails to operate effectively, our reputation could be harmed, which would adversely affect our marketing and sales efforts. We provide warranties to our customers for our products and the cost to satisfy customer warranty claims, which may include, among other things, costs for the repair or replacement of products, could adversely impact our business and results of operations.
Growth and product diversification through strategic acquisitions involves a number of risks.
Our strategy includes the pursuit of growth and product diversification through the acquisition of companies or assets and entering into joint ventures that will enable us to expand our geographic coverage and product and service offerings. We periodically review potential acquisitions; however, we may be unable to successfully implement this strategy. Acquisitions involve certain risks, including difficulties in the integration of operations and systems; failure to realize cost savings; the termination of relationships by key personnel and customers of the acquired company and a failure to add additional employees to handle the increased volume of business. Additionally, financial and accounting challenges and complexities in areas such as valuation, tax planning, treasury management and financial reporting from our acquisitions may impact our operating results. Due diligence may not be adequate or reveal all risks and challenges associated with our acquisitions. Companies that we acquire may not achieve revenues, profitability or cash flows that we expected, or that ultimately justify the investment. It is possible that impairment charges resulting from the overpayment for an acquisition may negatively impact our results of operations. Financing for acquisitions may require us to obtain additional equity or debt financing, which may not be available on attractive terms, if at all, or which may be restricted under the terms of our credit facilitiesfacility or other financing arrangements. Any failure to successfully complete or successfully integrate acquisitions could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Our business requires skilled and unskilled labor, and we may be unable to attract and retain qualified employees.
Our ability to maintain our productivity at competitive levels may be limited by our ability to employ, compensate, train and retain personnel necessary to meet our requirements. We face competition for qualified personnel in our industry. We may experience shortages of qualified personnel such as engineers, project managers and select skilled trades. We cannot be certain that we will be able to maintain an adequate skilled or unskilled labor force or key technical personnel necessary to operate efficiently and to support our growth strategy and operations. We cannot be certain that our labor costs will not increase as a result of a shortage in the supply of skilled, unskilled and technical personnel or any governmental regulations. Labor shortages or increased labor costs could impair our ability to maintain our business, meet customer commitments or grow our revenues, and may adversely impact our business and results of operations.
We are exposed to risks relating to the use of subcontractors on some of our projects.
We hire subcontractors to perform work on some projects and sometimes depend on third-party suppliers to provide equipment and materials necessary to complete or ship our products. If our subcontractors do not perform as expected for any reason, we may experience delays in completing our projects or incur additional costs. In addition, we may have disputes with these independent subcontractors arising from, among other things, the quality and timeliness of the work they have performed. Any of these factors could adversely impact our business and results of operations.
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Misconduct by our employees or subcontractors, or a failure to comply with laws or regulations, could harm our reputation, damage our relationships with customers and subject us to criminal and civil enforcement actions.
Misconduct, fraud, non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations, or other improper activities by one or more of our employees or subcontractors could have a significant negative impact on our business and reputation. While we take precautions to prevent and detect these activities, such precautions may not be effective and are subject to inherent limitations, including human error and fraud. Acts of misconduct, or our failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations, could subject us to fines and penalties, harm our reputation, damage our relationships with customers and could adversely impact our business and results of operations.
Unsatisfactory safety performance may subject us to penalties, negatively impact customer relationships, result in higher operating costs, and negatively impact employee morale and turnover.
We place great emphasis on workplace safety in our entire organization through various safety initiatives and training. We have both indoor and outdoor manufacturing facilities that are susceptible to numerous industrial safety risks that can lead to personal injury, loss of life, damage to property and equipment, as well as potential environmental damage. While we take every precaution to avoid incidents, we have experienced accidents in the past and may again in the future, which can negatively affect our safety record. A poor safety record can harm our reputation with existing and potential customers, jeopardize our relationship with employees, increase our insurance costs and could adversely impact our business and results of operations.
Catastrophic events, including natural disasters, health epidemics (including the COVID-19 pandemic), acts of war and terrorism, among others, could disrupt our business.
The occurrence of catastrophic events, ranging from natural disasters to health epidemics (including the COVID-19 pandemic), to acts of war and terrorism, among others, could disrupt or delay our ability to operate our business and complete projects for our customers and could potentially expose us to third-party liability claims. A significant portion of our operations are located near the Texas Gulf Coast. Our operations have been and are subject to the potential impacts of weather-related events such as hurricanes and flooding. Future weather events could cause significant damage to our property and equipment and adversely impact our operations. We may declare the existence of a force majeure event under our contracts in certain situations; however, a customer may dispute our force majeure claim, which may result in additional liabilities. Losses arising from such events may or may not be fully covered by our various insurance policies or may be subject to deductibles or exceed coverage limits. In addition, such events could result in temporary or long-term delays and/or cancellations of orders for raw materials from our suppliers that could impact our project execution. These situations or other disruptions are outside of our control and may adversely impact our business and results of operations.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to create significant uncertainty and economic disruption across the world. It is difficult to predict the economic impact that the COVID-19 pandemic may continue to have on our business, results of operations and cash flows going forward. Certain of our customers have asked that we delay or cancel our manufacturing on their projects as their operations have been negatively impacted by this pandemic. These delays and cancellations may have a negative effect on the timing of revenue recognition and cash flow. We have experienced supply disruptions and anticipate these supply disruptions may continue. Any delays in the supply of material or labor could negatively impact our production schedule and delay the completion of certain projects. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic specifically will impact our business will depend on numerous factors that are hard to predict, some of which include: the duration, spread and severity of the pandemic; governmental actions in response to the pandemic; including travel restrictions and quarantine or related orders; any closures of our offices and facilities or those of our suppliers as a result of the pandemic, and how quickly and to what extent normal economic and operating conditions can resume. Any of these factors, as well as other related business impacts resulting from COVID-19, could contribute to the risks and uncertainties described in this Annual Report. As a result, the magnitude of the impact on our business, results of operations and cash flows is not currently known.
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Risk Factors Related to our Financial Condition and Markets
Economic uncertainty and financial market conditions may impact our customer base, suppliers and backlog.
Various factors drive demand for our products and services, including the price and demand for oil and gas, capital expenditures, economic forecasts and financial markets. Unanticipated increases in raw material requirements or prices, the imposition of tariffs, and changes in supplier availability or supplier consolidation, could increase production costs and adversely affect profitability. Uncertainty regarding these factors could impact our customers and severely impact the demand for projects and orders for our products and services. Additionally, the loss of significant volume from one particular customer at one of our facilities could adversely impact the operating results of that facility. If one or more of our suppliers or subcontractors experiences difficulties that result in a reduction, delay or interruption in supply to us, or they fail to meet our manufacturing requirements, our business could be adversely impacted until we are able to secure alternative sources. Furthermore, our ability to maintain or expand our business would be limited in the future if we are unable to maintain or increase our bonding capacity or our bank credit facility on favorable terms or at all. Similarly, disruptions in the capital markets may also adversely impact our customer's ability to finance projects, which could result in contract cancellations or delays. These disruptions could lead to reduced demand for our products and services and could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our backlog is subject to unexpected adjustments, cancellations and scope reductions and, therefore, may not be a reliable indicator of our future earnings.
We have a backlog of uncompleted contracts. Backlog represents management's best estimate of the remaining performance obligation from work to be performed on uncompleted contracts, including new contractual agreements on which work has not begun. From time to time, projects are cancelled, delayed or modified due to customer, industry or macroeconomic conditions. While we may be reimbursed for certain costs, we may not have a contractual right to the total revenue reflected in our backlog. We may be unable to recover certain direct costs and cancelled projects may also result in additional unrecoverable costs due to the underutilization of our assets. Accordingly, the amounts recorded in backlog may not be a reliable indicator of our future operating results and may not be indicative of continuing revenue performance over future fiscal quarters.
Revenues recognized over time from our fixed-price contracts could result in volatility in our results of operations.
As discussed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Estimates” and in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report, the majority of our revenues are recognized over time. Revenues are recognized as work is performed and costs are incurred. The revenue earned to date is calculated by multiplying the total contract price by the percentage of performance to date, which is based on total costs incurred to date compared to the total estimated costs at completion. The determination of the revenue recognized requires the use of estimates of costs to be incurred for the performance of the contract. The timing of the costs incurred may lead to fluctuations in revenue recognized on a quarterly and annual basis. The cost estimation process is based upon the professional knowledge and experience of our management teams, engineers, project managers and financial professionals. We bear the risk of cost overruns in most of our contracts, which may result in reduced profits. Contract losses are recognized in full when determined, and estimates of revenue and cost to complete are adjusted based on ongoing reviews of estimated contract performance. Previously recorded estimates of revenues and costs are adjusted as the project progresses and circumstances change. In certain circumstances, it is possible that such adjustments to costs and revenues could have an adverse impact on our results of operations.
Many of our contracts contain performance obligations that may subject us to penalties or additional liabilities.
Many of our customer contracts have schedule and performance obligation clauses that, if we fail to meet, could subject us to penalty provisions, liquidated damages or claims against the company or our outstanding letters of credit or performance bonds. In addition, some customer contracts stipulate protection against our gross negligence or willful misconduct. Each individual contract defines the conditions under which the customer may make a claim against us. It is possible that adjustments arising from such claims, or our failure to manage our contract risk, may not be covered by insurance and could have an adverse impact on our results of operations.
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Fluctuations in the price and supply of materials used to manufacture our products may reduce our profits and could adversely impact our ability to meet commitments to our customers.
Our material costs represented 49% of our consolidated revenues for Fiscal 2021. Unanticipated increases in raw material requirements, rising prices due to overall inflationary pressure, the imposition of tariffs, changes in supplier availability, delays in transportation, or supplier consolidation could increase production costs and adversely affect profitability as fixed-price contracts may prohibit our ability to charge the customer for the increase in raw material prices. We purchase a wide variety of materials and component parts from various suppliers to manufacture our products, including steel, aluminum, copper and various components. Our supply base for certain key components and raw materials is limited and may come from a single supplier. If we are unable to obtain key components and raw materials from these suppliers, the key components and raw materials may not be readily available from other suppliers or available with acceptable terms. Our success depends on our ability to meet customer commitments and could be negatively impacted if a supplier experiences a disruption or discontinuance in their operations or we experience a delay in transportation of materials and components from our suppliers. The time and effort associated with the selection and qualification of a new supplier and changes in our design and testing to accommodate similar components from other suppliers could be significant. Additionally, we rely on certain competitors for key materials used in our products. This could negatively impact our ability to manufacture our products if the relationships change or become adversarial.
Obtaining surety bonds, letters of credit, bank guarantees, or other financial assurances, may be necessary for us to successfully bid on and obtain certain contracts.
We are often required to provide our customers security for the performance of their projects in the form of surety bonds, letters of credit or other financial assurances. Our continued ability to obtain surety bonds, letters of credit or other financial assurances will depend on our capitalization, working capital and financial performance. Our ability to issue letters of credit is dependent upon the availability of adequate credit issued by our banks and could be negatively impacted by our compliance with our financial covenants. Future compliance with such financial covenants may be affected by factors beyond our control, including general or industry-specific economic downturns. We are also dependent on the overall bonding capacity, pricing and terms available in the surety markets. As such, we cannot guarantee our ability to maintain a sufficient level of bonding capacity in the future. The restriction, reduction or termination of our surety bond agreements could limit our ability to bid on new opportunities and would require us to issue letters of credit under our bank facilities in lieu of surety bonds, thereby reducing availability under our credit facility, which could have an adverse impact on our business and results of operations.
Failure to remain in compliance with covenants or obtain waivers or amendments under our credit agreement could adversely impact our business.
Our credit agreement contains various financial covenants and restrictions, which are described in Note G of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Our ability to remain in compliance with such financial covenants and restrictions may be affected by factors beyond our control, including general or industry-specific economic downturns. If we fail to remain in compliance with such covenants and restrictions, absent an amendment or waiver, this could result in an event of default under the credit agreement. Among other things, the occurrence of an event of default could limit our ability to issue letters of credit, obtain additional financing or result in acceleration of outstanding amounts under the credit agreement or a termination of the agreement, any of which could have an adverse impact on our liquidity, business and results of operations.
We extend credit to customers in conjunction with our performance under fixed-price contracts which subjects us to potential credit risks.
We typically agree to allow our customers to defer payment on projects until certain milestones have been met or until the projects are substantially completed, and customers typically withhold some portion of amounts due to us as retainage. Our payment arrangements subject us to potential credit risk related to changes in business and economic factors affecting our customers, including material changes in our customers' revenues or cash flows. If we are unable to collect amounts owed to us, or retain amounts paid to us, our cash flows would be reduced, and we could experience losses if those amounts exceed current allowances. Any of these factors could adversely impact our business and results of operations.
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A significant portion of our revenues may be concentrated among a small number of customers.
Due to the nature and timing of large projects, a significant percentage of our revenues in a given period may result from one specific contract or customer. During Fiscal 2021, approximately 20% of our consolidated revenues were generated from our large domestic industrial project that was awarded in Fiscal 2020. We believe the reduction in business volume from a particular industry or the loss of a major customer could have an adverse effect on our business. From time to time, an individual manufacturing facility may have significant volume from one particular customer that would be material to that facility. If during that time the customer were to experience financial distress, a decline in business or circumstances that would otherwise necessitate a cancellation of a project with us, our revenue could be adversely impacted.
We carry insurance against many potential liabilities, but our management of risk may leave us exposed to unidentified or unanticipated risks.
Although we maintain insurance policies with respect to our related exposures, including certain casualty, property, professional, business interruption, cyber security and self-insured medical and dental programs, these policies contain deductibles, self-insured retentions and limits of coverage. In addition, we may not be able to continue to obtain insurance at commercially reasonable rates, or at the policy limits we may require or may be faced with liabilities not covered by insurance, such as, but not limited to, environmental contamination or terrorist attacks. We estimate our liabilities for known claims and unpaid claims and expenses based on information available as well as projections for claims incurred but not reported. However, insurance liabilities, some of which are self-insured, are difficult to estimate due to various factors. If any of our insurance policies, coverage limits or programs are not effective in mitigating our risks, we may incur losses that are not covered by our insurance policies, that are subject to deductibles or that exceed our estimated accruals or our insurance policy limits, which could adversely impact our business and results of operations.
Our international operations expose us to risks that are different from, or possibly greater than, the risks we are exposed to domestically and may adversely affect our operations.
Revenues associated with projects located outside of the U.S., including revenues generated from our operations in the U.K. and Canada, accounted for approximately 25% of our consolidated revenues in Fiscal 2021. While our manufacturing facilities are located in developed countries with historically stable operating and fiscal environments, our business and results of operations could be adversely affected by a number of factors, including: political and economic instability; social unrest, acts of terrorism, force majeure, war or other armed conflict; inflation; changes in tax laws; the application of foreign labor regulations; currency fluctuations, devaluations and conversion restrictions and/or governmental activities that limit or disrupt markets, restrict payments or limit the movement of funds and trade restrictions or economic embargoes imposed by the U.S. or other countries. Additionally, the compliance with foreign and domestic import and export regulations and anti-corruption laws, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, General Data Protection Regulation, or similar laws of other jurisdictions outside the U.S., could adversely impact our ability to compete for contracts in such jurisdictions. Moreover, the violation of such laws or regulations, by us or our representatives, could result in severe penalties including monetary fines, criminal proceedings and suspension of export privileges.
Additionally, fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates may impact our financial results. The functional currency of our foreign operations is typically the currency of the country in which the foreign operation is located. Accordingly, our financial performance is subject to fluctuations due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar.
Failures or weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting could adversely affect our ability to report on our financial condition and results of operations accurately and/or on a timely basis.
We are required to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which requires, among other things, an assessment by our management of our internal control over financial reporting. Preparing our financial statements involves a number of complex processes, many of which are performed manually and are dependent upon individual data input or review. We are continually working to maintain and strengthen our internal controls over financial reporting, however, any system of controls has limitations, including the possibility of human error, the circumvention or overriding of controls and/or fraud. Our failure to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting could adversely affect our ability to report our financial results on a timely and accurate basis, which could result in a loss of investor confidence in our financial reports or have an adverse impact on our business and results of operations.
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A failure in our business systems or cyber security attacks on any of our facilities, or those of third parties, could adversely affect our business and our internal controls.
Our organization is dependent upon the proper functioning of our business systems that support our production, engineering, human resources, estimating, finance, and project management functions. If any of our financial, operational, or other data processing systems fail or have other significant shortcomings due to natural disaster, power loss, telecommunications failures, cyber security attacks or other similar events, our business or results of operations could be adversely affected. In addition, despite implementation of security measures, our business systems may be vulnerable to computer viruses, ransomware attacks, cyber-attacks, the accidental release of sensitive information and other unauthorized access. These failures of our business systems or security breaches could impact our customers, employees and reputation and result in a disruption to our operations or in legal claims or proceedings. A material network breach of our business systems could involve the theft of intellectual property, financial data, employee or customer data, which may be used by competitors. We rely on third-party systems which could also suffer operational system failure or cyber-attacks. Any of these occurrences may not be covered by insurance and could disrupt our business, result in potential liability or reputational damage or otherwise have an adverse effect on our business or results of operations.
Network security and internal control measures have been implemented to address these risks and disruptions to our business. However, our portfolio of hardware and software products, solutions and services and information contained within our enterprise information technology (IT) systems may be vulnerable to damage or disruption caused by circumstances beyond our control such as catastrophic events, cyber-attacks, other malicious activities from unauthorized third parties, power outages, natural disasters, computer system or network failures or computer viruses. Any significant disruption or failure could damage our reputation or have a material adverse effect on our business and our results of operations.
Risk Factors Related to our Common Stock
Our stock price could decline or fluctuate significantly due to unforeseen circumstances. These fluctuations may cause our stockholders to incur losses.
Our stock price could fluctuate or decline due to a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the risks factors described herein, the timing and cancellation of projects, changes in our estimated costs to complete projects, investors' opinions of the sectors and markets in which we operate or failure of our operating results to meet the expectations of securities analysts or investors, which could reduce investor confidence. These factors could adversely affect our business, and the trading price of our common stock could decline significantly.
There can be no assurance that we will declare or pay future dividends on our common stock.
Our Board of Directors has approved a regular quarterly dividend since Fiscal 2014. The declaration, amount and timing of future dividends are subject to capital availability and determinations by our Board of Directors that cash dividends are in the best interest of our stockholders and are in compliance with all respective laws and applicable agreements. Our ability to declare and pay dividends will depend upon, among other factors, our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, current and anticipated expansion plans, requirements under Delaware law and other factors that our Board of Directors may deem relevant. A reduction in or elimination of our dividend payments could have a material negative effect on our stock price.
Risk Factors Related to Legal and Regulatory Matters
Our operations could be adversely impacted by the effects of government regulations.
We are subject to various government regulations in the United States as well as various international locations where we operate. These regulations cover several areas including environmental compliance, import and export controls, economic sanctions, data and privacy protection, transfer pricing rules, anti-bribery, anti-trafficking and anti-trust provisions. These laws and regulations are administered by various state, federal and international agencies. Changes in policy, laws or regulations, including those affecting oil and gas exploration and development activities or climate change matters and the resulting decisions by customers and other industry participants, could reduce demand for our products and services, which would have a negative impact on our operations. Various regulations have been implemented around the world related to safety and certification requirements applicable to oil and gas drilling and production activities, and we cannot predict whether operators will be able to satisfy these requirements. Further, we cannot predict future changes in any country in which we operate and how those changes may affect our ability to perform projects in those regions.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act requires disclosure of use of "conflict" minerals mined from the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries and our efforts to prevent the use of such minerals. In our industry,
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conflict minerals are most commonly found in metals. As there may be only a limited number of suppliers offering "conflict-free" metals, we cannot be sure that we will be able to obtain necessary metals in sufficient quantities or at competitive prices. Also, we may face challenges with our customers and suppliers if we are unable to sufficiently verify that the metals used in our products are "conflict-free."
Changes in and compliance with environmental laws and regulations, including those regarding climate change, could adversely impact our financial results.
Private lawsuits or enforcement actions by federal, state, provincial or foreign regulatory agencies may materially increase our costs. Certain environmental laws may make us potentially liable for the remediation of contamination at or emanating from our properties or facilities. Although we seek to obtain indemnities against liabilities relating to historical contamination at the facilities we own or operate, we cannot provide any assurance that we will not incur liabilities relating to the remediation of potential contamination, including contamination we did not cause. These potential environmental liabilities may or may not be fully covered by our various insurance policies and may adversely affect our business and results operations.
Climate change regulations could require us or our customers to incur additional expenditures to either purchase new, or modify existing, equipment or processes. These laws and regulations may also increase our raw materials cost from our suppliers. The potential for future environmental, social and governance (ESG) and climate risk reporting requirements may result in additional costs to monitor, track and report sustainability measures. Additionally, increased attention to climate change, conservation measures, energy transition and consumer demand for alternatives to oil and gas could reduce the demand for oil and gas and have an adverse impact on demand for the products produced by our customers and therefore reduce demand for our products, which could adversely impact our business and results of operations.
Provisions of our charter documents or Delaware law could delay or prevent an acquisition of our company, even if the acquisition would be beneficial to our stockholders, and could make it more difficult to change management. 
Because we are governed by Delaware law, we are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. These provisions prohibit a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a business combination with an interested stockholder, generally, a person who, together with its affiliates, owns, or within the last three years has owned, 15% of our voting stock, for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder, unless the business combination is approved in a prescribed manner.
In addition, provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws may discourage, delay or prevent a merger, acquisition or other change in control that stockholders might otherwise consider favorable, including transactions in which stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares. These provisions may frustrate or prevent any attempt by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management by making it more difficult to replace or remove our boardBoard of directors.Directors.


