MYR GROUP INC. - Quarter Report: 2017 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 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: 1-08325

MYR GROUP INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(847) 290-1891

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨

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.

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

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

As of October 27, 2017, there were 16,462,023 outstanding shares of the registrant’s $0.01 par value common stock.

WEBSITE ACCESS TO COMPANY’S REPORTS

MYR Group Inc.’s internet website address is www.myrgroup.com. Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) will be available free of charge through our website as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

INDEX

Throughout this report, references to “MYR Group,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to MYR Group Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, except as otherwise indicated or as the context otherwise requires.

MYR GROUP INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

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

MYR GROUP INC.

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

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

MYR GROUP INC.

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

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

MYR GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

1. Organization, Business and Basis of Presentation

Organization and Business

MYR Group Inc. (the “Company”) is a holding company with subsidiaries that are specialty electrical construction service providers. Its wholly-owned subsidiaries include: The L. E. Myers Co., a Delaware corporation; Harlan Electric Company, a Michigan corporation; Great Southwestern Construction, Inc., a Colorado corporation; Sturgeon Electric Company, Inc., a Michigan corporation; MYR Transmission Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation; E.S. Boulos Company, a Delaware corporation; High Country Line Construction, Inc., a Nevada corporation; Sturgeon Electric California, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company; GSW Integrated Services, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company; MYR Transmission Services Canada, Ltd., a British Columbia corporation; Northern Transmission Services, Ltd., a British Columbia corporation; and Western Pacific Enterprises Ltd., a British Columbia corporation.

The Company reports its results under two business segments: Transmission and Distribution (“T&D”), and Commercial and Industrial (“C&I”). T&D customers include investor-owned utilities, cooperatives, private developers, government-funded utilities, independent power producers, independent transmission companies, industrial facility owners and other contractors throughout the United States and parts of Canada. T&D provides a broad range of services, which include design, engineering, procurement, construction, upgrade, maintenance and repair services, with a particular focus on construction, maintenance and repair. C&I provides services to general contractors, commercial and industrial facility owners, local governments and developers in the western and northeastern United States and western Canada.

Basis of Presentation

Interim Consolidated Financial Information

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial reporting and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures, normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. The Company believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to fairly state the financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows with respect to the interim consolidated financial statements, have been included. The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 has been derived from the audited financial statements as of that date. The results of operations and comprehensive income are not necessarily indicative of the results for the full year or the results for any future periods. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and related notes for the year ended December 31, 2016, included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, which was filed with the SEC on March 9, 2017. Certain amounts in the prior period consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.

Foreign Currency

The functional currency for the Company’s Canadian operations is the Canadian dollar. Assets and liabilities denominated in Canadian dollars are translated into U.S. dollars at the end-of-period exchange rate. Revenues and expenses are translated using average exchange rates for the periods reported. Cumulative translation adjustments are included as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses, arising primarily from changes in exchange rates on short term monetary assets and liabilities, are recorded in the “other income, net” line on the consolidated statements of operations. Foreign currency loss was not significant for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to a foreign currency loss of $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses, arising primarily from long-term monetary assets and liabilities, are recorded in the foreign currency translation adjustment line on the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Accounts Receivable

The Company does not charge interest to its customers and carries its customer receivables at their face amounts, less an allowance for doubtful accounts. Included in accounts receivable are balances billed to customers pursuant to retainage provisions in certain contracts that are due upon completion of the contract and acceptance by the customer, or earlier as provided by the contract. Based on the Company’s experience in recent years, the majority of customer balances at each balance sheet date are collected within twelve months. As is common practice in the industry, the Company classifies all accounts receivable, including retainage, as current assets. The contracting cycle for certain long-term contracts may extend beyond one year, and accordingly, collection of retainage on those contracts may extend beyond one year. The Company expects a majority of the retainage recorded at September 30, 2017 to be collected within one year.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the period reported. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The most significant estimates are related to estimates of costs to complete on contracts, pending change orders and claims, shared savings, insurance reserves, income tax reserves, estimates surrounding stock-based compensation, the recoverability of goodwill and intangibles and accounts receivable reserves.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recognized revenues of $6.5 million related to significant change orders and/or claims that had been included as contract price adjustments on certain contracts which are in the process of being negotiated in the normal course of business.

The percentage of completion method of accounting requires the Company to make estimates about the expected revenue and gross profit on each of its contracts in process. The estimates are reviewed and revised quarterly, as needed. During the three months ended September 30, 2017, changes in estimates pertaining to certain projects decreased consolidated gross margin by 0.9%, which resulted in decreases in operating income of $3.2 million, net income of $1.9 million and diluted earnings per common share of $0.12. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, changes in estimates pertaining to certain projects decreased consolidated gross margin by 0.7%, which resulted in decreases in operating income of $7.7 million, net income of $4.6 million and diluted earnings per common share of $0.28.

During the three months ended September 30, 2016, changes in estimates pertaining to certain projects increased consolidated gross margin by 0.7%, which resulted in increases in operating income of $2.0 million, net income of $1.2 million and diluted earnings per common share of $0.07. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, changes in estimates pertaining to certain projects decreased consolidated gross margin by 0.5%, which resulted in decreases in operating income of $3.6 million, net income of $2.2 million and diluted earnings per common share of $0.12.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Changes to U.S. GAAP are typically established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) in the form of accounting standards updates (“ASUs”) to the FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). The Company considers the applicability and impact of all ASUs. The Company, based on its assessment, determined that any recently issued or proposed ASUs not listed below are either not applicable to the Company or adoption will have minimal impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718). The amendments under this pronouncement made modifications to the accounting treatment for forfeitures, required withholding on stock compensation and the financial statement presentation of excess tax benefits or deficiencies and certain components of stock compensation. The standard was effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. On January 1, 2017, the Company adopted this ASU on a prospective basis except for forfeitures, which it adopted on a modified retrospective basis. The adoption of this ASU had the following impacts:

