INCOME TAXES	6 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2018
INCOME TAXES	(13) INCOME TAXES The Company operates in multiple taxing jurisdictions, both within and outside of the United States. For the six months ended January 31, 2018, the Company was profitable in certain jurisdictions, resulting in an income tax expense using enacted rates in those jurisdictions. As of January 31, 2018, the total amount of the liability for unrecognized tax benefits related to federal, state and foreign taxes was approximately $1.8 million. As of July 31, 2017, the total amount of the liability for unrecognized tax benefits related to federal, state and foreign taxes was approximately $0.7 million. Uncertain Tax Positions In accordance with the Company’s accounting policy, interest related to unrecognized tax benefits is included in the provision of income taxes line of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of January 31, 2018 and July 31, 2017, the liabilities for interest expense related to uncertain tax positions were immaterial. The Company did not accrue for penalties related to income tax positions as there were no income tax positions that required the Company to accrue penalties. The Company does not expect any unrecognized tax benefits to reverse in the next twelve months. The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax and various state, local and international income taxes in numerous jurisdictions. The federal and state tax returns are generally subject to tax examinations for the tax years ended July 31, 2013 through July 31, 2017. To the extent the Company has tax attribute carryforwards, the tax year in which the attribute was generated may still be adjusted upon examination by the Internal Revenue Service or state tax authorities to the extent utilized in a future period. In addition, a number of tax years remain subject to examination by the appropriate government agencies for certain countries in the Europe and Asia regions. In Europe, the Company’s 2009 through 2016 tax years remain subject to examination in most locations, while the Company’s 2005 through 2016 tax years remain subject to examination in most Asia locations. Net Operating Loss The Company has certain deferred tax benefits, including those generated by net operating losses and certain other tax attributes (collectively, the “Tax Benefits”). The Company’s ability to use these Tax Benefits could be substantially limited if it were to experience an “ownership change,” as defined under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). In general, an ownership change would occur if there is a greater than 50-percentage point change in ownership of securities by stockholders owning (or deemed to own under Section 382 of the Code) five percent or more of a corporation’s securities over a rolling three-year period. Tax Benefits Preservation Plan On January 19, 2018, our Board adopted a Tax Benefits Preservation Plan (the “Tax Plan”) and with American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as rights agent (the “Rights Agent”). The Tax Plan is designed to preserve the Company’s ability to utilize its Tax Benefits and is similar to plans adopted by other public companies with significant Tax Benefits. at its 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The Board will be asking the Company’s stockholders to approve the Tax Plan at its 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the 2017 Meeting”). If the Tax Plan is not approved by stockholders at the 2017 Meeting, the Tax Plan will automatically expire immediately following the final adjournment of the 2017 Meeting if stockholder approval is not received. The Company had net operating loss carryforwards for federal and state tax purposes of approximately $2.1 billion and $209.8 million, respectively, as of January 31, 2018. The Company’s s ability to use its Tax Benefits would be substantially limited if the Company undergoes an “ownership change” (within the meaning of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code). The Tax Plan is intended to prevent an “ownership change” of the Company that would impair the Company ability to utilize its Tax Benefits. As part of the plan Tax Plan, the Board declared a dividend of one right (a “Right”) for each share of Common Stock then outstanding. The dividend was payable to holders of record as of the close of business on January 29, 2018. Any shares of Common Stock issued after January 29, 2018, will be issued together with the Rights. Each Right initially represents the right to purchase one one-thousandth of a share of newly created Series D Junior Participating Preferred Stock. Initially, the Rights will be attached to all certificates representing shares of Common Stock then outstanding and no separate rights certificates will be distributed. In the case of book entry shares, the Rights will be evidenced by notations in the book entry accounts. Subject to certain exceptions specified in the Plan, the Rights will separate from the Common Stock and a distribution date (the “Distribution Date”) will occur upon the earlier of (i) ten (10) business days following a public announcement that a stockholder (or group) has become a beneficial owner of 4.99-percent or more of the shares of Common Stock then outstanding and (ii) ten (10) business days (or such later date as the Board determines) following the commencement of a tender offer or exchange offer that would result in a person or group becoming a 4.99-percent stockholder. Pursuant to the Tax Plan and subject to certain exceptions, if a stockholder (or group) becomes a 4.99-percent stockholder after adoption of the Tax Plan, the Rights would generally become exercisable and entitle stockholders (other than the 4.99-percent stockholder or group) to purchase additional shares of Steel Connect, Inc. at a significant discount, resulting in substantial dilution in the economic interest and voting power of the 4.99-percent stockholder (or group). In addition, under