AD10650 2017 Annual Report

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LETTER TO
SHAREHOLDERS
2017 ANNUAL REPORT

Exploring
New Horizons
Today, we can’t imagine life without the Internet
or not having Internet access anywhere, anytime
we want it. What once seemed like a fantasy has
changed life as we know it and there’s no turning back. Internet users’ bandwidth availability
increased by 50 percent per year from 1983 to 2018
and shows no signs of stopping. In fact, it will likely
grow faster. The mainstreaming of content-rich
technologies like 4K TV and virtual and augmented
reality will increase the demand for bandwidth
even further. Over-the-top TV streaming services
require a minimum download speed of 1.5Mbps
for standard definition (SD) programs. That jumps
to 13Mbps for 4K Ultra HD TV. Add virtual or
augmented reality and the requirement spikes to a
range from 600Mbps to several gigabits per second
for a fully immersive experience.

The access you
need to make your
fantasies a reality

ADTRAN remains focused on being the world’s
most extensive access solution provider with clear
industry-leading solutions for fiber, copper and 5G
wireless access. With the industry’s most comprehensive access virtualization products, we believe we
are well positioned to capitalize on the broadband
expansion underway as carriers, including cable
operators, around the world upgrade their infrastructure to meet never-ending customer demand.
We continue to explore new horizons, enabling
operators of all types and sizes to provide the access
you need to make your fantasies a reality.

Letter to Shareholders 3

2017

The Year
in Review
After two solid years coming out of recession, we
entered 2017 with continued optimism as communication service providers (CSPs) of all types continued their quest to deliver increased broadband
speeds to their customer base. ADTRAN posted
three record quarters in 2017. Unfortunately, merger
and acquisition activity at one of our Tier 1 North
American CSPs resulted in our fourth quarter and
full year falling short of expectations. Despite this,
we achieved the second highest revenue in company
history at $667 million, up approximately five
percent over 2016. We are proud of the company’s
performance and the progress we made in both
product and market development activities during
the past year.
We made great progress in software development,
achieved significant technical milestones with
both copper and fiber solutions, and saw promising
expansion in adjacent markets, specifically cable
and wireless. We experienced solid growth in our
Tier 1 CSP business in the United States (U.S.)
and grew our regional CSP accounts nine percent
over the previous year.

Great progress in
software development

4 ADTRAN 2017 Annual Report

Globally, we accelerated our growth in both Tier 1
and regional CSP accounts outside the U.S. resulting
in a 17 percent year-over-year increase in international revenue. The insistence for high-speed
broadband services around the world continues to
strengthen the demand for our solutions.
We continue to see tremendous enthusiasm
for our Mosaic Cloud Platform, the industry’s first,
most open and complete SD-Access solution.
With deployments in over 15 global accounts with
a variety of use cases and 13 global awards, the
Mosaic Cloud Platform extended its position as the
world’s most awarded solution for providing modular, component-based network architectures that
are open, disaggregated, programmable and scalable.
We also announced the Mosaic Open Network
Alliance to foster the widespread development and
industry adoption of Software Defined Networking
(SDN) and Network Functions Virtualization
(NFV) solutions based on open standards. Within
the first six months, eight companies representing a
variety of leading technologies joined the alliance.
We look forward to welcoming additional members
moving forward.
We reached several solutions milestones in 2017.
Our Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) solutions
had a record revenue year resulting from broadband
deployments by regional CSPs. We celebrated the
shipment of our 10 millionth vectoring port in
January 2017 and added 4.5 million more ports by
the end of the year, due in part to our success
with North America’s largest vectoring deployment
that has now provided services to over 1.7
million households.

2018 & Beyond

Focusing on
the Future
innovative products
and technologies
From a company perspective, our main areas
of focus are broadband, our Mosaic SD-Access
solutions, subscriber solutions and experience,
and services integration. We will continue to
expand the horizons in these areas as we explore
new markets and expand into new opportunities.

Broadband
The knowledge, collaboration, and technologies
that have resulted from high-speed connectivity
are seemingly limitless. For most of us, it is a
challenge to remember life before cell phones,
streaming services, and social media – all made
possible by broadband.
The primary means for CSPs to address the
need for bandwidth is technology innovation.
Over the last decade, wireline carriers have had a
difficult time keeping up with cable and wireless
operators. New technologies like Gfast, vectoring,
10G PON, and SD-Access provide a window of
opportunity, enabling them to get the most bandwidth from existing infrastructure while exploring
the new horizons of SDN and NFV that will soon
make disaggregated networks a reality.

We announced several innovative products and
technologies in 2017 that enable our customers
to expand the range and reach of gigabit services.
Our Gfast Gigabit-to-the-Basement solutions,
selected for deployment by a Tier 1 CSP, offer a
key competitive advantage by delivering gigabit
services 10 times farther and up to five times faster
than competitive offerings. Our SDX solutions,
including 100G Aggregation/Top of Rack switches, 10G Carrier Ethernet Access Switches, virtual
Optical Line Terminals (OLTs), and multiple Optical
Network Terminals (ONTs), take SDN functionality
to product implementation in broadband access
networks. These solutions leverage the Mosaic architecture and enable CSPs to accelerate their paths
to open, programmable, and scalable networks. By
deploying the SDX portfolio in concert with a cloud
platform, such as Mosaic, CSPs can achieve datacenter economy and agility in their broadband and
business services access networks. These solutions
complement our widely deployed, field-proven Total
Access® 5000 and hi-X platforms which offer the
technology, performance, and scale required for ultra-high speed broadband deployments and support
for new, innovative technologies like SD-Access.

Letter to Shareholders 5

We experienced
significant traction
with Mosaic in 2017
Government programs to support broadband
expansion, especially to the tens of millions of
unserved and underserved Americans, continue
to emerge, and there is growing support for
increased spending in infrastructure, including
broadband. In 2017, some 207 Tier 3 carriers
accepted almost $5.3 billion in Alternative Connect
America Cost Model (A-CAM) funding to be
used over a 10-year period to deliver higher-speed
broadband services to citizens in rural America.
In conjunction with this opportunity, ADTRAN
announced its Gigabit Accelerator Program, offering
key infrastructure elements and service offerings
along with marketing assistance to service providers
who received funding as a means to kick-start
these programs.
The insistence for greater bandwidth is igniting
the need for more fiber infrastructure. We saw increased demand for a variety of fiber-based services
(FTTx) in 2017. Many Tier 1 CSPs and cable MSOs,
continued or expanded their fiber-based service
roll-outs. However, as network convergence continues and bandwidth demand spreads to business services and infrastructure backhaul, CSPs are turning
to the promises of higher-speed services like 10G.
10G broadband enables CSPs to leverage their
existing fiber infrastructure to expand residential
services while entering the premium business
services market. Our 10G PON solutions are ideal
for CSPs who have found other PON upgrade paths
to be too costly or insufficient to meet the needs of
business customers requiring symmetric services.
10G services will be crucial as 5G networks
become a reality. Support for low-latency applications and network timing synchronization make
10G technologies ideal to support mobile x-haul

6 ADTRAN 2017 Annual Report

services and 5G densification initiatives. As the
number of mobile and fixed-wireless cellular and
radio sites expands exponentially due to the range
limitations of 5G networks, 10G access will play
a critical role in providing access and termination.
ADTRAN will be at the forefront helping our
customers explore these and other new horizons
made possible by broadband.

Mosaic – The Key to SD-Access
SD-Access fueled by SDN and NFV is a new area for
CSPs that holds great promise. They understand the
need to develop open, programmable and scalable
networks to compete with over-the-top Web-scale
operators. Gartner recently noted that the initial focus of SDN/NFV is shifting toward the business case
and the opportunity to create new revenue. Services
such as virtual CPE (vCPE) represent high revenue
potential and can be leveraged quickly. However, the
more immediate benefit will be found in solutions
that help improve business agility, operational efficiency, and service modeling.
The Mosaic Cloud Platform and associated solutions
address the key needs of CSPs, enabling them to
expedite return on investment by speeding time to
market, and automating back-office processes and
subscriber turn-up. ADTRAN remains in the center
of the developing SD-Access market and will continue
to aid CSPs as we explore the wealth of benefits
these new technologies offer.
Our continued software development enabled us
to announce a number of exciting enhancements
to the Mosaic Cloud Platform, including the launch
of the Mosaic Broadband Subscriber Management
Suite, the SD-Access Accelerator program, the
Mosaic Subscriber Solutions and Experience suite

of software tools and the Mosaic Open Network
Alliance. These programs will play a critical
role in expanding and supporting the growing
ecosystem of products, services, and companies
committed to building an open, scalable and
flexible broadband network.
Customers and industry leaders enthusiastically
embraced Mosaic in 2017. We celebrated the first
Tier 1 deployments of our XGS-PON solution,
using the industry’s first deployed virtual OLT and
our Mosaic SD-Access platform. We also made
significant progress with Gfast and Mosaic Cloud
Platform deployments. These solutions have moved
to full production with leading Tier 1 service
providers in the U.S., Europe, and Asia Pacific and
are ramping up in commercial deployments. Our
10G PON solutions are currently in trials as part
of a Tier 1 U.S. CSP’s launch of services featuring
virtualized NG-PON2 products and XGS-PON
solutions. Additionally, we trialed the world’s
first 212 MHz Gfast solution at a Tier 1 European
carrier. This solution provides over 1Gbps with
enhanced upstream performance over a single pair
of copper using Mosaic for management.
The Mosaic Cloud Platform is the centerpiece of
the Mosaic Open Network Alliance, where member
companies collaborate on SDN and NFV solutions
that will underpin a new approach to access. Our
developments are enabling ADTRAN to better
serve our growing customer base in the U.S. and
abroad as the industry moves toward a fully
realized SD-Access infrastructure.

represents both hardware and software solutions
including residential and business CPE and Bluesocket Wi-Fi solutions. Business CPE continued to
perform well spurred by roll-outs of 500Mbps and
1Gbps services and growth in business voice and
data services by U.S. CSPs. We more than tripled
our number of MSP partners and brought many
new managed services opportunities to market.
These solutions leverage the Mosaic Cloud Platform
to take user experience to the next level and put the
customer in charge. With the click of a button, customers can select new services or features, typically
without a phone call or the assistance of a service
technician. This provides greater freedom for the
customer resulting in greater customer satisfaction.
It also brings added benefits to the service provider
through the elimination of truck rolls and the
automation of back-office and billing processes.

put the customer
in charge

Subscriber Solutions and Experience
Subscriber Solutions and Experience remain
an important part of our business. This segment

Letter to Shareholders 7

variable-cost solutions
to fixed-cost problems

Services and Solutions Integration
Services and Support continued to be a bright spot
for the company with record performance in 2017,
growing 13.7 percent over the previous year and
contributing over $126 million to company revenue.
We added over 40 customers and expanded our
geographic footprint with customer wins in Europe
and Australia.
Our services center on four key areas—System
Integration, Network Implementation, Consulting,
and Maintenance. Operators of all types and sizes
realize the benefit of having ADTRAN drive their
installation and implementation of new services.
These programs highlight our engineering expertise
and understanding of how access networks are
designed, deployed and maintained. We also alleviate
the burden of scale by providing variable-cost
solutions to fixed-cost problems. We partner
with our customer to tailor a program specifically
meeting its needs and those of its customers,
resulting in expedited time to market and a
faster return on investment.

8 ADTRAN 2017 Annual Report

New Markets…
New Opportunities
We have identified a wealth of opportunities in
adjacent markets like cable/MSO solutions, 5G, and
fixed wireless solutions. These new horizons offer
the potential for great reward moving forward and
align well with our expertise in broadband access.

Cable/MSO
The cable industry is experiencing unprecedented
growth in broadband subscribers. According to
Broadbandtrends, as of year-end 2017, cable
represented 61 percent of broadband subscribers
in North America compared to CSPs with 37 percent.
Like their CSP counterparts, cable operators are
finding themselves at a crossroads. They are at the
beginning of an upgrade cycle that only happens
every 10 to 15 years and lasts for only five to seven
years. They too need a more agile network. A wealth
of technologies exist to help these operators reach
more customers with higher speeds, including
fiber (PON) solutions, distributed access, and
disaggregated networks.

ADTRAN is
perfectly positioned
to help cable/MSOs
awards and lab trials underway with Tier 1 MSOs
in the U.S. and growing opportunities in other
countries. Moving forward, we will continue to
have a strong focus on the North American cable
market, augmented by opportunities in both Europe
and South America. We believe the cable market
represents a major growth area for our company in
years to come.

ADTRAN is perfectly positioned to help with
this transition. We have been providing end-user
solutions to this market for almost two decades.
In 2016, our solution portfolio was strengthened
with the acquisition of CommScope’s active fiber
access product line, helping us to more than double
revenue in this market. This year, we completed
lab testing and began the first deployment of our
10G EPON solution with a major U.S. cable MSO,
marking a significant milestone for our company.
We experienced good market penetration with

Letter to Shareholders 9

The Wireless Revolution
Many visionaries believe we are in the early stages
of the next technological revolution that will result
in the development of a ubiquitous wireless network
marrying data collection and computation with
billions of devices. Mobile data consumption is
expected to grow seven-fold between 2016 and 2021,
and account for 20 percent of total Internet traffic
according to Cisco. Experts predict that during this
period mobile video data, fueled by new technologies
such as augmented and virtual reality, will be the
fastest growing segment of mobile traffic with an
870 percent increase. This will bring forth yet
another new opportunity for ADTRAN—wireless
access/backhaul with 5G
Several CSPs began fixed wireless tests in 2017 and
those are expected to continue throughout 2018.
ADTRAN has a portfolio of field-proven solutions
ideal for wireless applications that will be a critical
piece of the puzzle for CSPs looking to wireless to
meet bandwidth demands.

5G represents a technological paradigm shift that
Technology Review states will become the underlying
fabric of an entire ecosystem of fully connected
intelligent sensors and devices. Likewise, research
firm IHS Markit recently noted that 5G has the
potential to unlock up to $12.3 trillion of revenue
across a broad range of industries including a long
list of infrastructure and x-haul requirements.
The demands of 5G are faster speeds, greater
bandwidth, and lower latency – the same issues
wireline providers face today, just on a larger scale.
ADTRAN advanced broadband solutions can
address each of these needs.
Earlier this year, we announced the upgrade of
our NG-PON2 solutions to include non-service
impacting wavelength agility and ultralow latency
as a means to support 5G and other mission-critical
services. We also introduced developmental
breakthroughs with our millimeter wave wireless
backhaul and broadband access solutions. We have
seen significant interest in these solutions for both
CAF and traditional applications, with several
deployments in 2017 and additional trials and
deployments underway. 5G is a new horizon for
ADTRAN that builds on our core competency—access.

ADTRAN can play a
significant role in 5G
10 ADTRAN 2017 Annual Report

A Look Ahead
ADTRAN continues to have a broad range of
opportunities ahead of us, demonstrated by
announced wins and deployments by leading Tier 1
carriers and dozens of new infrastructure customers.
We expect continued demand from both domestic
and international carrier and cable customers
wanting to deliver more services farther and at higher
speeds. We also anticipate additional developments
in the areas of SD-Access, fixed wireless, and 5G as
open, programmable and scalable networks unleash
the capacity and capability of all the network has
to offer.
To this end, we continue our unwavering commitment
to research and development which enables us to
deliver the products, services, and support that
our customers require as they move forward with
gigabit and other ultra-broadband services.

the innovation our
customers need

Tom Stanton, Chairman & CEO
ADTRAN, Inc.

ADTRAN boasts a growing portfolio of active
patents that is almost 600 strong. We focus on
enabling CSPs and cable operators to reach every
customer over any network and any device simply
and cost-effectively.
Finally, and most importantly, I would like to thank
our employees. We have a global workforce over
2,000 strong. These men and women continually
explore new horizons through product development,
patent awards, service on industry boards and
standards organizations, and much more. Their
work exceeds our expectations and those of our
customers. They strive daily to achieve our vision to
enable a fully connected world where the power to
communicate is available to everyone, everywhere.

Letter to Shareholders 11

Financial Results
14 M
 arket for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases
of Equity Securities
15 Stock Performance Graph
16 Selected Financial Data
17 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Overview
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Results of Operations
2017 Compared to 2016
2016 Compared to 2015
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Subsequent Events

31 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
32 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
34 Financial Statements
39 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1
Note 2
Note 3
Note 4
Note 5
Note 6
Note 7
Note 8
Note 9
Note 10
Note 11
Note 12
Note 13
Note 14
Note 15
Note 16
Note 17

– Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
– Business Combinations
– Stock-Based Compensation
– Investments
– Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
– Inventory
– Property, Plant and Equipment
– Lease Arrangements
– Goodwill and Intangible Assets
– Alabama State Industrial Development Authority Financing and Economic Incentives
– Income Taxes
– Employee Benefit Plans
– Segment Information and Major Customers
– Commitments and Contingencies
– Earnings Per Share
– Summarized Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
– Subsequent Events

This annual report contains forward-looking statements which reflect management’s best judgment based on factors
currently known. However, these statements involve risks and uncertainties, including the successful development
and market acceptance of new products, the degree of competition in the market for such products, the product and
channel mix, component costs, manufacturing efficiencies, and other risks detailed in our annual report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2017. These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially
from those in the forward-looking statements included in this annual report.

Financial Results 13

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

ADTRAN’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol ADTN. As of January 31,
2018, ADTRAN had 176 stockholders of record and approximately 7,202 beneficial owners of shares held in street name. The
following table shows the high and low closing prices per share for our common stock as reported by NASDAQ for the periods
indicated.

Common Stock Prices

2017

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

High

$23.20

$20.65

$24.00

$24.50

Low

$20.75

$19.10

$20.05

$19.35

2016

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

High

$20.47

$20.43

$19.74

$23.15

Low

$16.60

$17.14

$17.81

$17.90

The following table shows the shareholder dividends paid in each quarter of 2017 and 2016. The Board of Directors presently
anticipates that it will declare a regular quarterly dividend so long as the present tax treatment of dividends exists and adequate
levels of liquidity are maintained.

Dividends per Common Share
2017

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

$0.09

$0.09

$0.09

$0.09

2016

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

$0.09

$0.09

$0.09

$0.09

Stock Repurchases
The following table sets forth repurchases of our common stock for the months indicated.
Total
Number of
Shares
Period Purchased
October 1, 2017 – October 31, 2017

—

Average
Price Paid
Per Share

Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs (1)

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

$—

—

3,559,068

November 1, 2017 – November 30, 2017

—

$—

—

3,559,068

December 1, 2017 – December 31, 2017

—

$—

—

3,559,068

Total

—

—

(1) Since 1997, our Board of Directors has approved multiple share repurchase programs that have authorized open market repurchase
transactions of up to 50.0 million shares of our common stock, which will be implemented through open market or private purchases
from time to time as conditions warrant.

14 ADTRAN 2017 Annual Report

Stock Performance Graph
Our common stock began trading on the NASDAQ National Market on August 9, 1994. The price information reflected
for our common stock in the following performance graph and accompanying table represents the closing sales prices of
the common stock for the period from December 31, 2012 through December 31, 2017, on an annual basis. The graph
and the accompanying table compare the cumulative total stockholders’ return on our common stock with the NASDAQ
Telecommunications Index and the NASDAQ Composite Index. The calculations in the following graph and table assume
that $100 was invested on December 31, 2012 in each of our common stock, the NASDAQ Telecommunications Index
and the NASDAQ Composite Index and also assume dividend reinvestment.
$300.00

$250.00

$200.00

$150.00

$100.00

$50.00

$0.00

12/31/2012

12/31/2013

12/31/2014

12/31/2015

12/31/2016

12/31/2017

ADTRAN, Inc.
NASDAQ Composite
NASDAQ Telecommunications

12/31/12

12/31/13

12/31/14

12/31/15

12/31/16

12/31/17

ADTRAN, Inc.