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill, through elimination of Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Instead, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. The update is effective for any annual or interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The guidance requires application on a prospective basis. The Company does not expect that this pronouncement will have a significant impact on its financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The update is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The guidance requires application on a prospective basis. The Company does not expect that this pronouncement will have a significant impact on its financial statements.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory, which modifies existing guidance and is intended to reduce the diversity in practice with respect to the accounting for income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets. This update requires entities to immediately recognize the tax consequences on intercompany asset transfers (excluding inventory) at the transaction date, and eliminates the recognition exception within current guidance. The update is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance requires application using a modified retrospective approach. The Company is evaluating the impact this pronouncement will have on its financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how eight specific transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. The update is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, provided that all of the amendments are adopted in the same period. The guidance requires application using a retrospective approach. The Company is evaluating the impact this update will have on its financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The amendments under this pronouncement will change the way all leases with durations of one year or more are treated. Under this guidance, lessees will be required to recognize virtually all leases on the balance sheet as a right-of-use asset and an associated financing lease liability or capital lease liability. The right-of-use asset represents the lessee’s right to use, or to control the use of, a specified asset for the specified lease term. The lease liability represents the lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease, measured on a discounted basis. Based on certain characteristics, leases are classified as financing leases or operating leases. Financing lease liabilities, which contain provisions similar to capitalized leases, are amortized like capital leases under current accounting, as amortization expense and interest expense in the statement of operations. Operating lease liabilities are amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease as lease expense in the statement of operations. This update is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company continues to evaluate the impact this pronouncement will have on its policies and procedures pertaining to its existing and future lease arrangements, disclosure requirements and on the Company’s financial statements. The Company expects most of its existing long-term operating lease commitments will be recognized as lease liabilities and right-of-use assets upon adoption.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The amendments under this pronouncement will change how an entity recognizes revenue from contracts it enters to transfer goods, services or nonfinancial assets to its customers. These changes created a comprehensive framework for all entities in all industries to apply in the determination of when to recognize revenue, and, therefore, supersede virtually all existing revenue recognition requirements and guidance. This framework is expected to result in less complex guidance in application while providing a consistent and comparable methodology for revenue recognition. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve that core principle, an entity should apply the following steps: Step 1: Identify the contract(s) with the customer; Step 2: Identify the performance obligations in the contract; Step 3: Determine the transaction price; Step 4: Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; Step 5: Recognize revenue when, or as, the entity satisfies the performance obligations. In addition, the amendments require expanded disclosure to enable the users of the financial statements to understand the nature, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flow arising from contracts with customers. On August 16, 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date by one year to December 15, 2017 for annual reporting periods beginning after that date, permitting early adoption of the standard, but not before the original effective date of December 15, 2016.

The Company plans to adopt the amendments under this ASU using the modified retrospective transition approach on January 1, 2018. Under the modified retrospective transition approach, the Company will recognize any changes from the beginning of the year of initial application through retained earnings with no restatement of comparative periods. While the Company is still evaluating the requirements of this update, it currently does not expect the update to materially affect its results of operations, financial position or cash flows. This preliminary conclusion is based on the Company’s belief that it will generally continue to recognize revenues from long-term service contracts over time as services are performed and the underlying obligation to the customer is fulfilled. The Company has identified and is in the process of implementing changes to its processes and internal controls to meet the reporting and disclosure requirements of this update.

2. Acquisition

Western Pacific Enterprises Ltd.

On October 28, 2016, the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Western Pacific Enterprises GP and of Western Pacific Enterprises Ltd., except for certain real estate owned by Western Pacific Enterprises Ltd., with the company continuing operations under the name Western Pacific Enterprises Ltd. (“WPE”), an electrical contracting firm in western Canada. With its main headquarters in Coquitlam, British Columbia, WPE provides a wide range of commercial and industrial electrical construction capabilities under the Company’s C&I segment. WPE also provides substation construction capabilities under the Company’s T&D segment. The total consideration paid was approximately $12.1 million, which was funded through borrowings from our line of credit. Total consideration paid included $2.2 million subject to potential net asset adjustments once finalized by the end of 2017 as stipulated in the purchase agreement. These net asset adjustments were approximately $0.8 million as of the October 28, 2016 closing date and as of September 30, 2017. The Company accounted for the net asset adjustments as a reduction to consideration paid which will be funded through the return of funds held in a $1.9 million escrow account, established at the time of purchase.

The purchase agreement also includes contingent consideration provisions for margin guarantee adjustments based upon performance subsequent to the acquisition on certain contracts. Changes in contingent consideration related to the margin guarantee adjustments on certain contracts of approximately $1.5 million was recorded in other expense and $0.2 million was recorded in other income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. Future margin guarantee adjustments, if any, are expected to be recognized in the fourth quarter of 2017 and in 2018. In the event these margin guarantee adjustments exceed the amounts remaining in escrow, the Company is entitled under the WPE purchase agreement to recourse against the sellers. The Company may incur losses to the extent any amounts in excess of the escrow are not recovered from the sellers in the WPE acquisition. The Company could also be required to make compensation payments contingent on the successful achievement of certain performance targets and continued employment of certain key executives of WPE. These payments are recognized as compensation expense in the consolidated statement of operations as incurred. The Company has recognized approximately $0.3 million of compensation expense associated with these contingent payments since the WPE acquisition.

The results of operations for WPE are included in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations and the C&I segment from the date of acquisition. Costs of approximately $0.4 million related to the acquisition were included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2016.

The following table summarizes the allocation of the opening balance sheet from the date of acquisition through September 30, 2017:

The Company has developed preliminary estimates of fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for the purposes of allocating the purchase price. Further adjustments are expected to the allocation as net asset adjustments are finalized. A portion of the goodwill is expected to be tax deductible per applicable Canadian Revenue Authority regulations. The Company expects to complete the purchase accounting in the fourth quarter of 2017.

3. Fair Value Measurements

The Company uses the three-tier hierarchy of fair value measurement, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value based upon their degree of availability in external active markets. These tiers include: Level 1 (the highest priority), defined as observable inputs, such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3 (the lowest priority), defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company determined that the carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximated fair value based on Level 1 inputs. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the fair values of the Company’s long-term debt and capital lease obligations were based on Level 2 inputs. The Company’s long-term debt was based on variable and fixed interest rates at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, for new issues with similar remaining maturities and approximated carrying value. In addition, based on borrowing rates currently available to the Company for borrowings with similar terms, the carrying values of the Company's capital lease obligations also approximated fair value.

4. Contracts in Process

The net asset position for contracts in process consisted of the following:

The net asset position for contracts in process included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets was as follows:

5. Debt

On June 30, 2016, the Company entered into a five-year amended and restated credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of banks led by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Bank of America, N.A. The Credit Agreement provides for a facility of $250 million (the “Facility”) that may be used for revolving loans and letters of credit. The Facility also allows for revolving loans and letters of credit in Canadian dollars and other currencies, up to the U.S. dollar equivalent of $50 million. The Company has an expansion option to increase the commitments under the Facility or enter into incremental term loans, subject to certain conditions, by up to an additional $100 million upon receipt of additional commitments from new or existing lenders. Subject to certain exceptions, the Facility is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and its domestic subsidiaries and by a pledge of substantially all of the capital stock of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries and 65% of the capital stock of the direct foreign subsidiaries of the Company. Additionally, subject to certain exceptions, the Company’s domestic subsidiaries also guarantee the repayment of all amounts due under the Credit Agreement. If an event of default occurs and is continuing, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement, amounts outstanding under the Facility may be accelerated and may become or be declared immediately due and payable. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement have been, and will be, used for refinancing existing debt, working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes.

Amounts borrowed under the Credit Agreement in U.S. dollars bear interest, at the Company’s option, at a rate equal to either (1) the Alternate Base Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement), plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.00% to 1.00%; or (2) the Adjusted LIBO Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.00% to 2.00%. Amounts borrowed under the Credit Agreement in any currency other than U.S. dollars bear interest at a rate equal to the Adjusted LIBO Rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.00% to 2.00%. The applicable margin is determined based on the Company’s consolidated Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement). Letters of credit issued under the Facility are subject to a letter of credit fee of 1.125% to 2.125% for standby or commercial letters of credit, or 0.625% to 1.125% for performance letters of credit, based on the Company’s consolidated Leverage Ratio. The Company is subject to a commitment fee of 0.20% to 0.375% based on the Company’s consolidated Leverage Ratio on any unused portion of the Facility. The Credit Agreement restricts certain types of payments when the Company’s consolidated Leverage Ratio exceeds 2.25. The weighted average interest rate on borrowings outstanding through September 30, 2017, was 2.00% per annum.