certain circumstances in which Steel Connect, Inc is acquired in a merger or other business combination after an non-exempt stockholder (or group) becomes a 4.99-percent stockholder, each holder of the Right (other than the 4.99-percent stockholder or group) would then be entitled to purchase shares of the acquiring company’s common stock at a discount. The Rights are not exercisable until the Distribution Date and will expire at the earliest of (i) 11:59 p.m. on the date that the votes of the stockholders of the Company with respect to the Company’s next annual meeting or special meeting of stockholders are certified (which date will be no later than January 18, 2019), unless the continuation of the Tax Plan is approved by the affirmative vote of the majority of shares of Common Stock present at such meeting of stockholders (in which case clause (ii) will govern); (ii) 11:59 p.m., on January 18, 2021; (iii) the time at which the Rights are redeemed or exchanged as provided in the Tax Plan; and (iv) the time at which the Board determines that the Tax Plan is no longer necessary or desirable for the preservation of Tax Benefits. Protective Amendment On December 9, 2014, the Company’s stockholders voted in favor of an amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company that was designed to protect the long-term tax benefits presented by our NOLs and the Certificate of Amendment of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company effecting such amendment was filed with the State of Delaware on December 29, 2014 (the “Original Protective Amendment”). The Original Protective Amendment expired in December 29, 2017. The Board has determined to replace the Original Protective Amendment with a new similar amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Protective Amendment”). On March 6, 2018, the Board, subject to approval by stockholders, approved a Protective Amendment. The Protective Amendment, which is designed to prevent certain transfers of our securities that could result in an ownership change. The Protective Amendment will not be put into effect unless and until it is approved by stockholders at the 2017 Meeting. Our new Tax Benefits Preservation Plan, dated as of January 19, 2018, with American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC was entered into on January 19, 2018 following Board approval. The Tax Plan requires stockholder approval to remain in effect after the 2017 Meeting, and will expire immediately following the final adjournment of the 2017 Meeting if stockholder approval is not received. IWCO Acquisition As more fully described in Note 8 to these unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company completed the IWCO Acquisition on December 15, 2017. Going forward, the Company and IWCO will file a consolidated federal tax return. In purchase accounting, a deferred tax liability of $79.9 million was computed for IWCO, Inc. After considering the transaction, the projected combined results and available temporary differences from the acquired business, the Company has determined in accordance with ASC 805-740-30-3 that its valuation allowance in the same amount of IWCO’s full deferred tax liability may be released and the benefit be recognized in income. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act In December 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, or the Tax Act (“TCJA”), was signed into law. Among other things, the Tax Act permanently lowers the corporate federal income tax rate to 21% from the existing maximum rate of 35%, effective for tax years including or commencing January 1, 2018. As a result of the reduction of the corporate federal income tax rate to 21%, U.S. GAAP requires companies to revalue their deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of the date of enactment, with the resulting tax effects accounted for in the reporting period of enactment. This revaluation resulted in a provision of $266.3 million to income tax expense in continuing operations and a corresponding reduction in the valuation allowance. As a result, there was no impact to the Company’s Statement of Operations as a result of reduction in tax rates. The total provision of $266.3 million included a provision of $296.1 million to income tax expense for the Company and a benefit of $29.8 million to income tax expense for IWCO. Beginning on January 1, 2018, the TCJA also requires a minimum tax on certain future earnings generated by foreign subsidiaries while providing for future tax-free repatriation of such earnings through a 100% dividends-received deduction. In accordance with ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, and SAB 118, the Company has estimated that no provisional charge will be recorded related to the TCJA based on its initial analysis using available information and estimates. Given the significant complexity of the TCJA, anticipated guidance from the U.S. Treasury Department about implementing the TCJA and the potential for additional guidance from the SEC or the FASB related to the TCJA or additional information becoming available, the Company’s provisional charge may be adjusted during 2018 and is expected to be finalized no later than December 31, 2018. Other provisions of the TCJA that impact future tax years are still being assessed. Our preliminary estimate of the TCJA and the remeasurement of our deferred tax assets and liabilities is subject to the finalization of management’s analysis related to certain matters, such as developing interpretations of the provisions of the TCJA, changes to certain estimates and the filing of our tax returns. U.S. Treasury regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions interpreting the TCJA may require further adjustments and changes in our estimates. The final determination of the TCJA and the remeasurement of our deferred assets and liabilities will be completed as additional information becomes available, but no later than one year from the enactment of the TCJA.