$100.00

$140.41

$115.16

$92.93

$122.99

$108.26

NASDAQ Composite

$100.00

$141.63

$162.09

$173.33

$187.19

$242.29

NASDAQ Telecommunications

$100.00

$141.28

$145.43

$140.97

$150.94

$184.81

Financial Results 15

Selected Financial Data
Income Statement Data
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Year Ended December 31,
Sales

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

$666,900

$636,781

$600,064

$630,007

$641,744

Cost of sales

363,240

345,437

333,167

318,680

332,858

Gross profit

303,660

291,344

266,897

311,327

308,886

Selling, general and administrative expenses

135,489

131,805

123,542

131,958

129,366

Research and development expenses

130,434

124,804

129,876

132,258

131,055

37,737

34,735

13,479

47,111

48,465

4,380

3,918

3,953

5,019

7,012

(556)

(572)

(596)

(677)

(2,325)

Net realized investment gain

4,685

5,923

10,337

7,278

8,614

Other income (expense), net

(1,559)

(651)

(1,465)

1,175

(911)

Operating income
Interest and dividend income
Interest expense

Gain on bargain purchase of a business
Income before provision for income taxes

—

3,542

—

—

—

44,687

46,895

25,708

59,906

60,855

Provision for income taxes (1)

(20,847)

(11,666)

(7,062)

(15,286)

(15,061)

Net income

$23,840

$35,229

$18,646

$44,620

$45,794

Weighted average shares outstanding – basic

48,153

48,724

51,145

55,120

59,001

Weighted average shares outstanding –
assuming dilution (2)

48,699

48,949

51,267

55,482

59,424

Earnings per common share – basic

$0.50

$0.72

$0.36

$0.81

$0.78

Earnings per common share – assuming dilution (2)

$0.49

$0.72

$0.36

$0.80

$0.77

Dividends declared and paid per common share

$0.36

$0.36

$0.36

$0.36

$0.36

Balance Sheet Data
(In thousands)
At December 31,

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

Working capital (3)

$306,296

$226,367

$219,219

$214,985

$260,252

Total assets

$669,094

$667,235

$632,904

$738,694

$789,898

$26,700

$27,800

$28,900

$30,000

$46,500

$497,911

$479,517

$480,160

$549,013

$604,606

Total debt
Stockholders’ equity

(1) Provision for income taxes in 2017 reflects an estimated expense of $11.9 million related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was
signed into law on December 22, 2017. See Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
(2) Assumes exercise of dilutive stock options calculated under the treasury method. See Notes 1 and 15 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements.
(3) Working capital consists of current assets less current liabilities. Amounts prior to 2016 have been recast to conform to the current
period’s presentation as a result of our adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred
Taxes. See Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

16 ADTRAN 2017 Annual Report

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations
Overview
ADTRAN, Inc. (ADTRAN) is a leading global provider of networking and communications equipment. Our solutions enable
voice, data, video and Internet communications across a variety of network infrastructures. These solutions are deployed by
many of the United States’ and the world’s largest communications service providers (CSPs), distributed enterprises and small
and medium-sized businesses, public and private enterprises, and millions of individual users worldwide.
Our success depends upon our ability to increase unit volume and market share through the introduction of new products
and succeeding generations of products having lower selling prices and increased functionality as compared to both the prior
generation of a product and to the products of competitors. An important part of our strategy is to reduce the cost of each succeeding product generation and then lower the product’s selling price based on the cost savings achieved in order to gain market
share and/or improve gross margins. As a part of this strategy, we seek in most instances to be a high-quality, low-cost provider
of products in our markets. Our success to date is attributable in large measure to our ability to design our products initially with
a view to their subsequent redesign, allowing both increased functionality and reduced manufacturing costs in each succeeding
product generation. This strategy enables us to sell succeeding generations of products to existing customers, while increasing
our market share by selling these enhanced products to new customers.
In addition to reporting our Network Solutions and Services & Support segments, we report revenue across three categories—
Access & Aggregation, Customer Devices, and Traditional & Other Products.
Access & Aggregation solutions are used by CSPs to connect their network infrastructure to their subscribers. This category
includes software and hardware-based products and services that aggregate and/or originate access technologies. The portfolio
of ADTRAN solutions within this category includes a wide array of modular or fixed physical form factors designed to deliver
the best technology and economic fit based on the target subscriber density and environmental conditions.
The Access & Aggregation category includes product and service families such as
n

n

n

Mosaic branded network management and subscriber services control and orchestration software within a SD-Access
architecture
SDX series of SDN-controlled programmable network elements that form the hardware components within a SD-Access
architecture
Total Access® 5000 Series Fiber to the Premises (FTTP) and Fiber to the Node (FTTN) Multi-Service Access Nodes
(MSAN)

n

hiX 5600 Series fiber aggregation and FTTN MSAN

n

Fiber to the Distribution Point (FTTdp) Gfast Optical Network Units (ONU)

n

GPON, EPON and 10G PON Optical Line Terminals (OLT)

n

Optical Networking Edge (ONE) aggregation

n

IP-based Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexers (DSLAMs)

n

Cabinet and Outside-Plant (OSP) enclosures and services

n

Pluggable optical transceivers (i.e., SFP, SFP+, XFP, QSFP), cables and other miscellaneous materials

n

n

Planning, engineering, program management, maintenance, installation and commissioning services to implement
customer network solutions
Other products and services that are generally applicable to Access & Aggregation

Financial Results 17

Customer Devices includes our products and services that provide end users access to CSP networks. Our Customer Devices
portfolio includes a comprehensive array of service provider and enterprise hardware and software products and services.
The Customer Devices category includes products and services such as:
n

Broadband customer premises solutions, including Passive Optical Network (PON) and point-to-point Ethernet Optical
Network Terminals (ONTs)

n

Radio Frequency over Glass (RFoG) MicroNodes

n

Residential and business gateways

n

Wi-Fi access points and associated powering and switching infrastructure

n

Enterprise Session Border Controllers (eSBC)

n

Branch office and access routers

n

Carrier Ethernet services termination devices

n

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) media gateways

n

ProServices pre-sale and post-sale technical support

n

n

Planning, engineering, program management, maintenance, installation and commissioning services to implement
customer devices solutions into consumer, small business and enterprise locations
Other products and services that are generally applicable to customer devices

Traditional & Other Products generally includes a mix of prior generation technologies’ products and services, as well as other
products and services that do not fit within the Access & Aggregation or Customer Devices categories.
The Traditional & Other Products category includes products and services such as:
n

n

n

Time Division Multiplexed (TDM) and Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)-based aggregation systems and customer
devices
HDSL, ADSL and other mature technologies used to deliver business and residential services over the CSP access and
customer networks
Other products and services that do not fit within the Access & Aggregation and Customer Devices categories

Sales were $666.9 million in 2017, compared to $636.8 million in 2016 and $600.1 million in 2015. Our gross profit margin was
45.5% in 2017, compared to 45.8% in 2016 and 44.5% in 2015. Net income was $23.8 million in 2017, compared to $35.2 million
in 2016 and $18.6 million in 2015. Earnings per share, assuming dilution, were $0.49 in 2017, compared to $0.72 in 2016 and
$0.36 in 2015. Earnings per share in 2017, 2016 and 2015 include the effect of the repurchase of 0.9 million, 1.4 million and 4.0
million shares of our stock in those years, respectively.
Our operating results have fluctuated on a quarterly basis in the past, and may vary significantly in future periods due to a
number of factors, including customer order activity and backlog. Backlog levels vary because of seasonal trends, the timing of
customer projects and other factors that affect customer order lead times. Many of our customers require prompt delivery of
products. This requires us to maintain sufficient inventory levels to satisfy anticipated customer demand. If near-term demand
for our products declines, or if potential sales in any quarter do not occur as anticipated, our financial results could be adversely
affected. Operating expenses are relatively fixed in the short term; therefore, a shortfall in quarterly revenues could significantly
impact our financial results in a given quarter.
Our operating results may also fluctuate as a result of a number of other factors, including a decline in general economic and
market conditions, foreign currency exchange rate movements, increased competition, customer order patterns, changes in
product and services mix, timing differences between price decreases and product cost reductions, product warranty returns,
expediting costs and announcements of new products by us or our competitors. Additionally, maintaining sufficient inventory
levels to assure prompt delivery of our products increases the amount of inventory that may become obsolete and increases the
risk that the obsolescence of this inventory may have an adverse effect on our business and operating results. Also, not maintaining sufficient inventory levels to assure prompt delivery of our products may cause us to incur expediting costs to meet customer
delivery requirements, which may negatively impact our operating results in a given quarter.

18 ADTRAN 2017 Annual Report

Accordingly, our historical financial performance is not necessarily a meaningful indicator of future results, and, in general,
management expects that our financial results may vary from period to period. See Note 16 of Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements for additional information. For a discussion of risks associated with our operating results, see Item 1A of this report.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
An accounting policy is deemed to be critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions about
matters that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made, if different estimates reasonably could have been used, or if
changes in the accounting estimate that are reasonably likely to occur could materially impact the results of financial operations.
We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation
of our consolidated financial statements. These policies have been consistently applied across our two reportable segments: (1)
Network Solutions and (2) Services & Support.
n

Revenue is generally recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the product price is fixed or determinable, collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured, and product returns are
reasonably estimable. For product sales, revenue is generally recognized upon shipment of the product to our customer in
accordance with the title transfer terms of the sales agreement, generally Ex Works, per International Commercial Terms.
In the case of consigned inventory, revenue is recognized when the end customer assumes ownership of the product.
Contracts that contain multiple deliverables are evaluated to determine the units of accounting, and the consideration
from the arrangement is allocated to each unit of accounting based on the relative selling price and corresponding terms
of the contract. When this is not available, we are generally not able to determine third-party evidence of selling price
because of the extent of customization among competing products or services from other companies. In these instances,
we use best estimates to allocate consideration to each respective unit of accounting. These estimates include analysis of
respective bills of material and review and analysis of similar product and service offerings. We record revenue associated
with installation services when respective contractual obligations are complete. In instances where customer acceptance
is required, revenue is deferred until respective acceptance criteria have been met. Contracts that include both installation
services and product sales are evaluated for revenue recognition in accordance with contract terms. As a result, installation services may be considered a separate deliverable or may be considered a combined single unit of accounting with
the delivered product. Generally, either the purchaser, ADTRAN, or a third party can perform the installation of our
products. Sales taxes invoiced to customers are included in revenue, and represent less than one percent of total revenues.
The corresponding sales taxes paid are included in cost of goods sold. Value added taxes collected from customers in international jurisdictions are recorded in accrued expenses as a liability. Revenue is recorded net of discounts. Sales returns
are recorded as a reduction of revenue and accrued based on historical sales return experience, which we believe provides
a reasonable estimate of future returns.
A significant portion of our products are sold in the U.S. through a non-exclusive distribution network of major technology distributors. These organizations then distribute or provide fulfillment services to an extensive network of VARs
and SIs. VARs and SIs may be affiliated with us as a channel partner, or they may purchase from the distributor on an
unaffiliated basis. Additionally, with certain limitations, our distributors may return unused and unopened product for
stock-balancing purposes when these returns are accompanied by offsetting orders for products of equal or greater value.

n

n

We carry our inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value, with cost being determined using the first-in, first-out
method. We use standard costs for material, labor, and manufacturing overhead to value our inventory. Our standard
costs are updated on at least a quarterly basis and any variances are expensed in the current period; therefore, our inventory costs approximate actual costs at the end of each reporting period. We write down our inventory for estimated
obsolescence or unmarketable inventory by an amount equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated fair value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual future demand or market
conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, we may be required to make additional inventory
write-downs. Our reserve for excess and obsolete inventory was $23.4 million and $25.2 million at December 31, 2017
and 2016, respectively. Inventory disposals charged against the reserve were $8.3 million, $4.7 million and $0.2 million for
the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
For purposes of determining the estimated fair value of our stock option awards on the date of grant, we use the BlackScholes Model. This model requires the input of certain assumptions that require subjective judgment. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards and actual and projected
employee stock option exercise behaviors. Because our stock option awards have characteristics significantly different
from those of traded options, and because changes in the input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate,

Financial Results 19

the existing model may not provide a reliable, single measure of the fair value of our stock option awards. For purposes
of determining the estimated fair value of our market-based performance stock unit (PSU) awards on the date of grant,
we use a Monte Carlo Simulation valuation method. The PSUs are subject to a market condition based on the relative
total shareholder return of ADTRAN against all of the companies in the NASDAQ Telecommunications Index and vest
at the end of a three-year performance period. The fair value of performance-based PSUs, restricted stock units (RSUs)
and restricted stock is equal to the closing price of our stock on the business day immediately preceding the grant date.
Compensation expense related to unvested performance-based PSUs will be recognized over the requisite service period
of three years as achievement of the performance obligation becomes probable. Management will continue to assess the
assumptions and methodologies used to calculate the estimated fair value of stock-based compensation. Circumstances
may change and additional data may become available over time, which could result in changes to these assumptions
and methodologies and thereby materially impact our fair value determination. If factors change in future periods, the
compensation expense that we record may differ significantly from what we have recorded in the current period.
n

We estimate our income tax provision or benefit in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate, including estimating
exposures related to examinations by taxing authorities. We also make judgments regarding the realization of deferred tax
assets, and establish valuation allowances where we believe it is more likely than not that future taxable income in certain
jurisdictions will be insufficient to realize these deferred tax assets. Our estimates regarding future taxable income and
income tax provision or benefit may vary due to changes in market conditions, changes in tax laws, or other factors. If our
assumptions, and consequently our estimates, change in the future, the valuation allowances we have established may be
increased or decreased, impacting future income tax expense. At December 31, 2017 and 2016 respectively, the valuation
allowance was $6.0 million and $6.1 million. As of December 31, 2017, we have state research tax credit carry-forwards
of $3.8 million, which will expire between 2018 and 2030. These carry-forwards were caused by tax credits in excess of
our annual tax liabilities to an individual state where we no longer generate sufficient state income. In addition, as of
December 31, 2017, we have a deferred tax asset of $5.2 million relating to net operating loss carry-forwards which will
expire between 2018 and 2030. These carry-forwards are the result of acquisitions in 2009 and in 2011. The acquired net
operating losses are in excess of the amount of estimated earnings. We believe it is more likely than not that we will not
realize the full benefits of our deferred tax asset arising from these credits and net operating losses, and accordingly, have
provided a valuation allowance against that piece.
We establish reserves to remove some or all of the tax benefit of any of our tax positions at the time we determine that the
positions become uncertain. We adjust these reserves, including any impact on the related interest and penalties, as facts
and circumstances change.

n

n

Our products generally include warranties of 90 days to five years for product defects. We accrue for warranty returns at
the time revenue is recognized based on our historical return rate and estimate of the cost to repair or replace the defective products. We engage in extensive product quality programs and processes, including actively monitoring and evaluating the quality of our component suppliers. Our products continue to become more complex in both size and functionality as many of our product offerings migrate from line card applications to total systems. The increasing complexity of
our products will cause warranty incidences, when they arise, to be more costly. Our estimates regarding future warranty
obligations may change due to product failure rates, material usage, and other rework costs incurred in correcting a
product failure. In addition, from time to time, specific warranty accruals may be recorded if unforeseen problems arise.
Should our actual experience relative to these factors be worse than our estimates, we will be required to record additional warranty expense. Alternatively, if we provide for more reserves than we require, we will reverse a portion of such
provisions in future periods. The liability for warranty obligations totaled $9.7 million and $8.5 million at December 31,
2017 and 2016, respectively. These liabilities are included in accrued expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Balance
Sheets.
Pension benefit plan obligations are based on various assumptions used by our actuaries in calculating these amounts.
These assumptions include discount rates, compensation rate increases, expected return on plan assets, retirement rates,
and mortality rates. Actual results that differ from the assumptions and changes in assumptions could affect future
expenses and obligations. Our net pension liability totaled $8.3 million and $10.0 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016,
respectively. This liability is included in other non-current liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

20 ADTRAN 2017 Annual Report

Results of Operations
The following table presents selected financial information derived from our consolidated statements of income expressed as a
percentage of sales for the years indicated. Amounts may not foot due to rounding.
Year Ended December 31,

2017

2016

2015

81.0%

82.5%

87.9%

Sales
Products
Services
Total sales

19.0

17.5

12.1

100.0

100.0

100.0

41.9

42.5

49.0

Cost of sales
Products
Services

12.6

11.7

6.6

Gross profit

45.5

45.8

44.5

Selling, general and administrative expenses

20.3

20.7

20.6

Research and development expenses

19.6

19.6

21.6

Operating income

5.7

5.5

2.2

Interest and dividend income

0.7

0.6

0.7

Interest expense

(0.1)

(0.1)

(0.1)

Net realized investment gain

0.7

0.9

1.7

Other income (expense), net

(0.2)

(0.1)

(0.2)

Gain on bargain purchase of a business

—

0.6

—

Income before provision for income taxes

6.7

7.4

4.3

Provision for income taxes

(3.1)

(1.8)

(1.2)

Net income

3.6%

5.5%

3.1%

2017 Compared to 2016
Sales
Our sales increased 4.7% from $636.8 million in 2016 to $666.9 million in 2017. The increase in sales is attributable to a $14.9
million increase in Network Solutions sales and a $15.2 million increase in Services & Support sales.
Network Solutions sales increased 2.8% from $525.5 million in 2016 to $540.4 million in 2017. The increase in sales in 2017 is
primarily attributable to an increase in sales of our Access & Aggregation products, partially offset by a decrease in sales of our
Traditional & Other products. The increase in sales of our Access & Aggregation products is primarily attributable to increased
VDSL2 vectoring product sales in the U.S. and European carrier markets. While we expect that revenues from Traditional &
Other products will continue to decline over time, these revenues may fluctuate and continue for years because of the time required for our customers to transition to newer technologies.
Services & Support sales increased 13.7% from $111.3 million in 2016 to $126.5 million in 2017. The increase in sales in 2017 is
primarily attributable to an increase in network installation services for Access & Aggregation products.
International sales, which are included in the Network Solutions and Services & Support amounts discussed above, increased
17.2% from $135.4 million in 2016 to $158.7 million in 2017. International sales, as a percentage of total sales, increased from
21.3% in 2016 to 23.8% in 2017. The increase in international sales in 2017 is primarily attributable to an increase in sales in
EMEA, partially offset by a decrease in sales in Latin America and the APAC region.
Our international revenues are largely focused on broadband infrastructure and are impacted by the decisions of our customers as to timing for installation of new technologies, expansion of their networks and/or network upgrades. Our international
customers must make these decisions in the regulatory and political environment in which they operate – both nationally and
in some instances, regionally – whether of a multi-country region or a more local region within a country. For example, the European Commission launched a Gigabit Society initiative, and before that, the Digital Agenda, which has provided a favorable
market environment for the deployment of ultra-broadband and Gigabit network solutions. Although the overall environment
and market demand for broadband service deployment in the European Union has improved, some new broadband technolo-

Financial Results 21

gies are still being reviewed for regulatory and standards completion, which may affect the timing of those technologies. In
Mexico, regulatory changes have created uncertainty for customers, which have resulted in slowdowns in network buying patterns. The competitive landscape in certain international markets is also impacted by the increased presence of Asian manufacturers that seek to compete aggressively on price. A strengthening U.S. dollar can also negatively impact our revenues in regions
such as Latin America, where our products are traditionally priced in U.S. dollars, while in regions where our products are sold
in local currency, such as Europe, a stronger U.S. dollar can negatively impact operating income. Consequently, while we expect
the global trend towards deployment of more robust broadband speeds and access to continue to create expanded market opportunities for us, the factors described above may result in pressure on revenues and operating income. However, we do not
presently foresee a significant negative impact to our financial condition based on our strong liquidity and the generally positive
environment described above.
We recognized a positive impact to our revenues in the first half of 2017 due to our being awarded a network expansion program
by a large European tier-1 customer. We anticipate that as our European and Latin American customers resume their network
upgrade projects, we may experience further enhancement to our revenues. We have recently announced receipt of a new nationwide award in the Pacific region, as well as additional awards based on new ADTRAN technologies in the EMEA region that
we believe will likely result in a positive impact to our revenues. Further, we expect that a resolution of the regulatory changes in
Mexico may result in business with our major customer in that region returning to a more normal level.
Cost of Sales
As a percentage of sales, cost of sales increased from 54.2% in 2016 to 54.5% in 2017. The increase is primarily attributable to a
regional revenue shift, customer and product mix and services and support mix.
Network Solutions cost of sales, as a percent of that segment’s sales, increased from 51.5% of sales in 2016 to 51.7% of sales in
2017. The increase in Network Solutions cost of sales as a percentage of that segment’s sales is primarily attributable to customer
and product mix.
An important part of our strategy is to reduce the product cost of each succeeding product generation and then to lower the
product’s price based on the cost savings achieved. This may cause variations in our gross profit percentage due to timing differences between the recognition of cost reductions and the lowering of product selling prices.
Services & Support cost of sales, as a percent of that segment’s sales, decreased from 67.2% of sales in 2016 to 66.2% of sales in
2017. The decrease in Services & Support cost of sales as a percentage of that segment’s sales is primarily attributable to the mix
of network installation programs and support.
Our Services business has experienced significant growth since 2015 as competitive pressures to expand broadband access and
speeds have strained carriers’ ability to respond to customer demand. Our Services & Support revenues are comprised of network planning and implementation, maintenance, support and cloud-based management services, with network planning and
implementation being the largest and fastest growing component. Compared to our other services such as maintenance, support
and cloud-based management services, our network planning and implementation services typically utilize a higher percentage of internal and subcontracted engineers, professionals and contractors to perform the work for customers. The additional
costs incurred to perform these infrastructure and labor intensive services inherently result in lower average gross margins as
compared to maintenance and support services.
As our network planning and implementation revenues have grown and are now the largest component of our Services & Support business, our Services & Support segment gross margins have decreased versus those reported when maintenance and support comprised the majority of the business. Further, because the growth in our network planning and implementation services
has resulted in our Services & Support revenues comprising a larger percentage of our overall revenues, and because our Services
& Support gross margins are below those of the Network Solutions segment, our overall corporate gross margins have declined
as that business has continued to grow. Within the Services & Support segment, we do expect variability in gross margins from
quarter-to-quarter based on the mix of the services recognized.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 2.8% from $131.8 million in 2016 to $135.5 million in 2017. Selling, general and administrative expenses include personnel costs for administration, finance, information technology, human resources,
sales and marketing, and general management, as well as rent, utilities, legal and accounting expenses, bad debt expense, advertising, promotional material, trade show expenses, and related travel costs. The increase in selling, general and administrative