Under the Credit Agreement, the Company is subject to certain financial covenants and must maintain a maximum consolidated Leverage Ratio of 3.0 and a minimum interest coverage ratio of 3.0, which is defined in the Credit Agreement as Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement) divided by interest expense. The Credit Agreement also contains a number of covenants including limitations on asset sales, investments, indebtedness and liens. In connection with any permitted acquisition where the total consideration exceeds $50 million, the Company may request that the maximum permitted consolidated Leverage Ratio increase from 3.0 to 3.5. Any such increase, if given effect, shall begin in the quarter in which such permitted acquisition is consummated and shall continue in effect for four consecutive fiscal quarters. The Company was in compliance with all of its covenants under the Credit Agreement as of September 30, 2017.

The amount outstanding under the Facility as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, was $79.5 million and $59.1 million, respectively.

As of September 30, 2017, the Company had irrevocable standby letters of credit outstanding under the Facility of approximately $20.9 million, including $17.6 million related to the Company’s payment obligation under its insurance programs and approximately $3.3 million related to contract performance obligations. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had irrevocable standby letters of credit outstanding under the Facility of approximately $23.7 million, including $17.6 million related to the Company’s payment obligation under its insurance programs and approximately $6.1 million related to contract performance obligations.

The Company has remaining deferred debt issuance costs totaling $0.8 million as of September 30, 2017, related to entry into the Credit Agreement. As permitted under ASU No. 2015-15, Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements (Topic 835), debt issuance costs have been deferred and are presented as an asset within other assets, which is amortized as interest expense over the term of the Facility.

6. Income Taxes

The U.S. federal statutory tax rate is 35%. The Company’s effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 were 44.8% and 45.6%, respectively, of pretax income, compared to the effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 of 40.4% and 39.1%, respectively.

The difference between the U.S. federal statutory tax rate and the Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was primarily caused by the inability to utilize losses experienced in certain Canadian operations. The difference between the U.S. federal statutory tax rate and the Company’s effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was caused by the inability to utilize losses experienced in certain Canadian operations, partially offset by excess tax benefits of approximately $1.0 million pertaining to the vesting of stock awards and the exercise of stock options.

The difference between the U.S. federal statutory tax rate and the Company’s effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was principally due to state income taxes.

The Company had unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $0.3 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, which were included in other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax liabilities as a component of income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations. The amount of interest and penalties charged to income tax expense because of the unrecognized tax benefits was not significant for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

The Company is subject to taxation in various jurisdictions. The Company’s tax returns for 2015 and 2016 are subject to examination by U.S. federal authorities. The Company’s tax returns are subject to examination by various state authorities for the years 2012 through 2016.

7. Commitments and Contingencies

Purchase Commitments

As of September 30, 2017, the Company had approximately $10.2 million in outstanding purchase orders for certain construction equipment, with cash outlay scheduled to occur over the next six months.

Insurance and Claims Accruals

The Company carries insurance policies, which are subject to certain deductibles, for workers’ compensation, general liability, automobile liability and other coverages. The deductible per occurrence for each line of coverage is up to $1.0 million. The Company’s health benefit plans are subject to a deductible up to $0.2 million for qualified individuals. Losses up to the deductible amounts are accrued based upon the Company’s estimates of the ultimate liability for claims reported and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported.

The insurance and claims accruals are based on known facts, actuarial estimates and historical trends. While recorded accruals are based on the ultimate liability, which includes amounts in excess of the deductible, a corresponding receivable for amounts in excess of the deductible is included in current and long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

Performance and Payment Bonds and Parent Guarantees

In certain circumstances, the Company is required to provide performance and payment bonds in connection with its future performance on certain contractual commitments. The Company has indemnified its sureties for any expenses paid out under these bonds. As of September 30, 2017, an aggregate of approximately $410.9 million in original face amount of bonds issued by the Company’s sureties were outstanding. Our estimated remaining cost to complete these bonded projects was approximately $21.8 million as of September 30, 2017.

From time to time the Company guarantees the obligations of wholly owned subsidiaries, including obligations under certain contracts with customers, certain lease agreements, and, in some states, obligations in connection with obtaining contractors’ licenses. Additionally, from time to time the Company is required to post letters of credit to guarantee the obligations of wholly owned subsidiaries, which reduces the borrowing availability under the Facility.

Indemnities

From time to time, pursuant to its service arrangements, the Company indemnifies its customers for claims related to the services it provides under those service arrangements. These indemnification obligations may subject the Company to indemnity claims and liabilities and related litigation. The Company is not aware of any material unrecorded liabilities for asserted claims in connection with these indemnification obligations.

Collective Bargaining Agreements

 Many of the Company’s subsidiaries’ craft labor employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements. The agreements require the subsidiaries to pay specified wages, provide certain benefits and contribute certain amounts to multi-employer pension plans. If a subsidiary withdraws from any of the multi-employer pension plans or if the plans were to otherwise become underfunded, the subsidiary could incur liabilities for additional contributions related to these plans. Although the Company has been informed that the underfunding of some of the multi-employer pension plans to which its subsidiaries contribute have been classified as “critical” status, the Company is not currently aware of any potential liabilities related to this issue.

Litigation and Other Legal Matters

The Company is from time-to-time party to various lawsuits, claims, and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. These actions typically seek, among other things, compensation for alleged personal injury, breach of contract, property damages, punitive damages, civil penalties or other losses, or injunctive or declaratory relief.

The Company is routinely subject to other civil claims, litigation and arbitration, and regulatory investigations arising in the ordinary course of our business, as well as in respect of our divested businesses. These claims, lawsuits and other proceedings include claims related to the Company’s current services and operations, as well as our historic operations.

With respect to all such lawsuits, claims and proceedings, the Company records reserves when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company does not believe that any of these proceedings, separately or in the aggregate, would be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

8. Lease Obligations

From time to time, the Company enters into leasing arrangements for real estate, vehicles and construction equipment. Some of the leases entered into under these agreements were recorded as capital leases while others were treated as operating leases. As of September 30, 2017, the Company had no outstanding commitments to enter into future leases under its master lease agreements.

Capital Leases

The Company leases some vehicles and equipment under capital leases. The economic substance of the leases is a financing transaction for acquisition of the vehicles and equipment. Accordingly, these leases are included in the balance sheets in property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, with a corresponding amount recorded in current portion of capital lease obligations or capital lease obligations, net of current maturities, as appropriate. The capital lease assets are amortized over the life of the lease or, if shorter, the life of the leased asset, on a straight-line basis and included in depreciation expense in the statements of operations. The interest associated with capital lease obligations is included in interest expense in the statements of operations.

