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EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - BLACK BOX CORPexhibit321_masterx4q17.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - BLACK BOX CORPexhibit312_masterx4q17.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - BLACK BOX CORPexhibit311_masterx4q17.htm
EX-23.1 - EXHIBIT 23.1 - BLACK BOX CORPexhibit231_masterx4q17.htm
EX-21.1 - EXHIBIT 21.1 - BLACK BOX CORPexhibit211_masterx4q17.htm
EX-10.45 - EXHIBIT 10.45 - BLACK BOX CORPexhibit1045_2017aip.htm
EX-10.18 - EXHIBIT 10.18 - BLACK BOX CORPexhibit1018_2016aip.htm
EX-10.17 - EXHIBIT 10.17 - BLACK BOX CORPexhibit1017_directorcomp.htm
Table of Contents                                            

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
 
 
þ
 
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017
OR
o
 
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: 0-18706
Black Box Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
 
95-3086563
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, Pennsylvania
 
15055
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 724-746-5500
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
(Title of each class)
 
(Name of each exchange on which registered)
Common Stock, $.001 par value
 
The NASDAQ Global Market
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. o Yes þ 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. o Yes þ 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. þ Yes o No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). þ Yes o No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of 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 "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):
Large accelerated filer o
 
Accelerated filer þ
 
Non-accelerated filer o
 
Smaller reporting company o
 
Emerging growth company o
 
 
 
 
(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. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). o Yes þ No
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of September 30, 2016 (based on closing price of such stock as reported by NASDAQ on such date) was $212,776,808. For purposes of this calculation only, directors and executive officers of the registrant and their affiliates are deemed to be affiliates of the registrant.
As of April 14, 2017, there were 14,964,758 shares of common stock, par value $.001 (the "common stock"), outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Proxy Statement for 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Proxy Statement") – Part III



BLACK BOX CORPORATION
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2017
INDEX

 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 16.
Form 10-K Summary
 
 


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PART I

Item 1. Business.

Overview

Black Box Corporation ("Black Box," "we," the "Company," "our" or "us"), founded in 1976, is a leading digital solutions provider dedicated to helping customers design, build, manage, and secure their IT infrastructure. Offerings under our services platform ("Services") include unified communications, data infrastructure and managed services. Offerings under our products platform ("Products") include IT infrastructure, specialty networking, multimedia and keyboard/video/mouse ("KVM") switching. We employed 3,488 and 3,631 employees as of March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016, respectively.

We participate in the worldwide communications, network infrastructure and managed services markets. The offerings of our Services platform are distributed to these markets primarily through value-added resellers, manufacturers, large system integrators and other technical services companies. The offerings of our Products platform are sold by manufacturers and integrators and are distributed through value-added resellers, direct marketing manufacturers, mass merchandisers, web retailers and others. We believe that we compete well in our markets on the basis of our solution features, technical capabilities, service levels and price.

We conduct business globally and manage our business on a geographic-service type basis consisting of four operating segments which are (i) North America Products, (ii) North America Services, (iii) International Products and (iv) International Services. Revenues within our North America segments are primarily attributed to the United States while revenues within our International segments are attributed to countries in Europe, the Pacific Rim and Latin America. For revenues and other information (including large customers) regarding these reporting segments, see Note 15 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. For information regarding backlog, see Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Services and Products Platforms

We have built robust operating platforms that allow us to identify customer needs and then design, source, implement and support the appropriate solutions. Our two platforms for serving customers and generating growth are as follows:

Services Platform
Services is comprised of engineering and design, project management, field service management, network operations centers, our national technology team, national and international sales teams and technology solutions centers which include dedicated sales and engineering resources. The primary services offered through this platform include managed services, infrastructure services (including wired and wireless network solutions, structured cabling and video/AV services), communications lifecycle services, unified communications and data center services.

The Company generates revenues in its Services business from the design, sale and/or installation of new communications and network infrastructure systems, the support of existing systems and moves, adds and changes ("MAC work"). We periodically generate revenues from contracts performed over time that may result in an asset on our balance sheet for multiple periods constituting part of our working capital. We have not experienced significant collectability issues related to such contracts. For the sale and implementation of new communications systems or other major projects, most significant orders are subject to competitive bidding processes and, generally, competition can be significant for such new orders. The Company is continually bidding on new projects for service revenues. Projects account for the majority of Services revenues and are primarily driven by the overall economic environment and information technology capital spending. The Company also serves government clients whose revenues are not as dependent on the overall economic environment as commercial clients but are subject to governmental budgetary constraints.

The Company routinely competes against original equipment manufacturers, large system integrators and local or regional manufacturer-specific channel partners in the Services markets for enterprise clients. The Company believes that it favorably differentiates against this competition through its technology-independent approach which draws the appropriate product from our portfolio of different partner solutions, broad geographic footprint and deep industry and technical expertise. Through its network of operational centers and network operations centers, the Company can provide clients with both on-site and remote services.



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Products Platform
Under Products, we provide networking solutions through the sale of products for KVM switching, IT infrastructure, specialty networking and multimedia.

Our Products' revenues are generated from sales to key channel partners and system integrators and through a global distribution network. Products sells through a direct sales team as well as through its internet site and catalogs. In order to meet client demand, we keep a moderate level of inventory which consumes part of our working capital. The market for these products is a highly fragmented and competitive. The Company has participated in this market for 40+ years and has earned a reputation for providing high quality products, rapid order fulfillment and free 24/7/365 technical support. The Company's Products revenue is driven both by general information technology spending and capital budgets.

In order to procure our products, we utilize a network of original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") and suppliers throughout the world. Each supplier is monitored for quality, delivery performance and cost through a well-established certification program. This network has manufacturing and engineering capabilities to customize products for specialized applications. Black Box operates its own manufacturing and assembly operation at its Lawrence, Pennsylvania location. The Company chooses to manufacture certain products in-house when outside sourcing is not economical. Sourcing decisions of in-house versus third-party suppliers are based upon a balance of quality, performance, delivery and cost factors.

Key Differentiators

Our platforms introduce scale, flexibility and leverage to the business, and provide the following competitive advantages:

A diversified client base: We have built a diversified client base that ranges from small organizations to many of the world's largest corporations and institutions. Black Box clients participate in many industries, including government, healthcare, business services, manufacturing, retail, technology and banking, among others. Revenues from our clients are segmented with 60% from large companies (i.e., revenues greater than $1 billion, including federal governments), 20% from medium-sized companies (i.e., revenues between $50 million and $1 billion, including state governments) and 20% from small companies (i.e., revenues less than $50 million, including local governments). We strive to develop extensive and long-term relationships with high-quality clients as we believe that satisfied clients will demand quality services and product offerings even in economic downturns. Also, we believe that our distinctive portfolio of products and services will allow us to leverage the relationship and introduce additional offerings to satisfied clients.

Key relationships with leading technology partners: We have built long-term relationships with all major communications equipment manufacturers and we are a top partner with the market leaders.

Broad geographic footprint: We have built a global footprint with offices throughout the world.

Deep organic resources: We have 3,488 team members world-wide, with the experience and certifications to serve our clients with on-site and remote capabilities.

Dedicated sales force: We have a team of approximately 400 direct sales people world-wide.

Strong financial position: We have a stable balance sheet and have generated positive cash flow for 41 consecutive years.

Our fiscal year ends on March 31. References to "Fiscal Year," "Fiscal," or "FY" mean our fiscal year ended March 31 for the year referenced. All dollar amounts are in thousands except for per share amounts or unless otherwise noted. We were incorporated in Delaware in 1976, and our headquarters is near Pittsburgh in Lawrence, Pennsylvania. Our mailing address is 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, Pennsylvania 15055 and our phone number is (724) 746-5500. Our website is http://www.blackbox.com. Through the Investor Relations section of our website, we make available the following filings as soon as practicable after they are electronically filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"): our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. All such filings are available free of charge. Also available on our website is the Company's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers, Corporate Governance Guidelines and the charter of each committee of the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") each of which is available free of charge.





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Item 1A. Risk Factors.

The following are some of the potential risk factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. You should carefully consider these factors, as well as the other information contained in this document, when evaluating your investment in our securities. The following list of important factors is not all-inclusive.

Changes in the information technology industry may result in reduced demand for our solutions. The information technology industry is characterized by rapid technological change and the frequent introduction of new products and solutions and new distribution methods or channels, each of which can decrease demand for current solutions or render them obsolete. In addition, the manner in which clients consume technology is shifting from a capital model to an operating expense model. Changes in the information technology industry and clients desired manner of procuring those solutions may negatively impact the demand for our solutions, which could adversely impact our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We face intense competition. We operate in a highly competitive industry. Our competitors, which include our technology suppliers, certain clients and certain subcontractors, may be able to deliver products and services at better prices or more quickly due to factors beyond our control. New competitors may also emerge in the future, which may threaten our ability to sustain or grow our market share. We cannot guarantee that we can continue to compete effectively in the future and still be able to sustain our current levels of profit margin.

Our investments in new solutions may not be successful. We have recently begun [did we begin these investments?] and expect to continue to invest in new solutions including managed services, IoT and others. The complexity of developing, marketing, selling and supporting these solutions and competition [is there significant competition in these markets?] in the markets for these solutions could make it difficult for us to successfully offer them. Additionally, there is a risk that our clients may not adopt these solutions widely, which would prevent us from realizing expected returns on these investments. If we are unable to market, sell and/or deploy these solutions successfully or profitably, it could adversely impact our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Our revenue is dependent upon repeat client business and generally is not subject to long-term contracts. A majority of our revenue is generated through individual sales of products and services and less than twenty (20%) of our revenue is generated from long-term maintenance contracts. We depend on repeat client business as well as our ability to develop new client business to sustain and grow our revenue. Although our focus on delivering high-quality sales and service has proven to be successful in the past, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to grow or even sustain our current level of revenue in the future.

We can provide no assurance that we will continue to have adequate liquidity. Although we generate positive cash flow and have access to additional credit, we cannot be certain that our current liquidity situation will be adequate in future periods. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to maintain our positive cash flow position, obtain additional credit or raise additional capital, which may restrict our ability to operate or to pursue new business opportunities in the future.

We are implementing a new enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system for our Services’ business which could result in significant disruptions to our business. In support of our strategic initiatives to optimize our business, during the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2017, we began the design and implementation of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system for our Services business. This new system replaces multiple accounting and financial reporting systems. Implementation of the new ERP solution will have a significant impact on Services’ business processes, information systems and internal controls. The implementation will require a significant financial investment, meaningful allocation of personnel resources and the coordination of numerous software and system providers, our consultants and our internal teams.

Any failure in the implementation of this new ERP system could adversely affect our ability to timely and accurately report financial information, including the filing of our quarterly or annual reports with the SEC. Such failure could also impact our ability to timely or accurately make payments to our vendors and employees and could also inhibit our ability to invoice and collect from our clients. Data integrity problems or other issues may be discovered which, if not corrected, could impact our business or financial results. In addition, we may experience periodic or prolonged disruption of our financial functions arising out of this implementation. If we encounter unforeseen problems with our financial system or related systems, our business, operations and financial systems (including our internal controls) could be adversely affected. In addition, any delay in completing the implementation would result in a delay in realizing the benefits of the new system and result in increased costs. There can be no assurance that the implementation of our new ERP will be successful, or that such implementation or transition will not present unforeseen costs or demands on our management.


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Our business operations could be disrupted if our information technology systems fail to perform adequately. The efficient operation of our business depends on our information technology systems. We rely on our information technology systems to effectively manage our business data, communications, order entry and fulfillment and other business processes. The failure of our information technology systems to perform as we anticipate could disrupt our business and could result in transaction errors, processing inefficiencies and the loss of sales and customers, causing our business and results of operations to suffer. In addition, our information technology systems may be vulnerable to damage or interruption from circumstances beyond our control, including fire, natural disasters, power outages, systems failures, security breaches and viruses. Any such damage or interruption could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Disruption or breaches of security to our information technology systems and the misappropriation of our clients’ data could adversely impact our business. Our information technology systems are vulnerable to disruption by forces outside our control. We have taken steps to protect our information technology systems from a variety of internal and external threats, including computer viruses, malware, phishing, social engineering, unauthorized access and other malicious attacks, but there can be no guarantee that these steps will be effective. Any disruption to or infiltration of our information technology systems could adversely impact our business, financial condition or results of operations. In addition, in order to ensure customer confidence in our solutions and services, we may choose to remediate actual or perceived security concerns by implementing further security measures which could require us to expend significant resources. Further, our business may involve the storage and transmission of proprietary, sensitive or confidential information. We have privacy and data security policies in place that are designed to prevent security breaches and confidentiality and data security provisions are standard in our client contracts. However, as newer technologies evolve, our security practices and products may be sabotaged or circumvented by third parties, such as hackers, which could result in disruptions to our clients’ businesses, unauthorized procurement and the disclosure of sensitive corporate information or private personal information. Such breaches in security could damage our reputation and our business; they could also expose us to legal claims, proceedings and liability and to regulatory penalties under laws that protect the privacy of personal information, which could adversely impact our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We rely on third-party companies to perform certain of our obligations to clients, which could impact our business if not performed. We design, install, monitor and maintain systems and network solutions for our clients. We provide certain of those services to our clients through third-party providers who are engaged to perform these services on our behalf. If our third-party services providers fail to provide high-quality services to our clients, or if such services result in a disruption of our clients’ businesses, we could be subject to legal claims, proceedings and liability.

We are dependent upon certain key supply chain and distribution agreements. We have significant arrangements with a small number of technology suppliers. If we experience disruptions in our supply chain with these manufacturers for any reason or lose our distribution rights, we may not be able to fulfill client commitments with an acceptable alternative or we may not be able to obtain alternative solutions at similar costs.

Our engagements with our clients are based on estimated pricing terms. If our pricing estimates are incorrect, these engagements could become unprofitable. Most of our client contracts are fixed-price to which we commit before we provide products and/or services to these clients. In pricing such fixed-price client contracts, we are required to make estimates and assumptions at the time we enter into these contracts that could differ from actual results. As a result, the profit that is anticipated at a contract’s inception may not be guaranteed. Our estimates reflect our best judgments about the nature of the engagement and our expected costs in providing the contracted services. However, any increased or unexpected costs, or any unanticipated delays in connection with our performance of these engagements-including delays caused by our third-party providers or by factors outside our control-could make these contracts less profitable or unprofitable and could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

A significant part of our business involves public sector clients which provides unique risks. Approximately 20% of our revenues is derived from sales to agencies and departments of federal, state and local governments. Legislatures typically appropriate funds for a given program annually. These appropriations may be influenced by, among other things, the state of the economy, competing priorities for appropriation, changes in administration or control of legislatures, the timing and amount of tax receipts and the overall level of government expenditures. A decrease in appropriations for certain programs could have a material adverse effect on our business.

In addition, our revenues from sales to these public sector clients are made through various direct contracts, through reseller agreements with government contractors and through open market sales. Government contracting is a highly-regulated area. Failure to comply with regulations or contracts could subject us to fines, penalties, suspension or debarment from doing business with such clients, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.


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Our future results will depend on our ability to manage costs effectively. We are continually implementing productivity measures and focusing on improving cost efficiency. We may be unable to realize all expected cost savings in connection with these efforts, and we may incur additional and/or unexpected costs to realize them. Further, we may not be able to sustain any achieved savings in the future. Future results will depend on the success of these efforts.

We are dependent upon the retention of our key personnel. The success of our business depends on our ability to attract and retain quality employees, executives and directors. We offer comprehensive salary and benefit packages including long-term incentives as a means of attracting and retaining personnel. We face pressure to maintain our profit margins and remain competitive in our industry while we compete for personnel in our local markets with a variety of different businesses that may be able to offer more attractive incentives due to their individual financial situations. We cannot guarantee that we will continue to attract and retain personnel with our current incentives and at costs that are consistent with our desired profit margins.

We are dependent upon future mergers and acquisitions, including successful integration, for a portion of our future growth. A key component of our long-term growth strategy is through strategic mergers and acquisitions and our future financial results are dependent upon the successful acquisition and integration of those acquisitions. We may not be successful in our search for potential acquisition candidates that are acceptable for our business model, or we may not be successful in our attempts to acquire new businesses that we have identified as attractive acquisition candidates. We cannot guarantee that we will meet our projected growth targets in the future if we are unsuccessful in our efforts to acquire additional businesses.

Our financial results are dependent on our economic environments. We, our clients or our vendors may experience economic hardships due to inflation or recession, weak economic conditions, uncertainty in global economic conditions, changes in laws and regulations, business disruptions due to natural disasters, acts of terrorism or war or other factors that are beyond our control. These conditions could cause our clients to postpone or reduce spending on technology products and solutions and that could negatively impact our results of operations, financial condition or our ability to meet our future financial goals.

We may not get an adequate return on investment and may be unable to maintain cost savings from our reset initiatives. Company management has undertaken measures to reset the business model and align costs with revenue to improve profitability. The Company believes there is a significant cost savings from such restructuring initiatives and that they will provide a return on investment in a relatively short period of time. However, there can be no assurance that we would realize adequate returns on this investment nor that we would be able to maintain such cost savings in the future.

If we infringe on the intellectual property rights of third parties, we may be subject to costly disputes or indemnification obligations that could adversely impact our business, financial condition or results of operations. We cannot assure you that our activities will not infringe on patents, trademarks or other intellectual property rights owned by others. If we are required to defend ourselves against intellectual property rights claims, we may spend significant time and effort and incur significant litigation costs, regardless of whether such claims have merit. If we are found to have infringed on the patents, trademarks or other intellectual property rights of others, we may also be subject to substantial claims for damages or a requirement to cease the use of such disputed intellectual property, which could have an adverse effect on our operations. Such litigation or claims and the consequences that could follow could distract our management from the ordinary operation of our business and could increase our costs of doing business, resulting in a negative impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Furthermore, third parties may assert infringement claims against our clients for infringement by our products on the intellectual property rights of such third parties. These claims may require us to initiate or defend protracted and costly litigation on behalf of our clients, regardless of the merits of these claims. We also generally extend the indemnification granted by our OEMs to our clients for any such infringement. If any of these claims succeed, we may be forced to pay damages on behalf of our clients or may be required to obtain licenses for the products they use, even though our OEMs may in turn be liable for any such damages. Any infringement on the intellectual property rights of third parties could adversely impact our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We are subject to the risks of international operations. We operate in countries outside of the United States. Our operations or our financial condition may be negatively affected by events surrounding our international operations such as changes in laws and regulations, political or economic instability, currency fluctuations, supply chain disruptions, acts of terrorism, natural disasters or other political, economic or environmental factors. We cannot rely on the past results of our international operations as an indicator of future results or assure you that we will not be adversely affected by those factors inherent with international operations.

Our stock price fluctuates. Our stock price is affected by a number of factors, including quarterly variations in our financial results. As a result, our stock price is subject to volatility.


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We are exposed to risks from legal proceedings and audits. We are party to various legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of our business, which include commercial, employment, tort and other litigation. We are also subject to intellectual property infringement claims in the ordinary course of our business, which come in the form of cease-and-desist letters, licensing inquiries, lawsuits and other demands. These claims may arise either from the products and services we sell or the business systems and products we use to sell the products and services. In our industry, such claims have become more frequent with the increasing complexity of technological products. In fact, many of these assertions are brought by Non-Practicing entities, whose principal business model is to secure patent licensing revenue. Because of our significant sales to public sector clients, we are also subject to audits by federal, state and local authorities. From time to time, we receive subpoenas and other requests for information from various government authorities. We may also be subject to audits by various vendor partners and large clients, including government agencies, pursuant to certain purchase and sale agreements. Further, we may be required to indemnify our vendor partners and our clients from claims brought by third parties under certain agreements. Current and future litigation, infringement claims, governmental proceedings, audits or indemnification claims may result in substantial costs and expenses and regardless of the outcome, significantly divert the attention of our management, which could adversely impact our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Changes in accounting rules could adversely affect our future financial results. We prepare our financial statements in conformity with GAAP. These accounting principles are subject to interpretation by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the SEC, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and various other bodies formed to interpret and create appropriate accounting policies. Products and services and the manner in which they are bundled (including the payment terms for such bundled products and services) are technologically complex and the characterization of these products and services require judgment to apply revenue recognition policies. Any mischaracterization of these products and services could result in misapplication of revenue recognition policies. Future periodic assessments required by current or new accounting standards may result in noncash changes and/or changes in presentation or disclosure. In addition, any change in accounting standards may influence our clients’ decision to purchase from us or to finance transactions with us, which could adversely impact our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Increased costs of labor and employee health and welfare benefits may adversely impact our results of operations. Given our large number of team members, labor-related costs represent a significant portion of our expenses. An increase in labor costs (for example, as a result of increased competition for skilled labor) or employee benefit costs (such as health care costs or otherwise) could adversely impact our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.