22 ADTRAN 2017 Annual Report

expenses is primarily attributable to increases in ERP implementation expense, deferred compensation expense, travel expense,
and equity-based compensation expense, partially offset by a decrease in performance-based compensation expense.
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales decreased from 20.7% for the year ended December 31,
2016 to 20.3% for the year ended December 31, 2017. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales will
generally fluctuate whenever there is a significant fluctuation in revenues for the periods being compared.
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses increased 4.5% from $124.8 million in 2016 to $130.4 million in 2017. The increase in research and development expenses is primarily attributable to an increase in labor and engineering materials related to customer
specific projects, contract services and amortization of intangibles acquired in the third quarter of 2016.
Research and development expenses as a percentage of sales remained constant at 19.6% for the years ended December 31, 2016
and 2017. Research and development expenses as a percentage of sales will fluctuate whenever there are incremental product
development activities or a significant fluctuation in revenues for the periods being compared.
We expect to continue to incur research and development expenses in connection with our new and existing products and our
expansion into international markets. We continually evaluate new product opportunities and engage in intensive research and
product development efforts which provide for new product development, enhancement of existing products and product cost
reductions. We may incur significant research and development expenses prior to the receipt of revenues from a major new
product group.
Interest and Dividend Income
Interest and dividend income increased from $11.8% from $3.9 million in 2016 to $4.4 million in 2017. The increase in interest
and dividend income is primarily attributable to an increase in the rate of return on investments.
Interest Expense
Interest expense, which is primarily related to our taxable revenue bond, remained consistent at $0.6 million in 2016 and 2017, as
we had no substantial change in our fixed-rate borrowing. See “Financing Activities” in “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below
for additional information on our taxable revenue bond.
Net Realized Investment Gain
Net realized investment gain decreased 20.9% from $5.9 million in 2016 to $4.7 million in 2017. The decrease in realized investment gains is primarily attributable to decreased gains from the sale of equity securities. See “Investing Activities” in “Liquidity
and Capital Resources” below for additional information.
Other Income (Expense), net
Other income (expense), net, comprised primarily of miscellaneous income and expense, gains and losses on foreign currency
transactions, gains and losses on foreign exchange forward contracts, investment account management fees, and scrap raw material sales, increased 139.5% from $0.7 million of expense in 2016 to $1.6 million of expense in 2017. The change is primarily
attributable to increased losses on our foreign exchange contracts.
Gain on Bargain Purchase of a Business
Gain on bargain purchase of a business in 2016 is related to our acquisition of key fiber access products, technologies and service
relationships from a third party on September 13, 2016. See Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional
information.
Income Taxes
Our effective tax rate increased from 24.9% in 2016 to 46.7% in 2017. The increase in the effective tax rate between the two
periods is primarily attributable to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was signed into law on December 22, 2017. As a result of
the new law, we recognized an estimated expense of $11.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, of which $9.2 million related to
the write-down of deferred tax assets and $2.7 million related to tax on unrepatriated foreign earnings. See Note 11 of Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Net Income
As a result of the above factors, net income decreased from $35.2 million in 2016 to $23.8 million in 2017. As a percentage of
sales, net income decreased from 5.5% in 2016 to 3.6% in 2017.

Financial Results 23

2016 Compared to 2015
Sales
Our sales increased 6.1% from $600.1 million in 2015 to $636.8 million in 2016. The increase in sales is primarily attributable
to a $38.6 million increase in Services & Support sales, partially offset by a $1.9 million decrease in Network Solutions sales.
Network Solutions sales decreased 0.4% from $527.4 million in 2015 to $525.5 million in 2016. The decrease in sales in 2016 is
primarily attributable to a decrease in sales of our Access & Aggregation products and Traditional & Other products, partially
offset by an increase in sales of our Customer Devices products. The decrease in sales of our Access & Aggregation products
is primarily attributable to a decrease in international hiX product sales, partially offset by an increase in OSP DSLAM sales.
The increase in sales of our Customer Devices products is primarily attributable to increased sales of our FTTP ONT products.
While we expect that revenues from Traditional & Other products will continue to decline over time, these revenues may fluctuate and continue for years because of the time required for our customers to transition to newer technologies.
Services & Support sales increased 53.2% from $72.6 million in 2015 to $111.3 million in 2016. The increase in sales in 2016 is
primarily attributable to an increase in network installation services for Access & Aggregation products.
International sales, which are included in the Network Solutions and Services & Support amounts discussed above, decreased
25.0% from $180.7 million in 2015 to $135.4 million in 2016. International sales, as a percentage of total sales, decreased from
30.1% in 2015 to 21.3% in 2016. Our international revenues are affected to a great extent by the timing of network upgrade projects at our larger European and Latin American customers and by changes in foreign exchange rates in territories in which we
sell our products and services. Throughout 2016, our largest European customer focused on completing network upgrade activities in regions outside of our footprint with them. However, we expect that once current projects are completed, future network
upgrades will resume in the second half of 2017 within our geographic footprint with this customer. Additionally, after reaching
a cyclical high in the second quarter of 2014, the value of the Euro currency relative to the U.S. dollar declined significantly
throughout the second half of 2014 and in 2015. Though the Euro-USD exchange rate appears to have stabilized since reaching
a low in the fourth quarter of 2015, it remains approximately 20% below the highs of 2014. This decline in the value of the Euro
throughout 2015 and into 2016 significantly reduced the U.S. dollar value of revenue from our European sales.
Cost of Sales
As a percentage of sales, cost of sales decreased from 55.5% in 2015 to 54.2% in 2016. The decrease is primarily attributable to a
regional revenue shift and customer and product mix, partially offset by a change in services mix, restructuring expenses and an
increase in warranty expense related to a product recall caused by a defect in a part provided by a third party supplier.
Network Solutions cost of sales, as a percent of that segment’s sales, decreased from 55.7% of sales in 2015 to 51.5% of sales in
2016. The decrease in Network Solutions cost of sales as a percentage of that segment’s sales is primarily attributable to a regional
revenue shift and customer and product mix, partially offset by restructuring expenses and an increase in warranty expense
related to a product recall caused by a defect in a part provided by a third party supplier.
Services & Support cost of sales, as a percent of that segment’s sales, increased from 54.1% of sales in 2015 to 67.2% of sales
in 2016. The increase in Services & Support cost of sales as a percentage of that segment’s sales is primarily attributable to an
increase in network installation services, which have higher costs than maintenance and support services, and in restructuring
expenses.
An important part of our strategy is to reduce the product cost of each succeeding product generation and then to lower the
product’s price based on the cost savings achieved. This may cause variations in our gross profit percentage due to timing differences between the recognition of cost reductions and the lowering of product selling prices.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 6.7% from $123.5 million in 2015 to $131.8 million in 2016. Selling, general and administrative expenses include personnel costs for administration, finance, information systems, human resources,
sales and marketing, and general management, as well as rent, utilities, legal and accounting expenses, bad debt expense, advertising, promotional material, trade show expenses, and related travel costs. The increase in selling, general and administrative
expenses is primarily attributable to an increase in variable incentive compensation expense and use tax expense, partially offset
by a decrease in professional services.
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales increased from 20.6% for the year ended December 31, 2015
to 20.7% for the year ended December 31, 2016. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales will generally fluctuate whenever there is a significant fluctuation in revenues for the periods being compared.

24 ADTRAN 2017 Annual Report

Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses decreased 3.9% from $129.9 million in 2015 to $124.8 million in 2016. The decrease in
research and development expenses is primarily attributable to a decrease in compensation expense, lease expense and testing
expense, partially offset by an increase in contract services. The decrease in compensation expense and lease expense in 2016 was
primarily attributable to the consolidation of engineering resources that occurred during the second quarter of 2015.
Research and development expenses as a percentage of sales decreased from 21.6% for the year ended December 31, 2015 to
19.6% for the year ended December 31, 2016. Research and development expenses as a percentage of sales will fluctuate whenever there are incremental product development activities or a significant fluctuation in revenues for the periods being compared.
We expect to continue to incur research and development expenses in connection with our new and existing products and our
expansion into international markets. We continually evaluate new product opportunities and engage in intensive research and
product development efforts which provide for new product development, enhancement of existing products and product cost
reductions. We may incur significant research and development expenses prior to the receipt of revenues from a major new
product group.
Interest and Dividend Income
Interest and dividend income remained constant at $3.95 million in 2015 and $3.92 million in 2016.
Interest Expense
Interest expense, which is primarily related to our taxable revenue bond, remained consistent at $0.6 million in 2015 and 2016, as
we had no substantial change in our fixed-rate borrowing. See “Financing Activities” in “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below
for additional information on our taxable revenue bond.
Net Realized Investment Gain
Net realized investment gain decreased from $10.3 million in 2015 to $5.9 million in 2016. The decrease in realized investment
gains is primarily attributable to fewer gains from the sale of equity securities in 2016. See “Investing Activities” in “Liquidity and
Capital Resources” below for additional information.
Other Income (Expense), net
Other income (expense), net, comprised primarily of miscellaneous income, gains and losses resulting from foreign currency
exchange rate movements, and investment account management fees, decreased from $1.5 million of expense in 2015 to $0.7
million of expense in 2016. The change is primarily attributable to gains on forward currency contracts during the fourth quarter
of 2016.
Gain on Bargain Purchase of a Business
Gain on bargain purchase of a business is related to our acquisition of key fiber access products, technologies and service relationships from a third party on September 13, 2016. See Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional
information.
Income Taxes
Our effective tax rate decreased from 27.5% in 2015 to 24.9% in 2016. The decrease in the effective tax rate between the two
periods is primarily attributable to the benefit associated with the bargain purchase gain.
Net Income
As a result of the above factors, net income increased from $18.6 million in 2015 to $35.2 million in 2016. As a percentage of
sales, net income increased from 3.1% in 2015 to 5.5% in 2016.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity
We intend to finance our operations with cash flow from operations. We have used, and expect to continue to use, the cash
generated from operations for working capital, purchases of treasury stock, shareholder dividends, and other general corporate
purposes, including (i) product development activities to enhance our existing products and develop new products and (ii)
expansion of sales and marketing activities. We believe our cash and cash equivalents, investments and cash generated from
operations to be adequate to meet our operating and capital needs for at least the next 12 months.

Financial Results 25

At December 31, 2017, cash on hand was $86.4 million and short-term investments were $16.1 million, which resulted in available short-term liquidity of $102.6 million, of which $56.8 million was held by our foreign subsidiaries. At December 31, 2016,
cash on hand was $79.9 million and short-term investments were $43.2 million, which resulted in available short-term liquidity
of $123.1 million, of which $42.1 million was held by our foreign subsidiaries. The decrease in short-term liquidity from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017 is primarily attributable to shifts among available investment option tenures to provide
funds for our short-term cash needs.
Operating Activities
Our working capital, which consists of current assets less current liabilities, increased 35.3% from $226.4 million as of December
31, 2016 to $306.3 million as of December 31, 2017. The current ratio, defined as current assets divided by current liabilities,
increased from 2.79 as of December 31, 2016 to 3.87 as of December 31, 2017. The increase in our working capital and current
ratio is primarily attributable to an increase in accounts receivable, inventory, and other receivables, and a decrease in accounts
payable and accrued wages and benefits. The quick ratio, defined as cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, and net
accounts receivable, divided by current liabilities, increased from 1.70 as of December 31, 2016 to 2.31 as of December 31, 2017.
The increase in the quick ratio is primarily attributable to an increase in accounts receivable and a decrease in accounts payable
and accrued wages and benefits. The decrease in accrued wages and benefits was primarily attributable to a decrease in accrued
variable incentive compensation.
Net accounts receivable increased 56.1% from $92.3 million at December 31, 2016 to $144.2 million at December 31, 2017. We
did not have an allowance for doubtful accounts at December 31, 2016 or 2017. Quarterly accounts receivable DSO increased
from 52 days as of December 31, 2016 to 105 days as of December 31, 2017. The increase in net accounts receivable and DSO
is attributable to customer specific payment terms that will become due early in the first quarter of 2018 and the timing of sales
and collections during the quarter. Additionally, certain international customers can have longer payment terms than U.S. customers.
Other receivables increased 67.2% from $15.9 million at December 31, 2016 to $26.6 million at December 31, 2017. The increase
in other receivables is primarily attributable to an increase in lease receivables and income tax receivables.
Annual inventory turnover decreased from 3.51 turns as of December 31, 2016 to 3.19 turns as of December 31, 2017. Inventory
increased 16.6% from $105.1 million at December 31, 2016 to $122.5 million at December 31, 2017. We expect inventory levels
to fluctuate as we attempt to maintain sufficient inventory in response to seasonal cycles of our business ensuring competitive
lead times while managing the risk of inventory obsolescence that may occur due to rapidly changing technology and customer
demand.
Accounts payable decreased 21.6% from $77.3 million at December 31, 2016 to $60.6 million at December 31, 2017. Accounts
payable will fluctuate due to variations in the timing of the receipt of supplies, inventory and services and our subsequent payments for these purchases.
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures totaled approximately $14.7 million, $21.4 million and $11.8 million for the years ended December 31,
2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These expenditures were primarily used to purchase computer hardware, software, manufacturing and test equipment, and building improvements.
Our combined short-term and long-term investments decreased $72.9 million from $219.3 million at December 31, 2016 to
$146.4 million at December 31, 2017. This decrease reflects the impact of our cash used by our operating activities, cash needs for
share repurchases, shareholder dividends, equipment acquisitions, as well as net realized and unrealized losses, and amortization
of net premiums on our combined investments, partially offset by funds provided by stock option exercises by our employees.
We invest all available cash not required for immediate use in operations primarily in securities that we believe bear minimal risk
of loss. At December 31, 2017, these investments included corporate bonds of $32.5 million, municipal fixed-rate bonds of $2.9
million, asset-backed bonds of $6.5 million, mortgage/agency-backed bonds of $5.5 million, U.S. government bonds of $14.3
million, and foreign government bonds of $0.7 million. At December 31, 2016, these investments included corporate bonds of
$66.4 million, municipal fixed-rate bonds of $11.8 million, asset-backed bonds of $10.2 million, mortgage/agency-backed bonds
of $13.0 million, U.S. government bonds of $29.8 million, foreign government bonds of $3.7 million, and variable rate demand
notes of $11.9 million. As of December 31, 2017, our corporate bonds, municipal fixed-rate bonds, asset-backed bonds, mortgage/agency-backed bonds, U.S. government bonds, and foreign government bonds were classified as available-for-sale and had
a combined duration of 1.15 years with an average credit rating of A+. Because our bond portfolio has a high quality rating and
contractual maturities of a short duration, we are able to obtain prices for these bonds derived from observable market inputs,
or for similar securities traded in an active market, on a daily basis.
26 ADTRAN 2017 Annual Report

Our long-term investments decreased 26.0% from $176.1 million at December 31, 2016 to $130.3 million at December 31, 2017.
Long-term investments at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 included an investment in a certificate of deposit of $27.8
million, which serves as collateral for our revenue bond, as discussed below. We have investments in various marketable equity
securities classified as long-term investments at a cost of $33.5 million and $30.6 million, and with a fair value of $35.7 million
and $29.4 million, at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
Long-term investments at December 31, 2017 and 2016 also included $19.9 million and $14.6 million, respectively, related to
our deferred compensation plan, and $0.5 million and $0.8 million, respectively, of other investments, consisting of interests in
two private equity funds and an investment in a privately held telecommunications equipment manufacturer.
We review our investment portfolio for potential “other-than-temporary” declines in value on an individual investment basis.
We assess, on a quarterly basis, significant declines in value which may be considered other-than-temporary and, if necessary,
recognize and record the appropriate charge to write-down the carrying value of such investments. In making this assessment,
we take into consideration qualitative and quantitative information, including but not limited to the following: the magnitude
and duration of historical declines in market prices, credit rating activity, assessments of liquidity, public filings, and statements
made by the issuer. We generally begin our identification of potential other-than-temporary impairments by reviewing any
security with a fair value that has declined from its original or adjusted cost basis by 25% or more for six or more consecutive
months. We then evaluate the individual security based on the previously identified factors to determine the amount of the
write-down, if any. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, we recorded charges of $0.2 million, $0.8 million
and $0.2 million, respectively, related to the other-than-temporary impairment of certain publicly traded equity securities, our
deferred compensation plan assets, and our investments in two private equity funds.
Financing Activities
In conjunction with an expansion of our Huntsville, Alabama, facility, we were approved for participation in an incentive program offered by the State of Alabama Industrial Development Authority (the “Authority”). Pursuant to the program, on January
13, 1995, the Authority issued $20.0 million of its taxable revenue bonds and loaned the proceeds from the sale of the bonds to
ADTRAN. The bonds were originally purchased by AmSouth Bank of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama (the “Bank”). Wachovia
Bank, N.A., Nashville, Tennessee (formerly First Union National Bank of Tennessee) (the “Bondholder”), which was acquired
by Wells Fargo & Company on December 31, 2008, purchased the original bonds from the Bank and made further advances
to the Authority, bringing the total amount outstanding to $50.0 million. An Amended and Restated Taxable Revenue Bond
(“Amended and Restated Bond”) was issued and the original financing agreement was amended. The Amended and Restated
Bond bears interest, payable monthly. The interest rate is 2% per annum. The Amended and Restated Bond matures on January
1, 2020, and is currently outstanding in the aggregate principal amount of $26.7 million. The estimated fair value of the bond
using a level 2 valuation technique at December 31, 2017 was approximately $26.7 million, based on a debt security with a
comparable interest rate and maturity and a Standard & Poor’s credit rating of AAA. We are required to make payments to the
Authority in amounts necessary to pay the interest on the Amended and Restated Bond. Included in long-term investments at
December 31, 2017 is $27.8 million which is invested in a restricted certificate of deposit. These funds serve as a collateral deposit
against the principal of this bond, and we have the right to set-off the balance of the Bond with the collateral deposit in order to
reduce the balance of the indebtedness.
In conjunction with this program, we are eligible to receive certain economic incentives from the state of Alabama that reduce
the amount of payroll withholdings that we are required to remit to the state for those employment positions that qualify under
the program. We realized economic incentives related to payroll withholdings totaling $1.5 million for the year ended December
31, 2017 and $1.3 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.
We made principal payments of $1.1 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, and we anticipate making
a principal payment in 2018. At December 31, 2017, $1.1 million of the bond debt was classified as a current liability in accounts
payable in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Financial Results 27

Dividends
During 2017, 2016 and 2015, we paid shareholder dividends totaling $17.4 million, $17.6 million and $18.4 million, respectively.
The Board of Directors presently anticipates that it will declare a regular quarterly dividend so long as the present tax treatment
of dividends exists and adequate levels of liquidity are maintained. The following table shows dividends per common share paid
to our shareholders in each quarter of 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Dividends per Common Share
2017

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

$0.09

$0.09

$0.09

$0.09

2016

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

$0.09

$0.09

$0.09

$0.09

2015

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

$0.09

$0.09

$0.09

$0.09

Stock Repurchase Program
Since 1997, our Board of Directors has approved multiple share repurchase programs that have authorized open market repurchase transactions of up to 50.0 million shares of our common stock, which will be implemented through open market or private
purchases from time to time as conditions warrant. For the years 2017, 2016 and 2015, we repurchased 0.9 million shares, 1.4
million shares and 4.0 million shares, respectively, for a cost of $17.3 million, $25.8 million and $66.2 million, respectively, at an
average price of $20.27, $18.29 and $16.68 per share, respectively. We currently have the authority to purchase an additional 3.6
million shares of our common stock under the current plans approved by the Board of Directors.
Stock Option Exercises
To accommodate employee stock option exercises, we issued 0.7 million shares of treasury stock for $13.4 million during the
year ended December 31, 2017, 0.3 million shares of treasury stock for $4.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2016,
and 0.1 million shares of treasury stock for $1.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2015.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations
We do not have off-balance sheet financing arrangements and have not engaged in any related party transactions or arrangements with unconsolidated entities or other persons that are reasonably likely to materially affect liquidity or the availability of
or requirements for capital resources.
We have various contractual obligations and commercial commitments. The following table sets forth, in millions, the annual
payments we are required to make under contractual cash obligations and other commercial commitments at December 31,
2017.