As of September 30, 2017, the Company had approximately $4.1 million of capital lease obligations outstanding, $1.1 million of which was classified as a current liability. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had approximately $4.9 million of capital lease obligations outstanding, $1.1 million of which was classified as a current liability.

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, $4.1 million and $5.0 million, respectively, of leased assets were capitalized in construction equipment, net of accumulated depreciation.

Operating Leases

The Company, from time to time, leases real estate, construction equipment and office equipment under operating leases with remaining terms ranging from one to twelve years.

Future Minimum Lease Payments

The future minimum lease payments required under capital leases and operating leases, together with the present value of capital leases, as of September 30, 2017 were as follows:

9. Stock-Based Compensation

The Company maintains two equity compensation plans under which stock-based compensation has been granted; the 2017 Long-Term Incentive Plan, (the “LTIP”) and the 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”). Upon the adoption of the LTIP during the second quarter of 2017, awards were no longer granted under the 2007 Plan. The LTIP provides for grants of (a) incentive stock options qualified as such under U.S. federal income tax laws, (b) stock options that do not qualify as incentive stock options, (c) stock appreciation rights, (d) restricted stock awards, (e) restricted stock units, (f) performance share awards, (g) phantom stock, (h) stock bonuses, (i) dividend equivalents, and (j) any combination of such awards.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company granted 43,972 shares of restricted stock under the 2007 Plan, which vest ratably over three years, at a weighted average grant date fair value of $39.52. Additionally, 96,524 shares of restricted stock vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, at a weighted average grant date fair value of $25.13.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company granted 22,380 restricted stock units under the LTIP, which vest ratably over three years, at a weighted average grant date fair value of $33.50. Additionally, 3,250 shares of phantom stock vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, at a weighted average grant date fair value of $26.92.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company granted 47,454 performance share awards under the 2007 Plan, at target, which cliff vest on December 31, 2019, at a weighted average grant date fair value of $47.12. The number of shares actually earned under a performance award may vary from zero to 200% of the target shares awarded, based upon the Company’s performance compared to certain metrics. The metrics used were determined at grant by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors and were either based on internal measures, such as the Company’s financial performance compared to target, or on a market-based metric, such as the Company’s stock performance compared to a peer group. Performance awards cliff vest upon attainment of the stated performance targets and minimum service requirements and are paid in common shares of the Company’s stock.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, plan participants exercised 73,297 stock options with a weighted average exercise price of $15.65.

The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock awards, phantom stock awards and restricted stock units based on the grant date fair value, which was the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. The fair value is expensed over the service period of 3.0 years. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense related to market-based performance awards based on the grant date fair value, which is computed using a Monte Carlo simulation. The fair value is expensed over the service period, which is approximately 2.8 years. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense related to internal measure-based performance awards based on the grant date fair value, which was the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. The fair value is expensed over the service period of approximately 2.8 years, and the Company adjusts the stock-based compensation expense related to internal metric-based performance awards according to its determination of the potential achievement of the performance target at each reporting date. The fair value of restricted stock units granted to directors in 2017 and restricted stock awards and phantom stock granted to directors in 2016 was expensed on the date of the grant because the award agreements contain provisions which call for the vesting of all shares awarded upon change in control or resignation from the board for any reason except breach of fiduciary duty.

The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718) on January 1, 2017. See Note 1 to the Financial Statements for further information regarding ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718).

10. Segment Information

MYR Group is a holding company with subsidiaries that are specialty electrical contractors that serve the United States and Canadian electrical infrastructure markets. The Company has two reporting segments, each a separate operating segment, which are referred to as T&D and C&I. Performance measurement and resource allocation for the reporting segments are based on many factors. The primary financial measures used to evaluate the segment information are contract revenues and income from operations, excluding general corporate expenses. General corporate expenses include corporate facility and staffing costs, safety costs, professional fees and management fees. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Transmission and Distribution: The T&D segment provides a broad range of services on electric transmission and distribution networks and on substation facilities which include design, engineering, procurement, construction, upgrade, maintenance and repair services with a particular focus on construction, maintenance and repair. T&D services include the construction and maintenance of high voltage transmission lines, substations and lower voltage underground and overhead distribution systems. The T&D segment also provides emergency restoration services in response to hurricane, ice or other storm-related damage. T&D customers include investor-owned utilities, cooperatives, private developers, government-funded utilities, independent power producers, independent transmission companies, industrial facility owners and other contractors throughout the United States and parts of Canada.

Commercial and Industrial: The C&I segment provides services such as the design, installation, maintenance and repair of commercial and industrial wiring, installation of traffic networks and the installation of bridge, roadway and tunnel lighting. Typical C&I contracts cover electrical contracting services for airports, hospitals, data centers, hotels, stadiums, convention centers, manufacturing plants, processing facilities, waste-water treatment facilities, mining facilities and transportation control and management systems. C&I segment services are generally performed in the western and northeastern United States and in western Canada. The C&I segment generally provides electric construction and maintenance services as a subcontractor to general contractors in the C&I industry, but also contracts directly with facility owners. The C&I segment has a diverse customer base with many long-standing relationships.

The information in the following table is derived from the segment’s internal financial reports used for corporate management purposes:

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, contract revenues attributable to the Company’s Canadian operations were $25.4 million and $61.8 million, respectively, predominantly in the C&I segment. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, contract revenues attributable to the Company’s Canadian operations were $9.4 million and $15.9 million, respectively, predominantly in the T&D segment.

11. Earnings Per Share

The Company computes earnings per share using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net income available to shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, and diluted earnings per share are computed by dividing net income available to shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus all potentially dilutive common stock equivalents, except in cases where the effect of the common stock equivalent would be anti-dilutive.

Net income available to common shareholders and the weighted average number of common shares used to compute basic and diluted earnings per share were as follows:

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, certain common stock equivalents were excluded from the calculation of dilutive securities because their inclusion would either have been anti-dilutive or, for stock options, the exercise prices of those stock options were greater than the average market price of the Company’s common stock for the period. All of the Company’s non-participating unvested restricted shares were included in the computation of weighted average dilutive securities.

The following table summarizes the shares of common stock underlying the Company’s unvested stock options and performance awards that were excluded from the calculation of dilutive securities:

Share Repurchases

On July 27, 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a $20.0 million share repurchase program that began when the previous share repurchase program expired on August 15, 2017. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company repurchased 92,987 shares of its common stock at a weighted-average price of $32.90 per share; 35,338 of those shares were purchased under its share repurchase programs for approximately $0.8 million, of which 4,500 shares were purchased under our $20.0 million program that expired on August 15, 2017, and 30,838 shares were purchased under the new program that started on August 16, 2017. Additionally, the Company repurchased 57,649 shares of stock, for approximately $2.2 million, from its employees to satisfy tax obligations on shares vested under the LTIP. All of the shares repurchased were retired and returned to authorized but unissued stock. As of September 30, 2017, the Company had $19.3 million of remaining availability to purchase shares under the current share repurchase program, which continues in effect until August 15, 2018, or until the authorized funds are exhausted.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (the “2016 Annual Report”). In addition to historical information, this discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from management’s expectations. Factors that could cause such differences are discussed herein under the captions “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements and Information” and “Risk Factors,” as well as in the 2016 Annual Report. We assume no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements.