Our stock price could decline or fluctuate significantly due to unforeseen circumstances. These fluctuations may cause our stockholders to incur losses.
Our stock price could fluctuate or decline due to a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the risks factors described herein, the timingSignificant developments arising from tariffs and cancellation of projects, changes in our estimated costs to complete projects, investors' opinions of the sectors and markets in which we operate or failure of our operating results to meet the expectations of securities analysts or investors which could reduce investor confidence. These factorsother economic proposals could adversely affectimpact our businessbusiness.
Additional restrictions or economic disincentives on U.S. or international trade such as significant increases in tariffs on goods could adversely impact our business. Changes in U.S. or international social, political, regulatory and operating results,economic conditions or in laws and the trading price of our common stock could decline significantly.
Obtaining surety bonds, letters of credit, bank guarantees, or other financial assurances, may be necessary for us to successfully bid onpolicies governing foreign trade, manufacturing, development and obtain certain contracts.
We are often required to provide our customers security for the performance of their projectsinvestment in the formterritories and countries where we currently develop and sell our products, and any negative sentiment towards the U.S. as a result of surety bonds, letters of credit or other financial assurances. Our continued ability to obtain surety bonds, letters of credit or other financial assurances will depend on our capitalization, working capital, past performance. We are also dependent on the overall bonding capacity, pricing and terms available in the surety markets. As such we cannot guarantee our ability to maintain a sufficient level of bonding capacity in the future. The restriction, reduction or termination of our surety bond agreementschanges, could limit our ability to bid on new opportunities or increase our letter of credit utilization in lieu of surety bonds, thereby reducing availability under our credit facilities, which could have an adverseadversely impact on our business and results of operations.
Failure to remainGeneral Risk Factors
Actual and potential claims, lawsuits and proceedings could ultimately reduce our profitability and liquidity and weaken our financial condition.
We could be named as a defendant in compliancelegal proceedings that claim damages in connection with covenants or obtain waivers or amendments underthe operation of our credit agreement could adversely impact our business.
Our credit agreement contains various financial covenants and restrictions, which are described in Note F Most of the Notesactions against us arise out of the normal course of our performing services or manufacturing equipment. From time to Consolidated Financial Statements. Our ability to remain in compliance with such financial covenants and restrictionstime, we may be affecteda plaintiff in legal proceedings against customers in which we seek to recover payment of contractual amounts due to us, as well as claims for increased costs incurred by factors beyondus. When appropriate, we establish provisions against certain legal exposures, and we adjust such provisions from time to time according to ongoing developments related to each exposure, as well as any potential recovery from our control, including generalinsurance, if applicable. If, in the future, our assumptions and estimates related to such exposures prove to be inadequate or industry-specific economic downturns. If we fail to remain in compliance with such covenants and restrictions, absent a modificationwrong, or waiver, this could result in an event of default under the credit agreement. Among other things, the occurrence of an event of default could limit our ability to obtain additional financing or result in acceleration of outstanding amounts under the credit agreement or a termination of the agreement, any of which could have an adverse impact on our liquidity, business and results of operations.
Failures or weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting could adversely affect our ability to report on our financial condition and results of operations accurately and/or on a timely basis.
We are required to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which requires, among other things, an assessment by our management of our internal control over financial reporting. Preparing our financial statements involves a number of complex processes, many of which are performed manually and are dependent upon individual data input or review. We are continually working to maintain and strengthen our internal controls over financial reporting, however, any system of controls has limitations, including the possibility of human error, the circumvention or overriding of controls and/or fraud. Our failure to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting could adversely affect our ability to report our financial results on a timely and accurate basis, which could result in a loss of investor confidence in our financial reports or have an adverse impact oninsurance coverage is insufficient, our business and results of operations.operations could be adversely affected. In addition, claims, lawsuits and proceedings may harm our reputation or divert management resources away from operating our business. Losses arising from such events may or may not be fully covered by our various insurance policies or may be subject to deductibles or exceed coverage limits.
14



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

We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. A change in tax laws, deductions or credits, treaties or regulations, or their interpretation, in the countries in which we operate could result in a higher tax rate on our pre-tax income, which could have a material impact on our net income. We are regularly under audit by tax authorities, and our tax estimates and tax positions could be materially affected by many factors including the final outcome of tax audits and related litigation, the introduction of new tax accounting standards, legislation, regulations and related interpretations, our global mix of earnings, the extent to which deferred tax assets are realized and changes in uncertain tax positions. A significant increase in our statutory tax rates could have a material impact on our net income or loss and cash flow.
The departure of key personnel could disrupt our business.
We depend on the continued efforts of our executive officers, senior management and other key professionals. We cannot be certain that any individual will continue in such capacity for any particular period of time. The loss of key personnel, or the inability to hire and retain qualified employees, could negatively impact our ability to perform and manage our business.

15


Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.


Item 2. Properties
We own our principal manufacturing and fabrication facilities and periodically lease smaller facilities throughout the U.S., Canada and the U.K. Our facilities are generally located in areas that are readily accessible to materials and labor pools and are maintained in good condition. These facilities are expected to meet our needs for the foreseeable future.
Our principal locations as of September 30, 2017,2021, are as follows:


LocationDescriptionAcresApproximate
Square Footage
Houston, TXCorporate office and manufacturing facility21.4 428,515 
Houston, TXOffice and manufacturing facility53.4 290,554 
Houston, TXOffice, fabrication facility and yard63.3 82,320 
North Canton, OHOffice and manufacturing facility8.0 115,200 
Northlake, ILOffice and manufacturing facility10.0 103,500 
Bradford, U.K.Office and manufacturing facility7.9 129,200 
Acheson, Alberta, CanadaOffice and manufacturing facility20.1 330,168 
In Fiscal 2015, we completed the expansion of our Acheson, Alberta, Canada facility. The expansion cost approximately $26 million, funded by cash on hand, and increased the manufacturing capacity of that facility by approximately 144,000 square feet.  

Item 3. Legal Proceedings
We are involved in various legal proceedings, claims and other disputes arising from our commercial operations, projects, employees and other matters which, in general, are subject to uncertainties and in which the outcomes are not predictable. These legal proceedings and claims may not be covered by our insurance policies or may exceed our policy limits. Although we can give no assurances about the 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 pending legalsuch proceedings, claims and other disputes, we doto the extent not believe that the ultimate conclusion of these disputes could materially affectotherwise provided or covered by insurance, will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations cash flow and financial position.or liquidity.


Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.




16



PART II


Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Price Range of Common Stock
Our common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Market (NASDAQ) under the symbol “POWL.” The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices per share as reported on the NASDAQ for our common stock.
 High Low
Fiscal 2016:   
First Quarter$35.89
 $25.99
Second Quarter30.41
 23.00
Third Quarter39.47
 26.22
Fourth Quarter41.10
 34.40
Fiscal 2017:   
First Quarter$46.68
 $34.81
Second Quarter40.00
 30.86
Third Quarter35.58
 31.12
Fourth Quarter33.47
 27.28
As of December 1, 2017,6, 2021, the closing price of our common stock on the NASDAQ was $28.53$25.07 per share. As of December 1, 2017,6, 2021, there were 308250 stockholders of record of our common stock. All common stock held in street names areis recorded in the Company’s stock register as being held by one stockholder.
See “Part III, Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” of this Annual Report for information regarding securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans.
Dividend Policy
In November 2013, our Board of Directors (the Board) elected to begin the payments of quarterly cash dividends. We paid $11.9 million and $11.8 million in dividends in Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016, respectively. The Board anticipates declaring cash dividends in future quarters; however, there is no assurance as to future dividends or their amounts because they depend on future earnings, capital requirements, financial condition and debt covenants.  



Performance Graph
The following Performance Graph and related information shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference into such filing.
The following graph compares, for the period from October 1, 20122016 to September 30, 2017,2021, the cumulative stockholder return on our common stock with the cumulative total return on the NASDAQ Market IndexIShares Russell 2000, the Invesco S&P SmallCap 600 Energy, and the Industrial Electrical Equipment Group (a select group of peer companies – Altra Industrial Motion Corp.; Ameresco, Inc.; AZZ Inc.; Belden Inc.; Daktronics Inc.; Electro Scientific Industries, Inc.; EnerSys; Franklin Electric Co, Inc.; Littelfuse Inc.; LSI Industries Inc.; Preformed Line Products; A O Smith CorporationCorporation; Thermon Group Holdings and Woodward, Inc.). The comparison assumes that $100 was invested on October 1, 2012,2016, in our common stock, the NASDAQ Market IndexIShares Russell 2000, the Invesco S&P SmallCap 600 Energy, and the Industrial Electrical Equipment Group, and that all dividends were re-invested. The stock price performance reflected on the following graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.
powl-20210930_g1.jpg

17





Item 6. SelectedFinancial Data
The selected financial data shown below for the past five years was derived from our audited financial statements, adjusted for discontinuing operations. The historical results are not necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected in the future. The selected financial data should be read in conjunction with “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report.
 Years ended September 30,
 20212020201920182017
Statement of Operations:(In thousands, except per share data)
Revenues$470,559 $518,499 $517,180 $448,716 $395,911 
Cost of goods sold395,496 423,924 430,204 383,361 345,142 
Gross profit75,063 94,575 86,976 65,355 50,769 
Selling, general and administrative expenses67,217 67,662 69,950 66,768 61,524 
Research and development expenses6,670 6,265 6,327 6,717 6,906 
Amortization of intangible assets157 177 177 205 355 
Insurance proceeds— — (950)— — 
Restructuring and other, net— 1,400 11 787 1,322 
Operating income (loss)1,019 19,071 11,461 (9,122)(19,338)
Other income— (506)— (747)(2,029)
Interest (income) expense, net(73)(753)(873)(676)(390)
Income (loss) before income taxes1,092 20,330 12,334 (7,699)(16,919)
Income tax provision (benefit) (1)
461 3,670 2,444 (547)(7,433)
Net income (loss)$631 $16,660 $9,890 $(7,152)$(9,486)
Earnings (loss) per share:     
Basic$0.05 $1.43 $0.85 $(0.62)$(0.83)
Diluted$0.05 $1.42 $0.85 $(0.62)$(0.83)
 Years ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
Statement of Operations:(In thousands, except per share data)
Revenues$395,911
 $565,243
 $661,858
 $647,814
 $640,867
Cost of goods sold345,142
 459,038
 553,597
 522,340
 502,375
Gross profit50,769
 106,205
 108,261
 125,474
 138,492
Selling, general and administrative expenses61,524
 74,924
 76,801
 87,756
 79,707
Research and development expenses6,906
 6,731
 6,980
 7,608
 7,615
Amortization of intangible assets355
 352
 435
 779
 1,659
Restructuring and separation expenses1,322
 8,441
 3,397
 
 3,927
Operating income(19,338) 15,757
 20,648
 29,331
 45,584
Gain on settlement
 
 
 
 (1,709)
Other income(2,029) (2,029) (2,402) (1,522) 
Interest expense (net)(390) (7) 59
 165
 167
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes(16,919) 17,793
 22,991
 30,688
 47,126
Income tax provision (benefit) (1)(7,433) 2,283
 13,552
 11,068
 7,387
Income (loss) from continuing operations(9,486) 15,510
 9,439
 19,620
 39,739
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax (2)
 
 
 9,604
 2,337
Net income (loss)$(9,486) $15,510
 $9,439
 $29,224
 $42,076
          
Earnings (Loss) per share:         
Continuing operations$(0.83) $1.36
 $0.80
 $1.63
 $3.32
Discontinued operations
 
 
 0.80
 0.20
Basic earnings (loss) per share$(0.83) $1.36
 $0.80
 $2.43
 $3.52
          
Continuing operations$(0.83) $1.36
 $0.79
 $1.62
 $3.32
Discontinued operations
 
 
 0.80
 0.19
Diluted earnings (loss) per share$(0.83) $1.36
 $0.79
 $2.42
 $3.51
(1) For an explanation of the effective tax rate for the last three fiscal years, see Note HI of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report.
(2) On January 15, 2014, we sold our wholly-owned subsidiary Transdyn Inc. to a global provider of electronic toll collection systems headquartered in Vienna, Austria. 
 Years ended September 30,
 20212020201920182017
Balance Sheet Data:(In thousands)
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments (1)
$133,981 $178,921 $124,681 $49,754 $95,188 
Property, plant and equipment, net109,457 114,372 120,812 128,764 139,420 
Total assets436,192 472,278 467,411 429,951 414,986 
Long-term debt, including current maturities400 800 1,200 1,600 2,000 
Total stockholders' equity301,223 306,626 299,153 301,644 321,296 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity436,192 472,278 467,411 429,951 414,986 
Dividends paid on common stock12,142 12,066 11,998 11,916 11,875 
 Years ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
Balance Sheet Data:(In thousands)
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments (3)$95,188
 $97,720
 $43,569
 $103,118
 $107,411
Property, plant and equipment, net139,420
 144,977
 154,594
 156,896
 144,495
Total assets414,986
 462,516
 468,824
 541,443
 530,903
Long-term debt, including current maturities2,000
 2,400
 2,800
 3,200
 3,616
Total stockholders' equity321,296
 335,317
 333,262
 371,097
 355,226
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity414,986
 462,516
 468,824
 541,443
 530,903
Dividends paid on common stock11,875
 11,845
 12,358
 11,998
 


(3) We also have(1) Excludes current and non-current restricted cash totaling $25.1 million and $24.9 million as of September 30, 2017. For further discussion on our restricted cash, see Note F of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.2018 and 2017, respectively.


Years ended September 30,
20212020201920182017
Other Financial Data:(In thousands)
Backlog$414,918 $476,819 $419,012 $260,900 $250,123 
Bookings, net of cancellations and scope reductions403,860 576,782 676,051 458,884 355,064 



18


Item 7. Management’sDiscussionand Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations for the twelve months ended September 30, 2021 compared to the twelve months ended September 30, 2020 should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes. We have elected to omit discussion on the earliest of the three years covered by the consolidated financial statements presented. Refer to Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Liquidity and Capital Resources located in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, filed on December 9, 2020, for reference to discussion of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, the earliest of the three fiscal years presented. Any forward-looking statements made by or on our behalf are made pursuant to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and the actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For a description of the risks and uncertainties, please see “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements; Risk Factors” and “Item“Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors”Factors,” included elsewhere in this Annual Report.


Overview
We develop, design, manufacture and service custom-engineered equipment and systems for the distribution,which (1) distribute, control and monitoringmonitor the flow of electrical energy. Headquarteredenergy and (2) provide protection to motors, transformers and other electrically powered equipment. We are headquartered in Houston, Texas, weand serve the oil and gas refining,and petrochemical markets, which includes onshore and offshore oilproduction, LNG facilities and gas production,terminals, pipelines, refineries and petrochemical pipeline, terminal, miningplants. Additional markets include electric utility and metals, light rail traction power electric utility,as well as mining and metals, pulp and paper and other heavymunicipal, commercial and 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 intensivecapital-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.
DueWithin the industrial sector, specifically oil, gas and petrochemical, the demand for our electrical distribution solutions is very cyclical and closely correlated to the significant declinelevel of capital expenditures of our end-user customers as well as prevailing global economic conditions.
Historically, the combination of a growing global economy, abundant sources of favorably priced natural gas feedstock, and an energy industry focus on transition to natural gas and cleaner-burning fuels drove an increase in capital investment opportunities, specifically across the oil, gas and petrochemical sectors. Some of these opportunities were for natural gas related projects targeting global demand for cleaner-burning fuels. Additionally, projects within the domestic petrochemical sector benefited from the low feedstock prices of natural gas. Specific to natural gas, the business was awarded a substantial contract in the second quarter of Fiscal 2020 that will support the integrated electrical distribution requirements for a large domestic industrial complex and should be substantially completed in Fiscal 2022. We began to experience reduced commercial activity in Fiscal 2020 driven in large part by the uncertainties across our industrial end markets in the U.S. resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering the long cycle nature of our business, these cyclical conditions may persist into Fiscal 2022.
19


Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Oil and Gas Commodity Market Volatility on Powell
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact global energy markets. This pandemic has negatively impacted demand, which in turn has resulted in considerable volatility across global oil and gas commodity markets. Throughout the pandemic, the demand for our products and services as well as our operations have been negatively impacted, resulting from the associated reduction in oil and gas demand and volatility in commodity prices from late 2014 levels, manynoted above. As a result, some of our industrial customers are deferring or suspending their planned capital expenditures. Certain of our customers have reduced their capital budgets and cut costs, and in certain instances have delayed or cancelled projectsasked that we were pursuing. As a result,delay or cancel our revenuesmanufacturing on their projects as their operations have been negatively impacted by this pandemic and project backlog have declined,the reduced oil and maygas demand which has resulted in recognition of cancellation fees based on contract terms and the extent of our progress on the projects. We continue to decline, which may further negatively impactwork with our operations. key suppliers who have been impacted by this pandemic to ensure that we are able to meet our customer commitments.
In response to our reduced project backlog and the challenging market outlook in our core oil, gas and petrochemicallower demand across select end markets, we took steps in Fiscal 2016, and have taken additionaland will continue to take various actions in Fiscal 2017, to reduce costs. During Fiscal 2020, we reduced our overall cost structureglobal workforce and better alignreduced our costs with currentcapital and future production requirements.discretionary spending in response to business conditions. We continued to operate at these lower thresholds throughout Fiscal 2021 and are consistently monitoring macro-economic conditions as we head into Fiscal 2022.


As discussed further under the heading "Outlook" below, it is difficult to predict the economic impact that this pandemic, as well as reduced oil and gas demand and commodity price volatility, may have on our business, results of operations and cash flows going forward.


Results of Operations
Twelve Months Ended September 30, 20172021 Compared to Twelve Months Ended September 30, 20162020
Revenue and Gross Profit
Revenues decreased 30%by 9%, or $169.3$47.9 million, to $395.9$470.6 million in Fiscal 2017, compared to Fiscal 2016, primarily2021, due to the continueda decrease in orders as well as project delays and cancellations of potential projects associated with the global economic impact resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and associated reduction in demand across our project backlog as we complete existing projects and continue to see lower demand from our customers in our core oil, gas and petrochemicalindustrial end markets. Domestic revenues decreased 31%by 12%, or $126.0$46.6 million, to $279.3 million and international revenues decreased 27%, or $43.4 million, to $116.6$351.5 million in Fiscal 2017, compared to Fiscal 2016. This reduction in geographic2021. International revenues year over year was primarily drivendecreased by the decline in our project backlog mentioned above. Revenues from commercial and industrial customers decreased 39%1%, or $164.9$1.4 million, to $254.2$119.1 million. Our international revenues include both revenues generated from our international facilities as well as revenues from export projects generated at our domestic facilities.
Revenue from our core oil and gas markets (excluding petrochemical) decreased by 4%, or $7.5 million, to $187.7 million while petrochemical revenue decreased by 53%, or $67.7 million, to $59.0 million in Fiscal 2017, compared to Fiscal 2016, primarily due to lower demand in our core oil, gas and petrochemical markets. Revenues2021 as noted above. Revenue from public and private utilities decreased 17%utility markets increased by 25%, or $17.5$22.4 million, to $84.4$111.2 million and traction market revenue increased by 39%, or $16.7 million, to $59.1 million in Fiscal 2017, compared to Fiscal 2016. Revenues2021. Revenue from municipal and transit projects increased 30%, or $13.1all other markets combined decreased by $11.8 million to $57.3$53.6 million in Fiscal 2017, compared2021.
The reduction in revenue led to Fiscal 2016 due to the timinga reduction in gross profit of certain projects.
Gross profit decreased 52%21%, or $55.4 million, to $50.8$19.5 million, in Fiscal 2017, compared2021. However, gross profit of $75.1 million in Fiscal 2021 benefited from favorable close out gains on certain projects resulting from cost and productivity efficiencies and to Fiscal 2016.a lesser extent from cancellation fees from certain contracts in our North American manufacturing facilities, which was partially offset by international project execution, higher global commodity prices and U.S. factory underutilization. Gross profit as a percentage of revenues decreased to 13%16% in Fiscal 20172021, compared to 19%18% in Fiscal 2016. Gross profit and margins continued to be negatively impacted by our reduced volume resulting2020 as a result of the reduction in under absorption of our manufacturing facility costs and a shift in our project mix to smaller projects which typically have lower margins. This decline in volume and margins is primarily due to a decline in our project backlog resulting from depressed market conditions and competitive pricing pressures primarily in our core oil, gas and petrochemical markets. Gross profit margins were negatively impacted by execution challenges on certain municipal transit projects and operating inefficiencies associated with the increased volume from municipal transit projects. The municipal transit market is price competitive and projects typically yield lower margins.


revenue noted above.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 18%by 1%, or $13.4$0.4 million, to $61.5$67.2 million in Fiscal 2017, compared to Fiscal 2016, primarily2021, partially due to the cost reduction efforts we tookrestructuring action taken in Fiscal 2016 in response to our adverse market outlook2020 as well as lower incentive compensation expenses.travel-related costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of revenues, increased to 16%14% in Fiscal 20172021, compared to 13% in Fiscal 2016,2020, primarily due to the reductiondecrease in revenue discussed above.revenues.
20