Item 2. Properties.

The Company’s worldwide headquarters and certain U.S. operations, including the Products and Services platforms, are located in Lawrence, Pennsylvania (located 20 miles south of Pittsburgh) in 352,000 square feet of owned facility on 84 acres.

The Company owns or leases additional offices or facilities throughout the world, none of which are material in nature to Black Box.

The Company believes that its properties are adequate for its present and foreseeable needs.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

The Company is involved in, or has pending, various legal proceedings, claims, suits and complaints arising out of the normal course of business. Based on the facts currently available to the Company, Company management ("Management") believes these matters are adequately provided for, covered by insurance, without merit or not probable that an unfavorable material outcome will result.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

The executive officers of the Company and their respective ages and positions are as follows:
Name
Age
Position with the Company
Eslie C. Sykes
56
President and Chief Executive Officer
David J. Russo
58
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Accounting Officer)
Ronald Basso
57
Executive Vice President of Business Development, General Counsel & Secretary

The following is a biographical summary of the experience of the executive officers of the Company:

ESLIE C. SYKES, 56, was named President and Chief Executive Officer on February 29, 2016. Mr. Sykes was employed by Flextronics International Ltd. (an international supply chain solutions company) from 1999 to 2013. He advanced from General Manager to Executive Officer and Group President of the Industrial and Emerging Products Group.  Following his career at Flextronics, Mr. Sykes was President and CEO of Switch Lighting (an LED lighting company) from 2013 to 2014.  After leaving Switch Lighting, Mr. Sykes was a consultant and investor and served on boards of private, public-private and educational endeavors.

DAVID J. RUSSO, 58, was named Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (and, in those roles, he serves as the Company's principal financial officer and principal accounting officer) on April 24, 2017. Mr. Russo most recently served as the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of L. B. Foster Company since 2002. He previously served as Corporate Controller of WESCO International Inc. from 1999 to 2002.

RONALD BASSO, 57, was named Executive Vice President of Business Development, General Counsel and Secretary on January 28, 2013. Mr. Basso was a shareholder of the law firm of Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC, which he joined in 1985, where he served as the Company's lead engagement partner.

Directors of the Registrant

The following sets forth certain information concerning the members of the Board:

CYNTHIA J. COMPARIN, 58, was elected as a director on October 31, 2016. Ms. Comparin was the founder and CEO of Animato Technologies Corporation, a private company providing business and technology solutions to enterprise clients for almost 20 years. Prior to establishing Animato, Ms. Comparin created and was President of Alltel's Enterprise Network Services Division, providing consulting, integration and operations services to worldwide customers.

RICHARD L. CROUCH, 70, was elected as a director on August 10, 2004. Mr. Crouch was a General Partner with the firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP from 1979 to 2004, having served as an Audit Partner principally assigned to public companies. He served in various capacities for the firm, including service as a regional accounting, auditing and SEC services consultant. He retired from the firm on July 2, 2004.

RICHARD C. ELIAS, 63, was selected to be a director on November 3, 2014. Mr. Elias retired from PPG Industries, Inc. ("PPG"), a global supplier of paints, coatings, optical products, specialty materials, chemicals, glass and fiber glass in April 2014. Prior to his retirement, Mr. Elias served as the Senior Vice President - Optical and Specialty Materials of PPG from 2008 to 2014, and Vice President, Optical Products of PPG from 2000 to 2008. Mr. Elias also served as the President, and then Chief Executive Officer, of Transitions Optical, Inc., a subsidiary and then joint venture of PPG, from 1995 to 2014. Mr. Elias is a director of Universal Display Corporation.                                     

THOMAS W. GOLONSKI, 74, was selected to be a director on February 11, 2003 and was elected by our stockholders on August 12, 2003. Mr. Golonski served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of National City Bank of Pennsylvania and Executive Vice President of National City Corporation from 1996 to 2005. He retired from National City in 2005. He is a director of several educational and health care organizations and active in other charitable organizations.

THOMAS G. GREIG, 69, was elected as a director on August 10, 1999 and appointed as non-executive Chairman of the Board in May 2004. Mr. Greig has been a Senior Managing Director of Liberty Capital Partners, a private equity partnership, since 1998. He is also a director of publicly-held Rudolph Technologies, Inc. and a privately-held company.


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JOHN S. HELLER, 63, was selected to be a director on March 27, 2013 and was elected by our stockholders on August 6, 2013. Mr. Heller retired from Caterpillar Inc., a manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives, in February 2012. He held a number of positions of increasing responsibility at Caterpillar during a 38-year career, last serving as Vice President and Chief Information Officer for the last 5 years.

WILLIAM H. HERNANDEZ, 69, was selected to be a director on December 3, 2009 and was elected by our stockholders on August 10, 2010. Mr. Hernandez was the Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer of PPG Industries, Inc. (“PPG”), a global supplier of paints, coatings, optical products, specialty materials, chemicals, glass and fiber glass, from 1995 until he retired on October 15, 2009. Prior to assuming those duties in 1995, he served as PPG’s Controller from 1990 to 1994 and as Vice President and Controller from 1994. From 1974 until 1990, he held a number of positions at Borg-Warner Corporation, a supplier of motor vehicle parts and systems. He is a Certified Management Accountant and a director of Albermarle Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation and USG Corporation, all publicly-held companies.

ESLIE C. SYKES, 56, was named President and Chief Executive Officer on February 29, 2016. Mr. Sykes was employed by Flextronics International Ltd. (an international supply chain solutions company) from 1999 to 2013. He advanced from General Manager to Executive Officer and Group President of the Industrial and Emerging Products Group.  Following his career at Flextronics, Mr. Sykes was President and CEO of Switch Lighting (an LED lighting company) from 2013 to 2014.  After leaving Switch Lighting, Mr. Sykes was a consultant and investor and served on boards of private, public-private and educational endeavors.

JOEL T. TRAMMELL, 52, was selected to be a director on March 27, 2013 and was elected by our stockholders on August 6, 2013. Mr. Trammell is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Khorus, Inc., a provider of software-based management systems, since 2013. He also has been a Managing Partner of Lone Rock Technology Group, a private equity firm, and Lake Austin Advisors, a hedge fund, since 2011. He was a founder and the Chief Executive Officer of CacheIQ, Inc., a network computing company, from June 2010 until it was acquired by NetApp, Inc. in November 2012. Previously, he was a founder and served as the Chief Executive Officer of NetQoS, Inc., a network management software and services company, from June 2000 to November 2009.



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PART II

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

Common Stock Information
The common stock is traded on NASDAQ under the symbol "BBOX" and has been assigned to the NASDAQ Global Select tier. As of March 31, 2017, 26,653,512 shares of the common stock were issued, of which 11,693,833 shares were held in treasury, resulting in 14,959,679 shares outstanding at that date.

The following table sets forth the quarterly high and low sale prices of the common stock as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market during each of the Company’s fiscal quarters indicated below.
 
High

Low

Fiscal 2017
 
 
1st Quarter
$
15.10

$
11.84

2nd Quarter
14.79

12.73

3rd Quarter
16.90

11.30

4th Quarter
15.65

8.50

Fiscal 2016
 
 
1st Quarter
$
21.62

$
19.48

2nd Quarter
20.40

14.09

3rd Quarter
16.35

8.48

4th Quarter
14.77

6.84


On April 14, 2017, the last reported sale price of the common stock was $9.40 per share.

Dividend Policy
Cash dividends of $0.12 per share of common stock declared during Fiscal 2017 were paid on each of July 15, 2016, October 14, 2016, January 13, 2017 and April 14, 2017. Cash dividends of $0.11 per share of common stock declared during Fiscal 2016 were paid on each of July 10, 2015, October 9, 2015, January 8, 2016 and April 14, 2016. While the Company expects to continue to declare quarterly dividends, the payment of future dividends is at the discretion of the Board and the timing and amount of any future dividends will depend upon earnings, cash requirements and the financial condition of the Company.

Under the New Credit Agreement dated as of May 9, 2016, the Company is permitted to make regular quarterly dividends not exceeding $15,000 per year as long as no Event of Default or Potential Default (as defined in the New Credit Agreement) shall have occurred and is continuing or shall occur as a result thereof. In addition, the Company is permitted to make other distributions or special dividends if such event would not violate a 3.00 to 1.00 consolidated leverage ratio under the New Credit Agreement.

Stockholders
As of March 31, 2017, there were 832 holders of record of the common stock.

Equity Plan Compensation Information:
See the information set forth under the caption "Equity Plan Compensation Information" in the Proxy Statement, which is incorporated by reference into Item 12 of Part III of this Annual Report.

Issuance of Unregistered Securities:
There were no issuances of unregistered securities by the Company during the three-month period ended March 31, 2017.


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Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities:
Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased

Average Price
Paid per Share

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

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

January 1, 2017 to January 29, 2017

$


1,305,067

January 30, 2017 to February 26, 2017
197,918

$
9.90

197,918

1,107,149

February 27, 2017 to March 31, 2017

$


1,107,149

Total
197,918

$
9.90

197,918

1,107,149

As of March 31, 2017, 1,107,149 shares were available under repurchase programs approved by the Board. This repurchase program has no expiration date and none of the Company's prior repurchase programs were terminated prior to the full repurchase of the authorized amount.
Additional repurchases of common stock may occur from time to time depending upon factors such as the Company’s cash flows and general market conditions. There can be no assurance as to the timing or amount of such repurchases. Under the New Credit Agreement (defined below), the Company is permitted to repurchase its common stock as long as no Event of Default or Potential Default (as defined in the New Credit Agreement) shall have occurred and is continuing or shall occur as a result thereof. In addition, no repurchase of common stock is permitted, with certain exceptions, under the New Credit Agreement if the Company's consolidated leverage ratio (based on EBITDA) exceeds 3.00. At March 31, 2017, the Company's leverage ratio was 2.41.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

The following tables set forth certain selected historical financial data for the Company (in thousands, except for per share amounts). This information should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements, "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report.
 
Fiscal
 
2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

Statements of Operations
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
855,731

$
912,655

$
992,444

$
971,674

$
997,786

Gross profit
242,960

270,337

302,269

303,582

319,930

Operating income (loss)1
(1,319
)
(187,825
)
28,574

(108,392
)
56,269

Net income (loss)1
(7,051
)
(171,102
)
15,342

(115,873
)
28,806

Basic earnings (loss) per share
(0.47
)
(11.18
)
1.00

(7.33
)
1.73

Diluted earnings (loss) per share
(0.47
)
(11.18
)
0.99

(7.33
)
1.73

Dividends per share
0.48

0.44

0.40

0.36

0.32

Balance Sheet Data (at end of period)
 
 
 
 
 
Working capital 2
$
91,134

$
129,048

$
151,488

$
175,692

$
184,229

Total assets
427,117

475,794

686,259

712,029

878,001

Long-term debt
88,782

119,663

137,267

160,429

187,648

Stockholders’ equity
141,649

156,233

337,111

351,117

482,247

1 Includes goodwill impairment loss of $191,644 and $154,429 for Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2014, respectively.
2 Working capital is computed as current assets minus current liabilities.


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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A").

The discussion and analysis for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 as set forth below in this Item 7 should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of Black Box, including the related notes. The Company’s fiscal year ends on March 31. References to "Fiscal Year," "Fiscal," or "FY" mean the Company’s fiscal year ended March 31 for the year referenced. All dollar amounts are presented in thousands except for per share amounts or unless otherwise noted.

The Company
Black Box is a leading digital solutions provider dedicated to helping customers design, build, manage, and secure their IT infrastructure. The Company offers Products and Services that it distributes through two platforms that it has built over its 41-year history.
Our Services platform is comprised of engineering and design, project management, field service management, network operations centers, our national technology team, national and international sales teams and technology solutions centers which include dedicated sales and engineering resources. The primary services offered through this platform include managed services, infrastructure services (including wired and wireless network solutions, structured cabling and video/AV services), communications lifecycle services, unified communications and data center services.
The Company generates revenues in its Services business from the design, sale and/or installation of new communications and network infrastructure systems, the support of existing systems and moves, adds and changes ("MAC work"). We periodically generate revenues from contracts performed over time that may result in an asset on our balance sheet for multiple periods constituting part of our working capital. We have not experienced significant collectability issues related to such contracts. For the sale and implementation of new communications systems or other major projects, most significant orders are subject to competitive bidding processes and, generally, competition can be significant for such new orders. The Company is continually bidding on new projects for service revenues. Projects account for the majority of Services revenues and are primarily driven by the overall economic environment and information technology capital spending. The Company also serves government clients whose revenues are not as dependent on the overall economic environment as commercial clients but are subject to governmental budgetary constraints.

New communications systems orders often generate post-implementation maintenance via a fixed fee model where revenues are earned ratably over the term of the agreement (generally 1-3 years for commercial clients and 3-5 years for government clients) or a variable fee model that is based on time and materials per occurrence, similar to MAC work. Maintenance revenues generally are not dependent on the economy as clients contract for maintenance to extend the life of their existing equipment and delay capital spending on new communications systems. Maintenance and MAC work revenues are also dependent upon the Company's relationship with its clients and its long track record of providing high-quality service.
The Company's Services business generates backlog which is defined by the Company as orders and contracts considered to be firm. At March 31, 2017, the Company's total backlog, which relates primarily to Services, was $306,615, of which $219,104 is expected to be completed within the next twelve months.
Under our Products platform, we provide networking solutions through the sale of products for KVM switching, IT infrastructure, specialty networking and multimedia.
Our Products' revenues are generated from sales to key channel partners and system integrators and through a global distribution network. Products sells through a direct sales team as well as through its internet site and catalogs. In order to meet client demand, we keep a moderate level of inventory which consumes part of our working capital. The market for these products is a highly fragmented and competitive. The Company has participated in this market for 40+ years and has earned a reputation for providing high quality products, rapid order fulfillment and free 24/7/365 technical support. The Company's Products revenue is driven both by general information technology spending and capital budgets.

The Company services a variety of clients within most major industries, with the highest concentration in the government, business services, manufacturing, banking, retail, healthcare and technology industry verticals. Factors that impact those verticals, therefore, could have an impact on the Company. While the Company generates most of its revenues in North America, the Company also generates revenues from around the world, primarily Europe, such that factors that impact European markets could impact the Company. Management strives to develop extensive and long-term relationships with high-quality clients as Management believes that satisfied clients will demand quality services and product offerings from us even in economic downturns.

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Fiscal 2017 vs Fiscal 2016 Summary
 
FY17

FY16

% Change

Revenues
$
855,731

$
912,655

(6
)%
Gross profit margin
28.4
 %
29.6
 %
(4
)%
Operating income (loss) margin
(0.2
)%
(20.6
)%
n/m

Diluted earnings (loss) per share
$
(0.47
)
$
(11.18
)
n/m

Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities
$
39,930

$
37,202

7
 %
n/m = not meaningful

Diluted loss per share was $0.47 compared to Diluted loss per share of $11.18 in the same period last year as a result of:
a $56,924 decrease in Revenues as a result of a decrease in Service Revenues, primarily due to a decrease in our core commercial revenues in North America Services as a result of less than normal focus on sales as a result of multiple transformational activities including but not limited to a commercial sales organization realignment and an ERP consolidation project and a decrease in Products Revenues due to a decrease in North America Products as a result of lower volumes of large orders, a change in sales leadership and lower demand for legacy data networking products, partially offset by an increase in government revenues within North America Services after nearly four fiscal years of revenue declines,
a $27,377 decrease in Gross profit as a result of the decrease in Revenues in North America Services and North America Products noted above and a decrease in Gross profit margin. During Fiscal 2017, the Company recorded an Inventory impairment loss of $9,137 ($2,810 in North America Products due to a write-down to lower of cost or market as a result of specific legacy networking product discontinuation and excess inventory given the current demand outlook and $6,327 in North America Services due to a write-down to lower of cost or market as a result of excess inventory given current demand in commercial services). During Fiscal 2016, the Company recorded an Inventory impairment loss of $5,953 ($2,192 in North America Products to a write-down to lower of cost or market as a result of a product line discontinuation and $3,791 in North America Services due to write-down to lower of cost or market as a result of excess inventory given current lower than expected service revenue levels),
a $21,261 decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses which was primarily the result of a $1,175 gain on the sale of a facility in 2Q17, decreases of $455, $4,119 and $2,043 for stock-based compensation, restructuring expense and Accounts Receivable impairment loss, respectively, a decrease in investments for the operations transformation and infrastructure, lower operating costs due to cost reduction initiatives and cost savings from restructuring during the first nine months of Fiscal 2016, partially offset by $820 of additional depreciation,
a $191,650 decrease in asset impairment loss (including $191,644 of goodwill impairment loss and $542 of intangibles impairment loss in FY16, partially offset by $536 for fixed asset write-offs in 2Q17),
a $357 decrease in Interest expense, net, resulting from a decrease in weighted-average outstanding debt,
a $23,739 increase in Provision (benefit) for income taxes and a decrease in the effective rate from 11.4% to (33.2)% due to the prior year goodwill impairment and the associated benefit for tax deductible goodwill, the reduction of deferred tax assets associated with equity awards, and the mix of income across various taxing jurisdictions, and
a 226 decrease in Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding resulting from the Company's common stock repurchases.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $39,930 which included Net loss of $7,051 and positive cash from working capital of $10,694, an increase of 7% compared to $37,202, which included Net loss of $171,102 and positive cash from working capital of $7,153, in the same period last year. The year-over-year increase in Net cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to the timing of working capital items.
In Fiscal 2017, the Company’s Revenues declined by 6% which was primarily driven by lower revenue levels in the commercial business within North America Services and North America Products partially offset by growth in the federal business within North America Services. The decline in the commercial business within North America Services is due to continued decline within the legacy unified communications business, which we expect will continue for the foreseeable future, and multiple transformational activities including but not limited to a commercial sales organization realignment and an ERP consolidation project. The decline in North America Products is due to lower volumes of large orders, a change in sales leadership and lower demand for legacy data networking products. The success in the federal business within North America Services is due to activities in the past couple of

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years to reposition that business in the market to focus on client-desired outcomes, a proven model that we look to roll out to all of our business units.

During Fiscal 2017, our gross profit was negatively impacted by an Inventory impairment loss that resulted from product discontinuation and excess inventory given the current demand outlook. Such actions are part of our focus on maximizing asset utilization and working capital efficiencies and these reductions will increase cost efficiency in future periods. Our operating profit was positively impacted by lower goodwill impairment loss, compensation (resulting from the right-sizing of our costs to expected revenues), consulting fees related to the sales and operations transformation, restructuring expenses, facilities-related expenses, accounts receivable losses and travel-related expenses, partially offset by additional investments for the integration of the international support organization, strategy consulting and the US-based ERP project.

Also during Fiscal 2017, we focused on strengthening our balance sheet to enable investments for long-term sustainable growth. Specifically, we reduced cash, inventory and debt and we ended the year with the lowest working capital in many years. In addition, we posted steady cash flow from operations, which is a staple of this Company.