(13) INCOME TAXES

The Company operates in multiple taxing jurisdictions, both within and outside of the United States. For the six months ended January 31, 2018, the Company was profitable in certain jurisdictions, resulting in an income tax expense using enacted rates in those jurisdictions. As of January 31, 2018, the total amount of the liability for unrecognized tax benefits related to federal, state and foreign taxes was approximately $1.8 million. As of July 31, 2017, the total amount of the liability for unrecognized tax benefits related to federal, state and foreign taxes was approximately $0.7 million.

Uncertain Tax Positions

In accordance with the Company’s accounting policy, interest related to unrecognized tax benefits is included in the provision of income taxes line of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of January 31, 2018 and July 31, 2017, the liabilities for interest expense related to uncertain tax positions were immaterial. The Company did not accrue for penalties related to income tax

positions as there were no income tax positions that required the Company to accrue penalties. The Company does not expect any unrecognized tax benefits to reverse in the next twelve months. The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax and various state, local and international income taxes in numerous jurisdictions. The federal and state tax returns are generally subject to tax examinations for the tax years ended July 31, 2013 through July 31, 2017. To the extent the Company has tax attribute carryforwards, the tax year in which the attribute was generated may still be adjusted upon examination by the Internal Revenue Service or state tax authorities to the extent utilized in a future period. In addition, a number of tax years remain subject to examination by the appropriate government agencies for certain countries in the Europe and Asia regions. In Europe, the Company’s 2009 through 2016 tax years remain subject to examination in most locations, while the Company’s 2005 through 2016 tax years remain subject to examination in most Asia locations.

Net Operating Loss

The Company has certain deferred tax benefits, including those generated by net operating losses and certain other tax attributes (collectively, the “Tax Benefits”). The Company’s ability to use these Tax Benefits could be substantially limited if it were to experience an “ownership change,” as defined under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). In general, an ownership change would occur if there is a greater than 50-percentage point change in ownership of securities by stockholders owning (or deemed to own under Section 382 of the Code) five percent or more of a corporation’s securities over a rolling three-year period.

Tax Benefits Preservation Plan

On January 19, 2018, our Board adopted a Tax Benefits Preservation Plan (the “Tax Plan”) and with American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as rights agent (the “Rights Agent”). The Tax Plan is designed to preserve the Company’s ability to utilize its Tax Benefits and is similar to plans adopted by other public companies with significant Tax Benefits. at its 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

The Board will be asking the Company’s stockholders to approve the Tax Plan at its 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the 2017 Meeting”). If the Tax Plan is not approved by stockholders at the 2017 Meeting, the Tax Plan will automatically expire immediately following the final adjournment of the 2017 Meeting if stockholder approval is not received.

The Company had net operating loss carryforwards for federal and state tax purposes of approximately $2.1 billion and $209.8 million, respectively, as of January 31, 2018. The Company’s s ability to use its Tax Benefits would be substantially limited if the Company undergoes an “ownership change” (within the meaning of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code). The Tax Plan is intended to prevent an “ownership change” of the Company that would impair the Company ability to utilize its Tax Benefits.

As part of the plan Tax Plan, the Board declared a dividend of one right (a “Right”) for each share of Common Stock then outstanding. The dividend was payable to holders of record as of the close of business on January 29, 2018. Any shares of Common Stock issued after January 29, 2018, will be issued together with the Rights. Each Right initially represents the right to purchase one one-thousandth of a share of newly created Series D Junior Participating Preferred Stock.

Initially, the Rights will be attached to all certificates representing shares of Common Stock then outstanding and no separate rights certificates will be distributed. In the case of book entry shares, the Rights will be evidenced by notations in the book entry accounts. Subject to certain exceptions specified in the Plan, the Rights will separate from the Common Stock and a distribution date (the “Distribution Date”) will occur upon the earlier of (i) ten (10) business days following a public announcement that a stockholder (or group) has become a beneficial owner of 4.99-percent or more of the shares of Common Stock then outstanding and (ii) ten (10) business days (or such later date as the Board determines) following the commencement of a tender offer or exchange offer that would result in a person or group becoming a 4.99-percent stockholder.

Pursuant to the Tax Plan and subject to certain exceptions, if a stockholder (or group) becomes a 4.99-percent stockholder after adoption of the Tax Plan, the Rights would generally become exercisable and entitle stockholders (other than the 4.99-percent stockholder or group) to purchase additional shares of Steel Connect, Inc. at a significant discount, resulting in substantial dilution in the economic interest and voting power of the 4.99-percent stockholder (or group). In addition, under certain circumstances in which Steel Connect, Inc is acquired in a merger or other business combination after an non-exempt stockholder (or group) becomes a 4.99-percent stockholder, each holder of the Right (other than the 4.99-percent stockholder or group) would then be entitled to purchase shares of the acquiring company’s common stock at a discount.