Restructuring and Separation ExpensesOther, Net
In Fiscal 2017, we incurred $1.3 million in separation and restructuring costs, compared to $8.4 million in Fiscal 2016. In Fiscal 2017, we continued to reduce our overall cost structure to better align our costs with current and future production requirements. The separation and restructuring costs incurred in Fiscal 2016 were dueresponse to the realignmentCOVID-19 pandemic, reductions in global oil and gas demand and volatility of our senior management team andcommodity prices, we implemented workforce reductions asacross the business. As a result, we recorded $1.4 million of our adverse market outlook and reduction in project backlog.separation costs during Fiscal 2020.
Other Income
WeDuring Fiscal 2020, we recorded other income of $2.0$0.5 million in both Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016, which was the amortization of the deferred gainrelated to a death benefit received from the amended supply agreement, which will be fully amortized at December 31, 2017. See Note E of the Notesour company-owned life insurance policy related to Consolidated Financial Statements.  a retired employee.
Income Tax Provision
We recorded an income tax benefitprovision of $7.4$0.5 million in Fiscal 2017, compared to the income tax provision of $2.3 million we recorded2021, resulting in Fiscal 2016. The effective tax rate for Fiscal 2017 was 44% compared to an effective tax rate of 13% for42%, compared to an income tax provision of $3.7 million in Fiscal 2016.2020 at an effective tax rate of 18%. In both Fiscal 2021 and Fiscal 2020, the effective tax rate was negatively impacted by our inability to recognize a tax benefit related to losses incurred in various jurisdictions outside of the United States. The effective tax rates for both Fiscal 2017 and 2016 were favorablyrate was also negatively impacted by the lowervaluation allowances set up against our deferred tax rateassets in Fiscal 2021 and Fiscal 2020 related to Mexico in the U.K.,amount of $0.1 million and the relative amountsU.K. in the amount of income/loss recognized in various jurisdictions,$0.5 million. The estimated Research and Development Tax Credit (R&D Tax Credit) as well as the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards in Canada that arewere fully reserved with a valuation allowance. Additionally,allowance provided a tax benefit for Fiscal 2021 and Fiscal 2020. In Fiscal 2020, we reversed a reserve of $1.7 million resulting from a favorable settlement of an IRS audit and the effective tax rates for both Fiscal 2017 and 2016 were favorably impacted by discrete items recognized, primarily related to the Research and Development Tax Credit (R&D Tax Credit), in the amountsexpiration of $0.9 million and $0.8 million, respectively. See Note Hstatutes of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  limitations.
Net Income
In Fiscal 2017,2021, we recorded a net lossincome of $9.5$0.6 million, or $0.83$0.05 per diluted share, a decrease fromcompared to net income of $15.5$16.7 million, or $1.36$1.42 per diluted share that we recorded in Fiscal 2016. The reduction in net income compared to the prior year was2020, primarily due to a decline in revenues and gross profit resulting from lower orders and project delays caused by the economic impact resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated reduction in global demand across our project backlog due to depressed market conditions and competitive pricing pressures, primarily in our core oil, gas and petrochemicalindustrial end markets.
Backlog
Our backlog includes various projects, some of which are petrochemical, oil and gas construction and transportation infrastructure projects which take a number of months to produce. The order backlog at September 30, 20172021 was $250.1$414.9 million, compared to $291.4a 13% decrease from $476.8 million at September 30, 2016. New orders placed2020. Bookings, net of cancellations and scope reductions, decreased by 30% in Fiscal 2017 totaled $355.12021 to $403.9 million, compared to $417.5$576.8 million in Fiscal 2016. This2020. The large year-over-year decrease in orders was primarily due to lower demand from our customers in our core oil, gas and petrochemical markets.
Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2016 Compared to Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2015
Revenue and Gross Profit
Revenues decreased 15%, or $96.6 million, to $565.2bookings in Fiscal 2016, compared to Fiscal 2015, primarily due to the continued decrease in our project backlog as we continued to see lower demand from our customers in the oil and gas markets. Domestic revenues decreased 15%, or $69.4 million, to $405.3 million and international revenues decreased 15%, or $27.2 million, to $159.9 million in Fiscal 2016, compared to Fiscal 2015. These decreases were due to the overall reduction in revenues year over year primarily driven by the decline in backlog resulting from lower demand from our customers in the oil and gas markets. Revenues from commercial and industrial customers decreased 20%, or $105.4 million, to $419.1 million in Fiscal 2016, compared to Fiscal 2015, primarily from lower demand from our customers in the oil and gas markets. Revenues from public and private utilities increased 20%, or $16.8 million, to $101.9 million in Fiscal 2016, compared to Fiscal 2015.Revenues from municipal and transit projects decreased 15%, or $8.0 million, to $44.2 million in Fiscal 2016, compared to Fiscal 2015.
Gross profit decreased 2%, or $2.1 million, to $106.2 million in Fiscal 2016, compared to Fiscal 2015. Gross profit as a percentage of revenues increased to 19% in Fiscal 2016 compared to 16% in Fiscal 2015, primarily due to improvements in our international


operations. The improvements in gross profit and gross profit as a percentage of revenues were primarily due to improved efficiencies in project execution at our Canadian operations as the implementation of our project-based integration model has been completed in Canada. Our Canadian operations also overcame the operational challenges and cost overruns that occurred in previous years from their expansion and relocation into our new Canadian facility. Additionally, gross profit at our U.K. operations improved due to project execution. The increase in gross profit from our international operations was partially offset by a decline in gross profit from our domestic operations as margins were negatively impacted primarily by our reduced volume as a result of weak oil and gas market conditions and cost overruns related to a large U.S.-based transit project.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 2%, or $1.9 million, to $74.9 million in Fiscal 2016, compared to Fiscal 2015. Selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of revenues, increased slightly to 13% in Fiscal 2016 compared to 12% in Fiscal 2015, primarily due to the reduction in revenue year over year and the reduction in personnel as a result of the restructuring efforts discussed below.
Restructuring and Separation Expenses
In Fiscal 2016, we incurred $8.4 million in separation and restructuring costs, compared to $3.4 million in Fiscal 2015. This increase in Fiscal 2016 was primarily due to separation costs we incurred from our continued efforts to align our workforce with future production requirements, the departure of our former Chief Executive Officer in December 2015, as well as additional costs related to a leased Canadian facility that we exited in the third quarter of Fiscal 2015 and that has now been sublet through the remaining term of the lease.
Other Income
We recorded other income of $2.0 million in Fiscal 2016, compared to $2.4 million in Fiscal 2015. The $2.0 million in Fiscal 2016 was the amortization of the deferred gain from the amended supply agreement, discussed in Note E of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. In Fiscal 2015, in addition to the amortization of the gain from the amended supply agreement, we also recorded a $0.4 million death benefit received from our company-owned life insurance policy.
Income Tax Provision
Our provision for income taxes was $2.3 million in Fiscal 2016, compared to $13.6 million in Fiscal 2015. The effective tax rate for Fiscal 2016 was 13% compared to an effective tax rate of 59% for Fiscal 2015.The effective tax rate for Fiscal 2016 was favorably impacted by $1.4 million due to the lower statutory tax rates in the U.K. and Canada and the relative amounts of income earned in those jurisdictions, as well as the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards of $1.9 million in Canada that are fully reserved with a valuation allowance.Additionally, the effective tax rate for Fiscal 2016 was favorably impacted by a $0.8 million discrete item recorded in the first quarter of Fiscal 2016 related to the retroactive reinstatement of the R&D Tax Credit for the previously expired period from January 1, 2015 to September 30, 2015. The effective tax rate in Fiscal 2015 was above the combined U.S. federal and state statutory rate as no tax benefit was recorded against Canadian pre-tax losses due to the $9.0 million valuation allowance recorded in Fiscal 2015, partially offset by the resolution of an IRS audit and the retroactive reinstatement of the R&D Tax Credit for the second through fourth quarters of Fiscal 2014. See Note H of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Net Income
In Fiscal 2016, we recorded net income of $15.5 million, or $1.36 per diluted share, which increased from net income of $9.4 million, or $0.79 per diluted share that we recorded in Fiscal 2015. This increase in net income was due to the reduction in income tax provision in Fiscal 2016 compared to Fiscal 2015, which was favorably impacted by the income from our Canadian and U.K. operations in Fiscal 2016 and the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards discussed above.
Backlog
Our backlog includes various projects, some of which are petrochemical, oil and gas construction and transportation infrastructure projects which take a number of months to produce. The order backlog at September 30, 2016 was $291.4 million, compared to $441.4 million at September 30, 2015. New orders placed in Fiscal 2016 totaled $417.5 million, compared to $606.8 million in Fiscal 2015. This decrease in orders was primarily due to lower demand from our customers in the oil and gas markets.

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


Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments decreased to $95.2 million at September 30, 2017, compared to $97.7 million at September 30, 2016. In addition, at September 30, 2017, we had restricted cash of $24.9 million held in a pledged collateral account related to our amended credit agreement. As of September 30, 2016, we did not have any cash balances classified as restricted. For further information regarding our amended credit agreement, see Note F of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
We have a $75.0 million revolving credit facility in the U.S, and as of September 30, 2017, there were no amounts borrowed under this line of credit. Total letters of credit outstanding under our U.S. credit facility, which reduce our availability, were $24.1 million at September 30, 2017 and $26.8 million at September 30, 2016. The amount available under the U.S. revolving credit facility at September 30, 2017 was $50.9 million. Total long-term debt, including current maturities, totaled $2.0 million at September 30, 2017, compared to $2.4 million at September 30, 2016. For further information regarding our debt, see Notes F and G of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Approximately $36 million of our cash and short-term investments at September 30, 2017 was held outside of the U.S. for international operations. It is our intention to indefinitely reinvest all current and future foreign earnings internationally in order to ensure sufficient working capital to support our international operations. In the event that we elect to repatriate some or all of the foreign earnings that were previously deemed to be indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S., under current tax laws we would incur additional tax expense upon such repatriation.
We believe that cash and short-term investments available and borrowing capacity under our existing credit facility should be sufficient to finance future operating activities, capital improvements and debt repayments for the foreseeable future. We continue to monitor the factors that drive our markets and will continue to strive to maintain our leadership and competitive advantage in the markets we serve while aligning our cost structures with market conditions.
Operating Activities
During Fiscal 2017, net cash provided by operating activities was $36.8 million. During Fiscal 2016, net cash provided by operating activities was $74.9 million and in Fiscal 2015, net cash provided by operating activities was $12.9 million. Cash flow from operations is primarily influenced by the timing of milestone payments from our customers and the payment terms with our suppliers, and is favorably impacted during a down cycle as project milestones are billed and collected as projects are completed. Cash flow from operations declined during Fiscal 2017 compared to Fiscal 2016 primarily as a result of our decrease in operating income and the payments of prior year accrued bonuses and commissions. Cash flow from operations in Fiscal 2017 was favorably impacted by the collection of accounts receivable and the reduction in inventories during our down cycle in project activity. During Fiscal 2016, our cash provided by operations increased over Fiscal 2015 primarily due to our ability to reduce working capital as projects were completed and payments on contracts were received.
Investing Activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment during Fiscal 2017 totaled $3.6 million compared to $3.0 million and $34.7 million in Fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. The reduction in capital spending in Fiscal 2017 and 2016 was in response to our challenging market conditions. The $34.7 million spent in Fiscal 20152021 was primarily due to the completion of the expansion of our Canadian facilities. During Fiscal 2017, we invested a net $26.8 million in short-term investments and reclassified $24.9 million as restricted cash for pledged collateral as stipulated by our amended credit agreement.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities was $12.7 millionlarge contract awarded in Fiscal 2017, $17.4 million in Fiscal 20162020 and $34.9 in Fiscal 2015 and includes approximately $12 million of dividends paid in each of the three years. The reduction in financing activities from Fiscal 2015 was primarily due to the completion ofdecreased global demand across our share repurchase program in December 2015, which is discussed below.industrial end markets.
Share Repurchase Program
On December 17, 2014, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program which allowed us to repurchase up to $25 million of our outstanding stock. The purchases were made from time to time in the open market through Rule 10b5-1 trading plans in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. The repurchase of shares was funded from cash on hand and cash provided by operating activities. The share repurchase program expired on December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2015, we had purchased 806,018 shares at an aggregate cost of $25 million under this program. The average purchase price per share from inception of the program until its expiration was $31.02.


Contractual and Other Obligations
At September 30, 2017, our long-term contractual obligations were limited to debt and leases. The table below details our commitments by type of obligation, including interest if applicable, and the period that the payment will become due (in thousands).
As of September 30, 2017,
Payments Due by Period:
     
 Long-Term Debt Obligations Net Operating Lease Obligations Total
Less than 1 year$419
 $1,890
 $2,309
1 to 3 years1,229
 3,580
 4,809
3 to 5 years400
 3,510
 3,910
More than 5 years
 1,172
 1,172
Total long-term contractual obligations$2,048
 $10,152
 $12,200

As of September 30, 2017, the total unrecognized tax benefit related to uncertain tax positions was $1.2 million. We estimate that none of this will be paid within the next 12 months. However, we believe that it is reasonably possible that within the next 12 months, the total unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by approximately 11% due to the expiration of certain statutes of limitations or resolution of tax audits. We are unable to make reasonably reliable estimates regarding the timing of future cash outflows, if any, associated with the remaining unrecognized tax benefits.
Other Commercial Commitments
We are contingently liable for secured and unsecured letters of credit of $28.5 million as of September 30, 2017.
The following table reflects potential cash outflows that may result in the event that we are unable to perform under our contracts (in thousands):
As of September 30, 2017,
Payments Due by Period:
Letters of
Credit
Less than 1 year$17,143
1 to 3 years7,739
More than 3 years3,619
Total long-term commercial obligations$28,501
We also had performance and maintenance bonds totaling $218.8 million that were outstanding at September 30, 2017. Performance and maintenance bonds are primarily used to guarantee our contract performance to our customers.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We had no off-balance sheet arrangements during the periods presented.
Outlook
TheAs noted in "Overview" above, 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 havehas historically been from the oil, gas and petrochemical markets. Unfavorable oilOil and gas commodity price levels have caused,been unstable over the last several years, and we anticipate willour customers have in certain cases, delayed or cancelled some of their major capital investment projects. Beginning in late Fiscal 2018 through the first quarter of Fiscal 2020, our customers' decisions to invest in projects in our key oil and gas and petrochemical markets were influenced to some extent by relative stabilization of commodity prices and the increased global demand for cleaner-burning fuels during that period of time. We believe that this change in market sentiment during that period of time had a favorable impact on our orders and backlog entering Fiscal 2020. However, the uncertainty in oil prices and the global economic impacts from COVID-19 have had, and may continue to cause,have, a negative impact on our customersbusiness going forward, as discussed in more detail below. Specific to further delay their investments. The reductionthe energy industry focus on transitioning to natural gas and cleaner-burning fuels, the business was awarded a substantial contract in available projects acrossFiscal 2020 that will support the markets we serve has increased price pressures during this downward market cycle. This reductionintegrated electrical distribution requirements for a large domestic industrial complex and should be substantially completed in new business opportunities and increased market price pressures have impacted, and will continue to negatively impact, our backlog, revenues and operating results. It is difficult to predict the duration of the current depressed market cycle.


Fiscal 2022.
Our operating results have been, and we anticipate will continue to be, negativelyare 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 havecontribute to short-term earnings variability and will continue to have, a negative impact on the timing of project execution. Our operating results also have been, and willmay 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, andwhich may negatively impact our ability
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to cover our fixed costs. If our core oil, gas and petrochemical markets remain depressed, or decline further, our project backlog and revenue couldWe will continue to declinemonitor potential labor shortages and negativelyincreased labor costs and the impact on our operations.
The strong commercial activity and subsequent orders in Fiscal 2018 and 2019 led to solid revenue and operating results for Fiscal 2020. We began to experience lower commercial activity in Fiscal 2020 driven in large part from the uncertainty resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, as discussed in "Overview" above. Considering the long cycle nature of our business, these cyclical conditions may persist into Fiscal 2022. We will continue to monitor the variables that impact our operations. In responsemarkets while adjusting to the global conditions in order to maintain competitive costs and technological advantages in the markets that we serve.
The consequences of a prolonged economic decline could include, but are not limited to, a continued reduction in commercial and industrial activity. Accordingly, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the duration or severity of this pandemic, potential labor shortages, increased labor costs, or the extent to which these disruptions may materially impact our reduced project backlogbusiness, results of operations or cash flows. We will take prudent measures to maintain our strong liquidity and depressed market outlook, we took steps these past two fiscal yearscash position, which may include reducing our capital expenditures and research and development costs, as well as reducing or eliminating future dividend payments.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of September 30, 2021, current assets exceeded current liabilities by 2.5 times, and our debt to reduce our overall cost structuretotal capitalization was 0.13%.
Cash, cash equivalents and better align our costs with future production requirements. We continueshort-term investments decreased to assess our cost structure, operating performance and service offerings as$134.0 million at September 30, 2021, compared to $178.9 million at September 30, 2020. This decrease in cash was primarily driven by the oil, gas and petrochemical markets remain challenging and uncertain. During Fiscal 2018, additional actions may be necessary.
timing of contract billing milestones. We believe that our strong working capital position, cash available low debt position and borrowing capacityborrowings under our existing credit facility and available cash should be sufficient to finance future operating activities, capital improvements, research and development initiatives capital improvements and debt repayments for the foreseeable future.
We continuehave a credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A. (the "U.S. Revolver") which is a $75.0 million revolving credit facility available for both borrowings and letters of credit and expires September 27, 2024. On March 12, 2021, we entered into a first amendment to monitor the factors that drive our marketsU.S. Revolver which, among other things, amended certain terms related to the calculation of the consolidated leverage ratio from gross leverage to net leverage. As a result of the first amendment, up to $30 million may be deducted from the amount of letters of credit outstanding (not to be less than zero) when calculating the consolidated funded indebtedness which is a component of the consolidated net leverage ratio. Additionally, we have the option to cash collateralize all or a portion of the letters of credit outstanding, which would favorably impact the consolidated funded indebtedness calculation and will continuethe consolidated net leverage ratio.
As of September 30, 2021, there were no amounts borrowed under this facility, and letters of credit outstanding were $34.8 million. As of September 30, 2021, $40.2 million was available for the issuance of letters of credit and borrowing under the U.S. Revolver. Total long-term debt, including current maturities, totaled $0.4 million at September 30, 2021 related to striveoutstanding industrial development revenue bonds. We are required to maintain certain financial covenants, the most significant of which are a consolidated net leverage ratio less than 3.0 to 1.0 and a consolidated interest coverage ratio of greater than 3.0 to 1.0. Our most restrictive covenant, the consolidated net leverage ratio, is the ratio of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation (EBITDAS) to funded indebtedness, which includes letters of credit. An increase in indebtedness or a decrease in EBITDAS could restrict our leadershipability to issue letters of credit or borrow under the U.S. Revolver. For further information regarding our debt, see Notes G and competitive advantageH of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Approximately $30.6 million of our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments at September 30, 2021 was held outside of the U.S. for our international operations. It is our intention to indefinitely reinvest all current and future foreign earnings internationally in order to ensure sufficient working capital to support our international operations. In the event that we elect to repatriate some or all of the foreign earnings that were previously deemed to be indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S., we may incur additional tax expense upon such repatriation under current tax laws.
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Operating Activities
Operating activities used net cash of $30.5 million in Fiscal 2021 and provided net cash of $72.4 million in Fiscal 2020. Cash flow from operations is primarily influenced by the timing of milestone payments from our customers, project volume and the payment terms with our suppliers. This decrease in operating cash flows was primarily due to the timing of contract billing milestones and cash used on our large industrial project discussed above.
Investing Activities
Investing activities used $2.5 million of cash during Fiscal 2021 compared to $17.5 million of cash used in Fiscal 2020. The decrease in cash used by investing activities in Fiscal 2021 was primarily due to a decrease in net purchases of short-term investments and a decrease in capital expenditures. Additionally, the proceeds received from a Company-owned life insurance policy related to a retired employee provided investing cash flow in Fiscal 2021.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities was $13.2 million in Fiscal 2021 and $13.1 million in Fiscal 2020, which primarily consisted of $12.1 million of dividends paid in each year.
Other Commercial Commitments
We are contingently liable for letters of credit and bank guarantees totaling $42.2 million as of September 30, 2021, with the following potential cash outflows in the marketsevent that we serve while aligningare unable to perform under our cost structures with market conditions.contracts (in thousands):
Payments Due by Period:Letters of
Credit/Bank Guarantees
Less than 1 year$16,504 
1 to 3 years24,416 
More than 3 years1,275 
Total long-term commercial obligations$42,195 
We also had surety bonds totaling $143.0 million that were outstanding at September 30, 2021. Surety bonds are primarily used to guarantee our contract performance to our customers.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We had no significant off-balance sheet arrangements during the periods presented.
Effects of Inflation
We are subject to inflation, which can cause increases in our costs of labor and raw materials, primarily copper, aluminum and steel. Fixed-price contracts can limit our ability to pass these increases to our customers, thus negatively impacting our earnings. The inflationInflation in commodity prices couldhas negatively impacted our financial results in Fiscal 2021. Additionally, inflation related to commodity and labor prices may potentially impact our operations in future years.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of AmericaU.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets liabilities, revenues and expenses and theliabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities.liabilities known to exist at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We baseevaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis, based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. ActualThere can be no assurance that actual results maywill not differ from thesethose estimates.
We believe the following accounting policies and estimates to be critical in the preparation and reporting of our consolidated financial statements.