In Fiscal 2018, we are focused on the US-based ERP project, which we anticipate will provide us with better access to new tools that will increase our speed and agility, enhance our customers' experience, standardize the processes of our daily tasks and ultimately provide efficiencies that will improve our bottom line. In addition, we are focused on monetizing the opportunities that are expected to be made available through the internet of things and will work to implement our strategy and develop additional growth initiatives for the Company.

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Results of Operations
Segments
We conduct our business globally and manage our business by geographic-service type under the following four operating segments: North America Products, North America Services, International Products and International Services. The Revenues, Gross profit and Operating income (loss) amounts in the table below are presented on a basis consistent with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
 
FY17
FY16
% Change
 
FY16
FY15
% Change
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America Products
$73,728
$84,654
(13)%
 
$84,654
$85,205
(1)%
International Products
$81,214
$81,882
(1)%
 
$81,882
$91,614
(11)%
Products
$154,942
$166,536
(7)%
 
$166,536
$176,819
(6)%
North America Services
$672,036
$715,839
(6)%
 
$715,839
$785,681
(9)%
International Services
$28,753
$30,280
(5)%
 
$30,280
$29,944
1%
Services
$700,789
$746,119
(6)%
 
$746,119
$815,625
(9)%
Total Revenues
$855,731
$912,655
(6)%
 
$912,655
$992,444
(8)%
Gross profit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America Products
$31,193
$35,643
(12)%
 
$35,643
$36,082
(1)%
% of Revenues
42.3%
42.1%
—%
 
42.1%
42.3%
—%
International Products
$32,460
$33,350
(3)%
 
$33,350
$37,662
(11)%
% of Revenues
40.0%
40.7%
(2)%
 
40.7%
41.1%
(1)%
Products
$63,653
$68,993
(8)%
 
$68,993
$73,744
(6)%
% of Revenues
41.1%
41.4%
(1)%
 
41.4%
41.7%
(1)%
North America Services
$173,128
$194,401
(11)%
 
$194,401
$220,469
(12)%
% of Revenues
25.8%
27.2%
(5)%
 
27.2%
28.1%
(3)%
International Services
$6,179
$6,943
(11)%
 
$6,943
$8,056
(14)%
% of Revenues
21.5%
22.9%
(6)%
 
22.9%
26.9%
(15)%
Services
$179,307
$201,344
(11)%
 
$201,344
$228,525
(12)%
% of Revenues
25.6%
27.0%
(5)%
 
27.0%
28.0%
(4)%
Total Gross Profit
242,960
270,337
(10)%
 
270,337
302,269
(11)%
% of Revenues
28.4%
29.6%
(4)%

29.6%
30.5%
(3)%
Operating income (loss) (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America Products
$354
$(34,654)
n/m
 
$(34,654)
$4,564
n/m
% of Revenues
0.5%
(40.9)%
n/m
 
(40.9)%
5.4%
n/m
International Products
$895
$(3,781)
n/m
 
$(3,781)
$(277)
n/m
% of Revenues
1.1%
(4.6)%
n/m
 
(4.6)%
(0.3)%
n/m
Products
$1,249
$(38,435)
n/m
 
$(38,435)
$4,287
n/m
% of Revenues
0.8%
(23.1)%
n/m
 
(23.1)%
2.4%
n/m
North America Services
$(3,904)
$(143,967)
n/m
 
$(143,967)
$22,195
n/m
% of Revenues
(0.6)%
(20.1)%
n/m
 
(20.1)%
2.8%
n/m
International Services
$1,336
$(5,423)
n/m
 
$(5,423)
$2,092
n/m
% of Revenues
0.2%
(0.7)%
n/m
 
(0.7)%
0.3%
n/m
Services
$(2,568)
$(149,390)
n/m
 
$(149,390)
$24,287
n/m
% of Revenues
(0.4)%
(20.0)%
n/m

(20.0)%
3.0%
n/m
Total Operating Income (loss)
(1,319)
(187,825)
n/m
 
(187,825)
28,574
n/m
% of Revenues
(0.2)%
(20.6)%
n/m
 
(20.6)%
2.9%
n/m
n/m = not meaningful
(1) These results include goodwill impairment loss of $36,901, $5,348, $142,229 and $7,166 for North America Products, International Products, North America Services and International Services, respectively, for Fiscal 2016.


15

Table of Contents                                            

Fiscal 2017 vs Fiscal 2016
Total Revenues were $855,731, a decrease of 6% when compared to Total Revenues of $912,655 in the same period last year. Products Revenues were $154,942, a decrease of 7% compared to Products Revenues of $166,536 in the same period last year primarily due to a decrease in North America Products as a result of lower volumes of large orders, a change in sales leadership and lower demand for legacy data networking products along with relatively consistent International Products revenues. Services Revenues were $700,789, a decrease of 6% compared to Services Revenues of $746,119 in the same period last year primarily due to a decrease in commercial revenues, specifically unified communications, in North America Services as a result of lower demand and less than normal focus on sales as a result of multiple transformational activities including but not limited to a commercial sales organization realignment and an ERP consolidation project partially offset by an increase in commercial revenues in North America Services, specifically infrastructure, and an increase in government revenues after nearly four fiscal years of revenue declines. The success in the government business within North America Services is due to activities in the past couple of years to reposition that business in the market to focus on client-desired outcomes, a proven model that we look to roll out to all of our business units.
Total Gross profit margin was 28.4%, a decrease of 4% compared to Total Gross profit margin of 29.6% in the same period last year. Products Gross profit margin was 41.1%, which included $2,810 of Inventory impairment loss in North America Products, a decrease of 0.8% compared to Products Gross profit margin of 41.4%, which included $2,192 of Inventory impairment loss in North America Products, in the same period last year. Services Gross profit margin was 25.6%, which included $6,327 of Inventory impairment loss, a decrease of 5.2% from 27.0%, which included $3,761 of Inventory impairment loss related to commercial services within North America Services, in the same period last year. Gross Profit for our commercial and federal clients have been negatively impacted by project mix and lower gross margins on successful contract awards.
Total Operating loss margin was 0.2%, an increase compared to Total Operating loss margin of 20.6% in the same period last year. Product Operating profit margin was 0.8%, an increase compared to Product Operating loss margin of 23.1% in the same period last year, primarily due to a decrease in goodwill impairment loss of $42,249 ($36,901 in North America Products and $5,348 in International Products), a decrease in restructuring expense of $2,137 and a decrease in stock-based compensation of $447, partially offset a decrease in gross profit of $5,340, an increase in Inventory impairment loss of $618 and an increase in Intangible asset amortization of $416. Service Operating loss margin was 0.4%, an increase compared to Service Operating loss margin of 20.0% in the same period last year, primarily due to a decrease in goodwill and intangible asset impairment loss of $149,937 ($142,771 in North America Services and $7,166 in International Services), cost savings from restructuring during Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2017 and cost control programs that were implemented during Fiscal 2017, a decrease in restructuring expense of $2,406, a decrease in Accounts Receivable impairment loss of $2,043, a decrease in CEO transition costs of $1,240 and a decrease in Intangible asset amortization of $1,388, partially offset a decrease in gross profit of $22,037, an increase in Inventory impairment loss of $2,566 and an increase in depreciation expense of $528.
Fiscal 2016 vs Fiscal 2015
Total Revenues were $912,655, a decrease of 8% when compared to Total Revenues of $992,444 in the same period last year. Products Revenues were $166,536, a decrease of 6% compared to Products Revenues of $176,819 in the same period last year primarily due to a negative exchange rate impact of $10,696 relative to the U.S. dollar primarily in International Products. Services Revenues were $746,119, a decrease of 9% compared to Services Revenues of $815,625 in the same period last year primarily due to a negative exchange rate impact of $4,820 relative to the U.S. Dollar, a decrease in core commercial revenues in North America Services, primarily in the business services industry and a decrease in government revenues as a result of project and task order funding delays partially offset by increases in a large managed services contract and our solutions practices, which includes the Cisco solutions practice and the Wireless solutions practice in North America Services.

Total Gross profit margin was 29.6%, a decrease of 2.7% compared to Total Gross profit margin of 30.5% in the same period last year. Products Gross profit margin was 41.4%, which included $2,192 of Inventory impairment loss due to a non-recurring writedown to lower of cost or market as a result of a product line discontinuation, a decrease of 0.7% compared to Products Gross profit margin of 41.7% in the same period last year, primarily due to cost efficiency programs in North America Products offset by higher product costs due to the strength of the U.S. Dollar and project mix in International Products. Services Gross profit margin was 27.0%, which included $3,791 of Inventory impairment loss due to a non-recurring write-down to lower of cost or market as a result of excess inventory given current lower than expected service revenue levels, a decrease of 3.7% compared to Services Gross profit margin of 28.0% in the same period last year, which included $3,067 of unanticipated costs required to complete a fixed price contract, which decreased gross profit margin by 0.7%, in the same period last year primarily due to project mix.


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Total Operating loss margin was 20.6%, a decrease compared to Total Operating income margin of 2.9% in the same period last year. Product Operating loss margin was 23.1%, a decrease compared to Product Operating income margin of 2.4% in the same period last year, primarily due to goodwill impairment loss of $42,249 ($36,901 in North America Products and $5,348 in International Products), a decrease in Gross profit margin in both North America Products and International Products partially offset by a decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses as a result of cost savings from restructuring activity in the prior year in International Products. Service Operating loss margin was 20.0%, a decrease compared to Service Operating income margin of 3.0% in the same period last year, primarily due to goodwill and intangible asset impairment loss of $149,937 ($142,771 in North America Services and $7,166 in International Services), a decrease in Gross profit, current period investments for the operations transformation and infrastructure, a $2,379 non-recurring write-down of Accounts receivable for one large project in North America Services and $1,240 of non-recurring expenses related to the transition of our Chief Executive Officer in North America Services partially offset by a decrease in Selling, general and administrative expenses as a result of cost savings from restructuring activity in the prior year.

Interest expense, Other expense and Income Taxes
 
FY17
FY16
% Change
 
FY16
FY15
% Change
Interest expense, net
$4,355
$4,712
(8)%
 
$4,712
$4,416
7%
% of Revenues
0.5%
0.5%
—%
 
0.5%
0.4%
25%
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
$1,757
$(21,982)
n/m
 
$(21,982)
$8,246
n/m
Effective income tax rate
(33.2)%
11.4%
n/m
 
11.4%
35.0%
(67)%
n/m = not meaningful
Fiscal 2017 vs Fiscal 2016
Interest expense was $4,355, a decrease of 8% compared to Interest expense of $4,712 in the same period last year primarily as a result of lower interest due to lower average debt partially offset by a higher interest rate. Interest expense as a percent of Revenues was 0.5%, consistent with 0.5% in the same period last year. The weighted-average outstanding debt and weighted-average interest rate was $127,727 and 2.6%, respectively, compared to $158,256 and 2.0% in the same period last year.
Provision for income taxes was $1,757, compared to a benefit from income taxes of $21,982 in the same period last year. The effective income tax rate was (33.2)%, a decrease compared to the effective income tax rate of 11.4% in the same period last year. The effective income tax rate decrease from 11.4% to (33.2)% was primarily due to the prior year goodwill impairment and the associated benefit for tax deductible goodwill, the reduction of deferred tax assets associated with equity awards, and the mix of income across various taxing jurisdictions.
Fiscal 2016 vs Fiscal 2015
Interest expense was $4,712, an increase of 7% compared to Interest expense of $4,416 in the same period last year primarily as a result of a change in the fair value of the interest-rate swap of $748 (from a gain of $1,147 at Fiscal 2015 to a gain of $399 in Fiscal 2016). Interest expense as a percent of Revenues was 0.5%, an increase of 25% compared to Interest expense as a percent of Revenues of 0.4% in the same period last year. The weighted-average outstanding debt and weighted-average interest rate was $158,256 and 2.0%, respectively, compared to $182,149 and 1.7% in the same period last year.

Benefit from income taxes was $21,982, a decrease compared to provision for income taxes of $8,246 in the same period last year. The effective income tax rate was 11.4%, a decrease compared to the effective income tax rate of 35.0% in the same period last year. The effective income tax rate decrease from 35.0% to 11.4% was primarily due to the non-deducible portion of the goodwill impairment loss and a decrease in the liability for uncertain tax positions offset by additional valuation allowances against certain foreign net operating losses along with write-offs of deferred tax assets associated with equity awards.


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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
A majority of our revenue is generated through individual sales of products and services. Less than 20% of our revenue is generated from long-term support contracts. We depend on repeat client business, as well as our ability to develop new client business, to sustain and grow our revenue. Most significant orders are subject to a competitive bidding process and, generally, competition can be significant for such new orders. Our business model provides us with flexibility in terms of capital expenditures and other required operating expenses. For the foreseeable future, with the exception of Fiscal 2018 since we are expecting more capital expenditures as a result of the ERP migration, we expect to continue to generate net cash provided by operating activities that exceeds our capital expenditures and other required operating expenses and will be available for discretionary investments.

We seek to allocate company resources in a manner that will enhance per share results. Historically, our discretionary investments include: investments in growth programs and infrastructure, strategic acquisitions of high quality growth-oriented companies, a return to our stockholders through dividends and common stock repurchases and repaying our debt.

Liquidity Position
The following is a summary of our capitalization and liquidity position.
 
FY17

FY16

FY15

Cash and cash equivalents
$
14,247

$
23,497

$
23,534

Working Capital
$
91,134

$
129,048

$
151,488

Long-term debt
$
88,782

$
119,663

$
137,267

Stockholders’ equity
$
141,649

$
156,233

$
337,111

Unused commitment of the Credit Agreement (1)
$
106,750

$
176,550

$
259,950

(1) On April 6, 2016 and April 16, 2015, both of which were subsequent to March 31 for the applicable fiscal year end, the Company voluntarily reduced the unused commitments of the Credit Agreement by $100,000. The FY17 unused commitment relates to the New Credit Agreement.
We expect that our cash, the available unused commitments of the New Credit Agreement, which are lower than the unused commitments due to a financial covenant, and net cash provided by operating activities should be sufficient to cover the Company's working capital requirements, capital expenditures, dividend program, potential stock repurchases, potential future acquisitions or strategic investments and other cash needs for at least the next twelve months.
The Company reduced its cash balance by 39% since March 31, 2016 as a result of more efficient usage of international cash balances. We do not expect any further significant reduction in the amount of cash on our balance sheet because we are limited by a combination of factors such as protected currencies, adverse tax impacts and other operating needs or requirements. The Company's reported working capital is at its lowest level since March 31, 2006 due to an increased focus around a reduction of working capital, including a reduction of safety stock levels and an updated evaluation of on hand inventory levels based on expected demand, each of which are designed to make our working capital structure more efficient. The Company's reported long-term debt is at its lowest level since March 31, 2004 due to the results of reduced working capital and cash efficiencies discussed above and a priority placed on debt reduction.

Sources and Uses of Cash

The following is a summary of our sources and uses of cash.
 
FY17

FY16

FY15

Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities
$
39,930

$
37,202

$
46,498

Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities
$
(3,430
)
$
(11,088
)
$
(9,087
)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
$
(45,565
)
$
(27,664
)
$
(41,197
)



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Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities for Fiscal 2017 was $39,930, due primarily to Net loss of $7,051, inclusive of non-cash charges, decreases in Accounts receivable of $8,126 and Inventory of $6,322, and an increase in Accounts payable of $12,489, partially offset by increases in Costs/estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts of $5,538 and All other assets of 1,723 and decreases in Billings in excess of costs/estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts of $3,853 and All other liabilities of $5,129. Net cash provided by operating activities for Fiscal 2016 was $37,202, due primarily to Net loss of $171,102, inclusive of non-cash charges, decreases in Accounts Receivable of $7,819, Inventory of $4,048, and Costs/estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts of $12,682 and an increase in Billings in excess of costs/estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts of $4,035, partially offset by decreases in Accounts payable of $7,568 and All other liabilities of $13,582. Net cash provided by operating activities for Fiscal 2015 was $46,498, due primarily to Net loss of $15,342, inclusive of non-cash charges, an increase in All other liabilities of $8,103 and a decrease in Costs/estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts of $9,892, partially offset by an increase in All other assets of $14,152.
Changes in working capital, and particularly changes in accounts receivable, costs in excess of billings and billings in excess of cost, can have a significant impact on net cash provided by operating activities, largely due to the timing of payments and receipts.
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities
Capital expenditures
The Company made investments of $7,167 in Fiscal 2017 compared to $10,477 and $8,515 for Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015, respectively, which related primarily to information technology infrastructure, computer hardware and software and vehicles. The Company disposed of certain facilities in Fiscal 2017 resulting in $3,737 of cash receipts which was used to help fund the Company's transformational activities. There were no such facility disposals in Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015.
Acquisitions
The Company made investments of $0 in Fiscal 2017 compared to $0 and $780 for Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015, respectively.
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
Long-term debt
Repayment of long-term debt was $31,319 in Fiscal 2017 compared to $17,788 and $24,475, for Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015, respectively, all of which was funded by cash flow provided by operations.
Common stock repurchases
The Company made discretionary investments in the form of common stock repurchases of $1,960 in Fiscal 2017 compared to $6,300 and $6,987 for Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015, respectively. The Company also made tax payments of $515 in Fiscal 2017 compared to $854 and $1,089 for Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015, respectively, related to share withholding to satisfy employee income taxes due as a result of the vesting of certain restricted stock units.
Since the inception of the repurchase program beginning in April 1999 through March 31, 2017, the Company has repurchased 11,392,851 shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $408,621, or an average purchase price per share of $35.87. These shares do not include the treasury shares withheld for tax payments due upon the vesting of certain restricted stock units and performance shares. As of March 31, 2017, 1,107,149 shares were available under most recent repurchase programs. Additional repurchases of common stock may occur from time to time depending upon factors such as the Company’s cash flows and general market conditions. There can be no assurance as to the timing or amount of such repurchases. Under the New Credit Agreement, the Company is permitted to repurchase its common stock as long as no Event of Default or Potential Default (as defined in the New Credit Agreement) shall have occurred and is continuing or shall occur as a result thereof. In addition, no repurchase of common stock is permitted under the New Credit Agreement if the Company's consolidated leverage ratio (based on EBITDA) exceeds 3.00. At March 31, 2017, the Company's leverage ratio was 2.41.
Dividends
The Company made discretionary investments in the form of dividends to its shareholders of $7,109 in Fiscal 2017 compared to $6,617 and $6,034 for Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015, respectively. While the Company expects to continue to declare quarterly dividends, the payment of future dividends is at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors (the "Board") and the timing and amount of any future dividends will depend upon earnings, cash requirements and the financial condition of the Company. Under the New Credit Agreement, the Company is permitted to make regular quarterly dividends not exceeding $15,000 per year

19

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as long as no Event of Default or Potential Default (as defined in the New Credit Agreement) shall have occurred and is continuing or shall occur as a result thereof. In addition, the Company is permitted to make other distributions or special dividends if such event would not violate a 3.00 to 1.00 consolidated leverage ratio under the New Credit Agreement.
Credit Agreement
On March 23, 2012, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement with Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, as administrative agent, and certain other lender parties. The Credit Agreement was set to expire on March 23, 2017 prior to being refinanced. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement were permitted up to a maximum amount of $400,000, which the Company voluntarily reduced to $300,000 effective as of April 16, 2015 and again voluntarily reduced to $200,000 effective as of April 6, 2016, and included up to $25,000 of swing-line loans and $25,000 of letters of credit. The Company voluntarily reduced the unused commitment of our Credit Agreement by $200,000 in order to reduce our commitment fee costs associated with the unused portion of the line. The Credit Agreement may be increased by the Company up to an additional $200,000 with the approval of the lenders and may be unilaterally and permanently reduced by the Company to not less than the then outstanding amount of all borrowings. Interest on outstanding indebtedness under the Credit Agreement accrued, at the Company’s option, at a rate based on either: (a) the greater of (i) the prime rate per annum of the agent then in effect and (ii) 0.50% plus the rate per annum announced by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as being the weighted-average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions arranged by Federal funds brokers on the previous trading day, in each case plus 0% to 0.75% (determined by a leverage ratio based on the Company’s consolidated Earnings Before Interest Taxes Depreciation and Amortization ("EBITDA")) or (b) a rate per annum equal to the LIBOR rate plus 0.875% to 1.750% (determined by a leverage ratio based on the Company’s consolidated EBITDA).
On May 9, 2016, the Company refinanced the above-mentioned $200,000 credit facility pursuant to a new credit agreement (the "New Credit Agreement") with PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, Bank of America, N.A., as syndication agent, and certain other lender parties. The New Credit Agreement expires on May 9, 2021. Borrowings under the New Credit Agreement are permitted up to a maximum amount of $200,000, and includes up to $15,000 of swing-line loans and $25,000 of letters of credit. The New Credit Agreement may be increased by the Company up to an additional $50,000 and may be unilaterally and permanently reduced by the Company to not less than the then outstanding amount of all borrowings. Interest on outstanding indebtedness under the New Credit Agreement accrues, at the Company’s option, at a rate based on either: (a) a Base Rate Option equal to the highest of (i) the federal funds open rate, plus fifty (50) basis points (0.5%), (ii) the bank’s prime rate, and (iii) the daily LIBOR rate, plus 100 basis points (1.0%), in each case plus 0% to 1.00% (determined by a leverage ratio based on the Company’s consolidated EBITDA) or (b) a rate per annum equal to the LIBOR rate plus 1.00% to 2.00% (determined by a leverage ratio based on the Company’s consolidated EBITDA). The New Credit Agreement requires the Company to maintain compliance with certain non-financial and financial covenants such as leverage and interest coverage ratios. The Company’s obligations under the New Credit Agreement are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company’s material direct and indirect subsidiaries that are incorporated (or organized) under the laws of the District of Columbia or under the laws of any state or commonwealth of the United States and are guaranteed by such domestic subsidiaries. As of March 31, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the New Credit Agreement.