Contractual Obligations
(In millions)

Total

2018

2019

2020

2021

After 2021

Long-term debt

$26.7

$1.1

$—

$25.6

$—

$—

1.0

0.5

0.5

—

—

—

140.0

139.1

0.8

0.1

—

—

Interest on long-term debt
Purchase obligations
Operating lease obligations

8.5

3.1

0.9

0.8

0.8

2.9

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act toll charge

2.7

0.5

0.2

0.2

0.2

1.6

$178.9

$144.3

$2.4

$26.7

$1.0

$4.5

Totals

We are required to make payments necessary to pay the interest on the Amended and Restated Bond, currently outstanding
in the aggregate principal amount of $26.7 million. The bond matures on January 1, 2020, and bears interest at the rate of 2%
per annum. Included in long-term investments are $27.8 million of restricted funds, which is a collateral deposit against the
principal amount of this bond. We made principal payments of $1.1 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2017 and
2016. We anticipate making a principal payment in 2018. At December 31, 2017, $1.1 million of the bond debt was classified as
a current liability in accounts payable in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Purchase obligations primarily relate to open purchase orders to our contract manufacturers, component suppliers, service
partners, and other vendors.
28 ADTRAN 2017 Annual Report

We have committed to invest up to an aggregate of $7.9 million in two private equity funds, and we have contributed $8.4 million
as of December 31, 2017, of which $7.7 million has been applied to these commitments. The additional $0.2 million commitment has been excluded from the table above due to uncertainty of when it will be applied.
We also have obligations related to uncertain income tax positions that have been excluded from the table above due to the
uncertainty of when the related expense will be recognized. See Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue
from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (ASU 2014-09), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic
605, Revenue Recognition, including most industry-specific revenue recognition guidance throughout the Industry Topics of
the Codification. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred
to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received for those goods or services. In August
2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, which deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 to fiscal years beginning after December
31, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Subsequently, the FASB issued ASUs in 2016 containing implementation guidance related to ASU 2014-09, including: ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting
Revenue Gross versus Net), which is intended to improve the operability and understandability of the implementation guidance
on principal versus agent considerations; ASU 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, which is intended to clarify two aspects of Topic 606: identifying performance obligations
and the licensing implementation guidance; ASU 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope
Improvements and Practical Expedients, which contains certain provisions and practical expedients in response to identified
implementation issues; and ASU 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with
Customers, which is intended to clarify the Codification or to correct unintended application of guidance. ASU 2014-09 allows
for either full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption. We adopted ASU 2014-09 and the related ASUs on January 1,
2018 using the modified retrospective method.
The two areas of impact of these ASUs are network installation service revenue performance obligations and contract costs.
The output method will be used to measure network installation services progress. The primary impact will be the timing of
revenue recognition for certain performance obligations related to service revenue arrangements that are currently deferred
until customer acceptance.
In connection with the adoption of the new revenue standard, effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASC 340-40, Other Assets
and Deferred Costs - Contracts with Customers, with respect to capitalization and amortization of incremental costs of obtaining a contract. As a result, certain costs of obtaining a contract will need to be capitalized, including sales commissions, as the
guidance requires the capitalization of all incremental costs incurred to obtain a contract with a customer that it would not have
incurred if the contract had not been obtained, provided the costs are recoverable. The primary impact will be capitalization of
certain sales commissions for our extended maintenance and support contracts in excess of one year and costs associated with
our capital lease arrangements that are billed monthly, and amortization of those costs over the period that the related revenue
is recognized.
We will recognize the cumulative adjustment for network installation service revenue performance obligations and contract
costs to retained earnings during the three months ended March 31, 2018. We do not believe the cumulative adjustment will
have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements during 2018.
In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (ASU 2016-02). ASU 2016-02
requires an entity to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and to disclose key information about the
entity’s leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods
within those fiscal years. A modified retrospective approach is required. We anticipate the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have
a material impact on our financial position; however, we do not believe adoption will have a material impact on our results of
operations. We believe the most significant impact relates to our accounting for operating leases for office space and equipment.
In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350):
Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (ASU 2017-04). ASU 2017-04 simplifies the measurement of goodwill by eliminating step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. Under ASU 2017-04, entities will be required to compare the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount and recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the
reporting unit’s fair value. ASU 2017-04 is effective for annual or interim impairment tests performed in fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for annual or interim impairment tests performed on testing dates after
January 1, 2017. The amendments should be applied prospectively. We are currently evaluating whether to early adopt ASU
Financial Results 29

2017-04, but we do not expect it will have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In March 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-07, Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715):
Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost (ASU 2017-07). ASU
2017-07 amends ASC 715, Compensation — Retirement Benefits, to require employers that present a measure of operating
income in their statements of earnings to include only the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic
postretirement benefit cost in operating expenses (together with other employee compensation costs). The other components
of net benefit cost, including amortization of prior service cost/credit, and settlement and curtailment effects, are to be included
in non-operating expenses. ASU 2017-07 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning
after December 15, 2017. We adopted ASU 2017-07 on January 1, 2018 and we do not expect ASU 2017-07 will have a material
impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In August 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities (ASU 2017-12). ASU 2017-12 expands and refines hedge accounting for both
financial and non-financial risk components, aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of hedging instruments and
hedge items in the financial statements, and includes certain targeted improvements to ease the application of current guidance
related to the assessment of hedge effectiveness. ASU 2017-12 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal
years, beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact ASU 2017-12
will have on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
During 2017, we adopted the following accounting standards, which had no material effect on our financial position, results of
operations or cash flows:
In July 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement
of Inventory (ASU 2015-11). Currently, Topic 330, Inventory, requires an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. Market could be replacement cost, net realizable value, or net realizable value less an approximately normal profit margin.
ASU 2015-11 does not apply to inventory that is measured using last-in, first-out (LIFO) or the retail inventory method. The
amendments apply to all other inventory, which includes inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average
cost. ASU 2015-11 requires an entity to measure in scope inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable
value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal,
and transportation. ASU 2015-11 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim
periods within that reporting period. The amendments should be applied prospectively with earlier application permitted as of
the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. We adopted ASU 2015-11 in the first quarter of 2017, and there was no
material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In January 2017, we adopted ASU 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee
Share-Based Payment Accounting. As a result, beginning in the first quarter of 2017, we began recognizing all excess tax benefits
and tax deficiencies as income tax expense or benefit as a discrete event. The treatment of forfeitures has changed as we have
elected to discontinue our past practice of estimating forfeitures and now account for forfeitures as they occur. As a result, we
recorded an increase in additional paid in capital of $0.1 million, a charge to beginning retained earnings of $0.1 million, and
an increase in the deferred tax assets related to non-qualified stock options and RSUs of $10 thousand. In addition, cash flows
related to excess tax benefits will no longer be separately classified as a financing activity apart from other income tax cash flows
within operating activities. We elected to retrospectively apply the changes in presentation to the statements of cash flows and no
longer classify excess tax benefits as a financing activity, which had an immaterial impact on our cash flows for the years ended
December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. There was no material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows
as a result of these changes.

Subsequent Events
On January 16, 2018, the Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.09 per common share to be paid to shareholders of
record at the close of business on January 31, 2018. The quarterly dividend payment was $4.4 million and was paid on February
14, 2018. In July 2003, our Board of Directors elected to begin declaring quarterly dividends on our common stock considering
the tax treatment of dividends and adequate levels of Company liquidity.
During the first quarter and as of February 23, 2018, we have repurchased 0.6 million shares of our common stock through open
market purchases at an average cost of $16.18 per share. We currently have the authority to purchase an additional 2.9 million
shares of our common stock under the current plan approved by the Board of Directors.
In January 2018, we announced an early retirement incentive program for employees that met certain requirements. The estimated liability associated with this program ranges from $3.6 to $14.3 million.

30 ADTRAN 2017 Annual Report

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures
About Market Risk
We are exposed to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates, foreign currency rates and prices of marketable equity and fixed-income securities. The primary objective of the large majority of our investment activities is to preserve principal
while at the same time achieving appropriate yields without significantly increasing risk. To achieve this objective, a majority
of our marketable securities are investment grade, fixed-rate bonds and municipal money market instruments denominated
in U.S. dollars. Our investment policy provides limitations for issuer concentration, which limits, at the time of purchase, the
concentration in any one issuer to 5% of the market value of our total investment portfolio.
We maintain depository investments with certain financial institutions. Although these depository investments may exceed
government insured depository limits, we have evaluated the credit worthiness of these financial institutions, and determined
the risk of material financial loss due to exposure of such credit risk to be minimal. As of December 31, 2017, $83.7 million of
our cash and cash equivalents, primarily certain domestic money market funds and foreign depository accounts, were in excess
of government provided insured depository limits.
As of December 31, 2017, approximately $83.5 million of our cash and investments may be directly affected by changes in interest rates. We have performed a hypothetical sensitivity analysis assuming market interest rates increase or decrease by 50 basis
points (bps) for an entire year, while all other variables remain constant. At December 31, 2017, we held $34.2 million of cash and
variable-rate investments where a change in interest rates would impact our interest income. A hypothetical 50 bps decline in
interest rates as of December 31, 2017 would reduce annualized interest income on our cash and investments by approximately
$0.2 million. In addition, we held $49.2 million of fixed-rate bonds whose fair values may be directly affected by a change in
interest rates. A hypothetical 50 bps increase in interest rates as of December 31, 2017 would reduce the fair value of our fixedrate bonds by approximately $0.3 million.
As of December 31, 2016, interest income on approximately $166.7 million of our cash and investments was subject to being
directly affected by changes in interest rates. We performed a hypothetical sensitivity analysis assuming market interest rates increase or decrease by 50 bps for an entire year, while all other variables remain constant. A hypothetical 50 bps decline in interest
rates as of December 31, 2016 would have reduced annualized interest income on our cash, money market instruments, floating
rate corporate bonds and municipal variable rate demand notes by approximately $0.3 million. In addition, a hypothetical 50
bps increase in interest rates as of December 31, 2016 would have reduced the fair value of our municipal and corporate bonds
by approximately $0.6 million.
We are exposed to changes in foreign currency exchange rates to the extent that such changes affect our revenue and gross margin on revenue derived from some international customers, expenses, and assets and liabilities held in non-functional currencies
related to our foreign subsidiaries. Our primary exposures to foreign currency exchange rate movements are with our German
subsidiary, whose functional currency is the Euro, our Australian subsidiary, whose functional currency is the Australian dollar, and our Mexican subsidiary, whose functional currency is the U.S. dollar. We are exposed to changes in foreign currency
exchange rates to the extent of our German subsidiary’s use of contract manufacturers and raw material suppliers whom we
predominantly pay in U.S. dollars. As a result, changes in currency exchange rates could cause variations in gross margin in the
products that we sell in the EMEA region.
We have certain international customers who are invoiced or pay in a non-functional currency. Changes in the monetary exchange rates used to invoice such customers versus the functional currency of the entity billing such customers may adversely
affect our results of operations and financial condition. To manage the volatility relating to these typical business exposures, we
may enter into various derivative transactions, when appropriate. We do not hold or issue derivative instruments for trading or
other speculative purposes. All non-functional currencies billed would result in a combined hypothetical gain or loss of $0.1
million if the U.S. dollar weakened or strengthened 10% against the billing currencies. Any gain or loss would be partially mitigated by these derivative instruments.
As of December 31, 2017, we had no material contracts subject to currency revaluation, other than accounts receivable and accounts payable denominated in foreign currencies. As of December 31, 2017, we had no forward contracts outstanding.
For further information about the fair value of our available-for-sale investments and our derivative and hedging activities as of
December 31, 2017, see Notes 4 and 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Financial Results 31

Report of Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm
To Board of Directors and Stockholders of ADTRAN, Inc.:
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of ADTRAN, Inc. and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017
and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, including the related notes listed in the accompanying
index (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company’s internal control
over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013)
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 2017 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by
the COSO.
Basis for Opinions
The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control
over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the
accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions
on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on
our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)
(“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws
and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform
the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement,
whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material
respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those
risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated
financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control
over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that
a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the
assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

32 ADTRAN 2017 Annual Report

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that
(i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions
of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation
of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the
company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide
reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s
assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because
of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Birmingham, Alabama
February 23, 2018
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1986.

Financial Results 33

Financial Statements
ADTRAN, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2017 and 2016

(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Assets

2017

2016

$86,433

$79,895

16,129

43,188

144,150

92,346

26,578

15,897

122,542

105,117

17,282

16,459

Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $—
at December 31, 2017 and 2016
Other receivables
Inventory, net
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Total Current Assets

413,114

352,902

Property, plant and equipment, net

85,079

84,469

Deferred tax assets, net

23,428

38,036

Goodwill
Other assets
Long-term investments

3,492

3,492

13,725

12,234

130,256

176,102

$669,094

$667,235

Accounts payable

$60,632

$77,342

Unearned revenue

13,070

16,326

Accrued expenses

13,232

12,434

Accrued wages and benefits

15,948

20,433

Total Assets
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current Liabilities

Income tax payable
Total Current Liabilities
Non-current unearned revenue
Other non-current liabilities

3,936

—

106,818

126,535

4,556

6,333

34,209

28,050

Bonds payable

25,600

26,800

Total Liabilities

171,183

187,718

797

797

260,515

252,957

(3,295)

(12,188)

Retained earnings

922,178

921,942

Less treasury stock at cost: 31,167 and 31,180 shares at December 31, 2017 and
2016, respectively

(682,284)

(683,991)

Commitments and contingencies (see Note 14)
Stockholders' Equity
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 200,000 shares authorized;
79,652 shares issued and 48,485 shares outstanding at December 31, 2017
and 79,652 shares issued and 48,472 shares outstanding at December 31, 2016
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Total Stockholders' Equity
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

34 ADTRAN 2017 Annual Report

497,911

479,517

$669,094

$667,235

ADTRAN, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Income
Years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

2017

2016

2015

Sales
Products

$540,396

$525,502

$527,422

Services

126,504

111,279

72,642

Total Sales

666,900

636,781

600,064

Products

279,541

270,695

293,843

Services

83,699

74,742

39,324

Cost of Sales

Total Cost of Sales

363,240

345,437

333,167

Gross Profit

303,660

291,344

266,897

Selling, general and administrative expenses

135,489

131,805

123,542

Research and development expenses

130,434

124,804

129,876

37,737

34,735

13,479

4,380

3,918

3,953

Operating Income
Interest and dividend income

(556)

(572)

(596)

Net realized investment gain

Interest expense

4,685

5,923

10,337

Other expense, net

(1,559)

(651)

(1,465)

—

3,542

—

Gain on bargain purchase of a business
Income before provision for income taxes

44,687

46,895

25,708

Provision for income taxes

(20,847)

(11,666)

(7,062)

Net Income

$23,840

$35,229

$18,646

Weighted average shares outstanding—basic

48,153

48,724

51,145

Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted

48,699

48,949

51,267

Earnings per common share—basic

$0.50

$0.72

$0.36

Earnings per common share—diluted

$0.49

$0.72

$0.36

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

Financial Results 35

ADTRAN, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
(In thousands)
Net Income

2017

2016

2015

$23,840

$35,229

$18,646

2,163

(1,528)

(7,032)

731

(1,122)

5,999

(569)

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax:
Net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities
Defined benefit plan adjustments
Foreign currency translation
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax
Comprehensive Income, net of tax
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

36 ADTRAN 2017 Annual Report

1,862
(3,724)

8,893

(3,219)

(8,894)

$32,733

$32,010

$9,752

ADTRAN, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
Years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

(In thousands)
Balance, December 31, 2014

Additional
Common Common
Paid-In
Shares
Stock
Capital
79,652

$797

$241,829

Net income

Retained
Earnings

Accumulated
Other
Total
Treasury Comprehensive Stockholders’
Stock Income (Loss)
Equity

$907,751

$(601,289)

18,646
(8,894)

Dividend payments
Dividends accrued for unvested
restricted stock units
Stock options exercised: 60 shares
PSUs, RSUs and restricted stock
vested: 34 shares

(69)

(18,449)

(7)

(7)

(402)

1,363

961

(767)

767

(69)

(66,160)

(66,160)

(1,593)

Stock-based compensation expense

(1,593)

6,712
79,652

797

246,879

Net income

6,712
906,772

(665,319)

Stock options exercised: 283 shares
PSUs, RSUs and restricted stock
vested: 42 shares

(142)

(17,583)

(48)

(48)

(1,499)

6,216

4,717

(929)

929

(142)

(25,817)

(25,817)

(475)

Stock-based compensation expense

(475)

6,695
79,652

797

252,957

Net income

6,695
921,942

(683,991)

(12,188)

23,840
8,893

Dividend payments

479,517
23,840

Other comprehensive income, net of tax
Dividends accrued for unvested
restricted stock units

(3,219)

(17,583)

Purchase of treasury stock:
1,411 shares
Income tax effect of stock
compensation arrangements

480,160
35,229

(3,219)

Dividend payments

Balance, December 31, 2016

(8,969)

35,229

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
Dividends accrued for unvested
restricted stock units

(8,894)

(18,449)

Purchase of treasury stock:
3,967 shares
Income tax effect of stock
compensation arrangements

$549,013
18,646

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

Balance, December 31, 2015

$(75)

8,893

(17,368)

(17,368)

(37)

(37)

Stock options exercised: 742 shares

(2,827)

16,239

13,412

PSUs, RSUs and restricted stock
vested: 154 shares

(3,257)

2,816

(441)

(17,348)

(17,348)

Purchase of treasury stock:
856 shares
Stock-based compensation expense

7,433

ASU 2016-09 adoption (see Note 1)
Balance, December 31, 2017

79,652

$797

7,433

125

(115)

$260,515

$922,178

10
$(682,284)

$(3,295)

$497,911

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

Financial Results 37

ADTRAN, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015
(In thousands)

2017

2016

2015

$23,840

$35,229

$18,646

15,692

14,407

14,245

Cash flows from operating activities
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
Amortization of net premium on available-for-sale investments
Net realized gain on long-term investments
Net (gain) loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Gain on bargain purchase of a business
Stock-based compensation expense

425

643

2,402

(4,685)

(5,923)

(10,337)

(145)

22

644

—

(3,542)

—

7,433

6,695

6,712

14,073

(2,685)

(692)

—

—

(40)

Accounts receivable, net

(49,103)

(21,302)

14,918

Other receivables

(10,222)

4,101

11,704

Inventory

(15,518)

(10,887)

(6,877)

(4,830)

(7,108)

(5,070)

(17,742)

26,722

(5,826)

(5,455)

8,792

(10,289)

Deferred income taxes
Tax impact of stock option exercises
Change in operating assets and liabilities:

Prepaid expenses and other assets
Accounts payable
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Income taxes payable
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

3,858

(3,162)

(11,590)

(42,379)

42,002

18,550

(14,720)

(21,441)

(11,753)

151

—

183

Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale investments

173,752

225,075

280,435

Purchases of available-for-sale investments

(93,141)

(209,172)

(188,921)

Acquisition of business

—

(943)

—

66,042

(6,481)

79,944

Proceeds from stock option exercises

13,412

4,717

961

Purchases of treasury stock

(17,348)

(25,817)

(66,160)

Dividend payments

(17,368)

(17,583)

(18,449)

(1,100)

(1,100)

(1,100)

(22,404)

(39,783)

(84,748)

1,259

(4,262)

13,746

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities

Payments on long-term debt
Net cash used in financing activities
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Effect of exchange rate changes
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

5,279

(393)

(2,635)

79,895

84,550

73,439

$86,433

$79,895

$84,550

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Cash paid during the year for interest
Cash paid during the year for income taxes

$555

$575

$598

$2,988

$18,689

$20,139

$408

$2,103

$598

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment included in accounts payable
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
38 ADTRAN 2017 Annual Report

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1

Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

ADTRAN, Inc. (ADTRAN) is a leading global provider of networking and communications equipment. Our solutions enable
voice, data, video and Internet communications across a variety of network infrastructures. These solutions are deployed by
many of the United States’ and the world’s largest communications service providers (CSPs), distributed enterprises and small
and medium-sized businesses, public and private enterprises, and millions of individual users worldwide.
Principles of Consolidation
Our consolidated financial statements include ADTRAN and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All inter-company accounts and
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America 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 the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. Our more significant estimates include the obsolete and excess inventory reserves, warranty
reserves, customer rebates, determination of the deferred revenue components of multiple element sales agreements, estimated
costs to complete obligations associated with deferred revenues and network installations, estimated income tax provision and
income tax contingencies, the fair value of stock-based compensation, impairment of goodwill, valuation and estimated lives of
intangible assets, estimated pension liability, fair value of investments, and the evaluation of other-than-temporary declines in
the value of investments. Actual amounts could differ significantly from these estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents represent demand deposits, money market funds, and short-term investments classified as availablefor-sale with original maturities of three months or less. We maintain depository investments with certain financial institutions.
Although these depository investments may exceed government insured depository limits, we have evaluated the credit worthiness of these applicable financial institutions, and determined the risk of material financial loss due to the exposure of such credit
risk to be minimal. As of December 31, 2017, $83.7 million of our cash and cash equivalents, primarily certain domestic money
market funds and foreign depository accounts, were in excess of government provided insured depository limits.
Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The carrying
amount reported for bonds payable was $26.7 million, compared to an estimated fair value of $26.7 million, based on a debt
security with a comparable interest rate and maturity and a Standard & Poor’s credit rating of AAA.
Investments with contractual maturities beyond one year, such as our variable rate demand notes, may be classified as shortterm based on their highly liquid nature and because such marketable securities represent the investment of cash that is available for current operations. Despite the long-term nature of their stated contractual maturities, we routinely buy and sell these
securities and we believe we have the ability to quickly sell them to the remarketing agent, tender agent, or issuer at par value
plus accrued interest in the event we decide to liquidate our investment in a particular variable rate demand note. All income
generated from these investments was recorded as interest income. We have not been required to record any losses relating to
variable rate demand notes.