For the year ended September 30, 2017, our operating loss was reduced by $3.5 million as a result of changes in contract estimates related to projects in progress at the beginning of the year. These changes in estimates resulted primarily from, among other things, successful execution and close-out improvements, as well as other changes in facts and circumstances during these periods.
Revenue Recognition
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Our revenues are primarily generated from the engineering and manufacturing of customcustom-engineered products and systems under long-term fixed-price contracts thatunder which we agree to manufacture various products such as traditional and arc-resistant distribution switchgear and control gear, medium-voltage circuit breakers, monitoring and control communications systems, motor control centers, switches and bus duct systems. These products may lastbe sold separately as an engineered solution, but are typically integrated into custom-built enclosures which we also build. These enclosures are referred to as power control room substations (PCRs®), custom-engineered modules or electrical houses (E-Houses). Some contracts may also include the installation and the commissioning of these enclosures.
Revenue from one month to several years, dependingthese contracts is generally recognized over time utilizing the cost-to-cost method. Under the cost-to-cost method, the extent of progress towards completion is measured based on the contract. Revenues from long-term contracts are recognized on the percentage-of-completion methodratio of accounting.
Under the percentage-of-completion method of accounting, revenues are recognized as work is performed. The revenue earned to date is calculated by multiplying the total contract price by the percentage of performance to date, which is based on total costs or total labor dollars incurred to date compared to the total estimated costs or total labor dollars estimated at completion. The method used to determinecompletion of the percentage of completion is typically the cost method, unless the laborperformance obligation. We believe that this method is a morethe most accurate methodrepresentation of measuringour performance, because it directly measures the progressvalue of the project. Application ofservices transferred to the percentage-of-completion method of accounting requires the use of estimates ofcustomer over time as we incur costs to be incurred for the performance of the contract.on our contracts. Contract costs include all direct material costs, directmaterials, labor, costs and those indirect costs related to contract performance, such aswhich may include indirect labor, supplies, tools, repairs and alldepreciation costs.
Contract Estimates
Actual revenues and project costs associated with operationmay vary from previous estimates due to changes in a variety of equipment.factors. The cost estimation process is based upon the professional knowledge and experience of our engineers, project managers and financial professionals. Factors that are considered in estimating the work to be completed and ultimate contract recovery include the availability and productivity of labor, the nature and complexity of the work to be performed, the effect of change orders, the availability of materials, and the effect of any delays on our project performance and the recoverability of any claims. Changes inperformance. We periodically review our job performance, job conditions, estimated profitability and final contract settlements, including our estimate of liquidated damages, if any, may result intotal costs and make revisions to costs and income with their effects being recognized in the period in which the revisions are determined.probable and reasonably estimable. We bear the risk of cost overruns in most of our contracts, which may result in reduced profits. Whenever revisions of estimated contract costs and contract values indicate


that the contract costs will exceed estimated revenues, thus creating a loss, a provision for the total estimated loss is recorded in that period. See Note E of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for disclosures related to changes in contract estimates.
Revenues associatedPerformance Obligations
A performance obligation is a promise in a contract or with maintenance, repaira customer to transfer a distinct good or service. A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and servicerecognized as revenue as the performance obligations are satisfied. To determine the proper revenue recognition for contracts, are recognized when thewe evaluate whether a contract should be accounted for as more than one performance obligation or, less commonly, whether two or more contracts should be combined and accounted for as one performance obligation. This evaluation of performance obligations requires significant judgment. The majority of our contracts have a single performance obligation where multiple engineered products and services are performed. Expenses relatedcombined into a single, custom-engineered solution. Our contracts include a standard one-year assurance warranty. Occasionally, we provide service-type warranties that will extend the warranty period. These extended warranties qualify as separate performance obligations, and revenue is deferred and recognized over the warranty period. If we determine during the evaluation of the contract that there are multiple performance obligations, we allocate the transaction price to these typeseach performance obligation using our best estimate of services are recognized as incurred.the standalone selling price of each distinct good or service in the contract.
CostsVariable Consideration
It is common for our long-term contracts to contain variable consideration that can either increase or decrease the transaction price. Due to the nature of our contracts, estimating total cost and estimated earningsrevenue can be complex and subject to variability due to change orders, back charges, spare parts, early completion bonuses, customer allowances and liquidated damages. We estimate the amount of variable consideration based on the expected value method, which is the sum of probability-weighted amount, or the most likely amount method, which uses various factors including experience with similar transactions and assessment of our anticipated performance. Variable consideration is included in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts also include certain costs associated with unapproved change orders. These costs are included when change order approval is probable. Amounts are carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Revenue is recognizedtransaction price if legally enforceable and to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of costs incurredcumulative revenue recognized will not occur once the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved.
Contract Modifications
Contracts may be modified for changes in contract specifications and requirements. We consider contract modifications to exist when recovery is probable. The amounts recorded involve the usemodification either creates new or changes the enforceable rights and obligations under the contract. Most of judgmentsour contract modifications are for goods and estimates; thus, actual recoverable amounts could differ from original assumptions.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
We maintain and continually assess the adequacy of an allowance for doubtful accounts representing our estimate for losses resultingservices that are not distinct from the inability of our customersexisting performance obligation. Contract
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modifications result in a cumulative catch-up adjustment to pay amounts due to us. This estimated allowance isrevenue based on historical experienceour measure of uncollected accounts,progress for the level of past due accounts, the overall level of outstanding accounts receivable, information about specific customers with respect to their inability to make payments and expectations of future conditions that could impact the collectability of accounts receivable. However, future changes in our customers’ operating performance and cash flows, or in general economic conditions, could have an impact on their ability to fully pay these amounts, which, among other things, could have a material adverse impact on our operating results.obligation.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be realizable. If an evaluation is required, the estimated future undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset are compared to the asset’s carrying amount to determine if recording an impairment of such asset is necessary. This requires us to make long-term forecasts of the future revenues and costs related to the assets subject to review. Forecasts require assumptions about demand for our products and future market conditions. Estimating future cash flows requires significant judgment, and our projections may vary from cash flows eventually realized. Future events and unanticipated changes to assumptions could require a provision for impairment in a future period. The effect of any impairment would be reflected in income (loss) from operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition, we estimate the useful lives of our long-lived assets and other intangibles and periodically review these estimates to determine whether these lives are appropriate.
Accruals for Contingent Liabilities
From time to time, contingencies such as insurance-related claims, liquidated damages and legal claims arise in the normal course of business. Pursuant to applicable accounting standards, we must evaluate such contingencies to subjectively determine the likelihood that an asset has been impaired, or a liability has been incurred at the date of the financial statements, as well as evaluate whether the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. If the likelihood is determined to be probable, and it can be reasonably estimated, the estimated loss is recorded. The amounts we record for contingent liabilities require judgments regarding the amount of expenses that will ultimately be incurred. We use past experience and history, as well as the specific circumstances surrounding each contingent liability, including estimated legal costs, in evaluating the amount of liability that should be recorded. Actual results could differ from our estimates.
Warranty Costs
We provide for estimatedEstimated costs of warranties are accrued based on historical warranty claim costs with the recognition of revenue based upon historical rates applicablein relation to individual product lines.current revenues. In addition, specific provisions are made when the costs of such warrantiesproduct failures are expected to exceed accruals.projected outside historical experience. Our standard terms and conditions of sale include a warranty for parts and service for one year. Occasionally, we provide service-type warranties that will extend the earlier of 18 monthswarranty period. Actual results could differ from the date of shipment or 12 months from the date of energization, whichever occurs first. Occasionally projectsour estimate.
Projects may require, on occasion, warranty terms whichthat are longer than our standard terms due to the nature of the project. Extended warranty terms may be negotiated and included in our contracts. We use past experienceThe allocated revenue associated with the extended warranty is deferred and historical claims to determinerecorded as a contract liability and recognized as revenue over the estimated liability. Actual results could differ from our estimate.extended warranty period.
Accounting for Income Taxes
We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, based on the income tax laws and rates in the countries in which operations are conducted, and income is earned. This approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. Developing our provision for income taxes requires significant judgment and expertise in federal, international and state income


tax laws, regulations and strategies, including the determination of deferred tax assets and liabilities and, if necessary, any valuation allowances that may be required for deferred tax assets. In assessing the extent to which net deferred tax assets may be realized, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the net deferred tax assets may not be realized. The ultimate realization of net deferred tax assets is dependent on the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Due to the historical Canadian losses, and the losses that we projected at the time of determination, we were required under the more likely than not accounting standard to record a valuation allowance against the Canadian net deferred tax assets because we anticipated that we may not be able to realize the benefits of the net operating loss carryforwards and other deductible differences. Estimates may change as new events occur, estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced or increased, additional information becomes available, or operating environments change, which may result in a full or partial reversal of the valuation allowance. We will continue to assess the adequacy of the valuation allowance on a quarterly basis. Our judgments and tax strategies are subject to audit by various taxing authorities.
The objectives of accounting for income taxes are to recognize the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in an entity’s financial statements or tax returns. We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position should be measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Accounting literature also provides guidance on
25


derecognition of income tax assets and liabilities, classification of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities, accounting for interest and penalties associated with tax positions, and income tax disclosures. Judgment is required in assessing the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. Variations in the actual outcome of these future tax consequences could materially impact our financial statements.position and results of operations.
See Note HI of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for disclosures related to the valuation allowance recorded in relation to foreign deferred taxes.
Foreign Currency Translation
The functional currency for our foreign operating subsidiaries is the local currency in which the entity is located. The financial statements of all subsidiaries with a functional currency other than the U.S. Dollar have been translated into U.S. Dollars. All assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated into U.S. Dollars using year-end exchange rates, and all revenues and expenses are translated at average rates during the respective period. The U.S. Dollar results that arise from such translation, as well as exchange gains and losses on intercompany balances of a long-term investment nature, are included in the cumulative currency translation adjustments in accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity.
New Accounting Standards
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a new standard on revenue recognition that supersedes previously issued revenue recognition guidance. This standard provides a five-step approach to be applied to all contracts with customers and requires expanded disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue (and the related cash flows) arising from customer contracts, significant judgments and changes in judgments used in applying the revenue model and the assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017, which would be our fiscal year ending September 30, 2019. We plan to use the modified retrospective basis upon adoption. While we are still evaluating the potential impact of this standard on our financial statements, we believe accounting for variable consideration and the number of performance obligations contained in each contract will have the greatest significance. The materiality of this guidance on our financial statements will be determined in large part by the contracts that are in progress as of the adoption date.
In November 2015, the FASB issued an amendment to the topic regarding income taxes which requires an entity to separate deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts in the statement of financial position. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. Deferred tax liabilities and assets that are not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting are classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference. To simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes, the amendments require that deferred income tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. This amendment is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, which would be our fiscal year ending September 30, 2018. We have no plans for early adoption. We are still evaluating this new amendment, but we do not expect it to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.


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

In March 2016, the FASB issued new guidance on stock-based compensation, which includes amendments to existing guidance for employee share-based payment accounting. We elected to early adopt this new guidance in the first quarter of Fiscal 2017. Beginning Fiscal 2017, stock-based compensation excess tax benefits or deficiencies are reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as a component of income taxes, whereas they were previously recorded in additional paid-in capital in the Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity. Additionally, we will now present excess tax benefits as an operating activity in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. These changes have been adopted prospectively. Finally, we will continue to account for forfeitures as they occur, rather than estimate expected forfeitures.
In November 2016, the FASB issued new standards on the statement of cash flows and restricted cash that change the presentation of restricted cash and cash equivalents on the statement of cash flows. Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents will be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. These standards are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years, which would be our fiscal year ending September 30, 2019. We have no plans for early adoption. We are still evaluating these new standards, but we do not expect them to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In January 2017, the FASB issued new guidance on goodwill impairment intended to simplify the testing for goodwill impairment by the elimination of Step 2 in the determination on whether goodwill should be considered impaired. The annual and/or interim assessments are still required to be completed. This guidance is effective for fiscal years (including interim periods) beginning after December 15, 2019. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
In May 2017, the FASB issued a new topic on modification accounting with regards to stock-based compensation. This new topic clarifies when a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award should be accounted for as a modification. An entity should account for the effects of a modification unless the fair value, vesting conditions and classification, as an equity instrument or a liability instrument, of the modified award are the same before and after a change to the terms or conditions of the share-based payment award. This topic is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, which would be our fiscal year ending September 30, 2018. We do not expect this topic to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.


Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosuresabout 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 currency transactions and interest rates, foreign exchange rates and commodity prices.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,in the oil and gas refining,markets, including onshore and offshore oil and gas production, pipeline, refining and liquefied natural gas terminals, as well as petrochemical, pipeline, terminal, miningelectric utility and metals, light rail traction power, electric utility, pulppower. Occasionally, our customers may include an engineering, procurement and paper and other heavy industrial customers.construction (EPC) firm which may increase our market risk exposure based on the business climate of the EPC firm. 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 price 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.
Foreign Currency Transaction Risk
We have foreign operations that expose us to foreign currency exchange rate risk in the British Pound Sterling, the Canadian Dollar and to a lesser extent the Euro.Mexican Peso and the Euro, among others. 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),loss, a component of stockholders’ equity in our consolidated balance sheets.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 obligationspayments in their respective local currencies or U.S. Dollars. Additionally, expenses associated with these transactions are generally contracted and paid for in the same local currencies. For Fiscal 2017,2021, our realized foreign exchange gains were $0.2loss was $0.4 million and areis included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
Our accumulated other comprehensive loss, which is included as a component of stockholders’ equity, was $18.8$20.4 million as of September 30, 2017,2021, a decrease from $23.8of $4.2 million atcompared to September 30, 2016.2020. This improvementdecrease 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. During Fiscal 2017, the U.S. Dollar deteriorated relative to these foreign currencies and, as a result, our accumulated other comprehensive losses decreased.
 
We do not currentlytypically hedge our exposure to potential foreign currency translation adjustments.
26


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




27


Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Index to Consolidated Financial StatementsPage
Financial Statements:

28



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM





Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

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


In our opinion,Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Powell Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2021 and 2020, and the related consolidated statements of operations, of comprehensive income, (loss), of stockholders’ equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Powell Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries as of September 30, 2017 and 2016and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 20172021, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of September 30, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2021 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2017,2021, based on criteria established inInternal Control - Integrated Framework (2013)issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations ofCOSO.

Change in Accounting Principle

As discussed in Note B to the Treadway Commission (COSO). consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for leases in the year ended September 30, 2020.

Basis for Opinions

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

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

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence supportingregarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessingstatements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, andas well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statement presentation.statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included



29







obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.


Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.


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


Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Revenue Recognition – Long-term fixed priced contracts

As described in Notes B and E to the consolidated financial statements, the majority of the Company’s total revenue of $470.6 million for the year ended September 30, 2021 was generated from the manufacturing of custom-engineered products and systems under long-term fixed-price contracts. Revenue from these contracts is generally recognized over time utilizing the cost-to-cost method to measure the extent of progress toward the completion of the performance obligation and the recognition of revenue over time. Management believes that this method is the most accurate representation of performance, because it directly measures the value of the services transferred to the customer over time as costs are incurred on the contracts. Contract costs include all direct materials, labor, and indirect costs related to contract performance, which may include indirect labor, supplies, tools, repairs and depreciation costs. Under the cost-to-cost method, the extent of progress towards completion is measured based on the ratio of costs incurred to date to the total estimated costs at completion of the performance obligation. Due to the nature of the contracts, estimating total cost and revenue can be complex and subject to variability due to change orders, back charges, spare parts, early completion bonuses, customer






30







allowances and liquidated damages. Management estimates the amount of variable consideration based on the expected value method, which is the sum of the probability-weighted amount, or the most likely amount method which uses various factors including experience with similar transactions and assessment of anticipated performance.

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to revenue recognized over time utilizing the cost to cost method is a critical audit matter are the significant judgment by management when determining the estimated total cost and revenue, which in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity and effort in performing procedures and in evaluating management’s judgment about assumptions related to the estimates of costs to complete and liquidated damages.

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to the revenue recognition process, including controls over the determination of total estimated costs at completion of the performance obligation and determination of total contract price. The procedures also included, among others, evaluating and testing management’s process for determining the estimated total cost and revenue for a sample of contracts, which included (i) obtaining executed purchase orders and agreements, (ii) evaluating the appropriateness of the method to measure estimated total cost and revenue, (iii) testing the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data used by management, and (iv) evaluating the reasonableness of significant assumptions related to the total estimated costs at completion and liquidated damages used by management and considering the factors that can affect the accuracy of those estimates. Evaluating the reasonableness of significant assumptions related to estimated total cost involved assessing management’s ability to reasonably estimate total costs to complete and liquidated damages by testing management’s process to evaluate the remaining direct materials, labor, and indirect costs related to the performance obligation and evaluating the timely identification of circumstances which may warrant a modification to the total estimated costs or liquidated damages.



/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Houston, Texas
December 6, 2017

8, 2021


We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2004.


31


POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
 September 30,
 20212020
ASSETS  
Current Assets:  
Cash and cash equivalents$114,314 $160,216 
Short-term investments19,667 18,705 
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $333 and $51078,304 69,957 
Contract assets54,199 50,995 
Inventories29,835 28,968 
Income taxes receivable161 467 
Prepaid expenses4,382 4,402 
Other current assets1,599 1,948 
Total Current Assets302,461 335,658 
Property, plant and equipment, net109,457 114,372 
Operating lease assets, net3,453 5,217 
Goodwill and intangible assets, net1,003 1,161 
Deferred income taxes4,639 3,644 
Other assets15,179 12,226 
Total Assets$436,192 $472,278 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY  
Current Liabilities:  
Current maturities of long-term debt$400 $400 
Accounts payable45,247 35,029 
Contract liabilities42,433 79,445 
Accrued compensation and benefits20,395 21,739 
Accrued product warranty2,531 2,771 
Current operating lease liabilities1,415 2,352 
Income taxes payable1,076 1,861 
Other current liabilities7,659 9,350 
Total Current Liabilities121,156 152,947 
Long-term debt, net of current maturities— 400 
Deferred compensation (Note J)8,613 6,710 
Long-term operating lease liabilities2,413 3,434 
Other long-term liabilities2,787 2,161 
Total Liabilities134,969 165,652 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note H)00
Stockholders' Equity:  
Preferred stock, par value $0.01; 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued— — 
Common stock, par value $0.01; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 12,497,691 and 12,422,411 shares issued, respectively125 124 
Additional paid-in capital63,948 61,998 
Retained earnings282,505 294,016 
Treasury stock, 806,018 shares at cost(24,999)(24,999)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(20,356)(24,513)
Total Stockholders' Equity301,223 306,626 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity$436,192 $472,278 
 September 30,
 2017 2016
ASSETS   
Current Assets:   
Cash and cash equivalents$68,359
 $97,720
Short-term investments26,829
 
Restricted cash15,104
 
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $179 and $81153,852
 101,048
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts51,554
 66,106
Inventories18,448
 26,521
Income taxes receivable8,222
 1,713
Deferred income taxes3,539
 4,006
Prepaid expenses3,701
 4,569
Other current assets463
 2,457
Total Current Assets250,071
 304,140
Property, plant and equipment, net139,420
 144,977
Restricted cash9,747
 
Goodwill and intangible assets, net1,719
 2,059
Other assets13,800
 11,340
Deferred income taxes229
 
Total Assets$414,986
 $462,516
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY   
Current Liabilities:   
Current maturities of long-term debt$400
 $400
Income taxes payable1,219
 1,459
Accounts payable33,269
 34,985
Accrued salaries, bonuses and commissions14,984
 22,550
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts26,166
 43,974
Accrued product warranty3,174
 4,639
Other accrued expenses5,860
 8,212
Deferred credit ─ short term (Note E)507
 2,029
Total Current Liabilities85,579
 118,248
Long-term debt, net of current maturities1,600
 2,000
Deferred compensation (Note I)5,314
 4,840
Deferred income taxes
 138
Other long-term liabilities1,197
 1,466
Deferred credit ─ long term (Note E)
 507
Total Liabilities93,690
 127,199
Commitments and Contingencies (Note G)
 
Stockholders' Equity:   
Preferred stock, par value $.01; 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued
 
Common stock, par value $.01; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 12,234,656 and 12,199,511 shares issued, respectively122
 122
Additional paid-in capital54,329
 52,003
Retained earnings310,598
 331,959
Treasury stock, 806,018 shares at cost(24,999) (24,999)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(18,754) (23,768)
Total Stockholders' Equity321,296
 335,317
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity$414,986
 $462,516

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

32



POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
Year Ended September 30, Year Ended September 30,
2017 2016 2015 202120202019
Revenues$395,911
 $565,243
 $661,858
Revenues$470,559 $518,499 $517,180 
Cost of goods sold345,142
 459,038
 553,597
Cost of goods sold395,496 423,924 430,204 
Gross profit50,769
 106,205
 108,261
Gross profit75,063 94,575 86,976 
     
Selling, general and administrative expenses61,524
 74,924
 76,801
Selling, general and administrative expenses67,217 67,662 69,950 
Research and development expenses6,906
 6,731
 6,980
Research and development expenses6,670 6,265 6,327 
Amortization of intangible assets355
 352
 435
Amortization of intangible assets157 177 177 
Restructuring and separation expenses1,322
 8,441
 3,397
Operating income (loss)(19,338) 15,757
 20,648
Insurance proceedsInsurance proceeds— — (950)
Restructuring and other, netRestructuring and other, net— 1,400 11 
Operating incomeOperating income1,019 19,071 11,461 
     
Other income (See Note E)(2,029) (2,029) (2,402)
Other incomeOther income— (506)— 
Interest expense168
 149
 145
Interest expense204 228 230 
Interest income(558) (156) (86)Interest income(277)(981)(1,103)
Income (loss) before income taxes(16,919) 17,793
 22,991
Income tax provision (benefit)(7,433) 2,283
 13,552
Net income (loss)$(9,486) $15,510
 $9,439
Income before income taxesIncome before income taxes1,092 20,330 12,334 
Income tax provisionIncome tax provision461 3,670 2,444 
Net incomeNet income$631 $16,660 $9,890 
     
Earnings (loss) per share:     
Earnings per share:Earnings per share:   
Basic$(0.83) $1.36
 $0.80
Basic$0.05 $1.43 $0.85 
Diluted$(0.83) $1.36
 $0.79
Diluted$0.05 $1.42 $0.85 
     
Weighted average shares:     Weighted average shares:   
Basic11,453
 11,400
 11,869
Basic11,705 11,624 11,571 
Diluted11,453
 11,431
 11,908
Diluted11,789 11,693 11,634 
Dividends per share$1.04
 $1.04
 $1.04
Dividends per share$1.04 $1.04 $1.04 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

33



POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In thousands)
Year Ended September 30,
Year Ended September 30, 202120202019
2017 2016 2015
     
Net income (loss)$(9,486) $15,510
 $9,439
Net incomeNet income$631 $16,660 $9,890 
Foreign currency translation adjustments4,822
 (928) (16,104)Foreign currency translation adjustments4,253 60 (2,743)
Postretirement benefit adjustment, net of tax192
 (439) 206
Postretirement benefit adjustment, net of tax(96)(26)(25)
Comprehensive income (loss)$(4,472) $14,143
 $(6,459)
Comprehensive incomeComprehensive income$4,788 $16,694 $7,122 
 
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

34



POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands)
 Common Stock Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 Retained
Earnings
 Treasury Stock Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income/(Loss)
  
 Shares Amount   Shares Amount  Total
Balance, September 30, 201412,031
 $120
 $46,267
 $331,213
 
 $
 $(6,503) $371,097
Net income
 
 
 9,439
 
 
 
 9,439
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
 
 
 
 
 (16,104) (16,104)
Stock-based compensation53
 
 3,171
 
 
 
 
 3,171
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation
 
 (191) 
 
 
 
 (191)
Shares withheld in lieu of employee tax withholding
 
 (740) 
 
 
 
 (740)
Issuance of restricted stock16
 1
 
 
 
 
 
 1
Purchase of treasury shares
 
 
 
 (670) (21,259) 
 (21,259)
Dividends paid
 
 
 (12,358) 
 
 
 (12,358)
Postretirement benefit adjustment, net of tax of $123
 
 
 
 
 
 206
 206
Balance, September 30, 201512,100
 $121
 $48,507
 $328,294
 (670) $(21,259) $(22,401) $333,262
Net income
 
 
 15,510
 
 
 
 15,510
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
 
 
 
 
 (928) (928)
Stock-based compensation81
 
 4,883
 
 
 
 
 4,883
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation
 
 (387) 
 
 
 
 (387)
Shares withheld in lieu of employee tax withholding
 
 (1,000) 
 
 
 
 (1,000)
Issuance of restricted stock18
 1
 
 
 
 
 
 1
Purchase of treasury shares
 
 
 
 (136) (3,740) 
 (3,740)
Dividends paid
 
 
 (11,845) 
 
 
 (11,845)
Postretirement benefit adjustment, net of tax of $(237)
 
 
 
 
 
 (439) (439)
Balance, September 30, 201612,199
 $122
 $52,003
 $331,959
 (806) $(24,999) $(23,768) $335,317
Net loss
 
 
 (9,486) 
 
 
 (9,486)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
 
 
 
 
 4,822
 4,822
Stock-based compensation18
 
 2,724
 
 
 
 
 2,724
Shares withheld in lieu of employee tax withholding
 
 (398) 
 
 
 
 (398)
Issuance of restricted stock17
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends paid
 
 
 (11,875) 
 
 
 (11,875)
Postretirement benefit adjustment, net of tax of $103
 
 
 
 
 
 192
 192
Balance, September 30, 201712,234
 $122
 $54,329
 $310,598
 (806) $(24,999) $(18,754) $321,296
 Common StockAdditional
Paid-in
Capital
Retained
Earnings
Treasury StockAccumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income/(Loss)
 
 SharesAmountSharesAmountTotal
Balance, September 30, 201812,281 $123 $56,769 $291,530 (806)$(24,999)$(21,779)$301,644 
Net income— — — 9,890 — — — 9,890 
Foreign currency translation adjustments— — — — — — (2,743)(2,743)
Stock-based compensation92 3,838 — — — — 3,839 
Shares withheld in lieu of employee tax withholding— — (1,454)— — — — (1,454)
Dividends paid— — — (11,998)— — — (11,998)
Postretirement benefit adjustment, net of tax of $7— — — — — — (25)(25)
Balance, September 30, 201912,373 $124 $59,153 $289,422 (806)$(24,999)$(24,547)$299,153 
Net income— — — 16,660 — — — 16,660 
Foreign currency translation adjustments— — — — — — 60 60 
Stock-based compensation49 — 3,474 — — — — 3,474 
Shares withheld in lieu of employee tax withholding— — (629)— — — — (629)
Dividends paid— — — (12,066)— — — (12,066)
Postretirement benefit adjustment, net of tax of $7— — — — — — (26)(26)
Balance, September 30, 202012,422 $124 $61,998 $294,016 (806)$(24,999)$(24,513)$306,626 
Net income— — — 631 — — — 631 
Foreign currency translation adjustments— — — — — — 4,253 4,253 
Stock-based compensation76 2,582 — — — — 2,583 
Shares withheld in lieu of employee tax withholding— — (632)— — — — (632)
Dividends paid— — — (12,142)— — — (12,142)
Postretirement benefit adjustment, net of tax of $26— — — — — — (96)(96)
Balance, September 30, 202112,498 $125 $63,948 $282,505 (806)$(24,999)$(20,356)$301,223 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.