Overview and Outlook

We are a holding company with subsidiaries that are leading specialty contractors serving the electrical infrastructure market. We manage and report our operations through two industry segments: Transmission and Distribution (“T&D”) and Commercial and Industrial (“C&I”). We have operated in the T&D industry since 1891. We are one of the largest contractors servicing the T&D sector of the electric utility industry in the United States and are expanding our T&D services into Canada. Our T&D customers include many of the leading companies in the industry. Our C&I electrical contracting services have operated since 1912. We provide C&I services to general contractors, commercial and industrial facility owners, local governments and developers in the western and northern United States and western Canada.

We had consolidated revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 of $1.03 billion, of which 63.3% was attributable to our T&D customers and 36.7% was attributable to our C&I customers. Our consolidated revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 were $798.8 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, our net income and EBITDA (1) were $7.6 million and $45.2 million, respectively, compared to $13.6 million and $52.7 million, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

We benefited from increases in transmission projects spending throughout the last several years despite economic and political uncertainty and we believe there is an ongoing need for utilities to sustain investment in their transmission systems to maintain reliability and capacity. Consequently, we believe we will continue to see significant bidding activity on large transmission projects through the remainder of this year as well as in 2018. The timing of multi-year transmission project awards and substantial construction activity is difficult to predict due to regulatory requirements and right-of-way permits needed to commence construction. Significant construction on any large, multi-year projects awarded this year will not likely occur until 2018. Bidding and construction activity for small to medium-size transmission projects and upgrades remains strong, and we expect this trend to continue, primarily due to electric infrastructure reliability and economic drivers. Competition and the unpredictability of awards in the transmission market may impact our ability to maintain adequate utilization of equipment and manpower resources, which is important to maintaining contract margins. In addition, project execution, adverse weather and project delays, among other factors, have impacted our margins in the past and could affect our margins in the future. We believe that spending by clients on their distribution systems is generally improving; however, this spending can be highly variable from quarter to quarter in response to weather, client budget constraints and regulatory pressures. Contract margins and fleet billing rates are generally lower in our distribution business than what we realize in our transmission business.

We expect to see increased bidding opportunities in our C&I segment throughout the remainder of this year. We expect the long-term growth in our C&I segment to generally track the economic growth of the regions we serve and benefit to the extent economic conditions continue to improve in the markets we serve. We also expect to see increased bidding opportunities in the new C&I markets we recently entered through strategic acquisitions and organic expansions.

We strive to maintain our status as a preferred provider to our T&D and C&I customers. We continue to implement a three-pronged strategy of organic growth, strategic acquisitions that further expand our capabilities and prudent capital returns as further described below.

Organic Growth We continue to evaluate opportunities to expand our operations into new markets in the United States and Canada. We expanded our C&I services in California during 2016 and 2017 and in Utah during 2017, while continuing to support previous growth areas.

Strategic Acquisitions On October 28, 2016, we acquired substantially all of the assets of Western Pacific Enterprises (“WPE”), which expanded our C&I operations and enhanced our T&D presence in western Canada. We continue to look for acquisition opportunities that are compatible with our culture while enhancing shareholder value.

Prudent Capital Returns Under our share repurchase programs, we have repurchased a total of 6,060,316 shares of our common stock for an average share price of $23.64 per share. On July 27, 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a $20.0 million share repurchase program that began when the previous share repurchase program expired on August 15, 2017. As of September 30, 2017, we had $19.3 million of remaining availability to purchase shares under the program, which continues in effect until August 15, 2018, or until the authorized funds are exhausted.

We continue to invest in developing key management and craft personnel in both our T&D and C&I markets and in procuring the specialty equipment and tooling needed to win and execute projects of all sizes and complexity. We ended the third quarter of 2017 with $149.6 million available under our credit facility. We believe that our financial position and operational strengths will enable us to manage the current challenges and uncertainties in the markets we serve and give us the flexibility to successfully execute our three-pronged strategy.

Backlog

We define backlog as our estimated revenue on uncompleted contracts, including the amount of revenue on contracts for which work has not begun, less the revenue we have recognized under these contracts. A customer’s intention to award us work under a fixed-price contract is not included in backlog unless there is an actual award to perform a specific scope of work at specific terms and pricing. For many of our unit-price, time-and-equipment, time-and-materials and cost plus contracts we only include projected revenue for a three-month period in the calculation of backlog, although these types of contracts are generally awarded as part of master service agreements that typically have a one-year to three-year duration from execution. Backlog may not accurately represent the revenues that we expect to realize during any particular period. Several factors such as the timing of contract awards, the type and duration of contracts, and the mix of subcontractor and material costs in our projects can impact our backlog at any point in time. Some of our revenue does not appear in our periodic backlog reporting because the award of the project, as well as the execution of the work, may all take place within the period. Our backlog only includes projects that have a signed contract or an agreed upon work order to perform work on mutually accepted terms and conditions. Backlog should not be relied upon as a stand-alone indicator of future events.

Our backlog was $701.7 million at September 30, 2017, compared to $632.5 million at June 30, 2017 and $620.6 million at September 30, 2016. Our backlog at September 30, 2017 increased $69.2 million, or 10.9%, from June 30, 2017. Backlog in the T&D segment increased $18.6 million and C&I backlog increased $50.6 million compared to June 30, 2017. The increase in backlog does not include any amount related to the previously announced Denver Central 70 Project. We expect this project to be added to backlog during 2018.

The following table summarizes that amount of our backlog that we believe to be firm as of the dates shown and the amount of our current backlog that we reasonably estimate will not be recognized within the next twelve months:

Project Bonding Requirements and Parent Guarantees

A substantial portion of our business requires performance and payment bonds or other means of financial assurance to secure contractual performance. These bonds are typically issued at the face value of the contract awarded. If we fail to perform or pay our subcontractors or vendors, the customer may demand that the surety provide services or make payments under the bond. In such a case, we would likely be required to reimburse the surety for any expenses or outlays it incurs. To date, we have not been required to make any reimbursements to our sureties for claims against our surety bonds. As of September, 2017, we had approximately $410.9 million in original face amount of surety bonds outstanding. Our estimated remaining cost to complete these bonded projects was approximately $21.8 million as of September 30, 2017.

From time to time we guarantee the obligations of our wholly owned subsidiaries, including obligations under certain contracts with customers, certain lease agreements, and, in some states, obligations in connection with obtaining contractors’ licenses. Additionally, from time to time we are required to post letters of credit to guarantee the obligations of our wholly owned subsidiaries, which reduces the borrowing availability under our credit facility.

Consolidated Results of Operations

The following table sets forth selected consolidated statements of operations data and such data as a percentage of revenues for the periods indicated:

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

Revenues.  Revenues increased $90.2 million, or 31.9%, to $373.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 from $283.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The increase was primarily due to increased spending from existing C&I customers, the WPE acquisition in late 2016 and an increase in distribution projects.