Financial Results 39

Long-term investments represent a restricted certificate of deposit held at cost, deferred compensation plan assets, corporate
bonds, municipal fixed-rate bonds, asset-backed bonds, mortgage/agency backed bonds, U.S. and foreign government bonds,
variable rate demand notes, marketable equity securities, and other equity investments. Marketable equity securities are reported at fair value as determined by the most recently traded price of the securities at the balance sheet date, although the securities
may not be readily marketable due to the size of the available market. Unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, are reported as a
separate component of stockholders’ equity. Realized gains and losses on sales of securities are computed under the specific identification method and are included in current income. We review our investment portfolio quarterly for investments considered
to have sustained an other-than-temporary decline in value. Impairment charges for other-than-temporary declines in value are
recorded as realized losses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. All of our investments at December 31, 2017
and 2016 are classified as available-for-sale securities. See Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional
information.
Accounts Receivable
We record accounts receivable at net realizable value. Prior to establishing payment terms for a new customer, we evaluate the
credit risk of the customer. Credit limits and payment terms established for new customers are re-evaluated periodically based
on customer collection experience and other financial factors. At December 31, 2017, single customers comprising more than
10% of our total accounts receivable balance included two customers, which accounted for 63.8% of our total accounts receivable. At December 31, 2016, single customers comprising more than 10% of our total accounts receivable balance included three
customers, which accounted for 63.3% of our total accounts receivable.
We regularly review the need to maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts and consider factors such as the age of accounts
receivable balances, the current economic conditions that may affect a customer’s ability to pay, significant one-time events and
our historical experience. If the financial condition of a customer deteriorates, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make
payments, we may be required to record an allowance for doubtful accounts. If circumstances change with regard to individual
receivable balances that have previously been determined to be uncollectible (and for which a specific reserve has been established), a reduction in our allowance for doubtful accounts may be required. We did not have an allowance for doubtful accounts
at December 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016.
Other Receivables
Other receivables are comprised primarily of lease receivables, amounts due from subcontract manufacturers for product component transfers, unbilled receivables, amounts due from various jurisdictions for value-added tax, income tax receivable, accrued interest on investments and on a restricted certificate of deposit, and amounts due from employee stock option exercises.
Inventory
Inventory is carried at the lower of cost and net realizable value, with cost being determined using the first-in, first-out method.
Standard costs for material, labor and manufacturing overhead are used to value inventory. Standard costs are updated at least
quarterly; therefore, inventory costs approximate actual costs at the end of each reporting period. We establish reserves for estimated excess, obsolete or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of the inventory and the estimated
fair value of the inventory based upon assumptions about future demand, market conditions and age. When we dispose of excess
and obsolete inventories, the related disposals are charged against the inventory reserve. See Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements for additional information.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment, which is stated at cost, is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful
lives of the assets. We depreciate building and land improvements from five to 39 years, office machinery and equipment from
three to seven years, engineering machinery and equipment from three to seven years, and computer software from three to five
years. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Betterments that materially prolong the
lives of the assets are capitalized. Gains and losses on the disposal of property, plant and equipment are recorded in operating
income. See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

40 ADTRAN 2017 Annual Report

Liability for Warranty
Our products generally include warranties of 90 days to five years for product defects. We accrue for warranty returns at the time
revenue is recognized based on our historical return rate and estimate of the cost to repair or replace the defective products. We
engage in extensive product quality programs and processes, including actively monitoring and evaluating the quality of our
component suppliers. Our products continue to become more complex in both size and functionality as many of our product
offerings migrate from line card applications to total systems. The increasing complexity of our products will cause warranty
incidences, when they arise, to be more costly. Our estimates regarding future warranty obligations may change due to product
failure rates, material usage, and other rework costs incurred in correcting a product failure. In addition, from time to time,
specific warranty accruals may be recorded if unforeseen problems arise. Should our actual experience relative to these factors
be worse than our estimates, we will be required to record additional warranty expense. Alternatively, if we provide for more
reserves than we require, we will reverse a portion of such provisions in future periods. During 2017, we recorded a reduction in
warranty expense related to a settlement with a third party supplier for a defective component, the impact of which is reflected
in the following table. The liability for warranty obligations totaled $9.7 million and $8.5 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016,
respectively. These liabilities are included in accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
A summary of warranty expense and write-off activity for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:
(In thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
Balance at beginning of period
Plus: Amounts charged to cost and expenses

2017

2016

2015

$8,548

$8,739

$8,415

6,951

8,561

2,998

Less: Deductions

(5,775)

(8,752)

(2,674)

Balance at end of period

$9,724

$8,548

$8,739

Pension Benefit Plan Obligations
We maintain a defined benefit pension plan covering employees in certain foreign countries. Pension benefit plan obligations
are based on various assumptions used by our actuaries in calculating these amounts. These assumptions include discount rates,
compensation rate increases, expected return on plan assets, retirement rates and mortality rates. Actual results that differ from
the assumptions and changes in assumptions could affect future expenses and obligations.
Stock-Based Compensation
We have two Board and stockholder approved stock incentive plans from which stock options, performance stock units (PSUs),
restricted stock units (RSUs) and restricted stock are available for grant to employees and directors. All employee and director
stock options granted under our stock option plans have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the award, as defined
in the plan, of the underlying common stock on the grant date. All of our outstanding stock option awards are classified as equity
awards.
Stock-based compensation expense recognized in 2017, 2016 and 2015 was approximately $7.4 million, $6.7 million and $6.7
million, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, total compensation cost related to non-vested stock options, market-based PSUs,
RSUs and restricted stock not yet recognized was approximately $17.1 million, which is expected to be recognized over an
average remaining recognition period of 2.9 years. In addition, there was $11.4 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested performance-based PSUs, which will be recognized over the requisite service period of three years as
achievement of the performance obligation becomes probable. See Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for
additional information.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
We review long-lived assets used in operations for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by the asset are
less than the asset’s carrying value. An impairment loss would be recognized in the amount by which the recorded value of the
asset exceeds the fair value of the asset, measured by the quoted market price of an asset or an estimate based on the best information available in the circumstances. There were no impairment losses recognized during 2017, 2016 or 2015.

Financial Results 41

Goodwill and Purchased Intangible Assets
We evaluate the carrying value of goodwill during the fourth quarter of each year and between annual evaluations if events
occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying
amount. We have elected to first assess the qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value
of the reporting unit to which the goodwill is assigned is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is
necessary to perform the two-step impairment test. If we determine that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than
its carrying amount, then the two-step impairment test will be performed. Based on the results of our qualitative assessment in
2017, we concluded that it was not necessary to perform the two-step impairment test. There have been no impairment losses
recognized since the goodwill was acquired in an acquisition in 2011. Purchased intangible assets with finite lives are carried at
cost, less accumulated amortization. Amortization is recorded over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, which is 9
months to 14 years.
Research and Development Costs
Research and development costs include compensation for engineers and support personnel, outside contracted services, depreciation and material costs associated with new product development, the enhancement of current products, and product
cost reductions. We continually evaluate new product opportunities and engage in intensive research and product development
efforts. Research and development costs totaled $130.4 million, $124.8 million and $129.9 million for the years ended December
31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Other Comprehensive Income
Other comprehensive income consists of unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities; unrealized gains (losses) on
cash flow hedges; reclassification adjustments for amounts included in net income related to impairments of available-for-sale
securities, realized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, realized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, and amortization
of actuarial gains (losses) related to our defined benefit plan; defined benefit plan adjustments; and foreign currency translation
adjustments.
The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, by component for the years ended
December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017:

(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2014

Unrealized Gains
Unrealized
(Losses) on Gains (Losses)
Available-for-Sale on Cash Flow
Securities
Hedges

Defined
Benefit Plan
Adjustments

Foreign
Currency
Adjustments

Total

$8,964

$—

$(5,757)

$(3,282)

$(75)

(844)

—

1,589

(3,724)

(2,979)

Amounts reclassified from accumulated
other comprehensive income

(6,188)

—

273

—

(5,915)

Balance at December 31, 2015

1,932

—

(3,895)

(7,006)

(8,969)

Other comprehensive income (loss)
before reclassifications

1,515

—

(1,229)

(569)

(283)

Amounts reclassified from accumulated
other comprehensive income

(3,043)

—

107

—

(2,936)

Other comprehensive income (loss)
before reclassifications

Balance at December 31, 2016

404

—

(5,017)

(7,575)

(12,188)

Other comprehensive income (loss)
before reclassifications

5,020

(619)

451

5,999

10,851

Amounts reclassified from accumulated
other comprehensive income

(2,857)

619

280

—

(1,958)

Balance at December 31, 2017

$2,567

$—

$(4,286)

$(1,576)

$(3,295)

42 ADTRAN 2017 Annual Report

The following tables present the details of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the years ended
December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:
(In thousands)
Details about Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income Components

2017
Amount Reclassified from
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income

Affected Line Item in the
Statement Where Net Income
Is Presented

Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities:
Net realized gain on sales of securities
Impairment expense

$4,864

Net realized investment gain

(180) Net realized investment gain

Net losses on derivatives designated as
hedging instruments

(897) Cost of sales

Defined benefit plan adjustments – actuarial losses

(406) (1)

Total reclassifications for the period, before tax

3,381

Tax (expense) benefit

(1,423)

Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax

$1,958

(1) Included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

(In thousands)
Details about Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income Components

2016
Amount Reclassified from
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income

Affected Line Item in the
Statement Where Net Income
Is Presented

Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities:
Net realized gain on sales of securities
Impairment expense
Defined benefit plan adjustments – actuarial losses

$5,408

Net realized investment gain

(419) Net realized investment gain
(156) (1)

Total reclassifications for the period, before tax

4,833

Tax (expense) benefit

(1,897)

Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax

$2,936

(1) Included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

(In thousands)
Details about Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income Components

2015
Amount Reclassified from
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income

Affected Line Item in the
Statement Where Net Income
Is Presented

Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities:
Net realized gain on sales of securities
Impairment expense
Defined benefit plan adjustments – actuarial losses
Total reclassifications for the period, before tax

$10,348

Net realized investment gain

(203) Net realized investment gain
(396) (1)
9,749

Tax (expense) benefit

(3,834)

Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax

$5,915

(1) Included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Financial Results 43

The following tables present the tax effects related to the change in each component of other comprehensive income for the years
ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:
Before-Tax
Amount

2017
Tax (Expense)
Benefit

Net-of-Tax
Amount

Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities

$8,230

$(3,210)

$5,020

Reclassification adjustment for amounts related to
available-for-sale investments included in net income

(4,684)

1,827

(2,857)

Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges

(897)

278

(619)

Reclassification adjustment for amounts related to cash
flow hedges included in net income

897

(278)

619

Defined benefit plan adjustments

654

(203)

451

Reclassification adjustment for amounts related to
defined benefit plan adjustments included in net income

406

(126)

280

5,999

—

5,999

$10,605

$(1,712)

$8,893

Before-Tax
Amount

2016
Tax (Expense)
Benefit

Net-of-Tax
Amount

Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities

$2,484

$(969)

$1,515

Reclassification adjustment for amounts related to
available-for-sale investments included in net income

(4,989)

1,946

(3,043)

Defined benefit plan adjustments

(1,782)

553

(1,229)

Reclassification adjustment for amounts related to
defined benefit plan adjustments included in net income

156

(49)

107

Foreign currency translation adjustment

(569)

—

(569)

$(4,700)

$1,481

$(3,219)

Before-Tax
Amount

2015
Tax (Expense)
Benefit

Net-of-Tax
Amount

Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities

$(1,384)

$540

$(844)

Reclassification adjustment for amounts related to
available-for-sale investments included in net income

(10,145)

3,957

(6,188)

2,303

(714)

1,589

396

(123)

273

(In thousands)

Foreign currency translation adjustment
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(In thousands)

Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(In thousands)

Defined benefit plan adjustments
Reclassification adjustment for amounts related to
defined benefit plan adjustments included in net income
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

44 ADTRAN 2017 Annual Report

(3,724)

—

(3,724)

$(12,554)

$3,660

$(8,894)

Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes has been determined using the asset and liability approach of accounting for income taxes. Under this approach, deferred taxes represent the future tax consequences expected to occur when the reported amounts of assets
and liabilities are recovered or paid. The provision for income taxes represents income taxes paid or payable for the current year
plus the change in deferred taxes during the year. Deferred taxes result from the difference between financial and tax bases of our
assets and liabilities and are adjusted for changes in tax rates and tax laws when such changes are enacted. Valuation allowances
are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized.
We establish reserves to remove some or all of the tax benefit of any of our tax positions at the time we determine that the
positions become uncertain. We adjust these reserves, including any impact on the related interest and penalties, as facts and
circumstances change.
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Act) was signed into law. As a result of the Act, we have recognized an
estimated expense of $11.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, of which $9.2 million related to the write-down of deferred tax
assets and $2.7 million related to tax on unrepatriated foreign earnings. We have calculated our best estimate of the impact of the
Act in our year-end income tax provision, in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, which was issued to address the
application of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared or analyzed
to finalize the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Act. Additional work is necessary to do a more detailed analysis
of historical foreign earnings, as well as the full impact relating to the write-down of deferred tax assets. Any subsequent adjustments to these amounts will be recorded as income tax expense in the quarter the analysis is complete.
Foreign Currency
We record transactions denominated in foreign currencies on a monthly basis using exchange rates from throughout the year.
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are remeasured at the balance sheet dates using the closing rates of
exchange between those foreign currencies and the functional currency with any transaction gains or losses reported in other
income (expense). Our primary exposures to foreign currency exchange rate movements are with our German subsidiary,
whose functional currency is the Euro, our Australian subsidiary, whose functional currency is the Australian dollar, and our
Mexican subsidiary, whose functional currency is the U.S. dollar. Adjustments resulting from translating financial statements of
international subsidiaries are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is generally recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the product price
is fixed or determinable, collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured, and product returns are reasonably estimable. For product sales, revenue is generally recognized upon shipment of the product to our customer in accordance with the
title transfer terms of the sales agreement, generally Ex Works, per International Commercial Terms. In the case of consigned
inventory, revenue is recognized when the end customer assumes ownership of the product. Contracts that contain multiple
deliverables are evaluated to determine the units of accounting, and the consideration from the arrangement is allocated to each
unit of accounting based on the relative selling price and corresponding terms of the contract. When this is not available, we are
generally not able to determine third-party evidence of selling price because of the extent of customization among competing
products or services from other companies. In these instances, we use best estimates to allocate consideration to each respective
unit of accounting. These estimates include analysis of respective bills of material and review and analysis of similar product and
service offerings. We record revenue associated with installation services when respective contractual obligations are complete.
In instances where customer acceptance is required, revenue is deferred until respective acceptance criteria have been met. Contracts that include both installation services and product sales are evaluated for revenue recognition in accordance with contract
terms. As a result, installation services may be considered a separate deliverable or may be considered a combined single unit of
accounting with the delivered product. Generally, either the purchaser, ADTRAN, or a third party can perform the installation
of our products. Shipping fees are recorded as revenue and the related cost is included in cost of sales. Sales taxes invoiced to
customers are included in revenues, and represent less than one percent of total revenues. The corresponding sales taxes paid are
included in cost of goods sold. Value added taxes collected from customers in international jurisdictions are recorded in accrued
expenses as a liability. Revenue is recorded net of discounts. Sales returns are recorded as a reduction of revenue and accrued
based on historical sales return experience, which we believe provides a reasonable estimate of future returns.

Financial Results 45

A portion of our products are sold to a non-exclusive distribution network of major technology distributors in the United States.
These large organizations then distribute or provide fulfillment services to an extensive network of VARs and SIs. VARs and SIs
may be affiliated with us as a channel partner, or they may purchase from the distributor in an unaffiliated fashion. Additionally,
with certain limitations our distributors may return unused and unopened product for stock-balancing purposes when such
returns are accompanied by offsetting orders for products of equal or greater value.
We participate in cooperative advertising and market development programs with certain customers. We use these programs to
reimburse customers for certain forms of advertising, and in general, to allow our customers credits up to a specified percentage of their net purchases. Our costs associated with these programs are estimated and included in marketing expenses in our
consolidated statements of income. We also participate in rebate programs to provide sales incentives for certain products. Our
costs associated with these programs are estimated and accrued at the time of sale, and are recorded as a reduction of sales in
our consolidated statements of income.
Unearned Revenue
Unearned revenue primarily represents customer billings on our maintenance service programs and leases and unearned revenues relating to multiple element contracts where we still have contractual obligations to our customers. We currently offer
maintenance contracts ranging from one to five years. Revenue attributable to maintenance contracts is recognized on a straightline basis over the related contract term. In addition, we provide software maintenance and a variety of hardware maintenance
services to customers under contracts with terms up to ten years. When we defer revenue related to multiple-element contracts
where we still have contractual obligations, we also defer the related costs. Current deferred costs are included in prepaid expenses and other assets and totaled $11.4 million and $10.7 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Non-current
deferred costs are included in other assets and totaled $2.8 million and $0.9 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Other Income (Expense), Net
Other income (expense), net, is comprised primarily of miscellaneous income and expense, gains and losses on foreign currency transactions, gains and losses on foreign exchange forward contracts, investment account management fees, and scrap
raw material sales.
Earnings per Share
Earnings per common share, and earnings per common share assuming dilution, are based on the weighted average number of
common shares and, when dilutive, common equivalent shares outstanding during the year. See Note 15 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

46 ADTRAN 2017 Annual Report

Dividends
During 2017, 2016 and 2015, we paid shareholder dividends totaling $17.4 million, $17.6 million and $18.4 million, respectively.
The Board of Directors presently anticipates that it will declare a regular quarterly dividend so long as the present tax treatment
of dividends exists and adequate levels of liquidity are maintained. The following table shows dividends paid to our shareholders
in each quarter of 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Dividends per Common Share
2017
2016
2015