Contractual Obligations
The Company has various contractual obligations and commitments to make future payments including those arising under its debt agreements, operating and capital lease obligations and discounted lease rental commitments.

The following table summarizes significant contractual obligations and commitments of the Company as of March 31, 2017. Except as set forth in the following table, the Company does not have any material long-term purchase obligations or other long-term liabilities that are reflected on its balance sheet as of March 31, 2017:
 
Payments Due by Period 1
 
Less than 1 year

1-3 years

3-5 years

More than 5 years

Total

Long-term debt obligations
$

$

$
88,400

$

$
88,400

Interest expense on long-term debt
2,339

7,018

244


9,601

Purchase obligations 2
20,896

17,126

1,519


39,541

Capital lease obligations
964

371

11


1,346

Operating lease obligations
8,578

8,830

2,894

1,575

21,877

Total contractual obligations
$
32,777

$
33,345

$
93,068

$
1,575

$
160,765

1 Not included in the above table are potential cash obligations of $13,835 associated with an unfunded pension liability due to the high degree of uncertainty regarding the timing of future cash outflows associated with such obligation.

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2As previously disclosed, the Company entered into an agreement with a third-party to design and implement a new enterprise resource planning ("ERP") system for our Services business. This new system replaces multiple accounting and financial reporting systems, most of which originally were obtained in connection with business acquisitions. In connection with the agreement noted above, the Company is committed to $13,403 over the next three years, of which $9,803 is expected to be paid in the next twelve months.

The estimated interest expense payments on long-term debt reflected in the table above are based on both the amount outstanding under the Company's credit facility and the weighted-average interest rate in effect as of March 31, 2017.

As of March 31, 2017, the Company had potential commercial commitments under letters of credit of $4,850, which expire within the next twelve months.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on its financial condition, changes in its financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources, other than those disclosed above, that are material to investors.

Inflation
The overall effects of inflation on the Company have been nominal. Although long-term inflation rates are difficult to predict, the Company continues to strive to minimize the effect of inflation through improved productivity and cost reduction programs as well as price adjustments within the constraints of market competition.

Critical Accounting Policies
The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which require the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported financial condition and results of operations. Such estimates and assumptions may differ from actual results. The Company bases its estimates and assumptions on the best available information and believes them to be reasonable for the circumstances. The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company believes that of its significant accounting policies, the following may involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity.

Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable
The Company records an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable as an offset to accounts receivable in order to present the net balance that the Company believes will be collected. This allowance is based on both recent trends in certain accounts receivable ("specific reserve") estimated to be a greater credit risk as well as general trends in the entire accounts receivable pool ("general reserve"). The Company computes a specific reserve by identifying specifically at-risk accounts receivable and applying historic reserve factors to the outstanding balance. The Company computes a general reserve by reviewing the accounts receivable aging and applying reserve factors based upon the age of the account receivable. If the estimate of uncollectible accounts receivable should prove inaccurate at some future date, the results of operations reported for the period could be materially affected by any necessary correction to the allowance for doubtful accounts.

Inventories
The Company’s inventory is valued at the lower of cost or market value and has been reduced by an allowance for excess and obsolete inventories. The Company records an estimate for slow moving and obsolete inventory ("inventory reserve") based upon our product knowledge, physical inventory observation, future demand, market conditions and an aging analysis of the inventory on hand. For “convenience,” we reduce inventory cost through a contra asset rather than through a new cost basis. Upon a subsequent sale or disposal of the impaired inventory, the corresponding reserve is relieved to ensure the cost basis of the inventory reflects any reductions. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by Management at some future date, the results of operations reported for the period could be materially affected by any necessary correction to the inventory reserve.

Deferred Income Taxes
The Company records deferred income tax assets and liabilities in its Consolidated Balance Sheets related to events that impact the Company’s financial statements and tax returns in different periods. Deferred tax asset and liability balances are computed by identifying differences between the book basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities ("temporary differences") which are multiplied by the current tax rate. A valuation allowance is provided on deferred tax assets if determined that it is more likely than not that the asset will not be realized. The Company considers all available evidence, both positive and negative, in assessing the need for a valuation allowance in each taxing jurisdiction. The evidence considered in evaluating deferred tax

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assets includes but is not limited to cumulative financial income over the three-year period ended March 31, 2017, excluding significant one-time charges for impairment (goodwill and other), the composition and reversal patterns of existing taxable and deductible temporary differences between financial reporting and tax, and subjective projected future income.

Goodwill
The Company conducts its annual goodwill impairment assessment during the third quarter of its fiscal year, using data as of the end of the second quarter of its fiscal year. Goodwill is tested using a two-step process. The first step of the goodwill impairment assessment, used to identify potential impairment, compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill ("net book value"). If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its net book value, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired, thus the second step of the impairment test is unnecessary. If net book value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test will be performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment assessment, used to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any, compares the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. The implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill is determined as the residual between the fair value of the reporting unit and the fair value of its assets (including any unrecognized intangible assets) and liabilities. If the carrying amount of reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess.

In the first step of the goodwill impairment assessment, the Company uses an income approach to derive a present value of the reporting unit’s projected future annual cash flows and the present residual value of the reporting unit. The Company uses the income approach because it believes that the discounted future cash flows provide greater detail and opportunity to reflect facts, circumstances and economic conditions for each reporting unit. In addition, the Company believes that this valuation approach is a proven valuation technique and methodology for its industry and is widely accepted by investors. The Company uses a variety of underlying assumptions to estimate these future cash flows, which vary for each of the reporting units and include (i) future revenue growth rates, (ii) future operating profitability, (iii) the weighted-average cost of capital and (iv) a terminal growth rate. If the Company’s estimates and assumptions used in the discounted future cash flows should change at some future date, the Company could incur an impairment charge which could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations reported for the period in which the impairment occurs.

The Company recorded non-cash, pre-tax goodwill impairment losses of $191,644 (consisting of $36,901, $142,229, $5,348 and $7,166 in its North America Products, North America Services, International Products and International Services reporting units, respectively) during Fiscal 2016 which reduced the net book value of goodwill to $0. There were no goodwill impairment losses during Fiscal 2015.

Long-Lived Assets other than Goodwill
The Company conducts its annual indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment assessment during the third quarter of its fiscal year using data as of the end of the second quarter of its fiscal year. For both indefinite-lived intangible assets and long-lived assets (definite-lived assets and property, plant and equipment), the Company reviews these assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the sum of the estimated future cash flows (undiscounted) expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of an asset is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized. Measurement of an impairment loss is based on the fair value of the asset. As previously disclosed, the Company delayed its indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment assessment until the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2017 in order to take into account a contemporary outlook for its business units in connection with planning for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2018. This annual assessment yielded that there was no impairment for its indefinite-lived intangible assets. However, the excess of the fair value over carrying amount was $4,137 and $6,527 for North America Products and North America Services, respectively. A 100 basis point increase in the weighted-average cost of capital, which, holding all other assumptions constant, would decrease the fair value of the reporting units by $593 and $2,643 for North America Products and North America Services, respectively. Future events that could result in an interim assessment of the recoverability for these indefinite-lived intangible assets include, but are not limited to: (i) significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, (ii) significant changes in the manner of or use of the assets or the strategy for the Company's overall business and (iii) significant negative industry or economic trends. There were no events or changes in circumstances that indicate the carrying amount of long-lived assets (definite-lived intangibles and property, plant and equipment) are not recoverable.

During Fiscal 2016, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $542 for indefinite-lived asset impairment to reduce book value to fair value which is recorded in Asset impairment loss within the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. The fair value of Trademarks was determined using an income approach that included level 3 inputs. There was no asset impairment during Fiscal 2015.


22

Table of Contents                                            

Loss Contingencies
The Company becomes subject to contingencies as a normal part of its business operations, such as future warranty obligations and potential liabilities relating to legal or regulatory matters. The Company accrues for contingent obligations when a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated.

Revenue Recognition
Products revenues are recognized when title to products sold passes to the client, which generally occurs upon shipment from the Company’s location, the fee is fixed or determinable, collectibility is reasonably assured and no further obligation exists.

Services revenues are recognized from maintenance service contracts, MAC work and network integration services when the services are provided. Service contracts are generally pre-billed, recorded in Deferred revenue within the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and are generally recognized over the service period on a straight-line basis. Revenues from the sale and installation of products and systems are recognized using the percentage-of-completion method based upon the proportion of actual costs incurred to estimated total costs. At the time a loss on a contract becomes known, the entire amount of the estimated loss is recognized immediately in the financial statements. The Company has historically made reasonably accurate estimates of the extent of progress towards completion, contract revenues and contract costs on its long-term contracts. However, due to uncertainties inherent in the estimation process, actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
There have been no accounting pronouncements adopted during Fiscal 2017, Fiscal 2016 or Fiscal 2015 that had a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" ("ASC 2014-09"), with amendments in 2015 and 2016, that outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance. The core principle of ASC 2014-09 is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expected to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASC 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods (including interim periods therein) beginning after December 15, 2017 for public companies with early adoption permitted for annual reporting periods (including interim periods therein) beginning after December 15, 2016. Entities can use either of two methods: (i) retrospective to each prior period presented with the option to elect certain practical expedients as defined within ASC 2014-09; or (ii) retrospective with the cumulative effect of initially applying ASC 2014-09 recognized at the date of initial application and providing certain additional disclosures as defined per ASC 2014-09.

Given the work required to implement the recognition and disclosure requirements under the new standard, the Company has made progress in Fiscal 2017. While changes, such as capitalizing sales commissions that the Company has historically expensed are still being evaluated, we expect revenue recognition for its broad portfolio of products and services to remain largely unchanged. The Company has not yet selected which transition method it will apply. We will continue to assess all potential impacts of the standard, and any preliminary conclusions are subject to change.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2016-02, "Leases" ("ASC 2016-02") which requires, as of the commencement date of a lease, a liability for a lessee's obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis, and an a right-of-use asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. ASC 2016-02 must be adopted using the modified retrospective approach and is effective for annual reporting periods (including interim periods therein) beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASC 2016-02 to have a material impact on our financial statements.

Cautionary Forward Looking Statements
When included in this Annual Report or in documents incorporated herein by reference, the words "should," "expects," "intends," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "approximates," "targets," "plans" and analogous expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. One can also identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Such statements are inherently subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Although it is not possible to predict or identify all risk factors, such risks and uncertainties may include, among others, levels of business activity and operating expenses, expenses relating to corporate compliance requirements, cash flows, global economic and business conditions, successful integration of acquisitions, the timing and costs of restructuring programs, successful marketing of the Company's products and services offerings, successful implementation of the Company’s M&A program including identifying appropriate targets, consummating transactions and successfully integrating the businesses, successful implementation of the Company’s government contracting programs, competition, changes in foreign, political and economic conditions, fluctuating foreign currencies compared to the U.S. dollar, rapid changes in technologies, client

23

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preferences, the Company’s arrangements with suppliers of voice equipment and technology, government budgetary constraints and various other matters, many of which are beyond the Company’s control. Additional risk factors are included in this Annual Report. These forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and speak only as of the date of this Annual Report. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or any changes in the Company’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based and cautions you not to unduly rely on any such forward-looking statements.

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

The Company is exposed to market risks in the ordinary course of business that include interest-rate volatility and foreign currency exchange rates volatility. Market risk is measured as the potential negative impact on earnings, cash flows or fair values resulting from a hypothetical change in interest rates or foreign currency exchange rates over the next year. The Company does not hold or issue any other financial derivative instruments (other than those specifically noted below) nor does it engage in speculative trading of financial derivatives.

Interest-rate Risk
The Company’s primary interest-rate risk relates to its long-term debt obligations under the New Credit Agreement which was $88,400 as of March 31, 2017. As of March 31, 2017, an instantaneous 100 basis point increase in the interest rate of the variable rate debt would reduce the Company’s earnings in the subsequent fiscal quarter by $224 ($138 net of tax) assuming the Company employed no intervention strategies.
Foreign Exchange Rate Risk
The Company has operations, clients and suppliers worldwide, thereby exposing the Company’s financial results to foreign currency fluctuations. In an effort to reduce this risk of foreign currency fluctuations, the Company generally sells and purchases inventory based on prices denominated in U.S. dollars. Intercompany sales to subsidiaries are generally denominated in the subsidiaries’ local currency. The Company has entered into and will continue to enter into, on a selective basis, foreign currency contracts to reduce the foreign currency exposure related to certain intercompany transactions, primarily trade receivables and loans. All of the foreign currency contracts have been designated and qualify as cash flow hedges. The effective portion of any changes in the fair value of the derivative instruments is recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI") until the hedged forecasted transaction occurs or the recognized currency transaction affects earnings. Once the forecasted transaction occurs or the recognized currency transaction affects earnings, the effective portion of any related gains or losses on the cash flow hedge is reclassified from AOCI to the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. In the event it becomes probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will not occur, the ineffective portion of any gain or loss on the related cash flow hedge would be reclassified from AOCI to the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

As of March 31, 2017, the Company had open foreign currency contracts in Australian and Canadian dollars, Danish krone, Euros, Mexican pesos, Norwegian kroner, British pounds sterling, Swedish krona, Swiss francs and Japanese yen. The open contracts have contract rates ranging from 1.30 to 1.41 Australian dollar, 1.31 to 1.36 Canadian dollar, 6.88 to 7.08 Danish krone, 0.87 to 0.95 Euro, 21.17 to 21.17 Mexican peso, 8.03 to 8.59 Norwegian kroner, 0.77 to 0.83 British pound sterling, 8.64 to 9.06 Swedish krona, 1.02 to 1.02 Swiss franc and 111.02 to 117.08 Japanese yen, all per U.S. dollar. The total open contracts had a notional amount of $50,909 and will expire within four months.


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Table of Contents                                            


Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


25

Table of Contents                                            

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Stockholders
Black Box Corporation
Lawrence, Pennsylvania

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Black Box Corporation as of March 31, 2017 and 2016 and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2017. In connection with our audits of the financial statements, we have also audited Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements and schedule. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Black Box Corporation at March 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2017, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Also, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Black Box Corporation's internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our report dated May 11, 2017, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.


/s/ BDO USA, LLP

Chicago, Illinois
May 11, 2017


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Table of Contents                                            

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Board of Directors and Stockholders
Black Box Corporation
Lawrence, Pennsylvania

We have audited Black Box Corporation's internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying “Item 9A, Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.” Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

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 (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) 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 (3) 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.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2017, based on the COSO criteria.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Black Box Corporation as of March 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2017 and our report dated May 11, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP

Chicago, Illinois
May 11, 2017


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Table of Contents                                            

BLACK BOX CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
March 31,
In thousands, except par value
2017

2016

Assets
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
14,247

$
23,497

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,084 and $7,808
128,544

139,222

Inventories, net
25,382

42,703

Costs/estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts
71,930

66,664

Other assets
28,544

27,315

Total current assets
268,647

299,401

Property, plant and equipment, net
29,103

34,474

Goodwill, net


Intangibles, net
68,820

78,181

Deferred tax asset
53,539

57,065

Other assets
7,008

6,673

Total assets
$
427,117

$
475,794

Liabilities
 
 
Accounts payable
$
69,858

$
56,774

Accrued compensation and benefits
21,576

21,493

Deferred revenue
31,624

29,441

Billings in excess of costs/estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts
16,536

20,411

Other liabilities
37,919

42,234

Total current liabilities
177,513

170,353

Long-term debt
88,782

119,663

Other liabilities
19,173

29,545

Total liabilities
285,468

319,561

Stockholders’ equity
 
 
Preferred stock authorized 5,000, par value $1.00, none issued


Common stock authorized 100,000, par value $.001, 14,960 and 15,018 shares outstanding, 26,654 and 26,470 issued
26

26

Additional paid-in capital
506,449

501,839

Retained earnings
66,246

80,553

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(15,481
)
(13,075
)
Treasury stock, at cost 11,694 and 11,452 shares
(415,591
)
(413,110
)
Total stockholders’ equity
141,649

156,233

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
427,117

$
475,794

 
 
 

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

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Table of Contents                                            

BLACK BOX CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Year Ended March 31,
In thousands, except per share amounts
2017

2016

2015

Revenues
 
 
 
Products
$
154,942

$
166,536

$
176,819

Services
700,789

746,119

815,625

Total
855,731

912,655

992,444

Cost of sales *
 
 
 
Products
91,289

97,543

103,075

Services
521,482

544,775

587,100

Total
612,771

642,318

690,175

Gross profit
242,960

270,337

302,269

Selling, general & administrative expenses
234,404

255,665

263,146

Asset impairment loss
536

192,186


Intangibles amortization
9,339

10,311

10,549

Operating income (loss)
(1,319
)
(187,825
)
28,574

Interest expense, net
4,355

4,712

4,416

Other expenses (income), net
(380
)
547

570

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes
(5,294
)
(193,084
)
23,588

Provision (benefit) for income taxes
1,757

(21,982
)
8,246

Net income (loss)
$
(7,051
)
$
(171,102
)
$
15,342

Earnings (loss) per common share
 
 
 
Basic
$
(0.47
)
$
(11.18
)
$
1.00

Diluted
$
(0.47
)
$
(11.18
)
$
0.99

Weighted-average common shares outstanding
 
 
 
Basic
15,077

15,303

15,407

Diluted
15,077

15,303

15,483

Dividends per share
$
0.48

$
0.44

$
0.40

* Exclusive of depreciation and intangibles amortization.
See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

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Table of Contents                                            

BLACK BOX CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 
Year Ended March 31,
In thousands
2017

2016

2015

Net income (loss)
$
(7,051
)
$
(171,102
)
$
15,342

Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
(4,956
)
1,970

(17,954
)
Defined Benefit Pension
 
 
 