The Rights are not exercisable until the Distribution Date and will expire at the earliest of (i) 11:59 p.m. on the date that the votes of the stockholders of the Company with respect to the Company’s next annual meeting or special meeting of stockholders are certified (which date will be no later than January 18, 2019), unless the continuation of the Tax Plan is approved by the affirmative vote of the majority of shares of Common Stock present at such meeting of stockholders (in which case clause (ii) will govern); (ii) 11:59 p.m., on January 18, 2021; (iii) the time at which the Rights are redeemed or exchanged as provided in the Tax Plan; and (iv) the time at which the Board determines that the Tax Plan is no longer necessary or desirable for the preservation of Tax Benefits.

Protective Amendment

On December 9, 2014, the Company’s stockholders voted in favor of an amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company that was designed to protect the long-term tax benefits presented by our NOLs and the Certificate of Amendment of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company effecting such amendment was filed with the State of Delaware on December 29, 2014 (the “Original Protective Amendment”). The Original Protective Amendment expired in December 29, 2017. The Board has determined to replace the Original Protective Amendment with a new similar amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Protective Amendment”). On March 6, 2018, the Board, subject to approval by stockholders, approved a Protective Amendment.

The Protective Amendment, which is designed to prevent certain transfers of our securities that could result in an ownership change. The Protective Amendment will not be put into effect unless and until it is approved by stockholders at the 2017 Meeting. Our new Tax Benefits Preservation Plan, dated as of January 19, 2018, with American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC was entered into on January 19, 2018 following Board approval. The Tax Plan requires stockholder approval to remain in effect after the 2017 Meeting, and will expire immediately following the final adjournment of the 2017 Meeting if stockholder approval is not received.

IWCO Acquisition

As more fully described in Note 8 to these unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company completed the IWCO Acquisition on December 15, 2017. Going forward, the Company and IWCO will file a consolidated federal tax return. In purchase accounting, a deferred tax liability of $79.9 million was computed for IWCO, Inc. After considering the transaction, the projected combined results and available temporary differences from the acquired business, the Company has determined in accordance with ASC 805-740-30-3 that its valuation allowance in the same amount of IWCO’s full deferred tax liability may be released and the benefit be recognized in income.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

In December 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, or the Tax Act (“TCJA”), was signed into law. Among other things, the Tax Act permanently lowers the corporate federal income tax rate to 21% from the existing maximum rate of 35%, effective for tax years including or commencing January 1, 2018. As a result of the reduction of the corporate federal income tax rate to 21%, U.S. GAAP requires companies to revalue their deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of the date of enactment, with the resulting tax effects accounted for in the reporting period of enactment. This revaluation resulted in a provision of $266.3 million to income tax expense in continuing operations and a corresponding reduction in the valuation allowance. As a result, there was no impact to the Company’s Statement of Operations as a result of reduction in tax rates. The total provision of $266.3 million included a provision of $296.1 million to income tax expense for the Company and a benefit of $29.8 million to income tax expense for IWCO.

Beginning on January 1, 2018, the TCJA also requires a minimum tax on certain future earnings generated by foreign subsidiaries while providing for future tax-free repatriation of such earnings through a 100% dividends-received deduction. In accordance with ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, and SAB 118, the Company has estimated that no provisional charge will be recorded related to the TCJA based on its initial analysis using available information and estimates. Given the significant complexity of the TCJA, anticipated guidance from the U.S. Treasury Department about implementing the TCJA and the potential for additional guidance from the SEC or the FASB related to the TCJA or additional information becoming available, the Company’s provisional charge may be adjusted during 2018 and is expected to be finalized no later than December 31, 2018. Other provisions of the TCJA that impact future tax years are still being assessed.

Our preliminary estimate of the TCJA and the remeasurement of our deferred tax assets and liabilities is subject to the finalization of management’s analysis related to certain matters, such as developing interpretations of the provisions of the TCJA, changes to certain estimates and the filing of our tax returns. U.S. Treasury regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions interpreting the TCJA may require further adjustments and changes in our estimates. The final determination of the TCJA and the remeasurement of our deferred assets and liabilities will be completed as additional information becomes available, but no later than one year from the enactment of the TCJA.