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

$0.09

$0.09

$0.09

$0.09

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

$0.09

$0.09

$0.09

$0.09

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

$0.09

$0.09

$0.09

$0.09

On January 16, 2018, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.09 per common share to be paid to shareholders of record at the close of business on January 31, 2018. The ex-dividend date was January 30, 2018 and the payment date
was February 14, 2018. The quarterly dividend payment was $4.4 million.
Business Combinations
We use the acquisition method to account for business combinations. Under the acquisition method of accounting, we recognize the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their fair value on the acquisition date. Goodwill is measured as the excess of
the consideration transferred over the net assets acquired. Costs incurred to complete the business combination, such as legal,
accounting or other professional fees, are charged to general and administrative expenses as they are incurred.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue
from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (ASU 2014-09), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic
605, Revenue Recognition, including most industry-specific revenue recognition guidance throughout the Industry Topics of
the Codification. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred
to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received for those goods or services. In August
2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, which deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 to fiscal years beginning after December
31, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Subsequently, the FASB issued ASUs in 2016 containing implementation guidance related to ASU 2014-09, including: ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting
Revenue Gross versus Net), which is intended to improve the operability and understandability of the implementation guidance
on principal versus agent considerations; ASU 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, which is intended to clarify two aspects of Topic 606: identifying performance obligations
and the licensing implementation guidance; ASU 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope
Improvements and Practical Expedients, which contains certain provisions and practical expedients in response to identified
implementation issues; and ASU 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with
Customers, which is intended to clarify the Codification or to correct unintended application of guidance. ASU 2014-09 allows
for either full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption. We adopted ASU 2014-09 and the related ASUs on January 1,
2018 using the modified retrospective method.
The two areas of impact of these ASUs are network installation service revenue performance obligations and contract costs.
The output method will be used to measure network installation services progress. The primary impact will be the timing of
revenue recognition for certain performance obligations related to service revenue arrangements that are currently deferred
until customer acceptance.
In connection with the adoption of the new revenue standard, effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASC 340-40, Other Assets
and Deferred Costs - Contracts with Customers, with respect to capitalization and amortization of incremental costs of obtaining a contract. As a result, certain costs of obtaining a contract will need to be capitalized, including sales commissions, as the
guidance requires the capitalization of all incremental costs incurred to obtain a contract with a customer that it would not have

Financial Results 47

incurred if the contract had not been obtained, provided the costs are recoverable. The primary impact will be capitalization of
certain sales commissions for our extended maintenance and support contracts in excess of one year and costs associated with
our capital lease arrangements that are billed monthly, and amortization of those costs over the period that the related revenue
is recognized.
We will recognize the cumulative adjustment for network installation service revenue performance obligations and contract
costs to retained earnings during the three months ended March 31, 2018. We do not believe the cumulative adjustment will
have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements during 2018.
In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (ASU 2016-02). ASU 2016-02
requires an entity to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and to disclose key information about the
entity’s leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods
within those fiscal years. A modified retrospective approach is required. We anticipate the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have
a material impact on our financial position; however, we do not believe adoption will have a material impact on our results of
operations. We believe the most significant impact relates to our accounting for operating leases for office space and equipment.
In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350):
Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (ASU 2017-04). ASU 2017-04 simplifies the measurement of goodwill by eliminating step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. Under ASU 2017-04, entities will be required to compare the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount and recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the
reporting unit’s fair value. ASU 2017-04 is effective for annual or interim impairment tests performed in fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for annual or interim impairment tests performed on testing dates after
January 1, 2017. The amendments should be applied prospectively. We are currently evaluating whether to early adopt ASU
2017-04, but we do not expect it will have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In March 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-07, Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715):
Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost (ASU 2017-07). ASU
2017-07 amends ASC 715, Compensation — Retirement Benefits, to require employers that present a measure of operating
income in their statements of earnings to include only the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic
postretirement benefit cost in operating expenses (together with other employee compensation costs). The other components of
net benefit cost, including amortization of prior service cost/credit, and settlement and curtailment effects, are to be included in
non-operating expenses. ASU 2017-07 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after
December 15, 2017. We adopted ASU 2017-07 on January 1, 2018 and we do not expect it will have a material impact on our
financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In August 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities (ASU 2017-12). ASU 2017-12 expands and refines hedge accounting for both
financial and non-financial risk components, aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of hedging instruments and
hedge items in the financial statements, and includes certain targeted improvements to ease the application of current guidance
related to the assessment of hedge effectiveness. ASU 2017-12 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal
years, beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact ASU 2017-12
will have on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
During 2017, we adopted the following accounting standards, which had no material effect on our financial position, results of
operations or cash flows:
In July 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement
of Inventory (ASU 2015-11). Currently, Topic 330, Inventory, requires an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. Market could be replacement cost, net realizable value, or net realizable value less an approximately normal profit margin.
ASU 2015-11 does not apply to inventory that is measured using last-in, first-out (LIFO) or the retail inventory method. The
amendments apply to all other inventory, which includes inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average
cost. ASU 2015-11 requires an entity to measure in scope inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable
value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal,
and transportation. ASU 2015-11 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim
periods within that reporting period. The amendments should be applied prospectively with earlier application permitted as of
the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. We adopted ASU 2015-11 in the first quarter of 2017, and there was no
material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

48 ADTRAN 2017 Annual Report

In January 2017, we adopted ASU 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee
Share-Based Payment Accounting. As a result, beginning in the first quarter of 2017, we began recognizing all excess tax benefits
and tax deficiencies as income tax expense or benefit as a discrete event. The treatment of forfeitures has changed as we have
elected to discontinue our past practice of estimating forfeitures and now account for forfeitures as they occur. As a result, we
recorded an increase in additional paid in capital of $0.1 million, a charge to beginning retained earnings of $0.1 million, and
an increase in the deferred tax assets related to non-qualified stock options and RSUs of $10 thousand. In addition, cash flows
related to excess tax benefits will no longer be separately classified as a financing activity apart from other income tax cash flows
within operating activities. We elected to retrospectively apply the changes in presentation to the statements of cash flows and no
longer classify excess tax benefits as a financing activity, which had an immaterial impact on our cash flows for the years ended
December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. There was no material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows
as a result of these changes.

2

Business Combinations

On September 13, 2016, we acquired key fiber access products, technologies and service relationships from subsidiaries of CommScope, Inc. for $0.9 million in cash. This acquisition enhanced our solutions for the cable MSO industry and provided cable
operators with the scalable solutions, services and support they required to compete in the multi-gigabit service delivery market.
This transaction was accounted for as a business combination. We have included the financial results of this acquisition in our
consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. These revenues are included in the Network Solutions reportable
segment, and in the Access & Aggregation and Customer Devices categories.
We recorded a bargain purchase gain of $3.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2016, net of income taxes, which was
subject to customary working capital adjustments between the parties. The bargain purchase gain of $3.5 million represents the
excess fair value of the net assets acquired over the consideration exchanged. We have assessed the recognition and measurement of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on historical and pro forma data for future periods and have concluded
that our valuation procedures and resulting measures were appropriate. The gain is included in the line item “Gain on bargain
purchase of a business” in the 2016 Consolidated Statements of Income.
Working capital adjustments were recorded in the fourth quarter of 2016 and resulted in an immaterial reduction in the inventory acquired, accounts payable assumed, deferred income taxes and bargain purchase gain. If these adjustments had been
recorded on the date of acquisition, the bargain purchase gain would have been reduced by $8 thousand for the three months
ended September 30, 2016. The final allocation of the purchase price to the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date is as follows:
(In thousands)
Assets
Inventory
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Total assets acquired

$3,131
352
4,700
8,183

Liabilities
Accounts payable
Warranty payable
Accrued wages and benefits

(1,250)
(61)
(122)

Deferred income taxes

(2,265)

Total liabilities assumed

(3,698)

Total net assets
Gain on bargain purchase of a business, net of tax
Total purchase price

4,485
(3,542)
$943

Financial Results 49

The details of the acquired intangible assets are as follows:
(In thousands)

Value

Life (years)

Supply agreement

$1,400

0.8

Customer relationships

1,200

6.0

Developed technology

800

10.0

License

500

1.3

Patent

500

7.3

Non-compete

200

2.3

100

2.0

Trade name
Total

$4,700

The following unaudited supplemental pro forma information presents the financial results as if the acquisition had occurred
on January 1, 2015. This unaudited supplemental pro forma information does not purport to be indicative of what would have
occurred had the acquisition been completed on January 1, 2015, nor is it indicative of any future results. Aside from revising the
2015 net income for the effect of the bargain purchase gain, there were no material, non-recurring adjustments to this unaudited
pro forma information.
(In thousands)
Pro forma revenue
Pro forma net income

2016

2015

$641,170

$603,923

$31,212

$22,945

Pro forma earnings per share–basic

$0.64

$0.45

Pro forma earnings per share–diluted

$0.64

$0.45

For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we incurred acquisition and integration related expenses and amortization of
acquired intangibles of $1.8 million and $1.0 million, respectively, related to this acquisition.

3

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock Incentive Program Descriptions
On January 23, 2006, the Board of Directors adopted the ADTRAN, Inc. 2006 Employee Stock Incentive Plan (2006 Plan),
which authorized 13.0 million shares of common stock for issuance to certain employees and officers through incentive stock
options and non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, RSUs and restricted stock. The 2006 Plan was adopted by
stockholder approval at our annual meeting of stockholders held on May 9, 2006. Options granted under the 2006 Plan typically become exercisable beginning after one year of continued employment, normally pursuant to a four-year vesting schedule
beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date, and have a ten-year contractual term. The 2006 Plan was replaced on May
13, 2015 by the ADTRAN, Inc. 2015 Employee Stock Incentive Plan (2015 Plan). Expiration dates of options outstanding at
December 31, 2017 under the 2006 Plan range from 2018 to 2024.
Our stockholders approved the 2010 Directors Stock Plan (2010 Directors Plan) on May 5, 2010, under which 0.5 million shares
of common stock have been reserved. This plan replaces the 2005 Directors Stock Option Plan. Under the 2010 Directors Plan,
the Company may issue stock options, restricted stock and RSUs to our non-employee directors. Stock awards issued under the
2010 Directors Plan normally become vested in full on the first anniversary of the grant date. Options issued under the 2010
Directors Plan have a ten-year contractual term. Expiration dates of options outstanding at December 31, 2017 under the 2010
Directors Plan range from 2018 to 2019.
On January 20, 2015, the Board of Directors adopted the ADTRAN, Inc. 2015 Employee Stock Incentive Plan (2015 Plan),
which authorizes 7.7 million shares of common stock for issuance to certain employees and officers through incentive stock
options and non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, PSUs, RSUs and restricted stock. The 2015 Plan was adopted
by stockholder approval at our annual meeting of stockholders held on May 13, 2015. PSUs, RSUs and restricted stock granted
under the 2015 Plan reduce the shares authorized for issuance under the 2015 Plan by 2.5 shares of common stock for each share
underlying the award. Options granted under the 2015 Plan typically become exercisable beginning after one year of continued
employment, normally pursuant to a four-year vesting schedule beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date, and have a
ten-year contractual term. Expiration dates of options outstanding at December 31, 2017 under the 2015 Plan range from 2025
to 2026.
50 ADTRAN 2017 Annual Report

The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense related to stock options, PSUs, RSUs and restricted stock for
the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, which was recognized as follows:
(In thousands)

2017

Stock-based compensation expense included in cost of sales

2016

2015

$379

$389

$280

Selling, general and administrative expense

4,063

3,341

3,261

Research and development expense

2,991

2,965

3,171

Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expenses

7,054

6,306

6,432

Total stock-based compensation expense

7,433

6,695

6,712

(1,699)

(963)

(862)

$5,734

$5,732

$5,850

Tax benefit for expense associated with non-qualified options,
PSUs, RSUs and restricted stock
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax

With our adoption of ASU 2016-09 Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based
Payment Accounting in January 2017, we elected to discontinue our past practice of estimating forfeitures and now account for
forfeitures as they occur.
Stock Options
The following table is a summary of our stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 and the changes that occurred during 2017:

Number of
Options

Weighted
Average
Exercise Price

Weighted Average
Remaining Contractual
Life in Years

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

6,338

$22.14

5.63

$16,972

—

$—

(742)

$18.08

Stock options forfeited

(70)

$17.29

Stock options expired

(378)

$24.14

Stock options outstanding, December 31, 2017

5,148

$22.65

4.87

$6,109

Stock options vested and expected to vest,
December 31, 2017

5,148

$22.65

4.87

$6,109

Stock options exercisable, December 31, 2017

4,351

$23.78

4.37

$3,810

(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Stock Options outstanding, December 31, 2016
Stock options granted
Stock options exercised

At December 31, 2017, total compensation cost related to non-vested stock options not yet recognized was approximately $3.2
million, which is expected to be recognized over an average remaining recognition period of 1.5 years.
All of the options above were issued at exercise prices that approximated fair market value at the date of grant. At December 31,
2017, 3.5 million options were available for grant under the shareholder approved plans.
The aggregate intrinsic values in the table above represent the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between ADTRAN’s
closing stock price on the last trading day of 2017 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options)
that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on December 31, 2017. The
amount of aggregate intrinsic value will change based on the fair market value of ADTRAN’s stock.
The total pre-tax intrinsic value of options exercised during 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $3.4 million, $1.1 million and $0.1 million,
respectively. The fair value of options fully vesting during 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $4.3 million, $5.7 million and $6.6 million,
respectively.

Financial Results 51

The following table further describes our stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2017:
Options Outstanding

Range of
Exercise Prices

Options
Outstanding
at 12/31/17
(in thousands)

$14.88 – 18.96

1,623

6.02

$15.77

1,063

$15.96

$18.97 – 23.45

801

6.68

$19.11

565

$19.17

$23.46 – 30.35

1,400

4.16

$23.85

1,399

$23.85

$30.36 – 41.92

1,324

3.29

$31.94

1,324

$31.94

5,148

Weighted Avg.
Remaining
Contractual Life
in Years

Options Exercisable
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

Options
Exercisable
at 12/31/17
(in thousands)

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

4,351

PSUs, RSUs and restricted stock
Under the 2015 Plan, awards other than stock options, including PSUs, RSUs and restricted stock, may be granted to certain
employees and officers.
Under our market-based PSU program, the number of shares of common stock earned by a recipient pursuant to the PSUs
is subject to a market condition based on ADTRAN’s relative total shareholder return against all companies in the NASDAQ
Telecommunications Index at the end of a three-year performance period. Depending on the relative total shareholder return
over the performance period, the recipient may earn from 0% to 150% of the shares underlying the PSUs, with the shares earned
distributed upon the vesting of the PSUs at the end of the three-year performance period. The fair value of the award is based
on the market price of our common stock on the date of grant, adjusted for the expected outcome of the impact of market conditions using a Monte Carlo Simulation valuation method. A portion of the granted PSUs also vest and the underlying shares
become deliverable upon the death or disability of the recipient or upon a change of control of ADTRAN, as defined by the
2015 Plan. The recipients of the PSUs receive dividend credits based on the shares of common stock underlying the PSUs. The
dividend credits are vested and earned in the same manner as the PSUs and are paid in cash upon the issuance of common stock
for the PSUs.
During the first quarter of 2017, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved a PSU grant of 0.5 million
shares that contain performance conditions. The fair value of these performance-based PSU awards was equal to the closing
price of our stock on the date of grant.
The fair value of RSUs and restricted stock is equal to the closing price of our stock on the business day immediately preceding
the grant date. RSUs and restricted stock vest ratably over four year and one year periods, respectively.

52 ADTRAN 2017 Annual Report

The following table is a summary of our PSUs, RSUs and restricted stock outstanding as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 and the
changes that occurred during 2017. The unvested awards outstanding as of December 31, 2016 have been adjusted for the actual
shares vested in 2017 for our market-based PSUs.

(In thousands except per share amounts)
Unvested PSUs, RSUs and restricted stock outstanding, December 31, 2016

Number
of Shares

Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value

527

$20.53

PSUs, RSUs and restricted stock granted

950

$21.69

PSUs, RSUs and restricted stock vested

(154)

$20.84

(31)

$20.99

1,292

$21.33

PSUs, RSUs and restricted stock forfeited
Unvested RSUs and restricted stock outstanding, December 31, 2017

At December 31, 2017, total compensation cost related to the non-vested portion of market-based PSUs, RSUs and restricted
stock not yet recognized was approximately $13.9 million, which is expected to be recognized over an average remaining recognition period of 3.2 years. In addition, there was $11.4 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested
performance-based PSUs, which will be recognized over the requisite service period of three years as achievement of the performance obligation becomes probable. For the year ended 2017, no compensation expense was recognized related to these
performance-based PSUs.
Valuation and Expense Information
We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model (Black-Scholes Model) for the purpose of determining the estimated fair value of
stock option awards on the date of grant. The Black-Scholes Model requires the input of certain assumptions that involve judgment. Because our stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes
in the input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, existing models may not provide reliable measures of
fair value of our stock options. We use a Monte Carlo Simulation valuation method to value our market-based PSUs. The fair
value of our performance-based PSUs, RSUs and restricted stock issued is equal to the closing price of our stock on the date of
grant. We will continue to assess the assumptions and methodologies used to calculate the estimated fair value of stock-based
compensation. If circumstances change, and additional data becomes available over time, we may change our assumptions and
methodologies, which may materially impact our fair value determination.
The stock option pricing model requires the use of several assumptions that impact the fair value estimate. These variables include, but are not limited to, the volatility of our stock price and employee exercise behaviors.
There were no stock option grants in 2017. The weighted-average estimated fair value of stock options granted to employees
during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $5.22 per share and $4.28 per share, respectively, with the following
weighted-average assumptions:

Expected volatility
Risk-free interest rate

2016

2015

34.79%

34.57%

1.36%

1.81%

Expected dividend yield

1.98%

2.35%

Expected life (in years)

6.25

6.23

We based our estimate of expected volatility for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 on the sequential historical daily
trading data of our common stock for a period equal to the expected life of the options granted. The selection of the historical
volatility method was based on available data indicating our historical volatility is as equally representative of our future stock
price trends as is our implied volatility. We have no reason to believe the future volatility of our stock price is likely to differ from
its past volatility. The risk-free interest rate assumption is based upon implied yields of U.S. Treasury zero-coupon bonds on
the date of grant having a remaining term equal to the expected life of the options granted. The dividend yield is based on our
historical and expected dividend payouts. The expected life of our stock options is based upon historical exercise and forfeiture
activity of our previous stock-based grants with a ten-year contractual term.

Financial Results 53

The PSU pricing model also requires the use of several significant assumptions that impact the fair value estimate. The estimated
fair value of the PSUs granted to employees during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $24.17 per share,
$23.50 per share and $17.64 per share, respectively, with the following assumptions:

Expected volatility

2017

2016

2015

27.03%

29.79%

31.34%

Risk-free interest rate

1.78%

1.17%

1.20%

Expected dividend yield

1.74%

1.80%

2.35%

4

Investments

At December 31, 2017, we held the following securities and investments, recorded at either fair value or cost:
Amortized
Cost

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fair Value/
Carrying
Value

$17,804

$2,175

$(96)

$19,883

32,654

44

(155)

32,543

Municipal fixed-rate bonds

2,902

2

(22)

2,882

Asset-backed bonds

6,545

1

(20)

6,526

(In thousands)
Deferred compensation plan assets
Corporate bonds

Mortgage/Agency-backed bonds
U.S. government bonds
Foreign government bonds
Marketable equity securities
Available-for-sale securities held at fair value

5,554

1

(46)

5,509

14,477

—

(174)

14,303

725

5

—

730

33,478

3,034

(850)

35,662

$114,139

$5,262

$(1,363)

$118,038

Restricted investment held at cost

27,800

Other investments

547

Total carrying value of available-for-sale investments

$146,385

At December 31, 2016, we held the following securities and investments, recorded at either fair value or cost:

(In thousands)
Deferred compensation plan assets

Amortized
Cost

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Fair Value/
Carrying
Value

$12,367

$2,271

$(42)

$14,596

Corporate bonds

66,522

64

(174)

66,412

Municipal fixed-rate bonds

11,799

12

(37)

11,774

Asset-backed bonds

10,201

19

(14)

10,206

Mortgage/Agency-backed bonds

13,080

15

(91)

13,004

U.S. government bonds

30,022

15

(270)

29,767

Foreign government bonds

3,729

2

(1)

3,730

Variable rate demand notes

11,855

—

—

11,855

Marketable equity securities

30,571

311

(1,503)

29,379

$190,146

$2,709

$(2,132)

$190,723

Available-for-sale securities held at fair value
Restricted investment held at cost
Other investments held at cost
Total carrying value of available-for-sale investments

54 ADTRAN 2017 Annual Report

27,800
767
$219,290

As of December 31, 2017, corporate bonds, municipal fixed-rate bonds, asset-backed bonds, mortgage/agency-backed bonds,
U.S. government bonds, and foreign government bonds had the following contractual maturities:

(In thousands)