Gross margin. Gross margin decreased to 9.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 from 12.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease in gross margin was primarily due to lower margins on certain T&D projects due to weather and lower productivity, as well as project delays and schedule extensions related to a T&D project in Canada. Margins were also negatively impacted by costs associated with organic and acquisition growth. Changes in estimates of gross profit on certain projects, including those discussed above, resulted in a gross margin decrease of 0.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Gross margin increased 0.7% due to changes in estimates of gross profit on certain projects for the three months ended September 30, 2016.

Gross profit. Gross profit increased $0.8 million, or 2.3%, to $34.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 from $34.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, due to higher revenue, partially offset by lower overall gross margin.

Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) of $23.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 increased $0.6 million from $23.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to $1.4 million of costs associated with our expansion into new geographic markets and higher payroll costs to support operations, largely offset by lower bonus and profit sharing costs. As a percentage of revenues, SG&A decreased to 6.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 from 8.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2016.

Gain on sale of property and equipment. Gains from the sale of property and equipment for the three months ended September 30, 2017 were $0.6 million compared to $0.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. Gains from the sale of property and equipment are attributable to routine sales of property and equipment no longer useful or valuable to our ongoing operations.

Interest expense. Interest expense was $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. This increase was primarily attributable to the amount and length of time borrowings under our line of credit were outstanding during the three months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016.

Other expense. Other expense was $1.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to other expense of $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The change was primarily attributable to $1.5 million of contingent consideration related to margin guarantees recognized on certain contracts associated with the acquisition of WPE, of which $0.8 million related to adjustments to amounts recognized in the prior periods.

Income tax expense. The income tax provision was $4.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, with an effective tax rate of 44.8%, compared to a provision of $4.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, with an effective tax rate of 40.4%. The increase in the tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was primarily caused by our inability to utilize losses experienced in certain Canadian operations.

Net income. Net income decreased to $5.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 from $6.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease was primarily for the reasons stated earlier.

Segment Results

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, statements of operations data by segment, segment net sales as percentage of total net sales and segment operating income as a percentage of segment net sales:

Transmission & Distribution

Revenues for our T&D segment for the three months ended September 30, 2017 were $216.0 million compared to $206.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, an increase of $9.6 million, or 4.6%. The increase in revenue was primarily due to an increase in distribution projects.

Revenues from transmission projects represented 66.6% and 71.9% of T&D segment revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Additionally, for the three months ended September 30, 2017, measured by revenue in our T&D segment, we provided 30.5% of our T&D services under fixed-price contracts, as compared to 60.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2016.

Operating income for our T&D segment for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was $9.3 million, a decrease of $5.3 million from the three months ended September 30, 2016. The decline in T&D operating income was primarily due to lower margins on certain T&D projects due to weather and lower productivity, as well as project delays and schedule extensions related to a T&D project in Canada. As a percentage of revenues, operating income for our T&D segment was 4.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to 7.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2016.

Commercial & Industrial

Revenues for our C&I segment for the three months ended September 30, 2017 were $157.5 million compared to $76.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, an increase of $80.7 million, or 105.1%, primarily due to increased spending from existing customers and the WPE acquisition in late 2016.

Measured by revenue in our C&I segment, we provided 55.8% of our services under fixed-price contracts for the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared to 53.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2016.

Operating income for our C&I segment for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was $10.5 million, an increase of $5.5 million over the three months ended September 30, 2016. The year-over-year increase in operating income was primarily attributable to higher revenue, which was partially offset by costs associated with organic and acquisition growth. As a percentage of revenues, operating income for our C&I segment was 6.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to 6.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2016.

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

Revenues. Revenues increased $231.0 million, or 28.9%, to $1.03 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 from $798.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase was primarily due to increased spending from existing C&I customers, the WPE acquisition in late 2016, higher revenue from large transmission projects and an increase in distribution projects.

Gross margin. Gross margin decreased to 8.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 from 11.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease in gross margin was primarily due to write-downs on three projects. Two projects in the Midwest U.S. were significantly impacted by weather resulting in unbudgeted costs associated with right-of-way access, lower productivity and increased road damage and repair requirements. As a result, we wrote down $4.1 million for these projects in the first nine months of 2017. One T&D project in Canada experienced cost impacts mainly associated with project delays and schedule extensions. Although we are working with our client to recover these costs, we have not recognized all of the revenues relating to various pending project claims and change orders, which resulted in write-downs on this project of $3.3 million. A higher mix of smaller, shorter duration T&D work also impacted margins for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The shift in the mix of work also caused a decline in our fleet utilization and increased mobilization and demobilization costs. Margins were also impacted by costs associated with organic and acquisition growth. These impacts were partially offset by settlements related to previously unrecognized revenues on a project claim and pending change orders. Changes in estimates of gross profit on certain projects, including those discussed above, resulted in a gross margin decrease of 0.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Gross margin decreased 0.5% due to changes in estimates of gross profit on certain projects for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Gross profit. Gross profit decreased $4.7 million, or 5.0%, to $88.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 from $92.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 due to lower overall gross margin, partially offset by higher revenue.

Selling, general and administrative expenses. SG&A of $74.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased $5.0 million from $69.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to $6.6 million of costs associated with our expansion into new geographic markets and higher payroll costs to support operations, partially offset by lower bonus and profit sharing costs. Additionally, $1.0 million of costs associated with activist investor activities were incurred in the nine months ended September 30, 2016. As a percentage of revenues, SG&A decreased to 7.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 from 8.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Gain on sale of property and equipment. Gains from the sale of property and equipment for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were $2.6 million compared to $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Gains from the sale of property and equipment are attributable to routine sales of property and equipment no longer useful or valuable to our ongoing operations.

Interest expense. Interest expense was $1.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $0.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. This increase was primarily attributable to the amount and length of time borrowings under our line of credit were outstanding during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Other income (expense). Other income was $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to other expense of $0.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The change was in part attributable to $0.2 million of contingent consideration related to margin guarantees recognized on certain contracts associated with the acquisition of WPE.

Income tax expense. The income tax provision was $6.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 with an effective tax rate of 45.6%, compared to a provision of $8.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 with an effective tax rate of 39.1%. The increase in the tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was primarily caused by our inability to utilize losses experienced in certain Canadian operations, partially offset by excess tax benefits of approximately $1.0 million pertaining to the vesting of stock awards and the exercise of stock options.

Net income. Net income decreased to $7.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 from $13.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease was primarily for the reasons stated earlier.

Segment Results

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, statements of operations data by segment, segment net sales as percentage of total net sales and segment operating income as a percentage of segment net sales:

Transmission & Distribution

Revenues for our T&D segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were $651.5 million compared to $568.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, an increase of $83.5 million, or 14.7%. The increase in revenue was primarily due to higher revenue from large transmission projects and an increase in distribution projects.

Revenues from transmission projects represented 70.0% and 74.6% of T&D segment revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Additionally, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, measured by revenue in our T&D segment, we provided 30.0% of our T&D services under fixed-price contracts, as compared to 58.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Operating income for our T&D segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $22.5 million, a decrease of $18.3 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The decline in T&D operating income was primarily due to lower margins caused by write-downs experienced on two projects in the Midwest U.S. and on one project in Canada. Margins were also impacted by a higher mix of smaller, shorter duration work. The shift in the mix of work also caused a decline in our fleet utilization and increased mobilization and demobilization costs. As a percentage of revenues, operating income for our T&D segment was 3.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to 7.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Commercial & Industrial

Revenues for our C&I segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were $378.3 million compared to $230.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, an increase of $147.5 million, or 63.9%, primarily due to increased spending from existing customers and the WPE acquisition in late 2016.