Actuarial gain (loss), net of taxes of $1,898, ($733), and ($1,950)
2,969

(1,881
)
(2,999
)
Amounts reclassified into results of operations, net of taxes of ($208), $166, and $112
(326
)
287

172

Derivative Instruments
 
 
 
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of taxes of ($570), ($321), and ($154)
(892
)
(580
)
(250
)
Amounts reclassified into results of operations, net of taxes of $511, $282, and $187
799

528

305

Other comprehensive income (loss)
$
(2,406
)
$
324

$
(20,726
)
Comprehensive income (loss)
$
(9,457
)
$
(170,778
)
$
(5,384
)
 
 
 
 

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements


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Table of Contents                                            

BLACK BOX CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
Common Stock
Treasury Stock
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
In thousands
Shares

$.001 par

Shares

$

Additional Paid-in Capital

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment

Derivative Instruments

Defined Benefit Pension

Retained Earnings

Total

March 31, 2014
26,136

$
26

10,578

$
(397,880
)
$
492,427

$
17,097

$
(258
)
$
(9,512
)
$
249,217

$
351,117

Net income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
15,342

15,342

Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
 
 
 
 
(17,954
)
 
 
 
(17,954
)
Pension, net of taxes
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 

Actuarial gain (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2,999
)
 
(2,999
)
Actuarial gain (loss) reclassified into results of operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
172

 
172

Derivative Instruments, net of taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 

Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
(250
)
 
 
(250
)
Amounts reclassified into results of operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
305

 
 
305

Stock compensation expense
 
 
 
 
6,008

 
 
 
 
6,008

Dividends declared
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(6,171
)
(6,171
)
Issuance of common stock
169


 
 

 
 
 
 

Repurchases of common stock
 
 
361

(8,076
)
 
 
 
 
 
(8,076
)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Tax impact from equity awards
 
 
 
 
(383
)
 
 
 
 
(383
)
March 31, 2015
26,305

$
26

10,939

$
(405,956
)
$
498,052

$
(857
)
$
(203
)
$
(12,339
)
$
258,388

$
337,111

Net income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(171,102
)
(171,102
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
 
 
 
 
1,970

 
 
 
1,970

Pension, net of taxes
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Actuarial gain (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1,881
)
 
(1,881
)
Actuarial gain (loss) reclassified into results of operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
287

 
287

Derivative Instruments, net of taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
(580
)
 
 
(580
)
Amounts reclassified into results of operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
528

 
 
528

Stock compensation expense
 
 
 
 
5,064

 
 
 
 
5,064

Dividends declared
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(6,733
)
(6,733
)
Issuance of common stock
165


 
 

 
 
 
 

Repurchases of common stock
 
 
512

(7,154
)
 
 
 
 
 
(7,154
)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Tax impact from equity awards
 
 
 
 
(1,277
)
 
 
 
 
(1,277
)
March 31, 2016
26,470

$
26

11,451

$
(413,110
)
$
501,839

$
1,113

$
(255
)
$
(13,933
)
$
80,553

$
156,233

Net income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(7,051
)
(7,051
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
 
 
 
 
(4,956
)
 
 
 
(4,956
)
Pension, net of taxes
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
Actuarial gain (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2,969

 
2,969

Actuarial gain (loss) reclassified into results of operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(326
)
 
(326
)
Derivative Instruments, net of taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
(892
)
 
 
(892
)
Amounts reclassified into results of operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
799

 
 
799

Stock compensation expense
 
 
 
 
4,610

 
 
 
 
4,610

Dividends declared
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(7,256
)
(7,256
)
Issuance of common stock
184


 
 

 
 
 
 

Repurchases of common stock
 
 
243

(2,481
)
 
 
 
 
 
(2,481
)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Tax impact from equity awards
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

March 31, 2017
26,654

$
26

11,694

$
(415,591
)
$
506,449

$
(3,843
)
$
(348
)
$
(11,290
)
$
66,246

$
141,649

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

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BLACK BOX CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
Year Ended March 31,
In thousands
2017

2016

2015

Operating Activities
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
(7,051
)
$
(171,102
)
$
15,342

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities
 
 
 
Intangibles amortization
9,339

10,311

10,549

Depreciation
9,382

8,562

6,978

Loss (gain) on sale of property
(981
)
16

(143
)
Deferred taxes
1,367

(26,144
)
4,656

Stock compensation expense
4,610

5,065

6,009

Change in fair value of interest-rate swaps

(399
)
(1,147
)
Asset impairment loss
536

192,186


Joint venture investment loss



Provision for obsolete inventory
10,659

7,735

2,260

Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts
1,375

3,819

1,638

Changes in operating assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions)
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
8,126

7,819

(108
)
Inventories
6,322

4,048

(5,745
)
Costs/estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts
(5,538
)
12,682

9,892

All other assets
(1,723
)
(280
)
(14,152
)
Billings in excess of costs/estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts
(3,853
)
4,035

580

Accounts payable
12,489

(7,568
)
1,786

All other liabilities
(5,129
)
(13,583
)
8,103

Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities
$
39,930

$
37,202

$
46,498

Investing Activities
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
$
(7,167
)
$
(10,477
)
$
(8,515
)
Capital disposals
3,737

162

208

Acquisition of businesses (payments)/recoveries

(773
)

Prior merger-related (payments)/recoveries


(780
)
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities
$
(3,430
)
$
(11,088
)
$
(9,087
)
Financing Activities
 
 
 
Proceeds (repayments) from long-term debt
$
(31,319
)
$
(17,788
)
$
(24,475
)
Proceeds (repayments) from short-term debt
(4,658
)
4,063

(2,291
)
Deferred financing costs
(1,049
)


Purchase of treasury stock
(2,481
)
(7,154
)
(8,076
)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options



Payment of dividends
(7,109
)
(6,617
)
(6,034
)
Increase (decrease) in cash overdrafts
1,051

(168
)
(321
)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
$
(45,565
)
$
(27,664
)
$
(41,197
)
Foreign currency exchange impact on cash
$
(185
)
$
1,513

$
(3,490
)
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
$
(9,250
)
$
(37
)
$
(7,276
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
$
23,497

$
23,534

$
30,810

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
14,247

$
23,497

$
23,534

Supplemental cash flow
 
 
 
Cash paid for interest
$
4,092

$
5,876

$
5,450

Cash paid for income taxes
426

3,482

8,259

Non-cash financing activities
 
 
 
Dividends payable
1,795

1,652

1,537

Capital leases
308

437

2,028

See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

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BLACK BOX CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1: Business and Basis of Presentation

Business
Black Box Corporation ("Black Box," or "the Company”) is a leading digital solutions provider dedicated to helping customers design, build, manage, and secure their IT infrastructure. The Company offers Services and Products that it distributes through two platforms it has built over its 41-year history. The Services platform is comprised of engineering and design, network operations centers, technical certifications, national and international sales teams, remote monitoring, on-site service teams and technology partner centers of excellence which includes dedicated sales and engineering resources. The primary services offered through this platform include: (i) communications lifecycle services, (ii) unified communications, (iii) structured cabling, (iv) video/AV services, (v) in-building wireless and (vi) data center services. The Products platform provides networking solutions through the sale of products including: (i) IT infrastructure, (ii) specialty networking, (iii) multimedia and (iv) keyboard/video/mouse ("KVM") switching. Founded in 1976, Black Box, a Delaware corporation, is headquartered near Pittsburgh in Lawrence, Pennsylvania.
Basis of Presentation
References herein to "Fiscal Year," "Fiscal," or "FY" mean the Company’s fiscal year ended March 31 for the year referenced. All references to dollar amounts herein are presented in thousands, except per share amounts, unless otherwise noted.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the parent company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain items in the consolidated financial statements of prior years have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on reported net income (loss), comprehensive income (loss), cash flows, total assets or total stockholders' equity.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires Company management ("Management") to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates in these financial statements include project progress towards completion to estimated budget, allowances for doubtful accounts receivable, sales returns, net realizable value of inventories, loss contingencies, warranty reserves, property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and goodwill. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Management believes the estimates made are reasonable.

Note 2: Significant Accounting Policies

Cash and cash equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value.

Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable
An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded as an offset to accounts receivable in order to present the net balance that the Company believes will be collected. This allowance is based on both recent trends in certain accounts receivable ("specific reserve") estimated to be a greater credit risk as well as general trends in the entire accounts receivable pool ("general reserve"). The Company computes a specific reserve by identifying specifically at-risk accounts receivable and applying historic reserve factors to the outstanding balance. The Company computes a general reserve by reviewing the accounts receivable aging and applying reserve factors based upon the age of the account receivable. Additions to the allowance for doubtful accounts are charged to Selling, general & administrative expenses within the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations, and deductions from the allowance are recorded when specific accounts receivable are written off as uncollectible. The Company incurred $336, $2,379, and $0 of accounts receivable write downs in North America Services during Fiscal 2017, Fiscal 2016, and Fiscal 2015, respectively. The provision for doubtful accounts expense was $1,375, $3,819 and $1,638 for Fiscal 2017, Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015, respectively.


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Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. The Company uses the first-in, first-out average cost method to value the majority of its inventory. However, several locations within the Company use other valuation methods, including first-in, first-out ("FIFO"). The Company records an estimate for slow moving and obsolete inventory ("inventory reserve") based upon our product knowledge, physical inventory observation, future demand, market conditions and an aging analysis of the inventory on hand. For “convenience,” we reduce inventory cost through a contra asset rather than through a new cost basis. Upon a subsequent sale or disposal of the impaired inventory, the corresponding reserve is relieved to ensure the cost basis of the inventory reflects any reductions. The Company incurred $9,137 ($2,810 in North America Products as a result of specific legacy networking product discontinuation and excess inventory given the current demand outlook and $6,327 in North America Services as a result of excess inventory given current demand in commercial services), $5,983 ($2,192 in North America Products as a result of a product line discontinuation and $3,791 in North America Services as a result of excess inventory given current lower than expected service revenue levels) and $0 of Inventory write-downs during Fiscal 2017, Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015, respectively.

Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are charged to operations as incurred. Major renewals and betterments, which substantially extend the useful life of the property, are capitalized at cost. Upon sale or other disposition of assets, the costs and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss, if any, is reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of 30 to 40 years for buildings and improvements and 3 to 5 years for equipment and computer hardware and software. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over their lease terms, or useful lives, if shorter. The Company reviews property, plant and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the sum of the estimated future cash flows (undiscounted) expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of an asset is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized. Measurement of an impairment loss is based on the fair value of the asset. No impairment of property, plant and equipment has been identified during any of the periods presented.

Goodwill
Goodwill is the excess of purchase price over the value of net assets acquired in acquisitions. The Company conducts its annual goodwill impairment assessment during the third quarter of its fiscal year, using data as of the end of the second quarter of its fiscal year. Goodwill is tested using a two-step process. The first step of the goodwill impairment assessment, used to identify potential impairment, compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill ("net book value"). If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its net book value, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired, thus the second step of the impairment test is unnecessary. If net book value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test will be performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment assessment, used to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any, compares the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. The implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill is determined as the residual between the fair value of the reporting unit and the fair value of its assets (including any unrecognized intangible assets) and liabilities. If the carrying amount of reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess.

In the first step of the goodwill impairment assessment, the Company uses an income approach to derive a present value of the reporting unit’s projected future annual cash flows and the present residual value of the reporting unit. The Company uses the income approach because it believes that the discounted future cash flows provide greater detail and opportunity to reflect facts, circumstances and economic conditions for each reporting unit. In addition, the Company believes that this valuation approach is a proven valuation technique and methodology for its industry and is widely accepted by investors. The Company uses a variety of underlying assumptions to estimate these future cash flows, which vary for each of the reporting units and include (i) future revenue growth rates, (ii) future operating profitability, (iii) the weighted-average cost of capital and (iv) a terminal growth rate. If the Company’s estimates and assumptions used in the discounted future cash flows should change at some future date, the Company could incur an impairment charge which could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations reported for the period in which the impairment occurs.

Intangible Assets
Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of 3 to 5 years for non-compete agreements, one year for backlog and 4 to 20 years for customer relationships. Indefinite-lived intangible assets not subject to amortization consist solely of the Company’s trademark portfolio and are reviewed for impairment annually. The Company reviews definite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the sum of the estimated future cash flows (undiscounted) expected to

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result from the use and eventual disposition of an asset is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized. Measurement of an impairment loss is based on the fair value of the asset.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Foreign Currency Contracts
The Company has operations, clients and suppliers worldwide, thereby exposing the Company’s financial results to foreign currency fluctuations. In an effort to reduce this risk of foreign currency fluctuations, the Company generally sells and purchases inventory based on prices denominated in U.S. dollars. Intercompany sales to subsidiaries are generally denominated in the subsidiaries’ local currency. The Company has entered and will continue in the future, on a selective basis, to enter into foreign currency contracts to reduce the foreign currency exposure related to certain intercompany transactions, primarily trade receivables and loans. All of the foreign currency contracts have been designated and qualify as cash flow hedges. The effective portion of any changes in the fair value of the derivative instruments is recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI") until the hedged forecasted transaction occurs or the recognized currency transaction affects earnings. Once the forecasted transaction occurs or the recognized currency transaction affects earnings, the effective portion of any related gains or losses on the cash flow hedge is reclassified from AOCI to the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. In the event it becomes probable that the hedged forecasted transaction will not occur, the ineffective portion of any gain or loss on the related cash flow hedge would be reclassified from AOCI to the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Interest-rate Swap
To mitigate the risk of interest-rate fluctuations associated with the Company’s variable rate long-term debt, the Company has implemented an interest-rate risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to minimize significant unplanned fluctuations in earnings caused by interest-rate volatility. The Company’s goal is to manage interest-rate sensitivity by modifying the re-pricing characteristics of certain balance sheet liabilities so that the net-interest margin is not, on a material basis, adversely affected by the movements in interest rates. As of March 31, 2017, there were no open contracts to mitigate interest-rate risk.
Foreign Currency Translation
The financial statements of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries, except those subsidiaries in Brazil and Mexico, are recorded in the local currency, which is the functional currency. Foreign currency assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the rate of exchange existing at the year-end date. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average monthly exchange rates. Adjustments resulting from these translations are recorded in AOCI within the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and will be included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations upon sale or liquidation of the foreign investment. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions, denominated in a currency other than the functional currency, are insignificant to the Consolidated Statement of Operations and are recorded in Other expenses (income) within the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. The U.S. dollar is the functional currency for those subsidiaries located in Brazil and Mexico.

Revenue
Products revenues are recognized when title to products sold passes to the client, which generally occurs upon shipment from the Company’s location, the fee is fixed or determinable, collectibility is reasonably assured and no further obligation exists.

Services revenues are recognized from maintenance service contracts, moves, adds and changes and network integration services when the services are provided. Service contracts are generally pre-billed, recorded in Deferred revenue within the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets and are generally recognized over the service period on a straight-line basis. Revenues from the sale and installation of products and systems are recognized using the percentage-of-completion method based upon the proportion of actual costs incurred to estimated total costs. At the time a loss on a contract becomes known, the entire amount of the estimated loss is recognized immediately in the financial statements. The Company has historically made reasonably accurate estimates of the extent of progress towards completion, contract revenues and contract costs on its long-term contracts. However, due to uncertainties inherent in the estimation process, actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

Sales returns - At the time of sale, an estimate for sales returns is recorded based on historical experience.

Warranties - Estimated future warranty costs related to certain products are charged to operations in the period the related revenue is recognized based on historical experience.

Shipping and handling fees and costs - All fees billed to clients for shipping and handling are classified as a component of Revenues. All costs associated with shipping and handling are classified as a component of Cost of sales.


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Sales tax and other tax presentation - Sales taxes and other taxes are collected from clients on behalf of governmental authorities at the time of sale. These taxes are accounted for on a net basis and are not included in Revenues or Cost of sales.

Stock-Based Compensation
Stock options: The Company records expense for those stock awards, vesting during the period, for which the requisite service period is expected to be rendered. The Company uses historical data in order to project the future employee turnover rates used to estimate the number of stock options for which the requisite service period will not be rendered. The fair value of stock options is determined on the grant date using a Black-Scholes option pricing model which includes several subjective assumptions. The Company recognizes the fair value of these awards into expense ratably over the requisite service periods associated with the award. The assumptions are summarized as follows:

Expected volatility: The Company estimates the volatility of its common stock, par value $.001 per share (the "common stock"), at the date of grant based on the historical volatility of its common stock.

Dividend yield: The Company estimates the dividend yield assumption based on the Company’s historical and projected dividend payouts.

Risk-free interest rate: The Company derives its risk-free interest rate on the observed interest rates appropriate for the term of the Company’s employee stock options.

Expected holding period: The Company estimates the expected holding period based on historical experience.

Restricted stock units: The Company records expense for those stock awards, vesting during the period, for which the requisite service period is expected to be rendered. The Company uses historical data in order to project the future employee turnover rates used to estimate the number of restricted stock units for which the requisite service period will not be rendered. The fair value of restricted stock units is determined based on the number of restricted stock units granted and the closing market price of the common stock on the date of grant. The Company recognizes the fair value of awards into expense ratably over the requisite service periods associated with the award.

Performance share awards: The Company records expense for those stock awards, vesting during the period, for which the requisite service period is expected to be rendered. The Company uses historical data in order to project the future employee turnover rates used to estimate the number of performance shares for which the requisite service period will not be rendered. The fair value of performance share awards subject to a cumulative Adjusted EBITDA target (as defined in the performance share award agreement) is determined based on the number of performance shares granted and the closing market price of the common stock on the date of grant. The Company recognizes the fair value of awards into expense ratably over the requisite service periods associated with the award. The probability of vesting of the award and the applicable number of shares of common stock to be issued are reassessed at each period end. The fair value of performance share awards subject to the Company’s total shareholder return ranking relative to the total shareholder return of the common stock (or its equivalent) of the companies in a peer group (the "Company’s Relative TSR Ranking") is determined on the grant date using a Monte-Carlo simulation valuation method which includes several subjective assumptions. The Company recognizes the fair value of these awards into expense ratably over the requisite service periods associated with the award. The assumptions are summarized as follows:

Expected volatility. The Company estimates the volatility of its common stock at the date of grant based on the historical volatility of its common stock.

Risk-free rate. The Company derives its risk-free interest rate on the observed interest rates with an equivalent remaining term equal to the expected life of the award.

Dividend yield. The Company estimates the dividend yield assumption based on the Company’s historical and projected dividend payouts.

Marketing and Advertising Expenses
Catalogs and other direct marketing pieces are capitalized and amortized over their expected period of future benefit ranging from one to two years, which is recorded in Prepaid and other assets within the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. All other advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

Advertising expense was $5,591, $5,353 and $5,629 for Fiscal 2017, Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015, respectively, and is recorded in Selling, general & administrative expenses within the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.


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Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes using an asset and liability approach, which requires the recognition of deferred income tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company’s financial statements or tax returns. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance is provided on deferred tax assets if it is determined that it is more likely than not that the asset will not be realized.

The Company requires that the realization of an uncertain income tax position must be "more likely than not" (i.e., greater than 50% likelihood of receiving a benefit) before it can be recognized in the financial statements. The benefit to be recorded in the financial statements is the amount most likely to be realized assuming a review by tax authorities having all relevant information and applying current conventions. The Company includes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions within the Provision (benefit) for income taxes within the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Per share information
Basic earnings (loss) per common share ("basic EPS") is computed by dividing Net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of shares of the common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share of the common stock is computed similarly to that of basic EPS, except that the weighted-average number of shares of the common stock outstanding during the period is adjusted to include the number of additional shares of the common stock that would have been outstanding if the potential number of dilutive shares of the common stock had been issued.

Fair Value
The Company’s assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are categorized based upon a fair value hierarchy that ranks the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair value. The levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (e.g., interest rates); and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

Level 3: Inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are based on one or more of the valuation techniques. The valuation techniques are described below.