Corporate
bonds

Municipal
fixed-rate
bonds

Less than one year

Assetbacked
bonds

Mortgage/
Agencybacked
bonds

U.S.
government
bonds

Foreign
government
bonds

$12,021

$891

$143

$—

$3,073

$—

One to two years

9,145

826

2,367

—

5,960

—

Two to three years

7,345

212

2,245

—

3,568

730

Three to five years

4,032

953

810

356

1,702

—

Five to ten years

—

—

158

1,144

—

—

More than ten years

—

—

803

4,009

—

—

$32,543

$2,882

$6,526

$5,509

$14,303

$730

Total

Our investment policy provides limitations for issuer concentration, which limits, at the time of purchase, the concentration in
any one issuer to 5% of the market value of our total investment portfolio.
We review our investment portfolio for potential “other-than-temporary” declines in value on an individual investment basis.
We assess, on a quarterly basis, significant declines in value which may be considered other-than-temporary and, if necessary,
recognize and record the appropriate charge to write-down the carrying value of such investments. In making this assessment,
we take into consideration qualitative and quantitative information, including but not limited to the following: the magnitude
and duration of historical declines in market prices, credit rating activity, assessments of liquidity, public filings, and statements
made by the issuer. We generally begin our identification of potential other-than-temporary impairments by reviewing any
security with a fair value that has declined from its original or adjusted cost basis by 25% or more for six or more consecutive
months. We then evaluate the individual security based on the previously identified factors to determine the amount of the
write-down, if any. For each of the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we recorded a charge of $0.2 million, $0.8
million and $0.2 million, respectively, related to the other-than-temporary impairment of certain marketable equity securities
and our deferred compensation plan assets.
Realized gains and losses on sales of securities are computed under the specific identification method. The following table presents gross realized gains and losses related to our investments for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:
(In thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
Gross realized gains
Gross realized losses

2017

2016

2015

$5,258

$7,530

$10,906

$(573)

$(1,607)

$(569)

The following table presents the breakdown of investments with unrealized losses at December 31, 2017:

(In thousands)

Continuous Unrealized
Loss Position for Less
than 12 Months
Fair Value

Unrealized
Losses

Deferred compensation plan assets

$1,922

Corporate bonds

Continuous Unrealized
Loss Position for 12
Months or Greater

Total

Fair Value

Unrealized
Losses

Fair Value

Unrealized
Losses

$(81)

$262

$(15)

$2,184

$(96)

16,015

(58)

6,112

(97)

22,127

(155)

230

—

1,165

(22)

1,395

(22)

Asset-backed bonds

4,941

(17)

179

(3)

5,120

(20)

Mortgage/Agency-backed bonds

3,062

(8)

1,673

(38)

4,735

(46)

Municipal fixed-rate bonds

U.S. government bonds
Marketable equity securities
Total

2,754

(26)

11,549

(148)

14,303

(174)

10,169

(712)

544

(138)

10,713

(850)

$39,093

$(902)

$21,484

$(461)

$60,577

$(1,363)

Financial Results 55

The following table presents the breakdown of investments with unrealized losses at December 31, 2016:

(In thousands)

Deferred compensation plan assets
Corporate bonds

Continuous Unrealized
Loss Position for Less
than 12 Months
Fair Value

Unrealized
Losses

$294

Continuous Unrealized
Loss Position for 12
Months or Greater

Total

Fair Value

Unrealized
Losses

Fair Value

Unrealized
Losses

$(12)

$245

$(30)

$539

$(42)

32,562

(166)

2,722

(8)

35,284

(174)

Municipal fixed-rate bonds

8,936

(37)

—

—

8,936

(37)

Asset-backed bonds

2,986

(14)

—

—

2,986

(14)

Mortgage/Agency-backed bonds

7,842

(81)

1,239

(10)

9,081

(91)

26,449

(270)

—

—

26,449

(270)

924

(1)

—

—

924

(1)

U.S. government bonds
Mortgage/Agency-backed bonds
Marketable equity securities
Total

21,607

(1,200)

1,495

(303)

23,102

(1,503)

$101,600

$(1,781)

$5,701

$(351)

$107,301

$(2,132)

The decrease in unrealized losses during 2017, as reflected in the table above, results from changes in market positions associated
with our fixed income and equity investment portfolio. At December 31, 2017, a total of 274 of our marketable equity securities
were in an unrealized loss position.
We have categorized our cash equivalents and our investments held at fair value into a three-level fair value hierarchy based on
the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique for the cash equivalents and investments as follows: Level 1 - Values based on
unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market; Level 2 - Values based on quoted prices in markets
that are not active or model inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly; Level 3 - Values based on prices or valuation
techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. These inputs
could include information supplied by investees.
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2017 Using

(In thousands)

Fair Value

Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for Identical
Assets (Level 1)

Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Cash equivalents
Money market funds

$5,851

$5,851

$—

$—

Commercial paper

3,999

—

3,999

—

Cash equivalents

9,850

5,851

3,999

—

19,883

19,883

—

—

Available-for-sale securities
Deferred compensation plan assets
Available-for-sale debt securities
Corporate bonds

32,543

—

32,543

—

Municipal fixed-rate bonds

2,882

—

2,882

—

Asset-backed bonds

6,526

—

6,526

—

Mortgage/Agency-backed bonds

5,509

—

5,509

—

14,303

14,303

—

—

730

—

730

—

35,662

35,662

—

—

118,038

69,848

48,190

—

$127,888

$75,699

$52,189

$—

U.S. government bonds
Foreign government bonds
Available-for-sale marketable equity securities
Marketable equity securities—
various industries
Available-for-sale securities
Total

56 ADTRAN 2017 Annual Report

Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2016 Using

Fair Value

Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for Identical
Assets (Level 1)

Money market funds

$6,878

$6,878

$—

$—

Commercial paper

17,222

—

17,222

—

Cash equivalents

24,100

6,878

17,222

—

14,596

14,596

—

—

66,412

—

66,412

—

(In thousands)

Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Cash equivalents

Available-for-sale securities
Deferred compensation plan assets
Available-for-sale debt securities
Corporate bonds
Municipal fixed-rate bonds

11,774

—

11,774

—

Asset-backed bonds

10,206

—

10,206

—

Mortgage/Agency-backed bonds

13,004

—

13,004

—

U.S. government bonds

29,767

29,767

—

—

Foreign government bonds

3,730

—

3,730

—

Variable rate demand notes

11,855

—

11,855

—

29,379

29,379

—

—

190,723

73,742

116,981

—

$214,823

$80,620

$134,203

$—

Available-for-sale marketable equity securities
Marketable equity securities—
various industries
Available-for-sale securities
Total

The fair value of our Level 2 securities is calculated using a weighted average market price for each security. Market prices are
obtained from a variety of industry standard data providers, security master files from large financial institutions, and other
third-party sources. These multiple market prices are used as inputs into a distribution-curve-based algorithm to determine the
daily market value of each security.
Our municipal variable rate demand notes have a structure that implies a standard expected market price. The frequent interest
rate resets make it reasonable to expect the price to stay at par. These securities are priced at the expected market price.

5

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

We participate in foreign exchange forward contracts in connection with the management of exposure to fluctuations in foreign
exchange rates.
Cash Flow Hedges
Our cash flow hedging activities utilize foreign exchange forward contracts to reduce the risk that movements in exchange rates
will adversely affect the net cash flows resulting from the planned purchase of products from foreign suppliers. Purchases of U.S.
denominated inventory by our European subsidiary represent our primary exposure. Changes in the fair value of derivatives
designated as cash flow hedges are not recognized in current operating results, but are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. Amounts related to cash flow hedges are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income when the
underlying hedged item impacts earnings. This reclassification is recorded in the same line item of the consolidated statements
of income as where the effects of the hedged item are recorded, which is cost of sales.
Undesignated Hedges
We have certain customers and suppliers who are invoiced or pay in a non-functional currency. Changes in the monetary exchange rates may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition, as outstanding non-functional balances are
revalued to the functional currency through profit and loss. When appropriate, we utilize foreign exchange forward contracts to
help manage the volatility relating to these valuation exposures. All changes in the fair value of our derivative instruments that
do not qualify for or are not designated for hedged accounting transactions are recognized as other income (expense) in the
Consolidated Statements of Income.
Financial Results 57

We do not hold or issue derivative instruments for trading or other speculative purposes. Our derivative instruments are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair values. Our derivative instruments are not subject to master netting agreements and are not offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2017, we had no forward contracts outstanding.
The fair values of our derivative instruments recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2017 and 2016
were as follows:
(In thousands)

Balance Sheet Location

2017

2016

Other receivables

$—

$159

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments (Level 2):
Foreign exchange contracts – derivative assets

The change in the fair values of our derivative instruments recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income during the years
ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:
(In thousands)

Income Statement Location

2017

2016

2015

$(754)

$724

$511

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts

Other income (expense)

The change in our derivatives designated as hedging instruments recorded in other comprehensive income (OCI) and reclassified to income, net of tax, during the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:
(In thousands)

Amount of Gains
(Losses) Recognized in
OCI on Derivatives

2017

2016

2015

Location of Gains
(Losses)
Reclassified
from AOCI
into Income

$—

$—

$—

Cost of Sales

Amount of Gains (Losses)
Reclassified
from AOCI into Income

2017

2016

2015

$(897)

$—

$—

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments:
Foreign exchange contracts

6

Inventory

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, inventory was comprised of the following:
(In thousands)

2017

2016

Raw materials

$44,185

$40,461

Work in process

1,939

4,003

Finished goods

76,418

60,653

$122,542

$105,117

Total Inventory, net

We establish reserves for estimated excess, obsolete, or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of the
inventory and the estimated fair value of the inventory based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions.
At December 31, 2017 and 2016, raw materials reserves totaled $15.0 million and $14.6 million, respectively, and finished goods
inventory reserves totaled $8.3 million and $10.6 million, respectively.

7

Property, Plant and Equipment

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, property, plant and equipment were comprised of the following:
(In thousands)

2017

2016

Land

$4,575

$4,575

Building and land improvements

32,470

29,229

Building

68,301

68,301

Furniture and fixtures

19,489

18,477

Computer hardware and software

90,726

87,655

Engineering and other equipment

123,363

118,746

Total Property, Plant and Equipment

338,924

326,983

Less accumulated depreciation

(253,845)

(242,514)

Total Property, Plant and Equipment, net

$85,079

$84,469

Depreciation expense was $12.8 million, $12.0 million and $12.3 million in 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.
58 ADTRAN 2017 Annual Report

8

Lease Arrangements

We are the lessor in sales-type lease arrangements for network equipment, which have terms of 18 months to five years. The net
investment in sales-type leases consists of lease receivables less unearned income. Collectability of sales-type leases is evaluated
periodically on an individual customer level. At December 31, 2017, we had no allowance for credit losses for our net investment in sales-type leases. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the components of the net investment in sales-type leases were as
follows:
(In thousands)
Current minimum lease payments receivable (included in other receivables)
Non-current minimum lease payments receivable (included in other assets)
Total minimum lease payments receivable

2017

2016

$11,325

$2,141

2,913

2,912

14,238

5,053

Less: Current unearned revenue

707

841

Less: Non-current unearned revenue

787

1,153

$12,744

$3,059

Net investment in sales-type leases

Future minimum lease payments to be received from sales-type leases at December 31, 2017 are as follows:
(In thousands)

Amount

2018

$11,211

2019

2,172

2020

592

2021

205

2022

58

Total

$14,238

9

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill, all of which relates to our acquisition of Bluesocket, Inc., was $3.5 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, of which
$3.1 million and $0.4 million is allocated to our Network Solutions and Services & Support reportable segments, respectively.
We evaluate the carrying value of goodwill during the fourth quarter of each year and between annual evaluations if events
occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying
amount. We have elected to first assess the qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value
of the reporting unit to which the goodwill is assigned is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is
necessary to perform the two-step impairment test. If we determine that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than
its carrying amount, then the two-step impairment test will be performed. Based on the results of our qualitative assessment in
2017, we concluded that it was not necessary to perform the two-step impairment test. There have been no impairment losses
recognized since the acquisition in 2011.
Intangible assets are included in other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following table presents our
intangible assets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:
2017

2016

Gross Value

Accumulated
Amortization

Net
Value

Gross Value

Accumulated
Amortization

Net
Value

Customer relationships

$7,474

$(4,283)

$3,191

$6,899

$(3,208)

$3,691

Developed technology

5,524

(4,663)

861

5,184

(3,801)

1,383

(In thousands)

Intellectual property

2,340

(2,262)

78

2,340

(2,129)

211

Supply agreement

1,400

(1,400)

—

1,400

(544)

856

License

500

(500)

—

500

(113)

387

Patent

500

(89)

411

500

(20)

480

Trade names

370

(335)

35

370

(285)

85

Non-compete

200

(115)

85

200

(26)

174

$18,308

$(13,647)

$4,661

$17,393

$(10,126)

$7,267

Total

Amortization expense was $2.9 million, $2.5 million and $1.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015,
respectively.
Financial Results 59

As of December 31, 2017, the estimated future amortization expense of intangible assets is as follows:
(In thousands)

Amount

2018

$1,212

2019

697

2020

659

2021

603

2022

567

Thereafter

923

Total

$4,661

10 Alabama State Industrial Development Authority Financing and Economic Incentives
In conjunction with an expansion of our Huntsville, Alabama, facility, we were approved for participation in an incentive program offered by the State of Alabama Industrial Development Authority (the “Authority”). Pursuant to the program, on January
13, 1995, the Authority issued $20.0 million of its taxable revenue bonds and loaned the proceeds from the sale of the bonds to
ADTRAN. The bonds were originally purchased by AmSouth Bank of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama (the “Bank”). Wachovia
Bank, N.A., Nashville, Tennessee (formerly First Union National Bank of Tennessee) (the “Bondholder”), which was acquired
by Wells Fargo & Company on December 31, 2008, purchased the original bonds from the Bank and made further advances
to the Authority, bringing the total amount outstanding to $50.0 million. An Amended and Restated Taxable Revenue Bond
(“Amended and Restated Bond”) was issued and the original financing agreement was amended. The Amended and Restated
Bond bears interest, payable monthly. The interest rate is 2% per annum. The Amended and Restated Bond matures on January
1, 2020, and is currently outstanding in the aggregate principal amount of $26.7 million. The estimated fair value of the bond
using a level 2 valuation technique at December 31, 2017 was approximately $26.7 million, based on a debt security with a
comparable interest rate and maturity and a Standard & Poor’s credit rating of AAA. We are required to make payments to the
Authority in amounts necessary to pay the interest on the Amended and Restated Bond. Included in long-term investments at
December 31, 2017 is $27.8 million which is invested in a restricted certificate of deposit. These funds serve as a collateral deposit
against the principal of this bond, and we have the right to set-off the balance of the Bond with the collateral deposit in order to
reduce the balance of the indebtedness.
In conjunction with this program, we are eligible to receive certain economic incentives from the state of Alabama that reduce
the amount of payroll withholdings that we are required to remit to the state for those employment positions that qualify under
the program. We realized economic incentives related to payroll withholdings totaling $1.5 million for the year ended December
31, 2017 and $1.3 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.
We made principal payments of $1.1 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, and anticipate making a
principal payment in 2018. At December 31, 2017, $1.1 million of the bond debt was classified as a current liability in accounts
payable in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

11 Income Taxes
A summary of the components of the provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is as
follows:
(In thousands)

2017

2016

2015

Federal

$466

$12,733

$7,504

State

(150)

1,141

279

Current

International

6,458

477

(29)

Total Current

6,774

14,351

7,754

8,024

647

(585)

Deferred
Federal
State

1,882

73

(66)

International

4,167

(3,405)

(41)

14,073

(2,685)

(692)

$20,847

$11,666

$7,062

Total Deferred
Total Provision for Income Taxes
60 ADTRAN 2017 Annual Report

Our effective income tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate due to the following:
Tax provision computed at the federal statutory rate
State income tax provision, net of federal benefit
Federal research credits
Foreign taxes

2017

2016

2015

35.00%

35.00%

35.00%

2.17

3.93

4.86

(11.88)

(8.15)

(12.55)

(2.27)

(0.34)

2.10

Tax-exempt income

(0.75)

(0.53)

(1.94)

State tax incentives

(2.71)

(2.77)

(5.04)

Stock-based compensation

1.43

2.53

6.91

Domestic production activity deduction

(1.13)

(2.23)

(3.17)

—

(2.64)

—

—

—

Bargain purchase
Impact of U.S. tax reform
Other, net
Effective Tax Rate

26.70
0.09

0.08

1.30

46.65%

24.88%

27.47%

Income before provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:
(In thousands)
U.S. entities
International entities
Total

2017

2016

2015

$26,552

$54,077

$27,400

18,135
$44,687

(7,182)
$46,895

(1,692)
$25,708

Income before provision for income taxes for international entities reflects income based on statutory transfer pricing agreements. This amount does not correlate to consolidated international revenues, many of which occur from our U.S. entity.
Deferred income taxes on the balance sheet result from temporary differences between the amount of assets and liabilities recognized for financial reporting and tax purposes. The principal components of our current and non-current deferred taxes are
as follows:
(In thousands)

2017

2016

$7,545

$12,020

3,103

5,551

Deferred tax assets
Inventory
Accrued expenses

—

1,062

Deferred compensation

Investments

5,204

5,751

Stock-based compensation

2,988

4,724

370

762

Uncertain tax positions related to state taxes and related interest
Pensions

4,727

4,273

Foreign losses

3,091

6,486

State losses and credit carry-forwards

3,854

4,021

Federal loss and research carry-forwards

3,058

5,886

Valuation allowance
Total Deferred Tax Assets

(6,006)

(6,149)

27,934

44,387

(3,553)

(4,433)

(663)

(1,918)

Deferred tax liabilities
Property, plant and equipment
Intellectual property
Investments
Total Deferred Tax Liabilities
Net Deferred Tax Assets

(290)
(4,506)
$23,428

—
(6,351)
$38,036

Financial Results 61

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Act) was signed into law. As a result of the Act, we have recognized an
estimated expense of $11.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, of which $9.2 million related to the write-down of deferred tax
assets and $2.7 million related to tax on unrepatriated foreign earnings. We have calculated our best estimate of the impact of the
Act in our year-end income tax provision, in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, which was issued to address the
application of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared or analyzed
to finalize the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Act. Additional work is necessary to do a more detailed analysis
of historical foreign earnings, as well as the full impact relating to the write-down of deferred tax assets. Any subsequent adjustments to these amounts will be recorded as income tax expense in the quarter the analysis is complete.
At December 31, 2017 and 2016, non-current deferred taxes related to our investments and our defined benefit pension plan
reflect deferred taxes on the net unrealized gains on available-for-sale investments and deferred taxes on unrealized losses in our
pension plan. The net change in non-current deferred taxes associated with these items, a deferred tax benefit of $1.7 million
and $1.5 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively, is recorded as an adjustment to other comprehensive income, presented in the
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
Based upon our results of operations in 2017 and expected profitability in future years in a certain international jurisdiction,
we concluded that it is more likely than not certain foreign deferred tax assets will be realized. As of December 31, 2017, the
remaining valuation allowance primarily relates to deferred tax assets related to state credit carry-forwards from tax credits in
excess of our annual tax liability to an individual state where we do not generate sufficient state income to offset the credit and
net operating losses in foreign jurisdictions. We believe it is more likely than not that we will not realize the full benefits of the
deferred tax assets arising from these losses and credits, and accordingly, we have provided a valuation allowance against these
deferred tax assets. The deferred tax assets for foreign and domestic carry-forwards, unamortized research and development
costs, and state credit carry-forwards of $10.0 million will expire between 2018 and 2030. The loss carry-forwards were acquired
through acquisitions in 2009 and 2011. We will continue to assess the realization of our deferred tax assets and related valuation allowances. The net change in our valuation allowance from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017 was $(0.1) million.
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, our cash and cash equivalents were $86.4 million and $79.9 million and shortterm investments were $16.1 million and $43.2 million, which provided an available short-term liquidity of $102.6 million and
$123.1 million. Of these amounts, our foreign subsidiaries held cash of $56.8 million and $42.1 million, respectively, representing approximately 55.4% and 34.2% of available short-term liquidity, which is used to fund on-going liquidity needs of these
subsidiaries. We intend to permanently reinvest these funds outside the U.S. and our current business plans do not indicate a
need to repatriate to fund domestic operations. However, if these funds were repatriated to the U.S. or used for U.S. operations,
certain amounts could be subject to tax. Due to the timing and circumstances of repatriation of such earnings, if any, it is not
practical to determine the amount of funds subject to unrecognized deferred tax liability.
During 2017 and 2016, we recorded no income tax benefit or expense for stock options exercised as an adjustment to equity.
In 2015, we recorded an income tax expense of $(40) thousand as an adjustment to equity. This is calculated on the difference
between the exercise price of stock option exercises and the market price of the underlying common stock upon exercise.
The change in the unrecognized income tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is reconciled below:
(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of period

2017

2016

2015

$2,226

$2,537

$3,334

Increases for tax position related to:
Prior years

465

95

—

Current year

285

428

280

Prior years

(14)

—

(29)

Settlements with taxing authorities

—

—

(103)

Decreases for tax positions related to:

Expiration of applicable statute of limitations
Balance at end of period

62 ADTRAN 2017 Annual Report

(596)

(834)

(945)

$2,366

$2,226

$2,537

As of December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, our total liability for unrecognized tax benefits was $2.4 million, $2.2 million, and
$2.5 million, respectively, of which $2.2 million, $1.7 million, and $1.8 million, respectively, would reduce our effective tax rate
if we were successful in upholding all of the uncertain positions and recognized the amounts recorded. We classify interest and
penalties recognized on the liability for unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. As of December 31, 2017, 2016 and
2015, the balances of accrued interest and penalties were $0.8 million, $0.8 million and $0.9 million, respectively.
We do not anticipate a single tax position generating a significant increase or decrease in our liability for unrecognized tax benefits within 12 months of this reporting date. We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal and various state jurisdictions and
several foreign jurisdictions. We are not currently under audit by the Internal Revenue Service. Generally, we are not subject to
changes in income taxes by any taxing jurisdiction for the years prior to 2013.