Measured by revenue in our C&I segment, we provided 58.1% of our services under fixed-price contracts for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to 62.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Operating income for our C&I segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $19.7 million, an increase of $10.1 million over the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The year-over-year increase in operating income was primarily attributable to higher revenue from large projects, the settlement of a project claim that was previously not recognized in revenue and improved productivity on certain jobs. These were partially offset by costs associated with organic and acquisition growth. As a percentage of revenues, operating income for our C&I segment was 5.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to 4.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Non-GAAP Measure—EBITDA

We define EBITDA, a performance measure used by management, as net income plus: interest income and expense, provision for income taxes and depreciation and amortization, as shown in the following table. EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, does not purport to be an alternative to net income as a measure of operating performance or to net cash flows provided by operating activities as a measure of liquidity. Because not all companies use identical calculations, this presentation of EBITDA may not be comparable to other similarly-titled measures of other companies. We use, and we believe investors benefit from the presentation of, EBITDA in evaluating our operating performance because it provides us and our investors with an additional tool to compare our operating performance on a consistent basis by removing the impact of certain items that management believes do not directly reflect our core operations. We believe that EBITDA is useful to investors and other external users of our financial statements in evaluating our operating performance and cash flow because EBITDA is widely used by investors to measure a company’s operating performance without regard to items such as interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization, which can vary substantially from company to company depending upon accounting methods and book value of assets, book lives placed on assets, capital structure and the method by which assets were acquired.

Using EBITDA as a performance measure has material limitations as compared to net income, or other financial measures as defined under U.S. GAAP, as it excludes certain recurring items that may be meaningful to investors. EBITDA excludes interest expense or interest income; however, as we have borrowed money to finance transactions and operations, or invested available cash to generate interest income, interest expense and interest income are elements of our cost structure and can affect our ability to generate revenue and returns for our stockholders. Further, EBITDA excludes depreciation and amortization; however, as we use capital and intangible assets to generate revenues, depreciation and amortization are a necessary element of our costs and ability to generate revenue. Finally, EBITDA excludes income taxes; however, as we are organized as a corporation, the payment of taxes is a necessary element of our operations. As a result of these exclusions from EBITDA, any measure that excludes interest expense, interest income, depreciation and amortization and income taxes has material limitations as compared to net income. When using EBITDA as a performance measure, management compensates for these limitations by comparing EBITDA to net income in each period to allow for the comparison of the performance of the underlying core operations with the overall performance of the company on a full-cost, after tax basis. Using both EBITDA and net income to evaluate the business allows management and investors to (a) assess our relative performance against our competitors and (b) monitor our capacity to generate returns for our stockholders.

The following table provides a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA:

We also use EBITDA as a liquidity measure. Certain material covenants contained within our credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) are based on EBITDA. Non-compliance with these financial covenants under the Credit Agreement—our interest coverage ratio, which is defined in the Credit Agreement as Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement) divided by interest expense and our Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement)—could result in our lenders requiring us to immediately repay all amounts borrowed. If we anticipated a potential covenant violation, we would seek relief from our lenders, likely causing us to incur additional cost, and such relief might not be available, or if available, might not be on terms as favorable as those in the Credit Agreement. In addition, if we cannot satisfy these financial covenants, we would be prohibited under the Credit Agreement from engaging in certain activities, such as incurring additional indebtedness, making certain payments, and acquiring or disposing of assets. Based on the information above, management believes that the presentation of EBITDA as a liquidity measure is useful to investors and relevant to their assessment of our capacity to service or incur debt, fund capital expenditures, finance acquisitions and expand our operations.

The following table provides a reconciliation of net cash flows provided by operating activities to EBITDA:

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of September 30, 2017, we had working capital of $179.8 million. We define working capital as current assets less current liabilities. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, operating activities of our business used net cash of $21.8 million, compared to $40.5 million of cash provided for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Cash flow from operations is primarily influenced by demand for our services, operating margins, timing of contract performance and the type of services we provide to our customers. Net cash used or provided by operating activities is driven by our net income adjusted for changes in operating assets and liabilities and non-cash items including, but not limited to, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, deferred income taxes, and the gain on sale of property and equipment. The $62.3 million year-over-year decline in net cash from operating activities was primarily due to unfavorable changes in operating assets and liabilities of $55.7 million and a decrease of $6.1 million in net income, partly offset by a $1.5 million increase in gain on sale of equipment. The unfavorable change in operating assets and liabilities was primarily due to less cash provided by accounts receivable in the first nine months of 2017, mainly due to an increase in volume and the timing of billings and collections. Additionally, our receivable collections in the first nine months of 2016 benefited from improved billing and collection procedures for several of our clients. We also experienced a decrease in other liabilities due to lower bonus and profit sharing accruals.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we used net cash in investing activities of $22.1 million, consisting of $24.9 million for capital expenditures, partially offset by $2.8 million of proceeds from the sale of equipment.

In the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we had net cash provided of $21.4 million in financing activities, consisting primarily of $20.4 million of borrowings under our revolving lines of credit, $3.7 million of other financing activities partially offset by $3.0 million of share repurchases. The $3.0 million of cash used to purchase shares of our common stock consisted of $2.2 million to purchase shares surrendered by employees to satisfy employee tax obligations under our stock compensation program and $0.8 million purchased under our share repurchase program.

We anticipate that our $149.6 million borrowing availability under our credit facility and future cash flow from operations will provide sufficient cash to enable us to meet our future operating needs, debt service requirements, capital expenditures, acquisition and joint venture opportunities, and share repurchases. Although we believe that we have adequate cash and borrowing capacity to meet our liquidity needs, any large projects or acquisitions may require additional capital.

We have not historically paid dividends and currently do not expect to pay dividends.

Debt Instruments

On June 30, 2016, we entered into a five-year amended and restated Credit Agreement with a syndicate of banks led by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Bank of America, N.A. The Credit Agreement provides for a facility of $250 million (the “Facility”) that may be used for revolving loans and letters of credit. The Facility also allows for revolving loans and letters of credit in Canadian dollars and other currencies, up to the U.S. dollar equivalent of $50 million. We have an expansion option to increase the commitments under the Facility or enter into incremental term loans, subject to certain conditions, by up to an additional $100 million upon receipt of additional commitments from new or existing lenders. Subject to certain exceptions, the Facility is secured by substantially all of our assets and the assets of our domestic subsidiaries and by a pledge of substantially all of the capital stock of our domestic subsidiaries and 65% of the capital stock of our direct foreign subsidiaries. Additionally, subject to certain exceptions, our domestic subsidiaries also guarantee the repayment of all amounts due under the Credit Agreement. If an event of default occurs and is continuing, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement, amounts outstanding under the Facility may be accelerated and may become or be declared immediately due and payable. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement were, and will be, used for refinancing existing debt, working capital, capital expenditures, stock repurchases, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes.