35


POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
Year Ended September 30,
 202120202019
Operating Activities:   
Net income$631 $16,660 $9,890 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:   
Depreciation and amortization10,335 10,538 12,032 
Stock-based compensation2,583 3,474 3,839 
Bad debt expense48 258 233 
Deferred income taxes(995)1,473 820 
Gain on cash surrender value of life insurance— (506)— 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:   
Accounts receivable, net(7,509)41,969 (20,193)
Contract assets and liabilities, net(39,951)12,546 55,333 
Inventories(599)304 (7,989)
Income taxes(473)720 6,681 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets412 662 (2,626)
Accounts payable9,760 (15,309)9,550 
Accrued liabilities(3,151)465 1,419 
Other, net(1,552)(860)(230)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities(30,461)72,394 68,759 
Investing Activities:   
Purchases of short-term investments(27,735)(18,553)(5,869)
Maturities of short-term investments27,688 6,146 13,088 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment, net(2,891)(5,130)(4,255)
Proceeds from life insurance policy474 — — 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities(2,464)(17,537)2,964 
Financing Activities:   
Payments on industrial development revenue bonds(400)(400)(400)
Shares withheld in lieu of employee tax withholding(632)(629)(1,454)
Dividends paid(12,142)(12,066)(11,998)
Net cash used in financing activities(13,174)(13,095)(13,852)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash(46,099)41,762 57,871 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash197 (185)(957)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period160,216 118,639 61,725 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period$114,314 $160,216 $118,639 
 Year Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2015
Operating Activities:     
Net income (loss)$(9,486) $15,510
 $9,439
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:     
Depreciation12,400
 12,979
 13,120
Amortization355
 352
 435
Stock-based compensation2,724
 4,883
 3,171
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation
 387
 191
Bad debt expense/(recovery)(160) 187
 (29)
Deferred income tax expense100
 2,330
 10,521
Gain on amended supply agreement(2,029) (2,029) (2,029)
Cash received from amended supply agreement2,333
 2,333
 2,333
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:     
Accounts receivable47,983
 369
 391
Costs and billings in excess of estimates on uncompleted contracts(3,270) 39,612
 (17,430)
Inventories8,213
 6,159
 (572)
Income taxes(6,758) (195) (1,647)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets453
 861
 4,222
Accounts payable(2,417) (11,658) (4,992)
Accrued liabilities(11,676) 3,927
 (3,373)
Other, net(1,950) (1,101) (833)
Net cash provided by operating activities36,815
 74,906
 12,918
Investing Activities:     
Purchases of property, plant and equipment(3,636) (3,044) (34,719)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment12
 187
 112
Purchases of short-term investments(60,018) 
 
Maturities of short-term investments33,189
 
 
Changes in restricted cash(24,851) 
 
Net cash used in investing activities(55,304) (2,857) (34,607)
Financing Activities:     
Payments on industrial development revenue bonds(400) (400) (400)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation
 (387) (191)
Shares withheld in lieu of employee tax withholding(398) (1,000) (740)
Purchase of treasury shares
 (3,740) (21,259)
Dividends paid(11,875) (11,845) (12,358)
Net cash used in financing activities(12,673) (17,372) (34,948)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents(31,162) 54,677
 (56,637)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents1,801
 (526) (2,912)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period97,720
 43,569
 103,118
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period$68,359
 $97,720
 $43,569


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

36



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


A. Business and Organization
Powell Industries, Inc. (we, us, our, Powell or the Company) was incorporated in the state of Delaware in 2004 as a successor to a Nevada company incorporated in 1968. The Nevada company was the successor to a company founded by William E. Powell in 1947, which merged into the Company in 1977. Our major subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned, include: Powell Electrical Systems, Inc.; Powell (UK) Limited; Powell Canada Inc.; and Powell Industries International, B.V.
We develop, design, manufacture and service custom-engineered equipment and systems for the distribution, control and monitoring of electrical energy designed towhich (1) distribute, control and monitor the flow of electrical energy and (2) provide protection to motors, transformers and other electrically powered equipment. Our principal products include integrated power control room substations (PCRs®), custom-engineered modules, electrical houses (E-Houses), traditional and arc-resistant distribution switchgear and control gear, medium-voltage circuit breakers, monitoring and control communications systems, motor control centers, switches and bus duct systems. These products are designed for application voltages ranging from 480 volts to 38,000 volts andvolts. Our products are used in the oil and gas refining,markets, onshore and offshore oilproduction, liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities and gas production,terminals, pipeline, refineries and petrochemical pipeline, terminal, mining and metals,plants. Additionally, we manufacture products for the electric utility, light rail traction power electric utility,as well as mining and metals, pulp and paper and other heavymunicipal, commercial and industrial markets. Our product scope includes designs tested to meet both U.S. and international standards, under both the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and international standardsInternational Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). We assist customers by providing value-added services such as spare parts, field service inspection, installation, commissioning, modification and repair, retrofit and retrofill components for existing systems and replacement circuit breakers for switchgear that is obsolete or that is no longer produced by the original manufacturer. We seek to establish long-term relationships with the end users of our systems as well as the design and construction engineering firms contracted by those end users. We believe that our culture of safety and focus on customer satisfaction, along with our financial strength, allow us to continue to capitalize on opportunities in the industries we serve.
References to Fiscal 2017,2021, Fiscal 20162020 and Fiscal 20152019 used throughout these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements relate to our fiscal years ended September 30, 2017, 20162021, 2020 and 2015,2019, respectively.


Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Oil and Gas Commodity Market Volatility on Powell

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact global energy markets. This pandemic has negatively impacted demand, which in turn has resulted in considerable volatility across the oil and gas commodity markets. As a result, some of our industrial customers are deferring or suspending their planned capital expenditures. Certain of our customers have asked that we delay or cancel our manufacturing on their projects as their operations have been negatively impacted by this pandemic and the reduced oil and gas demand which has resulted in recognition of cancellation fees based on contract terms and the extent of our progress on the projects. We continue to work with and review the contracts with our key suppliers who have been impacted by this pandemic to ensure that we are able to meet our customer commitments.

The consequences of a prolonged global economic decline could include, but are not limited to, a continued reduction in commercial and industrial activity. Accordingly, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the duration or severity of this pandemic, or the extent to which the disruption may materially impact our business, results of operations or cash flows. We will take prudent measures to maintain our strong liquidity and cash position, which may include reducing our capital expenditures and research and development costs, as well as reducing or eliminating future dividend payments.

B. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Powell and our wholly ownedwholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying footnotes. The most significant estimates used in our consolidated financial statements
37


affect revenue recognition and estimated cost recognition for constructionon our customer contracts, the allowance for doubtful accounts,credit losses, 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), liquidated damages and other contingent liabilities require judgments regarding the amount of expenses that will ultimately be incurred. We base our estimates on historical experience, forecasts 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.profitability because the ultimate realization of net deferred tax assets is dependent on the generation of future taxable income during periods in which temporary differences become deductible. Estimates mayroutinely change as new events occur, additional information becomes available or operating environments change. Actual results may differ from our prior estimates.
Cash and Cash EquivalentsInvestments
Cash and cash equivalents
- Cash and cash equivalents, primarily funds held in money market savings instruments, are reported at their current carrying value, which approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments, and are included in cash and cash equivalents in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Short-term Investments - Short-term investments include time deposits with original maturities of three months or more.
Restricted Cash - Restricted cash includes cash and cash equivalents that are unavailable for withdrawal or usage for general obligations. Restricted cash on our Consolidated Balance Sheet represents a pledged cash collateral balance which is required


under our recently amended credit agreement and is held in an interest-bearing savings account. See Note F for further discussion on restricted cash.
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information (in thousands):
Year Ended September 30, Year Ended September 30,
2017 2016 2015 202120202019
Cash paid (received) during the period for:     Cash paid (received) during the period for:  
Interest paid, net of interest income$(384) $4
 70
Income taxes paid, net of refunds(764) (352) 2,298
Interest received, net of interest expenseInterest received, net of interest expense$(73)$(753)$(873)
Income taxes paid (received), net of refundsIncome taxes paid (received), net of refunds1,886 1,770 (5,219)
Non-cash capital expenditures634
 221
 147
Non-cash capital expenditures226 264 1,248 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Financial instruments include cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments, restricted cash, receivables, deferred compensation, payables and debt obligations. Except as described below, due to the short-term nature of account receivables and account payables, the book value is representative of their fair value. The carrying value of debt approximates fair value as interest rates are indexed to the Federal Funds Rate or the bank’s prime rate.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are stated net of allowances for doubtful accounts.credit losses. We maintain and continually assess the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accountscredit losses representing our estimate for losses resulting from the inability of our customers to pay amounts due to us. This estimated allowance is based on historical experience of uncollected accounts, the level of past due accounts, the overall level of outstanding accounts receivable, information about specific customers with respect to their inability to make payments and expectations of future conditions that could impact the collectability of accounts receivable. Future changes in our customers’ operating performance and cash flows, or in general economic conditions, could have an impact on their ability to fully pay these amounts, which could have a material impact on our operating results. In most cases, receivables are not collateralized. However, we utilize letters of credit to secure payment on projects when possible. AtAs of September 30, 20172021 and 2016,2020, accounts receivable included retention amounts of $2.1$9.6 million and $2.7$6.9 million, respectively. Retention amounts are in accordance with applicable provisions of contracts and become due upon completion of contractual requirements. All ofOf theretained amount at September 30, 2017,2021, $7.4 million is expected to be collected in the next fiscal year.twelve months and is recorded in accounts receivable. The remaining $2.2 million is recorded in other assets and is expected to be collected in Fiscal 2023.
CostsContract Balances

The timing of revenue recognition, billings and Estimated Earningscash collections affects accounts receivable, contract assets and contract liabilities in Excess of Billings on Uncompleted Contractsour Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Costs and estimated earningsContract assets are recorded when revenues are recognized in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts arise when revenues are recorded on a percentage-of-completion basis but cannot be invoiced under the terms of the contract. Such amounts are invoiced upon completion of contractual milestones.
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts also include certain costs associated with unapproved change orders. These costs are included when the approval of the change order is probable. Amounts are carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Revenue is recognized to the extent of costs incurred when recovery is probable. The amounts recorded involve the use of judgments and estimates; thus, actual recoverable amounts could differ from original assumptions.
In accordance with industry practice, assets and liabilities related to costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompletedbilled for fixed-price contracts as well asdetermined by the billing milestone schedule. Contract assets are transferred to accounts receivable when billing milestones have been met, or we have an unconditional right to payment.
38


Contract liabilities typically represent advance payments from contractual billing milestones and billings in excess of costsrevenue recognized. It is unusual to have advanced milestone payments with a term greater than one year, which could represent a financing component on the contract.
Our contract assets and estimated earningsliabilities are reported in a net position on uncompleted contracts, have beena contract-by-contract basis at the end of each reporting period and are generally classified as current. The contract cycle for certain long-term contracts may extend beyond one year; thus, collection of amounts related to these contracts may extend beyond one year.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or marketnet realizable value using weighted-average methods and include the cost of materials, labor and manufacturing overhead. We use estimates in determining the level of reserves required to state inventory at the lower of cost or market.net realizable value. Our estimates are based on market activity levels, production requirements, the physical condition of products and technological innovation. Changes in any of these factors may result in adjustments to the carrying value of inventory.


Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense when incurred. Expenditures for major renewals and improvements, which extend the useful lives of existing equipment, are capitalized and depreciated. Upon retirement or disposition of property, plant and equipment, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
We review property, plant and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be realizable. If an evaluation is required, the estimated future undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset are compared to the asset’s carrying amount to determine if recording an impairment of such asset is necessary. If an impairment is indicated, we record an impairment loss equal to the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the long-lived asset. This requires us to make long-term forecasts of the future revenues and the costs related to the assets subject to review. Forecasts require assumptions about demand for our products and future market conditions. Estimating future cash flows requires significant judgment, and our projections may vary from cash flows eventually realized. Future events and unanticipated changes to assumptions could require a provision for impairment in a future period. The effect of any impairment would be reflected in income (loss) from operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In addition, we estimate the useful lives of our property, plant and equipment and periodically review these estimates to determine whether these lives are appropriate.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, based on the income tax laws and rates in the countries in which operations are conducted, and income is earned. This approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. Developing our provision for income taxes requires significant judgment and expertise in federal, international and state income tax laws, regulations and strategies, including the determination of deferred tax assets and liabilities and, if necessary, any valuation allowances that may be required for deferred tax assets. In assessing the extent to which net deferred tax assets may be realized, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the net deferred tax assets may not be realized. The ultimate realization of net deferred tax assets is dependent on the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Estimates may change as new events occur, estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced or increased, additional information becomes available or operating environments change, which may result in a full or partial reversal of the valuation allowance. We will continue to assess the adequacy of the valuation allowance on a quarterly basis. Our judgments and tax strategies are subject to audit by various taxing authorities.
The objectives of accounting for income taxes are to recognize the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in an entity’s financial statements or tax returns. We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position should be measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Accounting literature also provides guidance on derecognition of income tax assets and liabilities, classification of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities, accounting for interest and penalties associated with tax positions, and income tax disclosures. Judgment is required in
39


assessing the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. Variations in the actual outcome of these future tax consequences could materially impact our financial statements.
Revenue Recognition
Our revenues are primarily generated from the engineering and manufacturing of customcustom-engineered products and systems under long-term fixed-price contracts that may last from one month to several years, depending on the contract. RevenuesRevenue from long-termthese contracts areis generally recognized over time utilizing the cost-to-cost method. Under the cost-to-cost method, the extent of progress towards completion is measured based on the percentage-of-completion methodratio of accounting. Occasionally a contract may require that we segment the project into specific deliverables for revenue recognition. Segmenting a contract may result in different interim rates of profitability for each scope of service than if we had recognized revenue on a combined basis.
Under the percentage-of-completion method of accounting, revenues are recognized as work is performed. The revenue earned to date is calculated by multiplying the total contract price by the percentage of performance to date, which is based on total costs or total labor dollars incurred to date compared to the total estimated costs or total labor dollars estimated at completion. The method used to determinecompletion of the percentage of completion is typically the cost method, unless the laborperformance obligation. We believe that this method is a morethe most accurate methodrepresentation of measuringour performance because it directly measures the progressvalue of the project. Application ofservices transferred to the percentage-of-completion method of accounting requires the use of estimates ofcustomer over time as we incur costs to be incurred for the performance of the contract.on our contracts. Contract costs include all direct material costs, directmaterials, labor costs and those indirect costs related to contract performance, such aswhich may include indirect labor, supplies, tools, repairs and alldepreciation costs.
We also have contracts to provide value-added services such as field service inspection, installation, commissioning, modification and repair, as well as retrofit and retrofill components for existing systems. If the service contract terms give us the right to invoice the customer for an amount that corresponds directly with the value of our performance completed to date (i.e., a service contract in which we bill a fixed amount for each hour of service provided), then we recognize revenue over time in each reporting period corresponding to the amount with which we have the right to invoice. Our performance obligations are satisfied as the work progresses.
We also have sales orders for spare parts and replacement circuit breakers for switchgear that are obsolete or that are no longer produced by the original manufacturer. Revenues from these sales orders are recognized at the time we fulfill our performance obligation to the customer, which is typically upon shipment.
Additionally, some contracts may contain a cancellation clause that could limit the amount of revenue we are able to recognize over time. In these instances, revenue and costs


associated with operationthese contracts are deferred and recognized at a point in time when the performance obligation is fulfilled.
Selling and administrative costs incurred in relation to obtaining a contract are typically expensed as incurred. We periodically utilize a third-party sales agent to obtain a contract and will pay a commission to that agent. We record the full commission liability to the third-party sales agents at the order date, with a corresponding deferred asset. As the project progresses, we record commission expense based on percentage of equipment. The cost estimation process is based uponcompletion rates that correlate to the professional knowledgeproject and experience of our engineers, project managers and financial professionals. Factors that are considered in estimatingreduce the work to be completed and ultimate contract recovery includedeferred asset. Once we have been paid by the availability and productivity of labor,customer, we pay the nature and complexity of the work to be performed, the effect of change orders, the availability of materials, the effect of any delays on our project performancecommission and the recoverability of any claims. Changes in job performance, job conditions, estimated profitability and final contract settlements, including our estimate of liquidated damages, if any, may result in revisions to costs and income, with their effects being recognized in the period in which the revisions are determined. Whenever revisions of estimated contract costs and contract values indicate that the contract costs will exceed estimated revenues, thus creating a loss, a provision for the total estimated lossliability is recorded in that period.
Revenues associated with maintenance, repair and service contracts are recognized when the services are performed. Expenses related to these types of services are recognized as incurred.reduced.
Warranty Costs
We provide for estimatedEstimated costs of warranties are accrued based on historical warranty claim costs with the recognition of revenue based upon historical rates applicablein relation to individual product lines.current revenues. In addition, specific provisions are made when the costs of such warrantiesproduct failures are expected to exceed accruals.projected outside historical experience. Our standard terms and conditions of sale include a warranty for parts and service for one year. Occasionally, we provide service-type warranties that will extend the earlier of 18 monthswarranty period. Actual results could differ from the date of shipment or 12 months from the date of energization, whichever occurs first. Occasionally projectsour estimate.
Projects may require, on occasion, warranty terms that are longer than our standard terms due to the nature of the project. Extended warranty terms may be negotiated and included in our contracts. We use past experienceThe allocated revenue associated with the extended warranty is deferred and historical claims to determinerecorded as a contract liability and recognized as revenue over the estimated liability. Actual results could differ from our estimate.extended warranty period.
Research and Development Expense
Research and development activities are directed toward the development of new products and processes as well as improvements in existing products and processes. These costs, which primarily include salaries, contract services and supplies, are expensed as incurred. Such amounts were $6.9 million, $6.7 million, $6.3 million and $7.0$6.3 million in Fiscal 2017, 20162021, 2020 and 2015,2019, respectively.
Foreign Currency Translation
The functional currency for our foreign subsidiaries is the local currency in which the entity is located. The financial statements of all subsidiaries with a functional currency other than the U.S. Dollar have been translated into U.S. Dollars. All assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated into U.S. Dollars using year-end exchange rates, and all revenues and expenses are translated at average rates during the respective period. The U.S. Dollar results that arise from such translation, as well as exchange gains and losses on intercompany balances of a long-term investment nature, are included in the cumulative currency translation adjustments in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)loss in stockholders’ equity.
40


Stock-Based Compensation
We measure stock-based compensation cost at the grant date based on the fair value of the award. Compensation expense is recognized over the period during which the recipient is required to provide service in exchange for the awards, typically the vesting period. Excess income tax benefits related to share-based compensation expense isare recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Cash paid when directly withholding shares on an employee's behalf for tax withholding purposes is classified as a financing activity. We account for forfeitures as they occur, rather than estimate expected forfeitures.
New Accounting Standards
In May 2014,February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued a new standard on revenue recognition that supersedes previously issued revenue recognition guidance. This standard provides a five-step approach to be applied to all contracts with customers and requires expanded disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue (and the related cash flows) arising from customer contracts, significant judgments and changes in judgments used in applying the revenue model and the assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017, which would be our fiscal year ending September 30, 2019. We plan to use the modified retrospective basis upon adoption. While we are still evaluating the potential impact of this standard on our financial statements, we believe accounting for variable consideration and the number of performance obligations contained in each contract will have the greatest significance. The materiality of this guidance on our financial statements will be determined in large part by the contracts that are in progress as of the adoption date.