Market approach: The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities.

Cost approach: The cost approach is based on the amount that currently would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset (current replacement cost).

Income approach: The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present amount.

The fair value of foreign currency contracts is determined using the market approach and primarily based on observable foreign exchange forward rates. The fair value of pension plan assets is determined using a market approach and consists of $22,261 of mutual funds measured using level 1 inputs and $11,667 of common collective trusts measured using level 2 inputs. The fair value of the interest-rate swaps (as defined below) is determined using the income approach and is predominately based on observable interest rates and yield curves. The fair value of certain of the Company’s financial instruments, including Accounts receivable and Accounts payable, approximates the carrying value due to the relatively short maturity of such instruments. The fair value of the Company's Long-term debt approximates carrying value because the interest rate is subject to change with market interest rates. There have been no changes in the Company’s valuation techniques used to measure fair values during Fiscal 2017. See Note 9 for further reference.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards
There have been no accounting pronouncements adopted during Fiscal 2017, Fiscal 2016 or Fiscal 2015 that had a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

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In May 2014, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" ("ASC 2014-09"), with amendments in 2015 and 2016, that outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance. The core principle of ASC 2014-09 is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expected to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASC 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods (including interim periods therein) beginning after December 15, 2017 for public companies with early adoption permitted for annual reporting periods (including interim periods therein) beginning after December 15, 2016. Entities can use either of two methods: (i) retrospective to each prior period presented with the option to elect certain practical expedients as defined within ASC 2014-09; or (ii) retrospective with the cumulative effect of initially applying ASC 2014-09 recognized at the date of initial application and providing certain additional disclosures as defined per ASC 2014-09.

Given the work required to implement the recognition and disclosure requirements under the new standard, the Company has made progress in fiscal year 2017. While changes, such as capitalizing sales commissions that the Company has historically expensed are still being evaluated, we expect revenue recognition for its broad portfolio of products and services to remain largely unchanged. The Company has not yet selected which transition method we will apply. We will continue to assess all potential impacts of the standard, and any preliminary conclusions are subject to change.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2016-02, "Leases" ("ASC 2016-02") which requires, as of the commencement date of a lease, a liability for a lessee's obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis, and an a right-of-use asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. ASC 2016-02 must be adopted using the modified retrospective approach and is effective for annual reporting periods (including interim periods therein) beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASC 2016-02 to have a material impact on our financial statements.

Note 3: Inventories

The Company’s Inventories consist of the following:
 
March 31,
 
2017

2016

Raw materials
$
1,708

$
1,897

Finished goods
35,036

60,969

Inventory, gross
36,744

62,866

Excess and obsolete inventory reserves
(11,362
)
(20,163
)
Inventories, net
$
25,382

$
42,703


During the second quarter of Fiscal 2017, the Company incurred $9,137 of Inventory impairment loss, which included $2,810 in North America Products due to a write-down to lower of cost or market as a result of specific legacy networking product discontinuation and excess inventory given the current demand outlook for North America Products, and $6,327 in North America Services due to a write-down to lower of cost or market as a result of excess inventory given current demand in commercial services within North America Services. During Fiscal 2017, the Company wrote off fully reserved finished goods which is reflected in the balances as of December 31, 2016. The Company is focused on maximizing asset utilization and working capital efficiencies and these reductions will increase cost efficiency in future periods.


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Note 4: Property, Plant and Equipment

The Company’s Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:
 
March 31,
 
2017

2016

Land
$
1,423

$
2,379

Building and improvements
28,047

32,532

Equipment and computer hardware and software
78,496

83,857

Property, plant and equipment, gross
107,966

118,768

Accumulated depreciation
(78,863
)
(84,294
)
Property, plant and equipment, net
$
29,103

$
34,474


Depreciation expense was $9,382, $8,562 and $6,978 for Fiscal 2017, Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015, respectively.

The Company disposed of certain facilities in Fiscal 2017 resulting in $3,737 of cash receipts which was used to help fund the Company's transformational activities. There were no facility disposals in Fiscal 2016 or Fiscal 2015.

Note 5: Goodwill

We conduct business globally and manage our business on a geographic-service type basis consisting of four operating segments which are (i) North America Products, (ii) North America Services, (iii) International Products and (iv) International Services. The Company's operating segments are also its reporting units (for goodwill assessment purposes) and reporting segments (for financial reporting purposes).
The following table summarizes Goodwill at the Company’s reporting segments:
 
North America Products

North America Services

International Products

International Services

Total

Goodwill (gross) at March 31, 2015
$
79,745

$
506,271

$
39,217

$
38,171

$
663,404

Accumulated impairment losses at March 31, 2015
(42,845
)
(364,036
)
(33,883
)
(31,462
)
(472,226
)
Goodwill (net) at March 31, 2015
$
36,900

$
142,235

$
5,334

$
6,709

$
191,178

 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
$
1

$
(6
)
$
14

$
457

$
466

Goodwill impairment loss
$
(36,901
)
$
(142,229
)
$
(5,348
)
$
(7,166
)
$
(191,644
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill (gross) at March 31, 2016
$
79,746

$
506,265

$
39,231

$
38,628

$
663,870

Accumulated impairment losses at March 31, 2016
(79,746
)
(506,265
)
(39,231
)
(38,628
)
(663,870
)
Goodwill (net) at March 31, 2016
$

$

$

$

$


The Company recorded non-cash, pre-tax goodwill impairment losses of $191,644 (consisting of $36,901, $142,229, $5,348 and $7,166 in its North America Products, North America Services, International Products and International Services reporting units, respectively) during Fiscal 2016 which reduced the net book value of goodwill to $0. There were no goodwill impairment losses during Fiscal 2015.


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Note 6: Intangible Assets

The following table summarizes the gross carrying amount, accumulated amortization and net carrying amount by intangible asset class:
 
March 31,
 
2017
2016
 
Gross Carrying Amount

Accum. Amort.

Net Carrying Amount

Gross Carrying Amount

Accum. Amort.

Net Carrying Amount

Definite-lived
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-compete agreements
$
833

$
833

$

$
2,254

$
2,170

$
84

Customer relationships
122,301

80,678

41,623

122,345

71,445

50,900

Backlog



3,489

3,489


Total
$
123,134

$
81,511

$
41,623

$
128,088

$
77,104

$
50,984

Indefinite-lived
  
  
  
  
  
  
Trademarks
35,450

8,253

27,197

35,450

8,253

27,197

Total
$
158,584

$
89,764

$
68,820

$
163,538

$
85,357

$
78,181


The Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets consist solely of the Company’s trademark portfolio. The Company’s definite-lived intangible assets are comprised of employee non-compete agreements, customer relationships and backlog obtained through business acquisitions.
The Company conducts its annual indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment assessment during the third quarter of its fiscal year using data as of the end of the second quarter of its fiscal year. For both indefinite-lived intangible assets and definite-lived assets, the Company reviews these assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the sum of the estimated future cash flows (undiscounted) expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of an asset is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized. Measurement of an impairment loss is based on the fair value of the asset. As previously disclosed, the Company delayed its indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment assessment until the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2017 in order to take into account a contemporary outlook for its business units in connection with planning for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2018. This annual assessment yielded that there was no impairment for its indefinite-lived intangible assets. However, the excess of the fair value over carrying amount was $4,137 and $6,527 for North America Products and North America Services, respectively. A 100 basis point increase in the weighted-average cost of capital, which, holding all other assumptions constant, would decrease the fair value of the reporting units by $593 and $2,643 for North America Products and North America Services, respectively. Future events that could result in an interim assessment of the recoverability for these indefinite-lived intangible assets include, but are not limited to: (i) significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, (ii) significant changes in the manner of or use of the assets or the strategy for the Company's overall business and (iii) significant negative industry or economic trends. There were no events or changes in circumstances that indicate the carrying amount of definite-lived intangibles are not recoverable.

During the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2016, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $542 for indefinite-lived asset impairment as a result of an interim assessment to reduce book value to fair value which is recorded in Asset impairment loss within the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. The fair value of Trademarks was determined using an income approach that included level 3 inputs. There was no asset impairment during Fiscal 2015.


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The following table summarizes the changes to the net carrying amounts by Intangible asset class:
 
Trademarks

Non-compete agreements

Customer relationships

Backlog

Total

March 31, 2015
$
27,739

$
353

$
59,279

$
727

$
88,098

Intangibles Amortization

(266
)
(9,318
)
(727
)
(10,311
)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment

(3
)


(3
)
Intangible asset impairment loss
(542
)



(542
)
Prior period acquisitions


939


939

March 31, 2016
$
27,197

$
84

$
50,900

$

$
78,181

Intangibles Amortization

(84
)
(9,255
)

(9,339
)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment


(37
)

(37
)
March 31, 2017
$
27,197

$

$
41,623

$

$
68,820


The following table details the estimated intangibles amortization expense for the next five years.
Fiscal
 
2018
$
7,832

2019
6,446

2020
5,952

2021
5,503

2022
3,964

Thereafter
11,926

Total
$
41,623


Note 7: Indebtedness

Short-Term Debt
The Company finances certain vendor-specific inventory under an unsecured revolving arrangement through a third party which provides extended payment terms beyond those offered by the vendor at no incremental cost to the Company. The outstanding balance for this unsecured revolving arrangement was $3,387 as of March 31, 2017 and $8,045 as of March 31, 2016 and is recorded as a current liability in Other liabilities within the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Long-Term Debt
The Company’s long-term debt consists of the following:
 
March 31,
 
2017

2016

Revolving credit agreement
$
88,400

$
119,000

Other
1,346

1,802

Total debt
$
89,746

$
120,802

Less: current portion (included in Other liabilities)
(964
)
(1,139
)
Long-term debt
$
88,782

$
119,663



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On March 23, 2012, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, as administrative agent, and certain other lender parties. The Credit Agreement was set to expire on March 23, 2017 prior to being refinanced. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement were permitted up to a maximum amount of $400,000, which the Company voluntarily reduced to $300,000 effective as of April 16, 2015 and again voluntarily reduced to $200,000 effective as of April 6, 2016, and included up to $25,000 of swing-line loans and $25,000 of letters of credit. The Company voluntarily reduced the unused commitment of our Credit Agreement by $200,000 in order to reduce our commitment fee costs associated with the unused portion of the line. The Credit Agreement may be increased by the Company up to an additional $100,000 with the approval of the lenders and may be unilaterally and permanently reduced by the Company to not less than the then outstanding amount of all borrowings. Interest on outstanding indebtedness under the Credit Agreement accrued, at the Company’s option, at a rate based on either: (a) the greater of (i) the prime rate per annum of the agent then in effect and (ii) 0.50% plus the rate per annum announced by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as being the weighted-average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions arranged by Federal funds brokers on the previous trading day, in each case plus 0% to 0.75% (determined by a leverage ratio based on the Company’s consolidated Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("EBITDA")) or (b) a rate per annum equal to the LIBOR rate plus 0.875% to 1.750% (determined by a leverage ratio based on the Company’s consolidated EBITDA).
On May 9, 2016, the Company refinanced the Credit Agreement pursuant to a new credit agreement (the "New Credit Agreement") with PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, Bank of America, N.A., as syndication agent, and certain other lender parties. The New Credit Agreement expires on May 9, 2021. Borrowings under the New Credit Agreement are permitted up to a maximum amount of $200,000, and includes up to $15,000 of swing-line loans and $25,000 of letters of credit. The New Credit Agreement may be increased by the Company up to an additional $50,000 and may be unilaterally and permanently reduced by the Company to not less than the then outstanding amount of all borrowings. Interest on outstanding indebtedness under the New Credit Agreement accrues, at the Company’s option, at a rate based on either: (a) a Base Rate Option equal to the highest of (i) the federal funds open rate, plus fifty (50) basis points (0.5%), (ii) the bank’s prime rate, and (iii) the daily LIBOR rate, plus 100 basis points (1.0%), in each case plus 0% to 1.00% (determined by a leverage ratio based on the Company’s consolidated EBITDA) or (b) a rate per annum equal to the LIBOR rate plus 1.00% to 2.00% (determined by a leverage ratio based on the Company’s consolidated EBITDA). The New Credit Agreement requires the Company to maintain compliance with certain non-financial and financial covenants such as leverage and interest coverage ratios. The Company’s obligations under the New Credit Agreement are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company’s material direct and indirect subsidiaries that are incorporated (or organized) under the laws of the District of Columbia or under the laws of any state or commonwealth of the United States and are guaranteed by such domestic subsidiaries. As of March 31, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Agreement.

Under the respective credit agreement, the maximum amount of debt outstanding, the weighted-average balance outstanding and the weighted-average interest rate for Fiscal 2017 was $150,075, $127,727 and 2.6%, respectively, compared to $183,050, $158,256 and 2.0%, respectively, for Fiscal 2016, and $206,930, $182,149 and 1.7%, respectively, for Fiscal 2015.

As of March 31, 2017, the Company had $4,850 outstanding in letters of credit and $106,750 in unused commitments, which are limited by a financial covenant under the New Credit Agreement.

At March 31, 2017, scheduled maturities or required payments of total debt for each of the five succeeding fiscal years were as follows:
Fiscal
 
2018
$
964

2019
230

2020
141

2021
11

2022
88,400

Total
$
89,746


Note 8: Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company is exposed to certain market risks, including the effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. The Company uses derivative instruments to manage financial exposures that occur in the normal course of business. It does not hold or issue derivatives for speculative trading purposes. The Company is exposed to non-performance risk from the counterparties in its derivative instruments. This risk would be limited to any unrealized gains on current positions. To help mitigate this risk, the Company transacts only with counterparties that are rated as investment grade or higher and all counterparties are monitored on a continuous basis. The fair value of the Company’s derivatives reflects this credit risk.

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The Company enters into foreign currency contracts to hedge exposure to variability in expected fluctuations in foreign currencies. As of March 31, 2017, the Company had open contracts in Australian and Canadian dollars, Danish krone, Euros, Mexican pesos, Norwegian kroner, British pounds sterling, Swedish krona, Swiss francs and Japanese yen which have been designated as cash flow hedges. These contracts had a notional amount of $50,909 and will expire within four months. There was no hedge ineffectiveness during Fiscal 2017, Fiscal 2016 or Fiscal 2015. See Note 2 for additional information.

The following tables summarize the carrying amounts of derivative assets/liabilities and the impact on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations:
 
 
Asset Derivatives
Liability Derivatives
 
 
March 31,
 
Classification
2017

2016

2017

2016

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
 

 

 

 

Foreign currency contracts
Other liabilities (current)
 
 
$
573

$
552

Foreign currency contracts
Other assets (current)
$
87

$
882

 
 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 

 

 

 

Interest-rate swaps
Other liabilities (non-current)
 
 



 
 
Fiscal
 
Classification
2017

2016

2015

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
 
 

 

 

Gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (effective portion), net of taxes
Other comprehensive
income
$
(892
)
$
(580
)
$
(250
)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI into results of operations (effective portion), net of taxes
Selling, general &
administrative expenses
799

528

305

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
 
Gain (loss) recognized in results of operations
Interest expense
(income), net

399

1,147


Note 9: Fair Value Disclosures

Recurring fair value measurements
The following table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2017, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value.
 
Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Assets at Fair Value
 
 
 
 
Defined benefit pension plan assets
$
22,261

$
11,667

$

$
33,928

Foreign currency contracts

87


87

Total Assets at Fair Value
$
22,261

$
11,754

$

$
34,015

Liabilities at Fair Value
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency contracts
$

$
573

$

$
573

 
 
 
 
 

Non-recurring fair value measurements
The Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis include non-financial assets and liabilities initially measured at fair value in a business combination and Goodwill. As disclosed in Note 5, the Company reduced the book value of Goodwill to the implied fair value in Fiscal 2016. The Company utilized level 3 inputs to measure the fair value of Goodwill. See Note 2 for additional reference.



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Note 10: Income Taxes

The domestic and foreign components of Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes are as follows:
 
Fiscal
 
2017

2016

2015

Domestic
$
(8,212
)
$
(184,598
)
$
17,865

Foreign
2,918

(8,486
)
5,723

Consolidated
$
(5,294
)
$
(193,084
)
$
23,588


The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following:
 
Fiscal
 
2017

2016

2015

Current
 
 
 
Federal
$
(10
)
$
1,037

$
279

State
(1,200
)
1,058

1,259

Foreign
1,600

2,067

2,052

Total current
390

4,162

3,590

Deferred
 
 
 
Federal
210

(23,012
)
4,802

State
1,258

(3,785
)
220

Foreign
(101
)
653

(366
)
Total deferred
1,367

(26,144
)
4,656

Total provision (benefit) for income taxes
$
1,757

$
(21,982
)
$
8,246


Reconciliations between income taxes computed using the federal statutory income tax rate and the Company’s effective tax rate are as follows:
 
Fiscal
 
2017
2016
2015
 
$
%
$
%
$
%
Federal statutory tax rate
$
(1,853
)
35.0
 %
$
(67,580
)
35.0
 %
$
8,256

35.0
 %
Foreign taxes, net of foreign tax credits
143

(2.7
)
419

(0.2
)
(418
)
(1.8
)
Non-deductible expenses
317

(6.0
)
588

(0.3
)
(338
)
(1.4
)
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
(336
)
6.3

(2,242
)
1.2

1,082

4.6

Valuation allowance
498

(9.4
)
1,317

(0.7
)


International legal entity restructuring




(1,574
)
(6.6
)
Permanent book/tax differences


45,732

(23.7
)


Equity awards
2,800

(52.9
)
1,814

(0.9
)
1,940

8.2

Other, net
188

(3.5
)
(2,030
)
1.0

(702
)
(3.0
)
Effective tax rate
$
1,757

(33.2
)%
$
(21,982
)
11.4
 %
$
8,246

35.0
 %

The negative effective tax rate of 33.2% for Fiscal 2017 was primarily due to the reduction of deferred tax assets associated with equity awards and the mix of income across various taxing jurisdictions. The effective tax rate of 11.4% for Fiscal 2016 was primarily due to a tax benefit from an international legal entity restructuring which was partially offset by the write-off of certain deferred tax assets related to equity awards. The effective tax rate of 35.0% for Fiscal 2015 was primarily due to $114,920 of non-deductible goodwill impairment loss (see Note 5), a decrease in uncertain income tax positions (including interest and penalties) and the benefit associated with the Fiscal 2013 federal return to provision reconciliation partially offset by the write-off of certain deferred tax assets related to equity awards.

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Table of Contents                                            

The components of current and long-term deferred tax liabilities and assets are as follows:
 
March 31,
 
2017

2016

Deferred Tax Liabilities
 
 
Goodwill and intangibles
$
854

$

Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries


Other
857

1,076

Gross deferred tax liabilities
1,711

1,076

Deferred Tax Assets
 
  
Net operating losses
37,611

25,563

Basis of finished goods inventory
5,264

8,599

Goodwill and intangibles

1,272

Reserve for bad debts

2,684

Foreign tax credit carry-forwards
3,804

3,755

Accrued employee costs
10,904

15,302

Stock-based compensation
2,999

5,616

Other


Gross deferred tax assets
60,582

62,791

Valuation allowance
(5,333
)
(4,835
)
Net deferred tax assets
55,249

57,956

Net deferred tax assets/(liabilities)
$
53,538

$
56,880


At March 31, 2017, the Company had $70,386, $156,920 and $23,037 of federal, state and foreign gross net operating loss carryforwards, respectively. As a result of the past acquisitions, Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), limits the amount of net operating losses available to the Company related to those acquisitions to approximately $2,876 per year and expire pro-ratably through Fiscal 2031. Current federal losses expire in Fiscal 2036. The state gross net operating loss carry-forwards expire at various times through Fiscal 2036 and the foreign gross net operating loss carry-forwards expire at various times through Fiscal 2026, with the exception of several foreign jurisdictions, which have no expirations.