Amounts borrowed under the Credit Agreement in U.S. dollars bear interest, at our option, at a rate equal to either (1) the Alternate Base Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement), plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.00% to 1.00%; or (2) the Adjusted LIBO Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.00% to 2.00%. Amounts borrowed under the Credit Agreement in any currency other than U.S. dollars bear interest at a rate equal to the Adjusted LIBO Rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.00% to 2.00%. The applicable margin is determined based on our consolidated Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement). Letters of credit issued under the Facility are subject to a letter of credit fee of 1.125% to 2.125% for standby or commercial letters of credit, or 0.625% to 1.125% for performance letters of credit, based on the our consolidated Leverage Ratio. We are subject to a commitment fee of 0.20% to 0.375% based on our consolidated Leverage Ratio on any unused portion of the Facility. The Credit Agreement restricts certain types of payments when our consolidated Leverage Ratio exceeds 2.25.

Under the Credit Agreement, we are subject to certain financial covenants and must maintain a maximum consolidated Leverage Ratio of 3.0 and a minimum interest coverage ratio of 3.0, which is defined in the Credit Agreement as Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement) divided by interest expense. The Credit Agreement also contains a number of covenants, including limitations on asset sales, investments, indebtedness and liens. In connection with any permitted acquisition where the total consideration exceeds $50 million, we may request that the maximum permitted consolidated Leverage Ratio increase from 3.0 to 3.5. Any such increase, if given effect, shall begin in the quarter in which such permitted acquisition is consummated and shall continue in effect for four consecutive fiscal quarters. We were in compliance with all of the covenants under the Credit Agreement as of September 30, 2017.

As of September 30, 2017, we had $79.5 million of debt outstanding under the Facility and irrevocable standby letters of credit outstanding of approximately $20.9 million. As of December 31, 2016, we had $59.1 million of debt outstanding under the Facility and irrevocable standby letters of credit outstanding of approximately $23.7 million.

Off-Balance Sheet Transactions

As is common in our industry, we enter into certain off-balance sheet arrangements in the ordinary course of business that result in risks not directly reflected on our balance sheets. Our significant off-balance sheet transactions, such as liabilities associated with non-cancelable operating leases, letter of credit obligations and surety guarantees related to performance bonds, could be entered into in the normal course of business. We have not engaged in any off-balance sheet financing arrangements through special purpose entities.

For a discussion regarding off-balance sheet transactions, refer to Note 7, “Commitments and Contingencies” in the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Concentration of Credit Risk

We grant trade credit under normal payment terms, generally without collateral, to our customers, which include high credit quality electric utilities, governmental entities, general contractors and builders, owners and managers of commercial and industrial properties located in the United States. Consequently, we are subject to potential credit risk related to changes in business and economic factors throughout the United States. However, we generally have certain statutory lien rights with respect to services provided. Under certain circumstances such as foreclosures or negotiated settlements, we may take title to the underlying assets in lieu of cash in settlement of receivables. As of September 30, 2017 and 2016, none of our customers individually exceeded 10.0% of consolidated accounts receivable. Management believes the terms and conditions in its contracts, billing and collection policies are adequate to minimize the potential credit risk.

New Accounting Pronouncements

For a discussion regarding new accounting pronouncements, please refer to Note 1, “Organization, Business and Basis of Presentation—Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements” in the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Critical Accounting Policies

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities known to exist at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis, based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from those estimates. For further information regarding our critical accounting policies and estimates, please refer to Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies” included in our 2016 Annual Report.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements and Information

We are including the following discussion to inform you of some of the risks and uncertainties that can affect our company and to take advantage of the protections for forward-looking statements that applicable federal securities law affords.

Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contain various forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), which represent our beliefs and assumptions concerning future events. When used in this document and in documents incorporated by reference, forward looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding financial forecasts or projections, and our expectations, beliefs, intentions or future strategies that are signified by the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “encouraged,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “objective,” “outlook,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “project,” “remain confident,” “should” “unlikely,” or other words that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. The forward looking statements in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q speak only as of the date of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. We disclaim any obligation to update these statements (unless required by securities laws), and we caution you not to rely on them unduly. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and assumptions about future events. While we consider these expectations and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks, contingencies and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict, and many of which are beyond our control. These and other important factors, including those discussed under the caption “Forward-Looking Statements” and in Item 1A “Risk Factors” in our 2016 Annual Report, and in any risk factors or cautionary statements contained in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

These risks, contingencies and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following:

As of September 30, 2017, we were not party to any derivative instruments. We did not use any material derivative financial instruments during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, including instruments for trading, hedging or speculating on changes in interest rates or commodity prices of materials used in our business.

As of September 30, 2017, we had $79.5 million of debt outstanding under the Facility. Borrowings under the Facility are based upon an interest rate that will vary depending upon the prime rate, federal funds rate and LIBOR. If the prime rate, federal funds rate or LIBOR increased, our interest payment obligations on outstanding borrowings would increase and have a negative effect on our cash flow and financial condition. We currently do not maintain any hedging contracts that would limit our exposure to variable rates of interest when we have outstanding borrowings. If market rates of interest on all our revolving debt as of September 30, 2017, which is subject to variable rates, permanently increased by 1%, the increase in interest expense on all revolving debt would decrease future income before provision for income taxes and cash flows by approximately $0.8 million annually. If market rates of interest on all our revolving debt, which is subject to variable rates as of September 30, 2017, permanently decreased by 1%, the decrease in interest expense on all debt would increase future income before provision for income taxes and cash flows by the same amount.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision, and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined under Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e), as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2017.

As permitted by interpretive guidance issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission staff, companies are allowed to exclude acquired businesses from their assessment of internal control over financial reporting during the first year after completion of an acquisition while integrating the acquired company. Accordingly, as WPE was acquired by the Company on October 28, 2016, management's assessment of the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016 excluded WPE. Management's evaluation and conclusion as to the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report excludes any evaluation of the internal controls of WPE. WPE represented a total of approximately 5.6% and 1.4% of total assets and net assets, respectively, as of September 30, 2017, and 4.6% and (5.9%) of contract revenues and income from operations, respectively, for the nine months then ended.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

During the period covered by this report, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

For further discussion regarding legal proceedings, please refer to Note 7, “Commitments and Contingencies—Litigation and Other Legal Matters” in the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

As of the date of this filing, there have been no material changes to the risk factors previously discussed in Item 1A of our 2016 Annual Report. An investment in our common stock involves various risks. When considering an investment in our company, you should carefully consider all of the risk factors described in our 2016 Annual Report. These risks and uncertainties are not the only ones facing us and there may be additional matters that are not known to us or that we currently consider immaterial. These risks and uncertainties could adversely affect our business, financial condition or future results and, thus, the value of our common stock and any investment in our company.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Purchases of Common Stock. The following table includes all of the Company’s repurchases of common stock for the periods shown, including those made pursuant to publicly announced plans or programs and those not made pursuant to publicly announced plans or programs. Repurchased shares are retired and returned to authorized but unissued common stock.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.