In November 2015, the FASB issued an amendment to the topic regarding income taxes which requires an entity to separate deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts in the statement of financial position. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. Deferred tax liabilities and assets that are not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting are classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference. To simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes, the amendments require that deferred income tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. This amendment is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, which would be our fiscal year ending September 30, 2018. We have no plans for early adoption. We are still evaluating this new amendment, but we do not expect it to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
In February 2016, the FASB issued a new topic on leases whichthat requires lessees to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than twelve months. Leases will beare 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 capitalEffective October 1, 2019, we adopted the new lease accounting standard and recorded operating lease assets and operating leases existing at, or entered intolease liabilities of approximately $7.0 million and determined that no adjustment to retained earnings was necessary. Financial results for reporting periods after October 1, 2019 are reported under the beginning of the earliest comparative periodnew standard; however financial results for prior periods were not adjusted and will continue to be presented in accordance with the financial statements, with certainprevious standard. Upon adoption, we elected a package of practical expedients available. The new topic is effectivewhich, among other things, allowed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, which would bethe historical classification of our fiscal year ending September 30, 2020. We are still evaluatingexisting leases to carry forward. Additionally, we elected to separate non-lease components for our real estate and IT infrastructure asset classes. All other asset classes account for both lease and non-lease components in the potential impactoperating lease asset and operating lease liability calculations. See Note M for further discussion of this guidance on our financial statements. Our future obligations under operating leases as of September 30, 2017 are summarized in Note G of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

leases.
In MarchJune 2016, the FASB issued a new guidancetopic on stock-based compensation, which includes amendments to existing guidancemeasurement of credit losses. The topic introduces an impairment model known as the current expected credit loss (CECL) model that is based on an expected loss methodology rather than an incurred loss methodology for employee share-based payment accounting. We elected to early adopt thisfinancial instruments. Under the new guidance in the first quarter of Fiscal 2017. Beginning Fiscal 2017, stock-based compensation excess tax benefits or deficiencies are reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as a component of income taxes, whereas they were previously recorded in additional paid-in capital in the Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity. Additionally, we will now present excess tax benefitstopic, an entity recognizes as an operating activity inallowance its estimate of expected credit losses with the Consolidated Statementsintention of Cash Flows. These changes have beenimproving financial reporting by requiring timelier recognition of such losses. We adopted prospectively. Finally, we will continue to account for forfeitures as they occur, rather than estimate expected forfeitures.
In November 2016, the FASB issued new standardsthis topic on the statement of cash flowsOctober 1, 2020 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 dosuch adoption did not expect them to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.statements.


In January 2017, the FASB issued new guidance on goodwill impairment intended to simplify the testing for goodwill impairment by the elimination of Step 2 in the determination on whether goodwill should be considered impaired. The annual and/or interim assessments are still required to be completed. This guidance is effective for fiscal years (including interim periods) beginning after December 15, 2019. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
In May 2017, the FASB issued a new topic on modification accounting with regards to stock-based compensation. This new topic clarifies when a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award should be accounted for as a modification. An entity should account for the effects of a modification unless the fair value, vesting conditions and classification, as an equity instrument or a liability instrument, of the modified award are the same before and after a change to the terms or conditions of the share-based payment award. This topic is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, which would be our fiscal year ending September 30, 2018. We do not expect this topic to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

C. Earnings Per Share
We compute basic earnings per share by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common and potential common share includes the weighted average of additional shares associated with the incremental effect of dilutive restricted stock and restricted stock units, as prescribed by the FASB guidance on earnings per share.
The following table reconciles basic and diluted weighted average shares used in the computation of earnings per share for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands, except per share data):

 Year Ended September 30,
 202120202019
Numerator:   
Net income$631 $16,660 $9,890 
Denominator:   
Weighted average basic shares11,705 11,624 11,571 
Dilutive effect of restricted stock units84 69 63 
Weighted average diluted shares11,789 11,693 11,634 
Earnings per share:   
Basic$0.05 $1.43 $0.85 
Diluted$0.05 $1.42 $0.85 




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 Year Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2015
Numerator:     
Net income (loss)$(9,486) $15,510
 $9,439
Denominator:     
Weighted average basic shares11,453
 11,400
 11,869
Dilutive effect of restricted stock units
 31
 39
Weighted average diluted shares with assumed conversions11,453
 11,431
 11,908
      
Net earnings (loss) per share:     
Basic earnings (loss) per share$(0.83) $1.36
 $0.80
Diluted earnings (loss) per share$(0.83) $1.36
 $0.79


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


D. Detail of Selected Balance Sheet Accounts
Allowance for Doubtful AccountsCredit Losses
Activity in our allowance for doubtful accountscredit losses consisted of the following (in thousands):
September 30, September 30,
2017 2016 20212020
Balance at beginning of period$811
 $746
Balance at beginning of period$510 $301 
Bad debt expense (recovery)(160) 187
Bad debt expense, netBad debt expense, net48 258 
Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries(472) (120)Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries(242)(32)
Change due to foreign currency translation
 (2)Change due to foreign currency translation17 (17)
Balance at end of period$179
 $811
Balance at end of period$333 $510 
Inventories
The components of inventories are summarized below (in thousands):
 September 30,
 2017 2016
Raw materials, parts and subassemblies$22,100
 $29,639
Work-in-progress600
 996
Provision for excess and obsolete inventory(4,252) (4,114)
Total inventories$18,448
 $26,521


Cost and Estimated Earnings on Uncompleted Contracts
The components of costs and estimated earnings and related amounts billed on uncompleted contracts are summarized below (in thousands):
 September 30,
  2017 2016
Costs incurred on uncompleted contracts$987,164
 $1,088,921
Estimated earnings316,970
 350,125
 1,304,134

1,439,046
Less: Billings to date(1,278,746) (1,416,914)
Net underbilled position$25,388
 $22,132
Included in the accompanying balance sheets under the following captions:   
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts – underbilled$51,554
 $66,106
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts – overbilled(26,166) (43,974)
Net underbilled position$25,388
 $22,132
 September 30,
 20212020
Raw materials, parts and subassemblies$33,149 $31,202 
Work-in-progress1,147 1,539 
Provision for excess and obsolete inventory(4,461)(3,773)
Total inventories$29,835 $28,968 
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are summarized below (in thousands):
September 30, Range of September 30,Range of
2017 2016 Asset Lives 20212020Asset Lives
Land$22,441
 $22,107
 Land$22,355 $22,008 
Buildings and improvements121,960
 119,512
 3 - 39 YearsBuildings and improvements124,798 122,529 3 - 39 Years
Machinery and equipment106,113
 103,268
 3 - 15 YearsMachinery and equipment96,017 108,439 3 - 15 Years
Furniture and fixtures3,806
 3,806
 3 - 10 YearsFurniture and fixtures3,683 3,611 3 - 10 Years
Construction in process1,749
 1,009
 Construction in process752 1,530 
$256,069
 $249,702
   $247,605 $258,117  
Less: Accumulated depreciation(116,649) (104,725)  Less: Accumulated depreciation(138,148)(143,745) 
Total property, plant and equipment, net$139,420
 $144,977
  Total property, plant and equipment, net$109,457 $114,372  
There were no assets under capitalfinance lease as of September 30, 20172021 or September 30, 2016.2020. Depreciation expense was $12.4$10.2 million, $13.0$10.4 million and $13.1$11.9 million for fiscal years 2017, 2016,2021, 2020, and 2015,2019, respectively.
Accrued Product Warranty Accrual
Activity in our product warranty accrual consisted of the following (in thousands):
 September 30,
 20212020
Balance at beginning of period$2,771 $2,946 
Increase to warranty expense2,140 2,286 
Deduction for warranty charges(2,406)(2,463)
Change due to foreign currency translation26 
Balance at end of period$2,531 $2,771 


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 September 30,
 2017 2016
Balance at beginning of period$4,639
 $4,930
Increase to warranty expense1,806
 4,249
Deduction for warranty charges(3,314) (4,464)
Change due to foreign currency translation43
 (76)
Balance at end of period$3,174
 $4,639




E. Revenue
Revenue Recognition
Our revenues are primarily generated from the manufacturing of custom-engineered products and systems under long-term fixed-price contracts under which we agree to manufacture various products such as traditional and arc-resistant distribution switchgear and control gear, medium-voltage circuit breakers, monitoring and control communications systems, motor control centers, switches and bus duct systems. These products may be sold separately as an engineered solution, but are typically integrated into custom-built enclosures which we also build. These enclosures are referred to as power control room substations (PCRs®), custom-engineered modules or electrical houses (E-Houses). Some contracts may also include the installation and the commissioning of these enclosures.
Revenue from these contracts is generally recognized over time utilizing the cost-to-cost method. Under the cost-to-cost method, the extent of progress towards completion is measured based on the ratio of costs incurred to date to the total estimated costs at completion of the performance obligation. We believe that this method is the most accurate representation of our performance, because it directly measures the value of the services transferred to the customer over time as we incur costs on our contracts. Contract costs include all direct materials, labor and indirect costs related to contract performance, which may include indirect labor, supplies, tools, repairs and depreciation costs.
We also have contracts to provide value-added services such as field service inspection, installation, commissioning, modification and repair, as well as retrofit and retrofill components for existing systems. If the service contract terms give us the right to invoice the customer for an amount that corresponds directly with the value of our performance completed to date (i.e., a service contract in which we bill a fixed amount for each hour of service provided), then we recognize revenue over time in each reporting period corresponding to the amount that we have the right to invoice. Our performance obligations are satisfied as the work progresses. Revenues from our custom-engineered products and value-added services transferred to customers over time accounted for approximately 93% and 95% of revenues for the years ended September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020, respectively.
We also have sales orders for spare parts and replacement circuit breakers for switchgear that are obsolete or that are no longer produced by the original manufacturer. Revenues from these sales orders are recognized at the time we fulfill our performance obligation to the customer, which is typically upon shipment and represented approximately 7% and 5% of revenues for the years ended September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020, respectively.
Additionally, some contracts may contain a cancellation clause that could limit the amount of revenue we are able to recognize over time. In these instances, revenue and costs associated with these contracts are deferred and recognized at a point in time when the performance obligation is fulfilled.
Selling and administrative costs incurred in relation to obtaining a contract are typically expensed as incurred. We periodically utilize a third-party sales agent to obtain a contract and will pay a commission to that agent. We record the full commission liability to the third-party sales agents at the order date, with a corresponding deferred asset. As the project progresses, we record commission expense based on percentage of completion rates that correlate to the project and reduce the deferred asset. Once we have been paid by the customer, we pay the commission, and the deferred liability is reduced.
Performance Obligations
A performance obligation is a promise in a contract or with a customer to transfer a distinct good or service. A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue as the performance obligations are satisfied. To determine the proper revenue recognition for contracts, we evaluate whether a contract should be accounted for as more than one performance obligation or, less commonly, whether two or more contracts should be combined and accounted for as one performance obligation. This evaluation of performance obligations requires significant judgment. The majority of our contracts have a single performance obligation where multiple engineered products and services are combined into a single custom-engineered solution. Our contracts include a standard one-year assurance warranty. Occasionally, we provide service-type warranties that will extend the warranty period. These extended warranties qualify as a separate performance obligation, and revenue is deferred and recognized over the warranty period. If we determine during the evaluation of the contract that there are multiple performance obligations, we allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation using our best estimate of the standalone selling price of each distinct good or service in the contract.
Remaining unsatisfied performance obligations, which we refer to as backlog, represent the estimated transaction price for goods and services for which we have a material right, but work has not been performed. As of September 30, 2021, we had backlog of $414.9 million, of which approximately $291.0 million is expected to be recognized as revenue within the next twelve months.Backlog may not be indicative of future operating results as orders may be cancelled or modified by our
43


customers. Our backlog does not include service and maintenance-type contracts for which we have the right to invoice as services are performed.
Contract Estimates
Actual revenues and project costs may vary from previous estimates due to changes in a variety of factors. The cost estimation process is based upon the professional knowledge and experience of our engineers, project managers and financial professionals. Factors that are considered in estimating the work to be completed and ultimate contract recovery include the availability and productivity of labor, the nature and complexity of the work to be performed, the availability of materials, and the effect of any delays on our project performance. We periodically review our job performance, job conditions, estimated profitability and final contract settlements, including our estimate of total costs and make revisions to costs and income in the period in which the revisions are probable and reasonably estimable. We bear the risk of cost overruns in most of our contracts, which may result in reduced profits. Whenever revisions of estimated contract costs and contract values indicate that the contract costs will exceed estimated revenues, thus creating a loss, a provision for the total estimated loss is recorded in that period.
For the years ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, our operating results were positively impacted by $12.5 million and $11.3 million, respectively, as a result of changes in contract estimates related to projects in progress at the beginning of the respective period. These changes in estimates resulted primarily from favorable project execution and negotiations of variable consideration, discussed below, as well as revenue and reduced costs recognized from project cancellations and other changes in facts and circumstances during these periods.
Variable Consideration
It is common for our long-term contracts to contain variable consideration that can either increase or decrease the transaction price. Due to the nature of our contracts, estimating total cost and revenue can be complex and subject to variability due to change orders, back charges, spare parts, early completion bonuses, customer allowances and liquidated damages. We estimate the amount of variable consideration based on the expected value method, which is the sum of the probability-weighted amounts, or the most likely amount method which uses various factors including experience with similar transactions and assessment of our anticipated performance. Variable consideration is included in the transaction price if legally enforceable and to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur once the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved.
Contract Modifications
Contracts may be modified for changes in contract specifications and requirements. We consider contract modifications to exist when the modification either creates new or changes the enforceable rights and obligations under the contract. Most of our contract modifications are for goods and services that are not distinct from the existing performance obligation. Contract modifications result in a cumulative catch-up adjustment to revenue based on our measure of progress for the performance obligation.
Contract Balances
The timing of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections affects accounts receivable, contract assets and contract liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Contract assets are recorded when revenues are recognized in excess of amounts billed for fixed-price contracts as determined by the billing milestone schedule. Contract assets are transferred to accounts receivable when billing milestones have been met, or we have an unconditional right to payment.
Contract liabilities typically represent advance payments from contractual billing milestones and billings in excess of revenue recognized. It is unusual to have advanced milestone payments with a term greater than one year, which could represent a financing component on the contract.
Our contract assets and liabilities are reported in a net position on a contract-by-contract basis at the end of each reporting period and are generally classified as current. The timing of contract billing milestones related to our Fiscal 2020 contract award for a large industrial project contributed significantly to our net contract liability at September 31, 2020.
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Contract assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020 are summarized below (in thousands):
September 30,
20212020
Contract assets$54,199 $50,995 
Contract liabilities(42,433)(79,445)
Net contract asset (liability)$11,766 $(28,450)
The increase in net contract asset at September 30, 2021 from September 30, 2020 was primarily due to the timing of contract billing milestones and new orders as well as cash used on our large industrial project awarded in Fiscal 2020. To determine the amount of revenue recognized during the period from contract liabilities, we first allocate revenue to the individual contract liability balance outstanding at the beginning of the period until the revenue exceeds that balance. During the year ended September 30, 2021, we recognized revenue of approximately $69.1 million related to contract liabilities outstanding at September 30, 2020.
The timing of our invoice process is typically dependent on the completion of certain milestones and contract terms and subject to agreement by our customer. Payment is typically expected within 30 days of invoice. Any uncollected invoiced amounts for our performance obligations recognized over time, including contract retentions, are recorded as accounts receivable in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Certain contracts allow customers to withhold a small percentage of billings pursuant to retainage provisions, and such amounts are generally due upon completion of the contract and acceptance of the project by the customer. Based on our experience in recent years, the majority of these retainage balances are expected to be collected within approximately twelve months. As of September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020, accounts receivable included retention amounts of $9.6 million and $6.9 million, respectively. Of the retained amount at September 30, 2021, $7.4 million is expected to be collected in the next twelve months and is recorded in accounts receivable. The remaining $2.2 million is recorded in other assets.
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following tables present our disaggregated revenue by geographic destination and market sector for the years ended September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020 (in thousands):
20212020
United States$351,422 $397,983 
Canada68,655 66,064 
Europe, Middle East and Africa39,642 34,028 
Asia/Pacific8,889 18,079 
Mexico, Central and South America1,951 2,345 
     Total revenues by geographic destination$470,559 $518,499 
20212020
Oil and gas (excludes petrochemical)$187,660 $195,209 
Petrochemical58,986 126,698 
Electric utility111,244 88,818 
Traction power59,106 42,373 
All others53,563 65,401 
     Total revenues by market sector$470,559 $518,499 


F. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Our intangible assets consist of goodwill of $1.0 million, which is not being amortized, andamortized. In Fiscal 2021, our purchased technology of $0.7 million, which is amortized over its estimated useful life.was fully amortized. No impairment expense has been recorded for the last three fiscal years.

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Intangible assets balances, subject to amortization, at September 30, 20172021 and 20162020 consisted of the following (in thousands):
 September 30, 2017 September 30, 2016
 
Gross
Carrying
Value
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Carrying
Value
 
Gross
Carrying
Value
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Carrying
Value
Purchased technology$11,749
 $(11,033) $716
 $11,749
 $(10,693) $1,056
 September 30, 2021September 30, 2020
Gross
Carrying
Value
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Carrying
Value
Gross
Carrying
Value
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Carrying
Value
Purchased technology$11,749 $(11,749)$— $11,749 $(11,592)$157 
Amortization of intangible assets recorded for the years ended September 30, 2017, 20162021, 2020 and 2015,2019 was $0.4 million.$0.2 million, $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively.
Estimated amortization expense for each of the five subsequent fiscal years is expected to be (in thousands):


Years Ended September 30,Total
2018$204
2019176
2020176
2021160
2022
On August 7, 2006, we purchased certain assets related to the manufacturing of ANSI medium-voltage switchgear and circuit breaker business from General Electric Company (GE). In connection with the acquisition, we entered into a 15-year supply agreement with GE pursuant to which GE would purchase from us all of its requirements for ANSI medium-voltage switchgear and circuit breakers and other related equipment and components (the Products). We recorded an intangible asset related to this supply agreement. On December 30, 2013, we and GE amended the supply agreement to allow GE to manufacture similar Products for sale immediately and allow them to begin purchasing Products from other suppliers beginning December 31, 2014. In return, GE paid us $10 million upon execution of the amended supply agreement and agreed to pay an additional $7 million over three years, beginning March 2015. The final balance of $2.3 million was received in April 2017. We wrote off the intangible asset related to the original supply agreement and recorded a deferred credit in the amount of $8.1 million at December 31, 2013, the amount by which the total proceeds from GE exceeded the unamortized balance of our intangible asset. We are amortizing this deferred credit over the four-year life of the agreement and have recognized gains in other income of $2.0 million for all three fiscal years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015. As of September 30, 2017, there is approximately $0.5 million remaining in the deferred credit balance.

F.G. Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consisted of the following (in thousands):
 September 30,
 2017 2016
Industrial development revenue bonds$2,000
 $2,400
Less: current portion(400) (400)
Total long-term debt$1,600
 $2,000
The annual maturities of long-term debt as of September 30, 2017, were as follows (in thousands):
Year Ending September 30,
Long‑Term
Debt
Maturities
2018$400
2019400
2020400
2021400
2022400
Total long-term debt maturities$2,000


 September 30,
 20212020
Industrial development revenue bonds$400 $800 
Less: current portion(400)(400)
Total long-term debt$— $400 
U.S. Revolver
We have a credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A. (the "U.S. Revolver"), which is a $75.0 million revolving credit facility (U.S. Revolver) to provide working capital supportthat is available for both borrowings and letters of credit. In June 2017,credit and expires September 27, 2024. On March 12, 2021, we entered into the Third Amendmenta first amendment to the Credit Agreement (the Third Amendment). The Third Amendment,U.S. Revolver which, among other things, (i) extendedamended certain terms related to the Maturity Date from December 2018 to June 2022; (ii) amended the definition of Applicable Rate by (a) providing that Pricing Level I shall apply when a Cash Collateral Period (described below) is in effect and that Pricing Level II shall apply when no Cash Collateral Period is in effect, (b) decreasing the Letter of Credit Fee percentage for Pricing Level I from 1.00% to 0.875% and (c) increasing the Commitment Fee percentage for both Pricing Level I and Pricing Level II from 0.1875% to 0.20%; (iii) added a new requirement that during a Cash Collateral Period we maintain a cash balance in a pledged cash collateral account equal to at least 102%calculation of the Outstanding Amountconsolidated leverage ratio from gross leverage to net leverage. As a result of Revolving Loans and Letterthe first amendment, up to $30 million may be deducted from the amount of Credit Obligations and (iv) modified the Financial Covenants by requiring that, during any Cash Collateral Period, the Consolidated Current Ratioletters of credit outstanding (not to be no less than 1.10 to 1.0. Price Level 3 inzero) when calculating the prior agreement was removed and our ability to pay dividends remains subject to financial covenant restrictions.
Generally,consolidated funded indebtedness which is a Cash Collateral Period undercomponent of the Third Amendment is defined as a fiscal quarter during whichconsolidated net leverage ratio. Additionally, we have pledged ourthe option to cash collateral account to the Administrative Agent. A Cash Collateral Period will terminate on the last daycollateralize all or a portion of the fiscal quarter inletters of credit outstanding, which we satisfywould favorably impact the Level II Pricing Covenants set forth inconsolidated funded indebtedness calculation and the Third Amendment for two consecutive fiscal quarters. If we are not in compliance with the Level II Pricing Covenants, we are subject to Level I Pricing Covenants.
The Cash Collateral Period was in effect asconsolidated net leverage ratio. As of September 30, 2017; therefore, we have placed $24.9 million in a pledged cash collateral account, which was approximately 102% of our outstanding letters of credit as of September 30, 2017. The cash collateral associated with the outstanding letters of credit that are due to expire beyond twelve months has been classified as non-current restricted cash on the balance sheet as of September 30, 2017.  
The interest rate for2021, there were no amounts outstandingborrowed under the U.S. Revolver, is a floating rate based upon the higherand letters 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 providescredit outstanding were $34.8 million. There was $40.2 million available for the issuance of letters of credit which reduce the amounts that may be borrowed under this revolver. The amount available under the U.S. Revolver was reduced by $24.1 million for our outstanding letters of credit at September 30, 2017. There were noand borrowings outstanding under the U.S. Revolver as of September 30, 2017. Amounts available2021.
We are required to maintain certain financial covenants, the most significant of which are a consolidated net leverage ratio less than 3.0 to 1.0 and a consolidated interest coverage ratio of greater than 3.0 to 1.0. Our most restrictive covenant, the consolidated net leverage ratio, is the ratio of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation (EBITDAS) to funded indebtedness. An increase in indebtedness, which includes letters of credit, or a decrease in EBITDAS could restrict our ability to issue letters of credit or borrow under the U.S. Revolver were $50.9Revolver. Additionally, we must maintain a consolidated cash balance of $30 million at September 30, 2017.all times, which can be deducted from the letters of credit outstanding as noted above. The U.S. Revolver expiresalso contains a "material adverse effect" clause which is 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 September 30, 2021, we were in compliance with all of the financial covenants of the U.S. Revolver.