A valuation allowance is provided on deferred tax assets if determined that it is more likely than not that the asset will not be realized. The Company considers all available evidence, both positive and negative, in assessing the need for a valuation allowance in each taxing jurisdiction. The evidence considered in evaluating deferred tax assets includes but is not limited to cumulative financial income over the three-year period ended March 31, 2017, excluding significant one-time charges for impairment (goodwill and other), the composition and reversal patterns of existing taxable and deductible temporary differences between financial reporting and tax, and subjective projected future income.

Based on the available evidence, a valuation allowance has not been recorded against U.S. Federal deferred tax assets, however, an additional valuation allowance of $498 has been recorded against deferred tax assets in certain state and foreign taxing jurisdictions, totaling $5,333 in the aggregate. Future positive and negative events, such as the significant underperformance relative to projected or future operating results, will be monitored accordingly and a determination will be made on the ability to realize deferred tax assets at that time.

In general, except for certain earnings associated with inter-company loan balances, it is the Company’s intention to reinvest all undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries for an indefinite period of time. Therefore, except for the exceptions noted above, no deferred U.S. income taxes have been provided on undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries, which aggregate approximately $4,441 based on exchange rates at March 31, 2017.


45

Table of Contents                                            

A reconciliation of the change in the tax liability for unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
 
Fiscal
 
2017

2016

2015

Balance at beginning of year
$
2,016

$
4,083

$
4,384

Additions for tax positions related to the current year
78

85

62

Additions for tax positions related to prior years
60


170

Reductions for tax positions related to prior years
(148
)
(2,152
)

Settlements


(533
)
Balance at end of year
$
2,006

$
2,016

$
4,083


Unrecognized tax benefits are classified as either current or non-current under Other liabilities within the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. Of the $2,006 noted above, the Company expects that $39 will reverse in the next twelve months. As of March 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company recorded $494, $435 and $1,065, respectively, of interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in current liabilities within Income taxes, all of which impacted the Company's effective tax rate.

Fiscal 2013 through Fiscal 2016 remain open to examination by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") and Fiscal 2011 through Fiscal 2016 remain open to examination by certain state and foreign taxing jurisdictions.
Note 11: Stockholder's Equity

Dividends
The following table presents information about the Company's dividend program:
Period
Record Date
Payment Date
Rate

Aggregate Value

4Q17
March 31, 2017
April 14, 2017
$
0.12

$
1,795

3Q17
December 30, 2016
January 13, 2017
$
0.12

$
1,818

2Q17
September 30, 2016
October 14, 2016
$
0.12

$
1,818

1Q17
July 1, 2016
July 15, 2016
$
0.12

$
1,811

4Q16
March 31, 2016
April 14, 2016
$
0.11

$
1,652

3Q16
December 24, 2015
January 8, 2016
$
0.11

$
1,694

2Q16
September 25, 2015
October 9, 2015
$
0.11

$
1,692

1Q16
June 26, 2015
July 10, 2015
$
0.11

$
1,691

4Q15
March 31, 2015
April 15, 2015
$
0.10

$
1,537

3Q15
December 26, 2014
January 9, 2015
$
0.10

$
1,536

2Q15
September 26, 2014
October 10, 2014
$
0.10

$
1,544

1Q15
June 27, 2014
July 11, 2014
$
0.10

$
1,554



46

Table of Contents                                            

While the Company expects to continue to declare quarterly dividends, the payment of future dividends is at the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") and the timing and amount of any future dividends will depend upon earnings, cash requirements and the financial condition of the Company. Under the New Credit Agreement, the Company is permitted to make regular quarterly dividends not exceeding $15,000 per year as long as no Event of Default or Potential Default (as defined in the New Credit Agreement) shall have occurred and is continuing or shall occur as a result thereof. In addition, the Company is permitted to make other distributions or special dividends if such event would not violate a 3.00 to 1.00 consolidated leverage ratio under the New Credit Agreement.

Common Stock Repurchases
The following table presents information about the Company's common stock repurchases:
 
Fiscal
 
2017

2016

Common stock purchased
241,792

512,491

Aggregate purchase price
$
2,475

$
7,153

Average purchase price
$
10.24

$
13.96


During Fiscal 2017, the Company made tax payments of $515 and withheld 43,874 shares of common stock, which were designated as treasury shares, at an average price per share of $11.75, in order to satisfy employee income taxes due as a result of the vesting of certain restricted stock units. During Fiscal 2016, the Company made tax payments of $854 and withheld 44,785 shares of common stock, which were designated as treasury shares, at an average price per share of $19.06, in order to satisfy employee income taxes due as a result of the vesting of certain restricted stock units.

Since the inception of the repurchase programs beginning in April 1999 through March 31, 2017, the Company has repurchased 11,392,851 shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $408,621, or an average purchase price per share of $35.87. These shares do not include the treasury shares withheld for tax payments resulting from the vesting of certain restricted stock units and performance shares. As of March 31, 2017, 1,107,149 shares were available under the most recent repurchase programs. Additional repurchases of common stock may occur from time to time depending upon factors such as the Company’s cash flows and general market conditions. There can be no assurance as to the timing or amount of such repurchases. Under the New Credit Agreement, the Company is permitted to repurchase its common stock as long as no Event of Default or Potential Default (as defined in the New Credit Agreement) shall have occurred and is continuing or shall occur as a result thereof. In addition, no repurchase of common stock is permitted under the New Credit Agreement if the Company's consolidated leverage ratio (based on EBITDA) exceeds 3.00. At March 31, 2017, the Company's leverage ratio was 2.41.

Note 12: Leases

The Company leases offices, facilities, equipment and vehicles throughout the world. While most of the leases are operating leases that expire over the next three years, certain vehicles and equipment are leased under capital leases that also expire over the next three years. As leases expire, it can be expected that, in the normal course of business, certain leases will be renewed or replaced.

Certain lease agreements include renewal options and escalating rents over the lease terms. Generally, the Company expenses rent on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease which commences on the date the Company has the right to control the property. The cumulative expense recognized on a straight-line basis in excess of the cumulative payments is included in Accrued expenses and Other liabilities within the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Rent expense was $15,377, $15,871 and $20,166 for Fiscal 2017, Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015, respectively.


47

Table of Contents                                            

The future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable capital and operating leases with initial or remaining terms of one year or more as of March 31, 2017 are as follows:
Fiscal
 
2018
$
8,578

2019
5,899

2020
2,931

2021
1,733

2022
1,161

Thereafter
1,575

Total minimum lease payments
$
21,877


Note 13: Incentive Compensation Plans and Retirement Plans
Performance Bonus
The Company has variable compensation plans covering certain team members. These plans provide a bonus contingent on the attainment of certain annual or quarterly performance targets. The Company recorded expense of $5,677, $4,452 and $6,841 under its variable compensation plans for Fiscal 2017, Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015, respectively.
Profit Sharing and Savings Plans ("the savings plans")
The Company has multiple profit sharing and savings plans which qualify as deferred salary arrangements under Section 401(k) of the Code. Participants may elect to contribute a portion of their eligible compensation, subject to limits imposed by the savings plans, which are partially matched by the Company. The Company recorded expense of $3,344, $2,852 and $2,609 for these plans during Fiscal 2017, Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015, respectively.
Pension Plans
The Company has multiple defined benefit pension plans for which a majority of benefits have been "frozen" (i.e., no new employees will be admitted and those employees currently in the plan will not earn additional benefits based on service) and a multi-employer plan.
The Company made contributions of $0, $0 and $952 during Fiscal 2017, Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015, respectively, to its largest defined benefit pension plan. The Company's largest defined benefit pension plan had assets of $33,928, $32,385 and $35,671, a projected benefit obligation of $47,763, $51,006 and $52,059 and a resulting unfunded liability of $13,835, $18,621 and $16,388 for the periods ended March 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. There were no significant changes in the actuarial assumptions during Fiscal 2017. See Note 2 and Note 9 for additional reference.
Stock-based compensation plans
On August 12, 2008 (the "Effective Date"), the Company’s stockholders approved the 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "Incentive Plan") which is designed to advance the Company’s interests and the interests of the Company’s stockholders by providing incentives to certain employees, directors, consultants, independent contractors and persons to whom an offer of employment has been extended by the Company (hereinafter referred to as "Eligible Persons"). The Incentive Plan replaced the 1992 Stock Option Plan, as amended (the "Employee Plan"), and the 1992 Director Stock Option Plan, as amended (the "Director Plan"), on the Effective Date. Stock option grants under the Employee Plan and the Director Plan, prior to the Effective Date, remain outstanding and will continue to be administered in accordance with the terms of their respective plans and plan agreements.
Awards (as defined below) under the Incentive Plan may include, but need not be limited to, one or more of the following types, either alone or in any combination thereof: (i) stock options, (ii) stock appreciation rights, (iii) restricted stock, (iv) restricted stock units, (v) performance grants, (vi) other share-based awards and (vii) any other type of award deemed by the Compensation Committee (the "Compensation Committee") of the Board or any successor thereto, or such other committee of the Board as is appointed by the Board to administer the Incentive Plan, in its sole discretion, to be consistent with the purposes of the Incentive Plan (hereinafter referred to as "Awards").
The maximum aggregate number of shares of common stock available for issuance under Awards granted under the Incentive Plan, as amended, is 1,900,000 plus the number of shares that were available for the grant of stock options under the Employee Plan and the Director Plan on the Effective Date, plus the number of shares subject to stock options outstanding under the Employee Plan and the Director Plan on the Effective Date that are forfeited or cancelled prior to exercise. The following table details the shares of common stock available for grant under the Incentive Plan as of March 31, 2017.

48

Table of Contents                                            

 
Shares

Shares authorized under the incentive plan on August 12, 2008
900,000

Shares authorized under the incentive plan on August 6, 2013 1
1,000,000

Number of shares that were available for the grant of stock options under the Employee Plan and the Director Plan on August 12, 2008, the Effective Date
888,087

Number of shares subject to stock options outstanding under the Employee Plan and the Director Plan on August 12, 2008, the Effective Date, that were forfeited or cancelled, prior to exercise, through March 31, 2017
3,064,210

Shares authorized for grant under the Incentive Plan as of March 31, 2017
5,852,297

Shares available for grant under the Incentive Plan as of March 31, 2017 2
1,591,247

1 On August 6, 2013, the Company's Stockholders approved amendments to the Incentive Plan, including an increase to the number of shares available for grant under the Incentive Plan by 1,000,000.
2 The aggregate number of shares available for issuance is reduced by 1.87 shares for each issuance of a full value award (e.g., restricted stock units and performance share awards). The shares available for grant assume a 100% payout on outstanding performance share awards. Actual payout could range from 0% - 150% or 200% depending on performance goal.
The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of $4,610, $5,065 and $6,009 during Fiscal 2017, Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015, respectively. The Company recognized total income tax benefit for stock-based compensation arrangements of $1,715, $1,933 and $2,191 during Fiscal 2017, Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense is recorded in Selling, general & administrative expenses within the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Stock options
Stock option awards are granted with an exercise price equal to the closing market price of the common stock on the date of grant; such stock options generally become exercisable in equal amounts over a three-year period and have a contractual life of ten years from the grant date. The fair value of stock options is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model which includes the following weighted-average assumptions:
 
Fiscal
 
2017

2016

2015

Expected life (in years)
6.8

7.5

7.7

Risk-free interest rate
1.6
%
2.0
%
2.3
%
Annual forfeiture rate
1.8
%
1.5
%
1.5
%
Expected volatility
41.7
%
43.9
%
45.1
%
Dividend yield
3.1
%
1.8
%
1.3
%

The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity:
 
Shares
(in 000’s)

Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price

Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)
Intrinsic
Value
(000’s)

March 31, 2016
1,269

$
27.86

 
 
Granted
381

11.99

 
 
Exercised


 
 
Forfeited or cancelled
(570
)
28.66

 
 
March 31, 2017
1,080

$
21.84

5.1
$

Exercisable
661

$
27.27

2.6
$


The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during Fiscal 2017, Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015 was $3.74, $7.79 and $9.59, respectively. The intrinsic value of options exercised during Fiscal 2017, Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015 was $0, $0 and $0, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value in the preceding table is based on the closing stock price of the common stock on March 31, 2017 of $8.95.



49

Table of Contents                                            

The following table summarizes certain information regarding the Company’s non-vested stock options:
 
Shares (in 000’s)

Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value

March 31, 2016
281

$
8.63

Granted
381

3.74

Vested
(133
)
9.00

Forfeited
(110
)
7.17

March 31, 2017
419

$
4.45


As of March 31, 2017, there was $1,112 of total unrecognized pre-tax stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested stock options which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years.

Restricted stock units
Restricted stock unit awards are subject to a service condition and typically vest in equal amounts over a three-year period from the grant date. The fair value of restricted stock units is determined based on the number of restricted stock units granted and the closing market price of the common stock on the date of grant.

The following table summarizes the Company’s restricted stock unit activity:
 
Shares
(in 000’s)

Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value

March 31, 2016
276

$
19.99

Granted
309

11.97

Vested
(183
)
18.27

Forfeited
(61
)
17.32

March 31, 2017
341

$
14.11


The total fair value of shares that vested during Fiscal 2017, Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015 was $2,163, $3,167 and $3,842, respectively.

As of March 31, 2017, there was $2,565 of total unrecognized pre-tax stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock units which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years.

Performance share awards
Performance share awards are subject to one of the performance goals - the Company’s Relative TSR Ranking or cumulative Adjusted EBITDA - over a three-year period. The Company’s Relative TSR Ranking metric is based on the three-year cumulative return to shareholders from the change in stock price and dividends paid between the starting and ending dates. The fair value of performance share awards (subject to cumulative Adjusted EBITDA) is determined based on the number of performance shares granted and the closing market price of the common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of performance share awards (subject to the Company’s Relative TSR Ranking) is estimated on the grant date using the Monte-Carlo simulation valuation method which includes the following weighted-average assumptions:
 
Fiscal
 
2017

2016

2015

Risk-free interest rate
0.9
%
0.9
%
0.8
%
Expected volatility
45.1
%
39.9
%
44.7
%
Dividend yield
3.4
%
2.0
%
1.3
%


50

Table of Contents                                            

The following table summarizes the Company’s performance share award activity:
 
Shares
(in 000’s)

Weighted-
Average Grant-
Date Fair Value

March 31, 2016
260

$
23.14

Granted
198

11.99

Vested


Forfeited
(140
)
23.75

March 31, 2017
318

$
15.93


The total fair value of shares that vested during Fiscal 2017, Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015 was $0, $0 and $0, respectively.

As of March 31, 2017, there was $1,399 of total unrecognized pre-tax stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested performance share awards which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.0 years.


51

Table of Contents                                            

Note 14: Earnings (loss) Per Share

The following table details the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations for the periods presented (share numbers in thousands):
 
Fiscal
 
2017

2016

2015

Net income (loss)
$
(7,051
)
$
(171,102
)
$
15,342

Weighted-average common shares outstanding (basic)
15,077

15,303

15,407

Effect of dilutive securities from equity awards


76

Weighted-average common shares outstanding (diluted)
15,077

15,303

15,483

Basic earnings (loss) per common share
$
(0.47
)
$
(11.18
)
$
1.00

Dilutive earnings (loss) per common share
$
(0.47
)
$
(11.18
)
$
0.99

 
 
 
 

The Weighted-average common shares outstanding (diluted) computation is not impacted during any period where the exercise price of a stock option is greater than the average market price. There were 1,274,965, 1,526,992 and 1,851,059 non-dilutive equity awards outstanding during Fiscal 2017, Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015, respectively, that are not included in the corresponding period Weighted-average common shares outstanding (diluted) computation.



52

Table of Contents                                            

Note 15: Segment Reporting

The Company conducts business globally and is managed on a geographic-service type basis consisting of four operating segments which are (i) North America Products, (ii) North America Services, (iii) International Products and (iv) International Services. These operating segments are also the Company's reporting units for purposes of testing goodwill for impairment and its reporting segments for financial reporting purposes. Revenues within our North America segments are primarily attributed to the United States while revenues within our International segments are attributed to countries in Europe, the Pacific Rim and Latin America.
The accounting policies of the operating segments are the same as those of the Company. The Company allocates resources to its operating segments and evaluates the performance of the operating segments based upon operating income.
The financial results for the Company's reporting segments are as follows:
 
North America Products

North America Services

International Products

International Services

Total

FY17
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
73,728

$
672,036

$
81,214

$
28,753

$
855,731

Gross profit
31,193

173,128

32,460

6,179

242,960

Operating income (loss)
354

(3,904
)
895

1,336

(1,319
)
Depreciation
1,690

6,696

746

250

9,382

Intangibles amortization

8,885

454


9,339

Restructuring expense
829

2,881

925

18

4,653

Asset impairment loss

536



536

Capital expenditures
1,398

3,864

1,202

703

7,167

Assets
43,003

333,052

35,967

15,095

427,117

 
 
 
 
 
 
FY16
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
84,654

$
715,839

$
81,882

$
30,280

$
912,655

Gross profit
35,643

194,401

33,350

6,943

270,337

Operating income (loss)
(34,654
)
(143,967
)
(3,781
)
(5,423
)
(187,825
)
Depreciation
1,458

6,241

686

177

8,562

Intangibles amortization

10,273

38


10,311

Restructuring expense
932

5,058

2,959

247

9,196

Asset impairment loss
36,901

142,771

5,348

7,166

192,186

Capital expenditures
5,188

3,976

988

325

10,477

Assets
56,412

358,996

42,045

18,341

475,794

 
 
 
 
 
 
FY15
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
85,205

$
785,681

$
91,614

$
29,944

$
992,444

Gross profit
36,082

220,469

37,662

8,056

302,269

Operating income (loss)
4,564

22,195

(277
)
2,092

28,574

Depreciation
2,186

3,958

668

166

6,978

Intangibles amortization

10,546


3

10,549

Restructuring expense
215

3,898

2,260

481

6,854

Asset impairment loss





Capital expenditures
1,929

5,716

799

71

8,515

Assets
101,299

513,941

48,156

22,863

686,259


53

Table of Contents                                            

The Company generated revenues of $107,440, $90,584 and $127,826 with the United States Federal Government during Fiscal 2017, Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015, respectively, all of which is included within the Company's North America Services reportable segment.

Note 16: Quarterly Data (Unaudited)

The following tables represent summary Quarterly (Unaudited) Consolidated Statements of Operations for Fiscal 2017 and Fiscal 2016. Earnings (loss) per common share may not compute due to the use of different quarterly/annual basic and diluted shares.
 