12 Employee Benefit Plans
Pension Benefit Plan
We maintain a defined benefit pension plan covering employees in certain foreign countries.
The pension benefit plan obligations and funded status at December 31, 2017 and 2016, are as follows:
(In thousands)

2017

2016

Change in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of period

$30,011

$26,851

Service cost

1,260

1,211

Interest cost

607

720

47

(431)

(1,294)

2,628

(80)

(52)

Actuarial gain (loss) - experience
Actuarial gain (loss) - assumptions
Benefit payments
Effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes
Projected benefit obligation at end of period

4,342

(916)

34,893

30,011

20,045

19,213

709

1,494

3,001

—

Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period
Actual return on plan assets
Contributions

2,869

(662)

Fair value of plan assets at end of period

Effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes

26,624

20,045

Funded (unfunded) status at end of period

$(8,269)

$(9,966)

The accumulated benefit obligation was $32.9 million and $28.7 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The increase in the accumulated benefit obligation is primarily attributable to the weakening U.S. dollar to Euro exchange rate during
2017. The change in actuarial gain (loss) is primarily attributable to an increase in the discount rate used in 2017.
The net amounts recognized in the balance sheet for the unfunded pension liability as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as
follows:
(In thousands)

2017

2016

Current liability

$—

$—

Non-current liability
Total

8,269

9,966

$8,269

$9,966

Financial Results 63

The components of net periodic pension cost and amounts recognized in other comprehensive income for the years ended
December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 are as follows:
(In thousands)

2017

2016

2015

Service cost

$1,260

$1,211

$1,314

Interest cost

607

720

615

Net periodic benefit cost:

Expected return on plan assets

(1,267)

(1,057)

(1,011)

Amortization of actuarial losses

309

175

407

Net periodic benefit cost

909

1,049

1,325

(654)

1,782

(2,303)

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations
recognized in other comprehensive income:
Net actuarial (gain) loss

(406)

(156)

(396)

Amount recognized in other comprehensive income

Amortization of actuarial losses

(1,060)

1,626

(2,699)

Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and
other comprehensive income

$(151)

$2,675

$(1,374)

The amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:
(In thousands)
Net actuarial loss

2017

2016

$(5,812)

$(6,871)

The defined benefit pension plan is accounted for on an actuarial basis, which requires the selection of various assumptions,
including an expected rate of return on plan assets and a discount rate. The expected return on our German plan assets that
is utilized in determining the benefit obligation and net periodic benefit cost is derived from periodic studies, which include a
review of asset allocation strategies, anticipated future long-term performance of individual asset classes, risks using standard
deviations and correlations of returns among the asset classes that comprise the plans’ asset mix. While the studies give appropriate consideration to recent plan performance and historical returns, the assumptions are primarily long-term, prospective
rates of return.
Another key assumption in determining net pension expense is the assumed discount rate to be used to discount plan obligations. The discount rate has been derived from the returns of high-quality, corporate bonds denominated in Euro currency with
durations close to the duration of our pension obligations.
The weighted-average assumptions that were used to determine the net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31,
2017, 2016 and 2015 are as follows:
2017

2016

2015

Discount rates

1.90%

2.64%

2.20%

Rate of compensation increase

2.00%

2.00%

2.25%

Expected long-term rates of return

5.90%

5.40%

5.40%

The weighted-average assumptions that were used to determine the benefit obligation at December 31, 2017 and 2016:
2017

2016

Discount rates

2.13%

1.90%

Rate of compensation increase

2.00%

2.00%

64 ADTRAN 2017 Annual Report

Actuarial gains and losses are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. To the extent unamortized gains and
losses exceed 10% of the higher of the market-related value of assets or the projected benefit obligation, the excess is amortized
as a component of net periodic pension cost over the remaining service period of active participants. We estimate that $0.2
million will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic pension cost in 2018 for the net
actuarial loss.
We do not anticipate making a contribution to this pension plan in 2018. The following pension benefit payments, which reflect
expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid to participants:
(In thousands)
2018

$549

2019

772

2020

1,090

2021

1,225

2022

1,315

2023 – 2027

6,301

Total

$11,252

We have categorized our cash equivalents and our investments held at fair value into a three-level fair value hierarchy based on
the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique for the cash equivalents and investments as follows: Level 1 - Values based on
unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market; Level 2 - Values based on quoted prices in markets
that are not active or model inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly; Level 3 - Values based on prices or valuation
techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. These inputs
include information supplied by investees.
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2017 Using

Fair Value

Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for Identical
Assets (Level 1)

Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

$3,005

$3,005

$—

$—

14,349

14,349

—

—

2,305

2,305

—

—

Large cap blend

5,758

5,758

—

—

Large cap value

309

309

—

—

Balanced fund

898

898

—

—

(In thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents
Available-for-sale securities
Bond funds:
Corporate bonds
Government bonds
Equity funds:

Available-for-sale securities
Total

23,619

23,619

—

—

$26,624

$26,624

$—

$—

Financial Results 65

Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2016 Using

Fair Value

Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for Identical
Assets (Level 1)

Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

$6

$6

$—

$—

12,546

12,546

—

—

2,037

2,037

—

—

Large cap blend

4,462

4,462

—

—

Large cap value

249

249

—

—

(In thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents
Available-for-sale securities
Bond funds:
Corporate bonds
Government bonds
Equity funds:

Balanced fund
Available-for-sale securities
Total

745

745

—

—

20,039

20,039

—

—

$20,045

$20,045

$—

$—

Our investment policy includes various guidelines and procedures designed to ensure assets are invested in a manner necessary to meet expected future benefits earned by participants, and consider a broad range of economic conditions. Central to the
policy are target allocation ranges by asset class, which is currently 75% for bond funds and 25% for equity funds.
The objectives of the target allocations are to maintain investment portfolios that diversify risk through prudent asset allocation
parameters, achieve asset returns that meet or exceed the plans’ actuarial assumptions, and achieve asset returns that are competitive with like institutions employing similar investment strategies.
The investment policy is periodically reviewed by us and a designated third-party fiduciary for investment matters. The policy is
established and administered in a manner that is compliant at all times with applicable government regulations.
401(k) Savings Plan
We maintain the ADTRAN, Inc. 401(k) Retirement Plan (Savings Plan) for the benefit of our eligible employees. The Savings
Plan is intended to qualify under Sections 401(a) and 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Code), and
is intended to be a “safe harbor” 401(k) plan under Code Section 401(k)(12). The Savings Plan allows employees to save for
retirement by contributing part of their compensation to the plan on a tax-deferred basis. The Savings Plan also requires us to
contribute a “safe harbor” amount each year. We match up to 4% of employee contributions (100% of an employee’s first 3% of
contributions and 50% of their next 2% of contributions), beginning on the employee’s one year anniversary date. In calculating
our matching contribution, we only use compensation up to the statutory maximum under the Code ($270 thousand for 2017).
All contributions under the Savings Plan are 100% vested. Expenses recorded for employer contributions and plan administration costs for the Savings Plan amounted to approximately $4.6 million, $4.1 million and $4.7 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015,
respectively.
Deferred Compensation Plans
We maintain four deferred compensation programs for certain executive management employees and our Board of Directors.
For our executive management employees, the ADTRAN, Inc. Deferred Compensation Program for Employees is offered as a
supplement to our tax-qualified 401(k) plan and is available to certain executive management employees who have been designated by our Board of Directors. This deferred compensation plan allows participants to defer all or a portion of certain specified
bonuses and up to 25% of remaining cash compensation, and permits us to make matching contributions on a discretionary
basis, without the limitations that apply to the 401(k) plan. To date, we have not made any matching contributions under this
plan. We also maintain the ADTRAN, Inc. Equity Deferral Program for Employees. Under this plan, participants may elect to
defer all or a portion of their vested PSUs to the Plan. Such deferrals shall continue to be held and deemed to be invested in shares
of ADTRAN stock unless and until the amounts are distributed or such deferrals are moved to another deemed investment
pursuant to an election made by the Participant.

66 ADTRAN 2017 Annual Report

For our Board of Directors, we maintain the ADTRAN, Inc. Deferred Compensation Program for Directors. This program allows our Board of Directors to defer all or a portion of monetary remuneration paid to the Director, including, but not limited
to, meeting fees and annual retainers. We also maintain the ADTRAN, Inc. Equity Deferral Program for Directors. Under this
plan, participants may elect to defer all or a portion of their vested restricted stock awards. Such deferrals shall continue to be
held and deemed to be invested in shares of ADTRAN stock unless and until the amounts are distributed or such deferrals are
moved to another deemed investment pursuant to an election made by the Director.
We have set aside the plan assets for all plans in a rabbi trust (Trust) and all contributions are credited to bookkeeping accounts
for the participants. The Trust assets are subject to the claims of our creditors in the event of bankruptcy or insolvency. The assets of the Trust are deemed to be invested in pre-approved mutual funds as directed by each participant, and the participant’s
bookkeeping account is credited with the earnings and losses attributable to those investments. Benefits are scheduled to be
distributed six months after termination of employment in a single lump sum payment or annual installments paid over a three
or ten year term. Distributions will be made on a pro rata basis from each of the hypothetical investments of the Participant’s
account in cash. Any whole shares of ADTRAN, Inc. common stock that are distributed will be distributed in-kind.
Assets of the Trust are deemed invested in mutual funds that cover an investment spectrum ranging from equities to money
market instruments. These mutual funds are publicly quoted and reported at fair value. The fair value of the assets held by the
Trust and the amounts payable to the plan participants at December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:
(In thousands)

2017

2016

Long-term Investments

$19,883

$14,596

Total Fair Value of Plan Assets

$19,883

$14,596

Non-current Liabilities

$19,883

$14,596

Total Amounts Payable to Plan Participants

$19,883

$14,596

Fair Value of Plan Assets

Amounts Payable to Plan Participants

Interest and dividend income of the Trust have been included in interest and dividend income in the accompanying 2017, 2016
and 2015 Consolidated Statements of Income. Changes in the fair value of the plan assets held by the Trust have been included
in accumulated other comprehensive income in the accompanying 2017 and 2016 Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the
fair value of the deferred compensation liability are included as selling, general and administrative expense in the accompanying
2017, 2016 and 2015 Consolidated Statements of Income. Based on the changes in the total fair value of the Trust’s assets, we
recorded deferred compensation income (expense) in 2017, 2016 and 2015 of $(2.6) million, $(1.3) million and $0.3 million,
respectively.
Retiree Medical Coverage
We provide medical, dental and prescription drug coverage to one retired former officer and his spouse, for his life, on the same
terms as provided to our active officers, and to the spouse of a former deceased officer for up to 30 years. At December 31, 2017
and 2016, this liability totaled $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

13 Segment Information and Major Customers
In 2015, we realigned our organizational structure to better match our market opportunities, technological development initiatives, and improve efficiencies. During the first quarter of 2016, our chief operating decision maker requested changes in the
information that he regularly reviews for purposes of allocating resources and assessing performance. As a result, beginning
with the quarter ended March 31, 2016, we began reporting our financial performance based on two, new reportable segments
– Network Solutions and Services & Support. Network Solutions includes hardware products and next-generation virtualized
solutions used in service provider or business networks, as well as prior-generation products. Services & Support includes our
suite of ProCloud managed services, network installation, engineering and maintenance services, and fee-based technical support and equipment repair/replacement plans.

Financial Results 67

We evaluate the performance of our new segments based on gross profit; therefore, selling, general and administrative expenses,
research and development expenses, interest and dividend income, interest expense, net realized investment gain/loss, other
income/expense and provision for taxes are reported on a company-wide, functional basis only. Historical financial information
by reportable segment and category, as discussed below, has been recast to conform to our new reporting structure. There are
no inter-segment revenues.
The following table presents information about the reported sales and gross profit of our reportable segments for each of the
years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. Asset information by reportable segment is not reported, since we do not produce such information internally.
(In thousands)
Sales and Gross Profit by
Market Segment

2017

2016

2015

Sales

Gross Profit

Sales

Gross Profit

Sales

Gross Profit

Network Solutions

$540,396

$260,855

$525,502

$254,807

$527,422

$233,579

Services & Support

126,504

42,805

111,279

36,537

72,642

33,318

$666,900

$303,660

$636,781

$291,344

$600,064

$266,897

Total

Sales by Category
In addition to our new reporting segments, we will also report revenue for the following three categories – Access & Aggregation, Customer Devices, and Traditional & Other Products.
The following table presents sales information by product category for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:
(In thousands)
Access & Aggregation
Customer Devices
Traditional & Other Products
Total

2017

2016

2015

$473,943

$436,372

$405,698

138,456

137,608

125,565

54,501

62,801

68,801

$666,900

$636,781

$600,064

The following table presents sales information by geographic area for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. International sales correlate to shipments with a non-U.S. destination.
(In thousands)
United States
Germany
Other international
Total

2017

2016

2015

$508,178

$501,337

$419,366

119,502

85,780

111,666

39,220

49,664

69,032

$666,900

$636,781

$600,064

Customers comprising more than 10% of revenue can change from year to year. Single customers comprising more than 10%
of our revenue in 2017 included two customers at 40% and 16%. Single customers comprising more than 10% of our revenue
in 2016 included three customers at 24%, 19% and 12%. Single customers comprising more than 10% of our revenue in 2015
included three customers at 20%, 17% and 14%. No other customer accounted for 10% or more of our sales in 2017, 2016 or
2015. Our five largest customers, other than those with more than 10 percent of revenues disclosed above, can change from year
to year. These customers represented 15%, 13%, and 14% of total revenue in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Revenues in this
disclosure do not include distributor agents, who predominantly provide fulfillment services to end users. In such cases where
known, that revenue is associated with the end user.
Additional Segment Information
As of December 31, 2017, long-lived assets, net totaled $85.1 million, which includes $80.6 million held in the U.S. and $4.5
million held outside the U.S. As of December 31, 2016, long-lived assets, net totaled $84.5 million, which includes $79.9 million
held in the U.S. and $4.6 million held outside the U.S.

68 ADTRAN 2017 Annual Report

14 Commitments and Contingencies
In the ordinary course of business, we may be subject to various legal proceedings and claims, including employment disputes,
patent claims, disputes over contract agreements and other commercial disputes. In some cases, claimants seek damages or
other relief, such as royalty payments related to patents, which, if granted, could require significant expenditures. Although the
outcome of any claim or litigation can never be certain, it is our opinion that the outcome of all contingencies of which we are
currently aware will not materially affect our business, operations, financial condition or cash flows.
We have committed to invest up to an aggregate of $7.9 million in two private equity funds, and we have contributed $8.4 million
as of December 31, 2017, of which $7.7 million has been applied to these commitments.
We lease office space and equipment under operating leases which expire at various dates through 2025. As of December 31,
2017, future minimum rental payments under non-cancelable operating leases with original maturities of greater than 12
months are as follows:
(In thousands)
2018

$3,073

2019

927

2020

805

2021

793

Thereafter

2,907

Total

$8,505

Rental expense was $4.5 million, $4.2 million and $4.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

15 Earnings per Share
A summary of the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and
2015 is as follows:
(In thousands, except for per share amounts)

2017

2016

2015

$23,840

$35,229

$18,646

48,153

48,724

51,145

Stock options

406

170

81

Restricted stock and restricted stock units

140

55

41

Numerator
Net Income
Denominator
Weighted average number of shares—basic
Effect of dilutive securities:

Weighted average number of shares—diluted

$48,699

$48,949

$51,267

Net income per share—basic

$0.50

$0.72

$0.36

Net income per share—diluted

$0.49

$0.72

$0.36

For each of the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, 3.2 million, 4.6 million and 6.1 million stock options were outstanding but were not included in the computation of that year’s diluted EPS because the options’ exercise prices were greater
than the average market price of the common shares, therefore making them anti-dilutive under the treasury stock method.

Financial Results 69

16 Summarized Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
The following table presents unaudited quarterly operating results for each of our last eight fiscal quarters. This information
has been prepared on a basis consistent with our audited financial statements and includes all adjustments, consisting only of
normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair presentation of the data.
Unaudited Quarterly Operating Results
(In thousands, except for per share amounts)
Three Months Ended
Net sales
Gross profit

March 31, 2017

June 30, 2017

September 30, 2017

December 31, 2017

$170,279

$184,673

$185,112

$126,836

$73,715

$84,632

$86,498

$58,815

Operating income

$7,032

$16,448

$18,318

$(4,061)

Net income

$6,651

$12,401

$15,898

$(11,110)

Earnings per common share

$0.14

$0.26

$0.33

$(0.23)

Earnings per common share
assuming dilution (1)

$0.14

$0.26

$0.33

$(0.23)

March 31, 2016

June 30, 2016

September 30, 2016

December 31, 2016

$142,204

$162,701

$168,890

$162,986

Three Months Ended
Net sales
Gross profit

$65,794

$78,955

$75,808

$70,787

Operating income

$5,521

$14,812

$10,130

$4,272

Net income

$5,014

$10,228

$12,415

$7,572

Earnings per common share

$0.10

$0.21

$0.26

$0.16

Earnings per common share
assuming dilution (1)

$0.10

$0.21

$0.26

$0.16

(1) Assumes exercise of dilutive stock options calculated under the treasury stock method.

17 Subsequent Events
On January 16, 2018, the Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.09 per common share to be paid to shareholders of
record at the close of business on January 31, 2018. The quarterly dividend payment was $4.4 million and was paid on February
14, 2018. In July 2003, our Board of Directors elected to begin declaring quarterly dividends on our common stock considering
the tax treatment of dividends and adequate levels of Company liquidity.
During the first quarter and as of February 23, 2018, we have repurchased 0.6 million shares of our common stock through open
market purchases at an average cost of $16.18 per share. We currently have the authority to purchase an additional 2.9 million
shares of our common stock under the current plan approved by the Board of Directors.
In January 2018, we announced an early retirement incentive program for employees that met certain requirements. The estimated liability associated with this program ranges from $3.6 to $14.3 million.

70 ADTRAN 2017 Annual Report

Directors and Executive Officers
Thomas R. Stanton
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
H. Fenwick Huss
Director of the Company
Willem Kooyker Dean of the Zicklin School
of Business at Baruch College
William L. Marks
Director of the Company
Former Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer of Whitney Holding Corp. (the holding company
for Whitney National Bank of New Orleans)

Roger D. Shannon
Senior Vice President of Finance,
Chief Financial Officer,
Corporate Secretary and Treasurer
Eduard Scheiterer
Senior Vice President
Research and Development
James D. Wilson, Jr.
Senior Vice President
Technology and Strategy

Gregory McCray
Director of the Company
President of McCray Consulting

Transfer Agent
American Stock Transfer and Trust Company
New York, NY

Anthony J. Melone
Director of the Company
Former Executive Vice President and Chief Technology
Officer for Verizon Communications

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Birmingham, Alabama

Balan Nair
Director of the Company
President and Chief Executive Officer of
Liberty Latin America
Roy J. Nichols
Director Emeritus
Founder and former President of 
Nichols Research Corporation
Jacqueline H. Rice
Director of the Company
Former Executive Vice President and Chief Risk and
Compliance Officer for Target Corporation
Kathryn A. Walker
Director of the Company
Managing Director for OpenAir Equity Partners
Michael K. Foliano
Senior Vice President
Operations

Special Counsel
Dentons US LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
Form 10-K
ADTRAN’s 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K
(without exhibits) as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission is available to stockholders
without charge upon written request to:
Investor Relations
ADTRAN, Inc.
901 Explorer Blvd.
P.O. Box 140000
Huntsville, Alabama 35814-4000
256 963-8220
investorrelations@adtran.com (email)
Annual Meeting
The 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held
at ADTRAN corporate headquarters, 901 Explorer
Boulevard, Huntsville, Alabama, on Wednesday,
May 9, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. Central time.

Kevin P. Heering
Senior Vice President
Services and Support
Charles Marsh
Senior Vice President
Sales

Financial Results 71



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