The U.S. Revolver allows the Company to elect that any borrowing under the facility bears an interest rate based on June 27, 2022.either the base rate or the eurocurrency rate, in each case, plus the applicable rate. The base rate is generally the highest of (a) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, (b) the Bank of America prime rate or (c) the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 1.00%. The applicable rate is generally a range from (0.25)% to 1.75% depending on the type of loan and the Company's consolidated net leverage ratio.
The U.S. Revolver is collateralized by a pledge of 100% of the voting capital stock of each of our domestic subsidiaries and 65% of the voting capital stock of each non-domestic subsidiary, as well as by the pledged cash collateral account during any Cash Collateral Period.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 and letters of credit outstanding under the U.S. Revolver may be accelerated and may become immediately due and payable. As of September 30, 2017, we were in compliance with all of the financial covenants of the U.S. Revolver.
46


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 isBonds are subject to both early termination and extension provisions customary to such agreements, as well as various covenants, for which we were in compliance at September 30, 2017. While2021. The interest rate of the Bonds mature in 2021, the reimbursement agreement requires annual redemptions of $0.4 million that commenced on October 25, 2002. A sinking fund is used for the redemption of the Bonds. The Bonds bear interest at a floating rate determined weekly by the Bonds’ remarketing agent, which was the underwriter for the Bonds and is an affiliate of the bank. This interest rate was 1.19%0.14% as of September 30, 2017.2021. On October 1, 2021, the Bonds matured and our final redemption of $0.4 million was made.

G.H. Commitments and Contingencies
Long-Term Debt
See Note F herein for a discussion of our long-term debt.


Leases
We lease certain offices, facilities and equipment under operating leases expiring at various dates through 2023. We also sublease certain facilities that we are no longer occupying. Our sublease terms do not fully cover the existing rental commitments on certain facilities.
At September 30, 2017, the future minimum annual rental commitments and expected receipts under non-cancelable operating leases having terms in excess of one year were as follows (in thousands):
Years Ended September 30,Operating Leases Payments Operating Sublease Income
2018$3,420
 $(1,530)
20192,973
 (1,292)
20201,937
 (39)
20211,767
 
20221,743
 
Thereafter1,172
 
Total lease commitments$13,012
 $(2,861)

Lease expense and sublease income from third parties was as follows (in thousands):
 Year Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2015
Rental expense$3,734
 $4,469
 $4,907
Sublease income from third parties(1,389) (986) (947)

Letters of Credit, Bank Guarantees and Bonds
Certain customers require us to post bank letterletters of credit, bank guarantees or surety bonds. These guarantees and surety bondssecurity instruments 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 bank guarantee, or performance by the surety under a bond. To date, there have been no significant expensesdraws or claims related to either letters of credit or surety bondssecurity instruments for the periods reported. We were contingently liable for secured and unsecured letters of credit of $24.1$34.8 million as of September 30, 2017.2021. We also had performance and maintenancesurety bonds totaling $218.8$143.0 million that were outstanding, with additional bonding capacity of $531.2$457.0 million available, at September 30, 2017.2021. At present, we have strong surety relationships; however, a change in market conditions or the sureties' assessment of our financial position could cause the sureties to require cash collateralization for undischarged liabilities under the bonds.
We have a $6.7$9.4 million facility agreement (Facility Agreement) between Powell (UK) Limited and a large international bank. This Facility Agreementbank that provides Powell (UK) Limited the ability to enter into bank guarantees as well as forward exchange contracts and currency options. At September 30, 2017,2021, we had outstanding guarantees totaling $4.4$7.4 million under this Facility Agreement and amounts available under this Facility Agreement were $2.3$2.0 million. This facility expires in May 2018. The Facility Agreement provides for financial covenants and customary events of default, and carries cross-default provisions with our U.S. Revolver. If an event of default (as defined in the Facility Agreement) occurs and is continuing, per the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein, obligations outstanding under the Facility Agreement may be accelerated and may become or be declared immediately due and payable. Additionally, we are required to maintain cash collateral for guarantees greater than two years. As of September 30, 2017,2021, 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 September 30, 2017,2021, our exposure to possible liquidated damages was $2.3$1.8 million, of which approximately $1.2$1.1 million was probable. Based on our actual or projected failure to meet these various contractual commitments, $1.2$1.1 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 unaccruedunrecorded liquidated damage. We have claimed force majeure on certain contracts due to delays associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. 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.
 
 
47
H.


I. Income Taxes
The components of the income tax provision (benefit) were as follows (in thousands):
 Year Ended September 30,
 202120202019
Current:   
Federal$911 $945 $1,350 
State472 1,186 186 
Foreign73 66 88 
 1,456 2,197 1,624 
Deferred: 
Federal(1,062)1,045 366 
State(30)(91)457 
Foreign97 519 (3)
 (995)1,473 820 
Total income tax provision$461 $3,670 $2,444 
 Year Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2015
Current:     
Federal$(7,782) $(1,395) $2,638
State(101) 449
 699
Foreign350
 899
 (306)
 (7,533) (47) 3,031
Deferred: 
  
  
Federal392
 1,923
 3,296
State(515) 47
 420
Foreign223
 360
 6,805
 100
 2,330
 10,521
Total income tax provision (benefit)$(7,433) $2,283
 $13,552
Income (loss) before income taxes was as follows (in thousands):
 Year Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2015
U.S.$(19,932) $5,087
 $33,549
Other than U.S.3,013
 12,706
 (10,558)
Income (loss) before income taxes$(16,919) $17,793
 $22,991
 Year Ended September 30,
 202120202019
U.S.$3,076 $21,243 $11,859 
Foreign(1,984)(913)475 
Income before income taxes$1,092 $20,330 $12,334 
A reconciliation of the statutory U.S. income tax rate and the effective income tax rate, as computed on earnings before income tax provision in each of the three years presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, was as follows:
 Year Ended September 30,
 202120202019
Statutory rate21 %21 %21 %
State income taxes, net of federal benefit25 
Research and development credit(101)(13)(7)
Foreign rate differential10 — 
Foreign taxes10 — 
Valuation allowance62 (2)
Deferred tax rate differential(19)— — 
Non-deductible expenses(1)
30 
Other— — 
Effective rate42 %18 %20 %
(1) Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified for consistency with the current year presentation.
 Year Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2015
Statutory rate35 % 35 % 35 %
State income taxes, net of federal benefit2
 2
 3
Research and development credit9
 (8) (21)
Foreign rate differential2
 (8) 4
Domestic production activities deduction
 
 (3)
Foreign valuation allowance2
 (11) 43
NOL carryback impact on deductions(4) 
 
Other(2) 3
 (2)
Effective rate44 % 13 % 59 %


Our income tax provision (benefit) reflects an effective tax rate on pre-tax earningsresults of 44%42% in Fiscal 20172021 compared to 13%18% and 59%20% in Fiscal 20162020 and 2015,2019, respectively. The reduction in pre-tax book income as compared to prior years caused tax adjustments to yield a greater impact to the effective tax rate in Fiscal 2021. The effective tax rate of 42% for Fiscal 20172021 was favorably impacted by the lower tax rate in the U.K., the relative amounts of income/loss recognized in various jurisdictions,current year estimated Research and Development Tax Credit (R&D Tax Credit) as well as the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards in Canada that have beenwere fully reserved with a valuation allowance. The effective tax rate was negatively impacted by the losses recognized in other foreign jurisdictions, primarily in the U.K., that were reserved with a valuation allowance as well as $0.9 millionthe establishment of discrete items recognized duringa valuation allowance against the year, primarily related todeferred tax assets in Mexico in the Research and Development Tax Credit (R&D Tax Credit). amount of $0.1 million.

The effective tax rate of 18% for Fiscal 20162020 was favorably impacted by the statutory tax rates in the U.K. and Canada and the relative amounts of income earned in those jurisdictions,estimated R&D Tax Credit as well as the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards mentioned above. Additionally,in Canada that were fully reserved with a valuation allowance. Likewise, the
48


discrete items recorded in the third quarter of Fiscal 2020 in the amount of $1.7 million associated with the release of reserves for unrecognized tax benefits as a result of the expiration of statutes of limitations and the IRS audit settlement favorably impacted the effective tax rate. The effective tax rate


for Fiscal 2016 was favorablynegatively impacted by a $0.8 millionthe discrete item recorded in the firstsecond quarter of Fiscal 2016 related to the retroactive reinstatement of the R&D Tax Credit2020 for the previously expired period from January 1, 2015 to September 30, 2015.valuation allowance against our U.K. deferred tax assets in the amount of $0.5 million as well as by the losses recognized in various foreign jurisdictions that were reserved with a valuation allowance. The effective tax rate for Fiscal 2015 was adversely impacted by2019 approximated the establishmentU.S. federal statutory rate as favorable adjustments related to the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards in Canada that were fully reserved with a valuation allowance, and the R&D Tax Credit were largely offset by unfavorable adjustments primarily related to state income taxes and other permanent items.
During our assessment of deferred income taxes, in the second quarter of Fiscal 2020, we recorded a valuation allowance of $0.5 million against our CanadianU.K. net deferred tax assets. Similarly, we recorded a valuation allowance of $0.1 million against our Mexican net deferred tax assets during the secondfourth quarter of Fiscal 2015. This2021 as a result of our assessment of deferred income taxes. In assessing the realizability of net deferred tax assets, we determined it was partially offset bymore-likely-than-not that the releasenet deferred tax assets may not be realized based upon recent U.K. and Mexican tax losses and anticipated results in the near term. Estimates may change as new events occur, estimates of future taxable income are reduced or increased, additional information becomes available, or operating environments change, which may result in a $4.1 million FIN 48 reserve related to the R&D Tax Credit upon closing an IRS audit. We also recorded a $0.6 million discrete item in Fiscal 2015 that was related to the retroactive reinstatementfull or partial reversal of the R&D Tax Credit referred to above. valuation allowance.
We have not recorded deferred income taxes on $22.2$11.9 million of undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries because of management’s intent to indefinitely reinvest such earnings. Upon distribution of these earnings in the form of dividends or otherwise, we may be subject to U.S. income taxes and foreign withholding taxes. It is not practical, however, to estimate the amount of taxes that may be payable on the eventual remittance of these earnings.
We are subject to income tax in the U.S., multiple state jurisdictions and certain international jurisdictions, primarily the U.K. and Canada. We do not consider any state in which we do business to be a major tax jurisdiction. We remain open to examination in the other jurisdictions as follows:  Canada 201220142016,2020, United Kingdom 2015201920162020 and the United States 2013, 2015 and 2016.2018 – 2020. As of September 30, 2021, we did not have any state audits underway that would have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.
The net deferred income tax asset was comprised of the following (in thousands):
 September 30,
 20212020
Gross assets$20,427 $18,326 
Gross liabilities and valuation allowance(15,788)(14,682)
Net deferred income tax asset$4,639 $3,644 
49

 September 30,
 2017 2016
Current deferred income taxes: 
  
Gross assets$3,978
 $4,384
Gross liabilities and valuation allowance(439) (378)
Net current deferred income tax asset3,539
 4,006
Noncurrent deferred income taxes: 
  
Gross assets18,559
 16,170
Gross liabilities and valuation allowance(18,330) (16,308)
Net noncurrent deferred income tax asset (liability)229
 (138)
Net deferred income tax asset$3,768
 $3,868

The tax effect of temporary differences between U.S. GAAP accounting and federal income tax accounting creating deferred income tax assets and liabilities was as follows (in thousands):
 September 30,
 20212020
Deferred Tax Assets:  
Net operating loss$12,682 $10,823 
Credit carryforwards1,598 1,490 
Deferred compensation2,095 1,681 
Uniform capitalization and inventory1,222 1,067 
Stock-based compensation921 1,079 
Reserve for accrued employee benefits718 929 
Warranty accrual579 655 
Accrued legal130 112 
Postretirement benefits liability156 111 
Other326 379 
Deferred tax assets$20,427 $18,326 
Deferred Tax Liabilities:  
Depreciation and amortization$(4,404)$(5,035)
Retention and other(886)(620)
Deferred tax liabilities$(5,290)$(5,655)
Less: valuation allowance(10,498)(9,027)
Net deferred tax asset$4,639 $3,644 
 September 30,
 2017 2016
Deferred Tax Assets:   
Net operating income/loss$11,823
 $10,453
Uniform capitalization and inventory1,432
 1,596
Deferred compensation2,009
 1,853
Stock-based compensation1,094
 760
Reserve for accrued employee benefits1,208
 1,679
Warranty accrual892
 1,388
Goodwill64
 345
Postretirement benefits liability264
 503
Allowance for doubtful accounts14
 220
Accrued legal435
 294
Credit carryforwards3,258
 1,292
Other44
 171
Deferred tax assets22,537
 20,554
Deferred Tax Liabilities: 
  
Depreciation and amortization(10,002) (8,247)
Deferred tax liabilities(10,002) (8,247)
Less: valuation allowance(8,767) (8,439)
Net deferred tax asset$3,768
 $3,868


As of September 30, 2021, we had tax credit carryforwards of $0.1 million not reserved with a valuation allowance that are available to reduce future U.S. federal tax liabilities. The majority of these tax credit carryforwards expire beginning in 2031. In addition, we had international net operating loss carryforwards of $0.5 million that were not reserved with a valuation allowance available to offset future taxable income in the respective jurisdictions, with an indefinite carryforward period.



During Fiscal 2015, weWe have established a valuation allowance in the amount of $9.3$10.5 million againstprimarily related to the Canadian and U.K. net deferred tax assets. The net increase in the total valuation allowance during the year was $1.5 million which was largely a result of the current year loss recognized in the U.K. In assessing the realizability of net deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than notmore-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the net deferred tax assets may not be realized. The ultimate realization of net deferred tax assets is dependent on the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible.  Due to the historical Canadian losses, and the losses that we projected at the time of determination, we were required under the more-likely-than-not accounting standard to record a valuation allowance against the Canadian net deferred tax assets because we anticipated that we may not be able to realize the benefits of the net operating loss carryforwards and other deductible differences. At September 30, 2017, the valuation allowance of $8.8 million was primarily related to these Canadian net deferred tax assets.
A rollforward of the valuation allowance for the past three years is summarized below:
Balance at September 30, 2014$903
Charged to cost and expenses10,048
Charged to other accounts(895)
Balance at September 30, 2015$10,056
Charged to cost and expenses(1,934)
Charged to other accounts317
Balance at September 30, 2016$8,439
Charged to cost and expenses(260)
Charged to other accounts588
Balance at September 30, 2017$8,767
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of the unrecognized tax benefits follows (in thousands):
 Year Ended September 30,
 202120202019
Balance at beginning of period$1,252 $2,703 $1,854 
Increases related to tax positions taken during the current period251 220 240 
Increases related to tax positions taken during a prior period75 97 609 
Decreases related to expiration of statute of limitations— (545)— 
Decreases related to settlement with taxing authorities(169)(1,223)— 
Balance at end of period$1,409 $1,252 $2,703 
 Year Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2015
Balance at beginning of period$1,046
 $784
 $4,026
Increases related to tax positions taken during the current period179
 293
 954
Increases related to tax positions taken during a prior period338
 
 2
Decreases related to expiration of statute of limitations
 (31) (49)
Decreases related to settlement with taxing authorities(344) 
 (4,149)
Balance at end of period$1,219
 $1,046
 $784
Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at the end of Fiscal 2021, 2020, and 2019 are $1.1 million, $0.8 million, and $2.1 million, respectively, of tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. Our continuing policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters as tax expense. The amount of interest and penalty expense recorded for the year ended September 30, 20172021 was not material.
During Fiscal 2013, prior year U.S. federal income tax returns were amended to reflect increased R&D Credits and unrecognized tax benefits related to these refund claims were recorded. These amended returns, along with the refund claims, were subject to an Internal Revenue Service audit which was closed during the second quarter of Fiscal 2015, resulting in a $4.1 million tax benefit. Due to the expiration of certain federal statutes of limitations, management
Management believes that, within the next 12twelve months, it is reasonably possible that the unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by approximately 11%.$0.3 million due to the expiration of certain federal statutes of limitations. We are unable to make
50


reasonably reliable estimates regarding the timing of future cash outflows, if any, associated with the remaining unrecognized tax benefits for the open periods of Fiscal 2018 – 2021.
Management believes that an adequate provision has been made for any adjustments that may result from tax examinations. However, the outcome of tax audits cannot be predicted with certainty. If any issues addressed in our tax audits are resolved in a manner not consistent with management’s expectations, we could be required to adjust our provision for income tax in the period such resolution occurs.


I.J. Employee Benefit Plans
Retirement Plans
We have defined employee contribution plans for substantially all of our U.S. employees (401(k) plan) and our Canadian employees (Registered Retirement Savings Plan). We recognized expenses under these plans primarily related to matching contributions of $2.8$2.9 million, $3.9$3.1 million and $5.9$3.2 million in Fiscal 2017, 20162021, 2020 and 2015,2019, respectively.


Deferred Compensation
We offer a non-qualified deferred compensation plan to a select group of management and highly compensated individuals. The plan permits the deferral of up to 50% of a participant’s base salary and/or 100% of a participant’s annual incentive bonus. The deferrals are held in a separate trust, an irrevocable rabbi trust (the Rabbi Trust), which has been established to administer the plan. The Rabbi Trust is intended to be used as a source of funds to match respective funding obligations to participants. The assets of the trust are subject to the claims of our creditors in the event that we become insolvent. Consequently, the Rabbi Trust qualifies as a grantor trust for income tax purposes. We make periodic payments into company-owned life insurance policies held in this Rabbi Trust to fund the expected obligations arising under this plan. The assets and liabilities of the plan are recorded in other assets and deferred compensation, respectively, in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the deferred compensation balance are recorded to compensation expense and reflected within the selling, general and administrative line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The plan is not qualified under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue code. We recorded net compensation expense adjustments of $0.1$0.4 million related to this plan in Fiscal 2017. Total assets held by the trustee and deferred compensation liabilities were $6.4 million and $5.0 million, respectively, at2021. At September 30, 2017. Of the $6.4 million of2021, total assets held by the trustee $5.6were $9.1 million and recorded in other assets and the liability was $8.5 million and recorded in deferred compensation in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The $9.1 million of assets held by the trustee is invested in company-owned life insurance policies and the remainder in mutual funds.policies.
Certain former executives were provided an executive benefit plan whichthat provides for fixed payments upon normal retirement on or after age 65 and the completion of at least 10 years of continuous employment. The estimated present value of these payments werewas accrued over the service life of these individuals, and $0.3$0.1 million is recorded in deferred compensation related to this executive benefit plan. To assist in funding the deferred compensation liability, we have invested in company-owned life insurance policies. The cash surrender value of these policies is presented in other assets and was $4.7$3.3 million at September 30, 2017.2021.
Retiree Medical Plan
We have a plan that extends health benefits to retirees that are also available to active employees under our existing health plans. This plan is unfunded. The plan provides coverage for employees with at least 10 years of service who are age 55 or older but less than 65. The retiree is required to pay the COBRA rate less a subsidy provided by us based on years of service at the time of retirement. The unfunded liability is recorded in other long-term liabilities and was $1.1 million and $1.4$0.9 million as of both September 30, 20172021 and 2016, respectively, and our2020. Our net periodic postretirement benefit expenses have been less than $0.1 million for the last three fiscal years. Due to the immateriality of the costs and liabilities of this plan, no further disclosure is being presented.
 