Fiscal 2017
Unaudited
1Q

2Q

3Q

4Q

FY

Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
Products
$
39,881

$
42,263

$
36,109

$
36,689

$
154,942

Services
178,599

176,486

174,261

171,443

700,789

Total
218,480

218,749

210,370

208,132

855,731

Cost of sales
 
 
 
 
 
Products
22,933

27,213

20,133

21,010

91,289

Services
127,894

137,092

127,794

128,702

521,482

Total
150,827

164,305

147,927

149,712

612,771

Gross profit
67,653

54,444

62,443

58,420

242,960

Selling, general & administrative expenses
62,482

58,142

57,384

56,396

234,404

Asset impairment loss

536



536

Intangibles amortization
2,451

2,304

2,298

2,286

9,339

Operating income (loss)
2,720

(6,538
)
2,761

(262
)
(1,319
)
Interest expense, net
1,207

1,050

1,055

1,043

4,355

Other expenses (income), net
(343
)
41

63

(141
)
(380
)
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes
1,856

(7,629
)
1,643

(1,164
)
(5,294
)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
2,332

(1,524
)
324

625

1,757

Net income (loss)
$
(476
)
$
(6,105
)
$
1,319

$
(1,789
)
$
(7,051
)
Earnings (loss) per common share
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
(0.03
)
$
(0.40
)
$
0.09

$
(0.12
)
$
(0.47
)
Diluted
$
(0.03
)
$
(0.40
)
$
0.09

$
(0.12
)
$
(0.47
)





54

Table of Contents                                            

 
Fiscal 2016
Unaudited
1Q

2Q

3Q

4Q

FY

Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
Products
$
40,496

$
44,284

$
41,932

$
39,824

$
166,536

Services
188,718

192,554

180,549

184,298

746,119

Total
229,214

236,838

222,481

224,122

912,655

Cost of sales
 
 
 
 
 
Products
23,672

25,488

23,686

24,697

97,543

Services
135,891

139,944

129,166

139,774

544,775

Total
159,563

165,432

152,852

164,471

642,318

Gross profit
69,651

71,406

69,629

59,651

270,337

Selling, general & administrative expenses
62,886

61,391

59,950

71,438

255,665

Asset impairment loss

157,272


34,914

192,186

Intangibles amortization
2,613

2,604

2,603

2,491

10,311

Operating income (loss)
4,152

(149,861
)
7,076

(49,192
)
(187,825
)
Interest expense, net
1,382

1,053

1,215

1,062

4,712

Other expenses (income), net
(58
)
443

63

99

547

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes
2,828

(151,357
)
5,798

(50,353
)
(193,084
)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
2,074

(21,512
)
61

(2,605
)
(21,982
)
Net income (loss)
$
754

$
(129,845
)
$
5,737

$
(47,748
)
$
(171,102
)
Earnings (loss) per common share
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.05

$
(8.45
)
$
0.37

$
(3.13
)
$
(11.18
)
Diluted
$
0.05

$
(8.45
)
$
0.37

$
(3.13
)
$
(11.18
)

Note 17: Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is involved in, or has pending, various legal proceedings, claims, suits and complaints arising out of the normal course of business. Based on the facts currently available to the Company, Management believes these matters are adequately provided for, covered by insurance, without merit or not probable that an unfavorable material outcome will result.
Product Warranties
Estimated future warranty costs related to certain products are charged to expense during the period the related revenue is recognized. The product warranty liability reflects the Company’s best estimate of probable obligations under those warranties. As of March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company has recorded a warranty reserve of $978 and $1,646, respectively.

There has been no other significant or unusual activity during Fiscal 2017.

55

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Note 18: Restructuring

The Company has incurred and continues to incur costs related to facility consolidations, such as idle facility rent obligations and the write-off of leasehold improvements, and employee severance (collectively referred to as “restructuring expense”) in a continued effort to consolidate back office functions and to make its organization more efficient. These restructuring activities are compartmentalized and are not part of an overall plan and therefore the Company cannot estimate the total amount to be incurred in connection with the activity. Employee severance is generally payable within the next twelve months with certain facility costs extending through March 31, 2019.
The following table summarizes the changes to the restructuring liability for the periods presented.
 
Employee
Severance

Facility
Closures

Total

Balance at March 31, 2015
$
2,640

$
315

$
2,955

Restructuring expense
8,899

297

9,196

Cash expenditures
(4,489
)
(378
)
(4,867
)
Balance at March 31, 2016
$
7,050

$
234

$
7,284

Restructuring expense
4,220

433

4,653

Cash expenditures
(6,423
)
(378
)
(6,801
)
Balance at March 31, 2017
$
4,847

$
289

$
5,136


Of the $5,136 above, $5,120 is classified as a current liability under Other liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets for the period ended March 31, 2017.

The following table summarizes restructuring expense, which is recorded in Selling, general & administrative expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations, during Fiscal 2017 for the Company’s reporting segments:
 
North America Products

North America Services

International Products

International Services

Total

Employee Severance
$
829

$
2,462

$
912

$
17

$
4,220

Facility Closures

419

13

1

433

Total
$
829

$
2,881

$
925

$
18

$
4,653


Company management is considering initiatives to reset the business model and align costs with revenue to improve profitability. As a result, during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018, our profits could be negatively impacted by restructuring expenses resulting from such initiatives, which are designed to maximize the efficiency of the cost structure for each of our segments to enhance the Company's profitability. The Company believes there is a significant cost savings for such restructuring initiatives that will provide a return on investment in a relatively short period of time. However, there can be no assurance that we would realize adequate returns on this investment nor that we would be able to maintain such cost savings in the future. Such restructuring initiatives have not been formalized and the Company cannot state with any certainty the timing or whether or not such events will occur.

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Table of Contents                                            


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

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
Conclusions Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) for the Company. Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2017. Based upon this assessment, Management has concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2017 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports filed or submitted by it under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in such reports is accumulated and communicated to Management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management, including the Company’s CEO and CFO, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) for the Company. Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2017 based on the framework described in “Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013),” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations ("COSO") of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, Management has concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective, as of March 31, 2017, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Management of the Company reviewed the results of its assessment with the Audit Committee of the Board.
BDO USA, LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, has issued an attestation report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, which is included in this Annual Report.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls
All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Because of its inherent limitations, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. In addition, 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 and procedures may deteriorate.

Item 9B. Other Information.

None.


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Table of Contents                                            

PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
Certain of the information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the information set forth under Part I of this Annual Report under the captions "Executive Officers of the Registrant" and "Directors of the Registrant." The other information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the information set forth under the captions "Policies and Procedures Related to the Approval of Transactions with Related Persons,"Annual Meeting Matters - Proposal 1 - Election of Directors" and "Board of Directors and Board Committees" in the Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act.


58

Table of Contents                                            

Item 11. Executive Compensation.
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the information under the captions "Compensation of Directors" and "Executive Compensation and Other Information" in the Proxy Statement.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners And Management And Related Stockholder Matters.
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the information set forth under the captions "Equity Plan Compensation Information," "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners" and "Security Ownership of Management" in the Proxy Statement.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the information set forth under the captions "Annual Meeting Matters - Proposal 1 - Election of Directors," "Board of Directors and Board Committees," "Policies and Procedures Related to the Approval of Transactions with Related Persons" and "Executive Compensation and Other Information" in the Proxy Statement.

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the information set forth under the caption "Independent Public Accountants" in the Proxy Statement.

PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
Financial statements, financial statement schedules and exhibits not listed below have been omitted where the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto, or is not applicable or required. Documents filed as part of this report include:
(a)(1)
Financial Statements - no financial statements have been filed in this Form 10-K other than those in Item 8
 
 
(a)(2)
Financial Statement Schedule (Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts)


SCHEDULE II

BLACK BOX CORPORATION

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
(Dollars in thousands)
Description
Balance at Beginning of Period
Additions Charged to Expense
Additions from Acquisitions
Reductions from Reserves
Other
Balance at End of Period
March 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
Excess and obsolete inventory reserves
$
20,163

$
10,659

$

$
(19,461
)
$

$
11,361

Allowance for doubtful accounts
7,808

1,375


(5,099
)

4,084

March 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
Excess and obsolete inventory reserves
$
16,624

$
7,735

$

$
(4,196
)
$

$
20,163

Allowance for doubtful accounts
5,109

3,819


(1,120
)

7,808

March 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Excess and obsolete inventory reserves
$
17,386

$
2,260

$

$
(3,022
)
$

$
16,624

Allowance for doubtful accounts
5,949

1,638


(2,478
)

5,109


(a)(3)    Exhibits

59

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EXHIBITS
Exhibit Number
Description
3(i)
Second Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended (1)
3(ii)
Amended and Restated By-laws of the Company, as amended (2)
10.1
Credit Agreement dated as of March 23, 2012 by and among Black Box Corporation, the Guarantors, the Lenders parties thereto and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, as Administrative Agent (3)
10.2
Guaranty and Suretyship Agreement dated as of March 23, 2012 (3)
10.3*
Amended and Restated Agreement between the Company and Michael McAndrew (4)
10.4*
Description of Fiscal 2015 Annual Incentive Plan (5)
10.5*
1992 Stock Option Plan, as amended through August 9, 2007 (6)
10.6*
1992 Director Stock Option Plan, as amended through August 9, 2007 (6)
10.7*
Form of Black Box Corporation Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (pursuant to the 1992 Director Stock Option Plan; form of agreement in effect prior to August 10, 2004) (7)
10.8*
Form of Black Box Corporation Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (pursuant to the 1992 Director Stock Option Plan; form of agreement in effect as of August 10, 2004) (7)
10.9*
Form of Black Box Corporation Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (pursuant to the 1992 Director Stock Option Plan; form of agreement in effect as of October 31, 2005) (8)
10.10*
Form of Black Box Corporation Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (pursuant to the 1992 Stock Option Plan) (7)
10.11*
Form of Black Box Corporation Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (pursuant to the 1992 Stock Option Plan; form of agreement in effect as of October 31, 2005) (8)
10.12*
2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended (9)
10.13*
Form of Black Box Corporation Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (pursuant to the 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan) (10)
10.14*
Form of Black Box Corporation Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (pursuant to the 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan) (10)
10.15*
Form of Black Box Corporation Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Non-Employee Directors (pursuant to the 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan) (10)
10.16*
Form of Black Box Corporation Performance Share Award Agreement (pursuant to the 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan) (10)
10.17*
Summary of Director Compensation (13)
10.18*
Description of Fiscal 2016 Annual Incentive Plan (13)
10.19*
Offer Letter between the Company and Anthony J. Massetti dated November 11, 2016 (11)
10.20*
Agreement between the Company and Anthony J. Massetti dated November 17, 2016 (11)
10.21*
Form of Black Box Corporation Performance Share Award Agreement (pursuant to the 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan; form of agreement in effect as of May 17, 2011) (12)
10.22*
Letter Agreement with Timothy C. Huffmyer dated November 16, 2016 (11)
10.23*
Agreement between the Company and Timothy C. Huffmyer (14)
10.24*
Agreement between the Company and Ronald Basso (15)
10.25*
Agreement between the Company and Michael McAndrew (16)
10.26*
Offer Letter between the Company and E.C. Sykes dated February 8, 2016 (17)
10.27*
Agreement between the Company and E.C. Sykes dated February 8, 2016 (17)
10.28*
Agreement between the Company and Michael McAndrew dated February 8, 2016 (17)
10.29
Credit Agreement dated as of May 9, 2016 by and among Black Box Corporation, the Guarantors, the Lenders and PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent (the “Credit Agreement”) (18)
10.30
Guaranty and Suretyship Agreement dated May 9, 2016 (18)
10.31
Pledge Agreement dated May 9, 2016 (18)
10.32
Security Agreement dated May 9, 2016 (18)
10.33
Schedule to the Credit Agreement (19)

60

Table of Contents                                            

10.34
Form of Revolving Credit Note (19)
10.35
Form of Swing Line Note (19)
10.36
Form of Intercompany Subordination Agreement (19)
10.37
Form of Patent, Trademark and Copyright Security Agreement (19)
10.38
Form of Assignment and Assumption Agreement (19)
10.39
Form of Guarantor Joinder (19)
10.40
Form of Loan Request (19)
10.41
Form of Swing Loan Request (19)
10.42
Form of Acquisition Compliance Certificate (19)
10.43
Form of Quarterly Compliance Certificate (19)
10.44
Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (19)
10.45*
Description of Fiscal 2017 Annual Incentive Plan (13)
21.1
Subsidiaries of the Registrant (13)
23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Accounting Firm (13)
31.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (13)
31.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (13)
32.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (13)
101
Interactive Data File
 
 
(1)
Filed as Exhibit 3(i) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company, file number 0-18706, filed with the SEC on May 16, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference herewith
(2)
Filed as Exhibit 3(ii) to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company, file number 0-18706, filed with the SEC on February 19, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference
(3)
Filed as an exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company, file number 0-18706, filed with the SEC on March 26, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference
(4)
Filed as an exhibit to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company, file number 0-18706, filed with the SEC on February 5, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference
(5)
Filed as an exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company, file number 0-18706, filed with the SEC on May 15, 2015
(6)
Filed as an exhibit to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company, file number 0-18706, filed with the SEC on August 16, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference
(7)
Filed as an exhibit to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company, file number 0-18706, filed with the SEC on November 12, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference
(8)
Filed as an exhibit to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company, file number 0-18706, filed with the SEC on November 10, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference
(9)
Filed as Exhibit I to the Proxy Statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed on Schedule 14A, file number 0-18706, filed with the SEC on June 21, 2013
(10)
Filed as an exhibit to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company, file number 0-18706, filed with the SEC on August 6, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference
(11)
Filed as an exhibit to the Quarterly Report on Form 8-K of the Company, file number 0-18706, filed with the SEC on November 17, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference
(12)
Filed as an exhibit to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company, file number 0-18706, filed with the SEC on August 10, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference
(13)
Filed herewith
(14)
Filed as an exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company, file number 0-18706, filed with the SEC on October 9, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference
(15)
Filed as an exhibit to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company, file number 0-18706, filed with the SEC on August 7, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference

61

Table of Contents                                            

(16)
Filed as an exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company, file number 0-18706, filed with the SEC on April 2, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference
(17)
Filed as an exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company, file number 0-18706, filed with the SEC on February 9, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference
(18)
Filed as an exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company, file number 0-18706, filed with the SEC on May 13, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference
(19)
Filed as an exhibit to the Amendment to the Current Report on Form 8-K/A of the Company, file number 0-18706, filed with the SEC on August 4, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference
*
Denotes management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement

Item 16. Form 10-K Summary.
We have elected not to provide a summary.


62

Table of Contents                                            

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

BLACK BOX CORPORATION

Date: May 11, 2017
                        
/s/ DAVID J. RUSSO                                 

David J. Russo
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer (Principal Accounting Officer)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signatures
Capacity
Date
/s/ CYNTHIA J. COMPARIN
Director
May 11, 2017
Cynthia J. Comparin
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ RICHARD L. CROUCH
Director
May 11, 2017
Richard L. Crouch
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ RICHARD C. ELIAS
Director
May 11, 2017
Richard C. Elias
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ THOMAS W. GOLONSKI
Director
May 11, 2017
Thomas W. Golonski
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ THOMAS G. GREIG
Director and Chairman of the Board
May 11, 2017
Thomas G. Greig
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ JOHN S. HELLER
Director
May 11, 2017
John S. Heller
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ WILLIAM H. HERNANDEZ
Director
May 11, 2017
William H. Hernandez
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ DAVID J. RUSSO
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Accounting Officer)
May 11, 2017
David Russo
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ ESLIE C. SYKES
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer
May 11, 2017
Eslie C. Sykes
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ JOEL T. TRAMMELL
Director
May 11, 2017
Joel T. Trammell
 
 


63

Table of Contents                                            

 
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number
Description
Second Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended (1)
Amended and Restated By-laws of the Company, as amended (2)
Credit Agreement dated as of March 23, 2012 by and among Black Box Corporation, the Guarantors, the Lenders parties thereto and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, as Administrative Agent (3)
Guaranty and Suretyship Agreement dated as of March 23, 2012 (3)
Amended and Restated Agreement between the Company and Michael McAndrew (4)
Description of Fiscal 2015 Annual Incentive Plan (5)
1992 Stock Option Plan, as amended through August 9, 2007 (6)
1992 Director Stock Option Plan, as amended through August 9, 2007 (6)
Form of Black Box Corporation Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (pursuant to the 1992 Director Stock Option Plan; form of agreement in effect prior to August 10, 2004) (7)
Form of Black Box Corporation Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (pursuant to the 1992 Director Stock Option Plan; form of agreement in effect as of August 10, 2004) (7)
Form of Black Box Corporation Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (pursuant to the 1992 Director Stock Option Plan; form of agreement in effect as of October 31, 2005) (8)
Form of Black Box Corporation Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (pursuant to the 1992 Stock Option Plan)(7)
Form of Black Box Corporation Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (pursuant to the 1992 Stock Option Plan; form of agreement in effect as of October 31, 2005) (8)
2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended (9)
Form of Black Box Corporation Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (pursuant to the 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan) (10)
Form of Black Box Corporation Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (pursuant to the 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan(10)
Form of Black Box Corporation Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for Non-Employee Directors (pursuant to the 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan) (10)
Form of Black Box Corporation Performance Share Award Agreement (pursuant to the 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan) (10)
Summary of Director Compensation (13)
Description of Fiscal 2016 Annual Incentive Plan (13)
Offer Letter between the Company and Anthony J. Massetti dated November 11, 2016 (11)
Agreement between the Company and Anthony J. Massetti dated November 17, 2016 (11)
Form of Black Box Corporation Performance Share Award Agreement (pursuant to the 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan; form of agreement in effect as of May 17, 2011) (12)
Letter Agreement with Timothy C. Huffmyer dated November 16, 2016 (11)
Agreement between the Company and Timothy C. Huffmyer (14)
Agreement between the Company and Ronald Basso (15)
Agreement between the Company and Michael McAndrew (16)
Offer Letter between the Company and E.C. Sykes dated February 8, 2016 (17)
Agreement between the Company and E.C. Sykes dated February 8, 2016 (17)
Agreement between the Company and Michael McAndrew dated February 8, 2016 (17)
Credit Agreement dated as of May 9, 2016 by and among Black Box Corporation, the Guarantors, the Lenders and PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent (the “Credit Agreement”) (18)
Guaranty and Suretyship Agreement dated May 9, 2016 (18)
Pledge Agreement dated May 9, 2016 (18)
Security Agreement dated May 9, 2016 (18)
Schedule to the Credit Agreement (19)

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Form of Revolving Credit Note (19)
Form of Swing Line Note (19)
Form of Intercompany Subordination Agreement (19)
Form of Patent, Trademark and Copyright Security Agreement (19)
Form of Assignment and Assumption Agreement (19)
Form of Guarantor Joinder (19)
Form of Loan Request (19)
Form of Swing Loan Request (19)
Form of Acquisition Compliance Certificate (19)
Form of Quarterly Compliance Certificate (19)
Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (19)
Description of Fiscal 2017 Annual Incentive Plan (13)
Subsidiaries of the Registrant (13)
Consent of Independent Registered Accounting Firm (13)
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (13)
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (13)
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (13)
101
Interactive Data File
 
 
(1)
Filed as Exhibit 3(i) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company, file number 0-18706, filed with the SEC on May 16, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference herewith
(2)
Filed as Exhibit 3(ii) to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company, file number 0-18706, filed with the SEC on February 19, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference
(3)
Filed as an exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company, file number 0-18706, filed with the SEC on March 26, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference
(4)
Filed as an exhibit to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company, file number 0-18706, filed with the SEC on February 5, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference
(5)
Filed as an exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company, file number 0-18706, filed with the SEC on May 15, 2015
(6)
Filed as an exhibit to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company, file number 0-18706, filed with the SEC on August 16, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference
(7)
Filed as an exhibit to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company, file number 0-18706, filed with the SEC on November 12, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference
(8)
Filed as an exhibit to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company, file number 0-18706, filed with the SEC on November 10, 2005, and incorporated herein by reference
(9)
Filed as Exhibit I to the Proxy Statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed on Schedule 14A, file number 0-18706, filed with the SEC on June 21, 2013
(10)
Filed as an exhibit to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company, file number 0-18706, filed with the SEC on August 6, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference
(11)
Filed as an exhibit to the Quarterly Report on Form 8-K of the Company, file number 0-18706, filed with the SEC on November 17, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference
(12)
Filed as an exhibit to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company, file number 0-18706, filed with the SEC on August 10, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference
(13)
Filed herewith
(14)
Filed as an exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company, file number 0-18706, filed with the SEC on October 9, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference
(15)
Filed as an exhibit to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company, file number 0-18706, filed with the SEC on August 7, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference

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Table of Contents                                            

(16)
Filed as an exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company, file number 0-18706, filed with the SEC on April 2, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference
(17)
Filed as an exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company, file number 0-18706, filed with the SEC on February 9, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference
(18)
Filed as an exhibit to the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company, file number 0-18706, filed with the SEC on May 13, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference
(19)
Filed as an exhibit to the Amendment to the Current Report on Form 8-K/A of the Company, file number 0-18706, filed with the SEC on August 4, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference
*
Denotes management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement

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