J.K. Stock-Based Compensation
We have the following stock-based compensation plans:
2014 Equity Incentive PlanRestricted Stock Units
In February 2014, our stockholders approved and adopted at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (the 2014 Plan), which replaced our 2006 Equity Compensation Plan (2006 Plan). Persons eligible to receive awards under the 2014 Plan include our officers and employees. The 2014 Plan authorizes stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance-based awards, as well as certain other awards. Restricted stock grants vest equally over their respective vesting period on each anniversary of the grant date and compensation expense is recognized over their respective vesting periods based on the price per share on the grant date.
51


In accordance with the 2014 Plan, the compensation committeeCompensation Committee has authorized grants of restricted stock units (RSUs) to certain officers and key employees of the company. The fair value of the RSUs is based on the closing price of our common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Market (NASDAQ) on the grant dates. Typically, these grants vest over a three-yearthree-year period from theirthe date of issuance. Sixtyissuance and are a blend of time-based and performance-based shares. NaN to 60 percent of the grant is time-based and vests over a three-yearthree-year period on each anniversary of the grant date, based on continued employment. The remaining forty40 to 50 percent of the grant is earned based on the three-yearthree-year earnings performance of the Company following the grant date. At September 30, 2017,2021, there were 177,737199,919 RSUs outstanding. The RSUs do not have voting rights but do receive dividend equivalents upon vesting; additionally,vesting. Additionally, the shares of common stock underlying the RSUs are not considered issued and outstanding until vested and common stock is issued.  
Total RSU activity (number of shares) for the past fiscal year is summarized below:


Number of
Restricted
Stock
Units
Weighted
Average
Grant Value
Per Share
Number of
Restricted
Stock
Units
 
Weighted
Average
Fair Value
Per Share
Outstanding at September 30, 2016159,988
 $43.12
Outstanding at September 30, 2020Outstanding at September 30, 2020154,034 $35.37 
Granted62,100
 39.57
Granted104,550 24.08 
Vested(29,051) 39.08
Vested(55,748)32.50 
Forfeited/cancelled(15,300) 26.39
Forfeited/cancelled(2,917)30.85 
Outstanding at September 30, 2017177,737
 $37.00
Outstanding at September 30, 2021Outstanding at September 30, 2021199,919 $30.34 
We have reserved 750,000 shares of common stock for issuance under the 2014 Plan. As of September 30, 2017,2021, there were 664,911471,556 shares of common stock left available.available for future grants.
2014 Non-Employee Director Equity Incentive PlanRestricted Stock
In February 2014, our stockholders approved and adopted at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders the 2014 Non-Employee Director Equity Incentive Plan (the 2014 Director Plan). The total number of shares of common stock reserved under the plan is 150,000 shares. The plan is administered by the Compensation Committee. Eligibility to participate in the plan is limited to those individuals who are members of the Board of Directors of the Company and who are not employees of the Company or any affiliate of the Company.
Under the terms of the 2014 Director Plan, the maximum number of shares that may be granted during any calendar year to any individual is 12,000 shares. The total number of shares that may be issued for awards to any single participant during a calendar year for other stock-based awards (excluding stock options and SARs) is 4,000 shares. The Compensation Committee has determined that each non-employee director will receive 2,0002,400 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock annually. FiftyNaN percent of the restricted stock granted to each of our non-employee directors vests immediately, while the remaining fifty50 percent vests on the anniversary of the grant date. Compensation expense is recognized immediately for the first fifty50 percent of the restricted stock granted, while compensation expense for the remaining fifty50 percent will beis recognized over the remaining vesting period based on theperiod.  
Under this 2014 Director Plan, in February 2021, 16,800 shares of restricted stock were issued to our non-employee directors at a price of $31.33 per share on the grant date.  
share. In February 2017,2020, we issued 17,00016,800 shares of restricted stock to our non-employee directors at a price of $34.24$36.25 per share under the 2014 Director Plan. In February 2016, we issued 16,000 shares of restricted stock to our non-employee directors at a price of $25.63 per share and in April 2016, we also issued 1,000 shares of restricted stock to a non-employee director at a price of $29.38 per share under the 2014 Director Plan.share. The total number of shares of common stock available for future awards under the 2014 Director plan was 84,60023,000 shares as of September 30, 2017.  
2021. At both September 30, 20172021 and 2016,2020, there were 16,000 shares and 26,8008,400 shares of unvested restricted stock outstanding.  
Compensation Expense
Total compensation expense related to restricted stock grants under all plans was $0.7$0.5 million, $0.7$0.6 million and $1.3$0.5 million for the years ended September 30, 2017, 20162021, 2020 and 2015,2019, respectively. Total compensation expense related to RSU’sRSUs under all plans was $2.0 million, $4.2$2.9 million and $1.9$3.3 millionfor the years ended September 30, 2017, 20162021, 2020 and 2015,2019, respectively.
We record the amortization of non-vested restricted stock and restricted stock units as an increase to additional paid-in capital. As of September 30, 20172021 and 2016,2020, amounts of deferred compensation expense not yet recognized related to non-vested stock and RSUs totaled $1.6$1.1 million and $2.1$1.2 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2017,2021, the total weighted average remaining contractual life of our non-vested restricted stock and RSU’sRSUs is approximately six months and 1.741.5 years, respectively.  

52
K.


L. Fair Value Measurements
We measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value. Fair value is defined as an “exit price”price,” which represents the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in valuing an asset or liability. The accounting guidance requires the use of valuation techniques to measure fair value that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. As a basis for considering such assumptions and inputs, a fair value hierarchy has been established that identifies and prioritizes three levels of inputs to be used in measuring fair value.
The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
Level 1 — Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.


Level 2 — Inputs other than the quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly, including: quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market data and require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.
The following table summarizes the fair value of our assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 20172021 (in thousands):
 Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2021
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, 2021
Assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents$114,314 $— $— $114,314 
Short-term investments19,667 — — 19,667 
Other assets— 9,100 — 9,100 
Liabilities:    
Deferred compensation— 8,527 — 8,527 
 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 investments26,829
 
 
 26,829
Restricted cash24,851
 
 
 24,851
Deferred compensation
 6,442
 
 6,442
Liabilities:       
Deferred compensation
 4,991
 
 4,991
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, 20162020 (in thousands):
Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2016 Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2020
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, 2016Quoted 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, 2020
Assets:       Assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents$97,720
 $
 $
 $97,720
Cash and cash equivalents$160,216 $— $— $160,216 
Deferred compensation
 5,773
 
 5,773
Short-term investmentsShort-term investments18,705 — — 18,705 
Other assetsOther assets— 7,351 — 7,351 
Liabilities:       Liabilities:    
Deferred compensation
 4,449
 
 4,449
Deferred compensation— 6,569 — 6,569 
Fair value guidance requires certain fair value disclosures to 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.


53


Cash and cash equivalents
- Cash and cash equivalents, primarily funds held in money market savings instruments, are reported at their current carrying value, which approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments and are included in cash and cash equivalents in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Short-term Investments - Short-term investments include time deposits with original maturities of three months or more.
Restricted Cash - Restricted cash represents a pledged cash collateral balance which is required under our recently amended credit agreementOther Assets and is held in an interest-bearing savings account. See Note F for further discussion on restricted cash.
Deferred Compensation – We hold investments in an irrevocable Rabbi Trust for our deferred compensation plan. TheseThe assets include bothare primarily related to company-owned life insurance policies and are included in other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Because the mutual fund investmentsfunds and company-owned life insurance policies. Underpolicies are combined in the plan, they are therefore categorized as Level 2 in the fair value measurement hierarchy. The deferred compensation liability represents the investment options that the plan participants designate investment optionshave designated 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 inBecause the deferred compensation liability is intended to offset the plan and are thereforeassets, it is also categorized as Level 2 in the fair value measurement hierarchy.
There were no transfers between levels within the fair value measurement hierarchy during the year ended September 30, 2021.
 


M. Leases


L. GeographicOur leases consist primarily of office and manufacturing space, construction equipment and office equipment. All of our future lease obligations are related to non-cancelable operating leases. The most significant portion of our lease portfolio relates to leases of office and manufacturing facilities in Canada which we no longer occupy. We currently sublease the majority of these Canadian facilities. The following table provides a summary of lease cost components for the years ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively (in thousands):

Lease Cost20212020
Operating lease cost$2,435 $2,389 
Less: sublease income(706)(555)
Variable lease cost(1)
443 351 
Short-term lease cost(2)
1,281 677 
Total lease cost$3,453 $2,862 
(1) Variable lease cost represents common area maintenance charges related to our Canadian office space lease.
(2) Short-term lease cost includes leases and rentals with initial terms of one year or less.

For the year ended September 30, 2019, rent expense related to operating leases was $3.5 million; however, this amount did not include rent expense related to leases and rentals with initial terms of one year or less, which are included in short-term cost in the table above. For the year ended September 30, 2019, sublease income from third parties was $1.3 million; however, this amount included common area maintenance charges, which are included in variable lease cost in the table above.

In Fiscal 2019, we recorded additional lease expense of $0.7 million related to certain facility leases in Canada that are no longer utilized in our operations.
We recognize operating lease assets and operating lease liabilities representing the present value of the remaining lease payments for leases with initial terms greater than twelve months. Leases with initial terms of twelve months or less are not recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of September 30, 2021 and 2020, our operating lease assets have been reduced by a lease accrual of $0.4 million and $0.6 million, respectively, related to certain unused facility leases in Canada. The following table provides a summary of the operating lease assets and operating lease liabilities included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively (in thousands):

54


September 30,
Operating Leases20212020
Assets:
Operating lease assets, net$3,453 $5,217 
Liabilities:
Current operating lease liabilities1,415 2,352 
Long-term operating lease liabilities2,413 3,434 
Total lease liabilities$3,828 $5,786 

The following table provides the maturities of our operating lease liabilities as of September 30, 2021 (in thousands):

Operating Leases
2021$2,351 
20221,448 
2023164 
2024— 
2025— 
Thereafter— 
Total future minimum lease payments$3,963 
Less: present value discount (imputed interest)(135)
Present value of lease liabilities$3,828 
The weighted average discount rate as of September 30, 2021 was 4.04%. The weighted average remaining lease term was 1.75 years at September 30, 2021.

N. Segment Information
We manage our business as 1 reportable operating segment related to the development, design, manufacturing and servicing of custom-engineered equipment and systems for the distribution, control and monitoring of electrical energy.
Revenues by country represent sales to unaffiliated customers as determined by the ultimate destination of our products and services, summarized for the last three fiscal years by region in the table below (in thousands):
 Year Ended September 30,
 202120202019
United States$351,422 $397,983 $406,609 
Canada68,655 66,064 64,326 
Middle East and Africa26,615 18,162 18,420 
Asia/Pacific8,889 18,079 11,405 
Europe13,027 15,866 13,746 
Mexico, Central and South America1,951 2,345 2,674 
Total revenues$470,559 $518,499 $517,180 
 Year Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2015
United States$279,352
 $405,298
 $474,038
Canada45,540
 77,252
 101,191
Middle East and Africa26,639
 40,294
 40,557
Europe21,194
 26,200
 23,567
Mexico, Central and South America19,309
 8,304
 10,479
Far East3,877
 7,895
 12,026
Total revenues$395,911
 $565,243
 $661,858
 September 30,
 2017 2016
Long-lived assets:   
United States$82,589
 $88,304
Canada52,122
 52,292
United Kingdom4,709
 4,381
Total$139,420
 $144,977

Long-lived assets by country consist of property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and are determined based on the location of the tangible assets.assets, summarized for the last two fiscal years in the table below (in thousands):
55


 September 30,
 20212020
Long-lived assets:  
United States$62,308 $67,071 
Canada42,375 42,580 
United Kingdom4,774 4,721 
Total$109,457 $114,372 
 
M. Restructuring and Separation Expenses
In Fiscal 2017, we incurred approximately $1.3 million of restructuring costs as we continued to reduce our overall cost structure to better align our costs with future production requirements. Of the $1.3 million of restructuring costs incurred this fiscal year, $1.0 million has been paid and the remaining $0.3 million will be paid in Fiscal 2018.
In Fiscal 2016, we incurred approximately $7.9 million of separation costs, of which $3.8 million were separation costs related to the departure of our former Chief Executive Officer in December 2015. Additionally in Fiscal 2016, we incurred approximately $0.5 million of restructuring costs related to a Canadian facility that we leased and exited in the third quarter of Fiscal 2016. Of the $7.9 million in separation costs, $6.8 million was paid in Fiscal 2016 and the remaining $1.1 million was paid in Fiscal 2017.

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


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

O.  Quarterly Information


The table below sets forth the unaudited consolidated operating results by fiscal quarter for the years ended September 30, 20172021 and 20162020 (in thousands, except per share data):
 2021 Quarters
 
First(1)
Second(1)
Third(1)
Fourth(2)
2021
Revenues$106,575 $118,716 $115,813 $129,455 $470,559 
Gross profit18,271 17,153 17,167 22,472 75,063 
Net income (loss)(364)(225)(2,041)3,261 631 
Earnings (loss) per share: 
Basic$(0.03)$(0.02)$(0.17)$0.28 $0.05 
Diluted$(0.03)$(0.02)$(0.17)$0.28 $0.05 
(1) The results for the first quarter of Fiscal 2021 demonstrated normal seasonality and were negatively impacted by holidays and work schedules related to other quarterly periods. Gross profit continued to decrease during the first three quarters of Fiscal 2021 as compared to Fiscal 2020 quarterly gross profit due to a decrease in orders as well as project delays and cancellations of potential projects associated with the global economic impact resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and associated reduction in demand across our industrial end markets.
(2) The results for the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2021 were positively impacted by higher volume and favorable productivity across the service and manufacturing entities.
2017 Quarters 2020 Quarters
First Second Third Fourth 2017
First(1)
Second(1)
Third(1) (2)
Fourth(1) (3)
2020
Revenues$110,341
 $104,680
 $85,927
 $94,963
 $395,911
Revenues$134,150 $151,570 $118,062 $114,717 $518,499 
Gross profit14,999
 15,822
 9,054
 10,894
 50,769
Gross profit21,826 29,685 21,344 21,720 94,575 
Net income (loss)(300) (829) (3,215) (5,142) (9,486)
Earnings (loss) per share:         
Net incomeNet income2,775 7,421 3,481 2,983 16,660 
Earnings per share:Earnings per share:
Basic$(0.03) $(0.07) $(0.28) $(0.45) $(0.83)Basic$0.24 $0.64 $0.30 $0.26 $1.43 
Diluted$(0.03) $(0.07) $(0.28) $(0.45) $(0.83)Diluted$0.24 $0.64 $0.30 $0.25 $1.42 
(1) The results for the first quarter of Fiscal 2020 demonstrated normal seasonality and were negatively impacted by holidays and work schedules related to other quarterly periods. The results for the second quarter of Fiscal 2020 improved due to the timing of orders and execution of backlog while revenues and gross profit decreased during the third and fourth quarters of Fiscal 2020 due to a decrease in orders resulting from a decline in demand across our industrial end markets, as well as project delays, cancellations and scope reductions associated with the global decline in demand across the oil and gas markets resulting from COVID-19.
(1) The results for the first quarter of Fiscal 2020 demonstrated normal seasonality and were negatively impacted by holidays and work schedules related to other quarterly periods. The results for the second quarter of Fiscal 2020 improved due to the timing of orders and execution of backlog while revenues and gross profit decreased during the third and fourth quarters of Fiscal 2020 due to a decrease in orders resulting from a decline in demand across our industrial end markets, as well as project delays, cancellations and scope reductions associated with the global decline in demand across the oil and gas markets resulting from COVID-19.
(2) The results for the third quarter of Fiscal 2020 were negatively impacted by separation costs of $1.4 million as a result of workforce reductions.
(2) The results for the third quarter of Fiscal 2020 were negatively impacted by separation costs of $1.4 million as a result of workforce reductions.
(3) The results for the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2020 were positively impacted by other income of $0.5 million related to a death benefit received from our company-owned life insurance policy related to a retired employee.
(3) The results for the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2020 were positively impacted by other income of $0.5 million related to a death benefit received from our company-owned life insurance policy related to a retired employee.
 2016 Quarters
 First Second Third Fourth 2016
Revenues$149,977
 $152,266
 $133,207
 $129,793
 $565,243
Gross profit23,150
 30,094
 27,285
 25,676
 106,205
Net income (loss)(459) 5,567
 4,894
 5,508
 15,510
Earnings (loss) per share:         
Basic$(0.04) $0.49
 $0.43
 $0.48
 $1.36
Diluted$(0.04) $0.49
 $0.43
 $0.48
 $1.36

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



56


P. Separation Costs

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, reductions in oil and gas demand and volatility of commodity prices, we implemented workforce reductions at most of our locations. As a result, we recorded $1.4 million of separation costs in restructuring and other, net on the Consolidated Statement of Operations during the third quarter of Fiscal 2020.

Q.  Subsequent Events

Long-Term Debt Repayment
On October 1, 2021, our long-term debt fully matured and our final bond redemption of $0.4 million was made. See Note G for additional disclosure regarding our industrial revenue development bonds.
Quarterly Dividend Declared
On November 7, 2017,2, 2021, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend on our common stock in the amount of $0.26 per share. The dividend is payable on December 13, 201715, 2021 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 21, 2017.17, 2021.

57



Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.


Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We have established and maintain a system of disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
Management, with the participation of our CEO and CFO, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based on such evaluation, our CEO and CFO have each concluded that, as of September 30, 2017,2021, the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our system of internal control was designed using a top-down risk-based approach to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Due to its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become ineffective due to changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures.
Management of the Company has assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2017.2021. Management evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on management’s evaluation, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective at the reasonable assurance level as of September 30, 2017,2021, based on criteria in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited and issued their report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2017,2021, which appears in their report on the financial statements included herein.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


Item 9B. Other Information
None.




58


PART III
 
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The information required by this item is incorporated in this Annual Report by reference to our definitive proxy statement pursuant to Regulation 14A, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the close of our fiscal year ended September 30, 2017.2021.
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all employees, including our executive officers and directors. A copy of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics may be obtained at the Investor Relations section of our website, www.powellind.com, or by written request addressed to the Secretary, Powell Industries, Inc., 8550 Mosley Road, Houston, Texas 77075. We will satisfy the requirements under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding disclosure of amendments to, or waivers from, provisions of our code of ethics that apply to the chief executive officer, chief financial officer or controller by posting such information on our website.
 
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by this item is incorporated in this Annual Report by reference to our definitive proxy statement pursuant to Regulation 14A, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the close of our fiscal year ended September 30, 2017.2021.
 
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information required by this item is incorporated in this Annual Report by reference to our definitive proxy statement pursuant to Regulation 14A, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the close of our fiscal year ended September 30, 2017.2021.
 
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by this item is incorporated in this Annual Report by reference to our definitive proxy statement pursuant to Regulation 14A, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the close of our fiscal year ended September 30, 2017.2021.
 
Item 14. Principal AccountantAccounting Fees and Services
The information required by this item is incorporated in this Annual Report by reference to our definitive proxy statement pursuant to Regulation 14A, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the close of our fiscal year ended September 30, 2017.2021.




59


PART IV


Item  15. Exhibits and Exhibits. Financial Statement Schedules
1. Financial Statements. Reference is made to the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements at Item 8 of this Annual Report.
2. Financial Statement Schedule. All financial statement schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, or the required information is shown in the financial statementsConsolidated Financial Statements or the notesNotes to the financial statements.Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report.
3.Exhibits.
NumberDescription 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

10.13.3 
10.1 Description of Supplemental Executive Benefit Plan (filed as Exhibit 10 to our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1984, and incorporated herein by reference).

10.2
Powell Industries, Inc. Directors’ Fees Program (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1992, and incorporated herein by reference).

10.3

10.4

10.5
10.6
10.7
Employment Agreement dated as of May 8, 2012 between the Company and Don R. Madison (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference).

10.8

10.910.8
10.1010.9

**10.1110.10
10.12
Restated Credit Agreement dated as of December 31, 2013, between the Company and Bank of America, N.A. (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to our Form 10-Q filed February 5, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference).


Number10.11 Description of Exhibits
10.13

10.1410.12 

60






10.15Number
Description of Exhibits
10.13 

10.1610.14 

10.1710.15 

10.1810.16 

10.1910.17 

10.2010.18

10.2110.19 
First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of March 28, 2014, among Powell Industries, Inc., as Parent, certain subsidiaries of Powell Industries, Inc. identified therein, as Guarantors, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C issuer, and the Lenders party thereto (filed as Exhibit 10.10 to our Form 10-Q filed May 7, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.22
10.2310.20 
Second Amendment to Amended Credit Agreement, dated December 31, 2014, among Powell Industries, Inc., as Parent, certain subsidiaries of Powell Industries, Inc. identified therein, as Guarantors, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C issuer, and the Lenders party thereto (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 10-Q filed February 4, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.24

10.2510.21 
Severance Agreement and Release effective as of December 24, 2015, between the Company and Michael A. Lucas (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 10-Q filed February 3, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference).

10.26

10.2710.22 
Third Amendment
10.23
10.24
**21.1

**23.1
**31.1

**31.2

***32.1


61


NumberDescription of Exhibits
***32.2
101.INSXBRL Instance Document
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
*Filed herewith.
**Portions of this exhibit have been omitted based on a request for confidential treatment pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such omitted portions have been filed separately with the Commission.
**Filed herewith.
***Furnished herewith.


Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
None.




62


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrantregistrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
POWELL INDUSTRIES, INC.
By:/s/ Brett A. Cope
Brett A. Cope
President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities and on the date indicated:
SignatureTitle
/s/Thomas W. PowellChairman of the Board
Thomas W. Powell
/s/Brett A. Cope
Director
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Brett A. Cope
/s/Don R. Madison
Executive Vice President
Chief Financial and Administrative Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
Don R. Madison
/s/Milburn Honeycutt
Vice President
Chief Accounting Officer
Corporate Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
Milburn Honeycutt
/s/ Eugene L. ButlerDirector
Eugene L. Butler
/s/ Christopher E. CraggDirector
Christopher E. Cragg
/s/ Bonnie V. HancockDirector
Bonnie V. Hancock
/s/ Scott E. RozzellDirector
Scott E. Rozzell
/s/ Stephen W. Seale, Jr.Director
Stephen W. Seale, Jr.
/s/ John D. WhiteDirector
John D. White
/s/Richard E. Williams
Director
Richard E. Williams


Date: December 6, 2017


EXHIBIT INDEX
NumberSignatureDescription of ExhibitsTitle
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

10.1
Description of Supplemental Executive Benefit Plan (filed as Exhibit 10 to our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1984, and incorporated herein by reference).

10.2
Powell Industries, Inc. Directors’ Fees Program (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1992, and incorporated herein by reference).

10.3

10.4
10.5

10.6

10.7

10.8

10.9

10.10

**10.11

10.12

10.13

10.14

10.15

10.16
10.17


NumberDescription of Exhibits
10.18

10.19

10.20

10.21

10.22

10.23

10.24

10.25

10.26
Chairman of the Board
President
and incorporated herein by reference).
10.27
*21.1

*23.1

*31.1

(Principal Executive Officer)

Brett A. Cope
*31.2
/s/Michael W. Metcalf
(Principal Financial Officer)
Michael W. Metcalf
*32.1
/s/Milburn HoneycuttVice President
Chief Accounting Officer
Corporate Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
Milburn Honeycutt
/s/Thomas W. PowellChairman Emeritus of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.Board
Director
Thomas W. Powell
*32.2

101.INS
XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document


NumberDescription of Exhibits
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
*/s/ Christopher E. CraggFiled herewith.Director
Christopher E. Cragg
**/s/ Katheryn B. CurtisPortions of this exhibit have been omitted based on a request for confidential treatment pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such omitted portions have been filed separately with the Commission.Director
Katheryn B. Curtis
/s/ Perry L. EldersDirector
Perry L. Elders
/s/ James W. McGillDirector
James W. McGill
/s/ John D. WhiteDirector
John D. White
/s/ Richard E. Williams 
Director
Richard E. Williams

Date: December 8, 2021


61
63