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EX-23 - EXHIBIT 23 - DUCOMMUN INC /DE/dco10-k2015_ex23.htm
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EX-32 - EXHIBIT 32 - DUCOMMUN INC /DE/dco10-k2015_ex32.htm

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 _________________________________________________________
FORM 10-K
 _________________________________________________________
x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015
OR
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     
Commission File Number 1-8174
 _________________________________________________________
DUCOMMUN INCORPORATED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 _________________________________________________________
Delaware
 
95-0693330
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
23301 Wilmington Avenue, Carson, California
 
90745-6209
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (310) 513-7200
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $.01 par value per share
 
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
(Title of class)
 _________________________________________________________
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x  No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer
 
¨
Accelerated filer
 
x
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
 
¨
Smaller reporting company
 
¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price of which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter ended July 4, 2015 was approximately $272 million.
The number of shares of common stock outstanding on March 3, 2016 was 11,097,587.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The following documents are incorporated by reference:
(a) Proxy Statement for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “2016 Proxy Statement”), incorporated partially in Part III hereof.
 



DUCOMMUN INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND RISK FACTORS
This Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be preceded by, followed by or include the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate” or similar expressions. These statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of our management. Generally, forward-looking statements include information concerning our possible or assumed future actions, events or results of operations. Forward-looking statements specifically include, without limitation, the information in this Form 10-K regarding: future sales, earnings, cash flow, uses of cash and other measures of financial performance, projections or expectations for future operations, our plans with respect to completed acquisitions, future acquisitions and dispositions and expected business opportunities that may be available to us.
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, these forward-looking statements are subject to numerous factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different from those projected. We cannot guarantee future results, performance or achievements. Moreover, neither we nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the forward-looking statements. All written and oral forward-looking statements made in connection with this Form 10-K that are attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by “Risk Factors” contained within Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K and other cautionary statements included herein. We are under no duty to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this Form 10-K to conform such statements to actual results or to changes in our expectations.
The information in this Form 10-K is not a complete description of our business. There can be no assurance that other factors will not affect the accuracy of these forward-looking statements or that our actual results will not differ materially from the results anticipated in such forward-looking statements. While it is impossible to identify all such factors, factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated by us include, but are not limited to, those factors or conditions described under “Risk Factors” contained within Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K and the following:
our ability to manage and otherwise comply with our covenants with respect to our outstanding indebtedness;
our ability to service our indebtedness;
the cyclicality of our end-use markets and the level of new commercial and military aircraft orders;
industry and customer concentration;
production rates for various commercial and military aircraft programs;
the level of U.S. Government defense spending, including the impact of sequestration;
compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and changes in regulatory requirements, including regulatory requirements applicable to government contracts and sub-contracts;
further consolidation of customers and suppliers in our markets;
product performance and delivery;
start-up costs, manufacturing inefficiencies and possible overruns on contracts;
increased design, product development, manufacturing, supply chain and other risks and uncertainties associated with our growth strategy to become a Tier 2 supplier of higher-level assemblies;
our ability to manage the risks associated with international operations and sales;
possible additional goodwill and other asset impairments;
economic and geopolitical developments and conditions;
unfavorable developments in the global credit markets;
our ability to operate within highly competitive markets;
technology changes and evolving industry and regulatory standards;
the risk of environmental liabilities; and
litigation with respect to us.

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We caution the reader that undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Form 10-K. We do not undertake any duty or responsibility to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Form 10-K or to reflect actual outcomes.

PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL
Ducommun Incorporated (“Ducommun,” “the Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) is a leading global provider of engineering and manufacturing services for high-performance products and high-cost-of failure applications used primarily in the aerospace, defense, industrial, natural resources, medical and other industries. Ducommun differentiates itself as a full-service solution-based provider, offering a wide range of value-added products and services in our primary businesses of electronics, structures and integrated solutions. We operate through two primary business segments: Electronic Systems and Structural Systems. We are the successor to a business that was founded in California in 1849 and reincorporated in Delaware in 1970.
ACQUISITIONS
Acquisitions have been an important element of our growth strategy. We have supplemented our organic growth by identifying, acquiring and integrating acquisition opportunities that result in broader, more sophisticated product and service offerings while diversifying and expanding our customer base and markets.
For example, in June 2011, we acquired all of the outstanding stock of LaBarge Inc., (the “LaBarge Acquisition”), a provider of electronics manufacturing services to aerospace, defense and other diverse markets for $325.3 million (net of cash acquired and acquisition costs), funded by internally generated cash, senior unsecured notes and a senior secured term loan totaling $390.0 million. The LaBarge Acquisition has positioned us to benefit from customers that are increasingly outsourcing their integrated electronic content on their platforms and consolidating their supplier base to companies with expanded capabilities.
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Business Segment Information
In the fourth quarter of 2015, we renamed our operating segments to Electronic Systems (“ES”) and Structural Systems (“SS”). ES was formerly known as Ducommun LaBarge Technologies (“DLT”) and SS was formerly known as Ducommun AeroStructures (“DAS”). There were no regrouping of revenues or expenses as a result of the operating segments name change. We operate through two primary strategic businesses ES and SS, each of which is a reportable segment. The results of operations among our operating segments vary due to differences in competitors, customers, extent of proprietary deliverables and performance. ES designs, engineers and manufactures high-reliability products used in worldwide technology-driven markets including aerospace, defense, natural resources, industrial, and medical and other end-use markets. ES’s product offerings primarily range from prototype development to complex assemblies as discussed in more detail below. SS designs, engineers and manufactures large, complex contoured aerospace structural components and assemblies and supplies composite and metal bonded structures and assemblies. SS’s products are primarily used on commercial aircraft, military fixed-wing aircraft and military and commercial rotary-wing aircraft.
Electronic Systems
ES has three major product offerings in electronics manufacturing for diverse, high-reliability applications: complex cable assemblies and interconnect systems, printed circuit board assemblies, and higher-level electronic, electromechanical and mechanical assemblies. Components and assemblies are provided principally for domestic and foreign commercial and military fixed-wing aircraft, military and commercial rotary-wing aircraft and space programs. In addition, we provide select industrial high-reliability applications for the industrial automation, natural resources (mine automation and drilling), and medical and other end-use markets. We build custom, high-performance electronics and electromechanical systems. Our products include sophisticated radar enclosures, aircraft avionics racks and shipboard communications and control enclosures, printed circuit board assemblies, cable assemblies, wire harnesses, and interconnect systems and other high-level complex assemblies. ES utilizes a highly-integrated production process, including manufacturing, engineering, fabrication, machining, assembly, electronic integration, and related processes. Engineering, technical and program management services, including design, development, and integration and testing of circuit card assemblies and cable assemblies, are provided to a wide range of customers.
In response to customer needs and utilizing our in-depth engineering expertise, ES is also considered a leading supplier of engineered products including, illuminated pushbutton switches and panels for aviation and test systems, microwave and millimeter switches and filters for radio frequency systems and test instrumentation, and motors and resolvers for motion control.

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ES also provides engineering expertise for aerospace system design, development, integration, and test. We leverage the knowledge base, capabilities, talent, and technologies of this focused capability into direct support of our customers. Our expertise includes engineering capabilities in systems engineering, aerodynamics, propulsion, guidance-navigation-and control (“GNC”), lethality/warheads, simulations, avionics, structures, software, inertial measurement units, seeker/sensors, and signal/data processing.
Structural Systems
SS has three major product offerings to support a global customer base: commercial aircraft, military fixed-wing aircraft, and military and commercial rotary-wing aircraft. Our applications include structural components, structural assemblies and bonded (metal and composite) components. In the structural components products, SS designs, engineers, and manufactures large complex contoured aluminum, titanium and Inconel® aerostructure components for the aerospace industry. Structural assembly products include winglets, engine components, and fuselage structural panels for aircraft. Metal and composite bonded structures and assemblies products include aircraft wing spoilers, large fuselage skins, rotor blades on rotary-wing aircraft and components, flight control surfaces and engine components. To support these products, SS maintains advanced machine milling, stretch-forming, hot-forming, metal bonding, composite layup, and chemical milling capabilities and has an extensive engineering capability to support both design and manufacturing.
AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE END-USE MARKETS OVERVIEW
Our largest end-use markets are the aerospace and defense markets and our revenues from these markets represent approximately 81% of our total net revenues in 2015. These markets are serviced by suppliers which are stratified, from the lowest value provided to the highest, into four tiers; Tier 3, Tier 2, Tier 1 and original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”). The OEMs provide the highest value and are also known as prime contractors (“Primes”). We derive a significant portion of our revenue from subcontracts with OEMs. As the prime contractor for various programs and platforms, the OEMs sell to their customers, who may include, depending upon the application, the U.S. Federal Government, foreign, state and local governments, global commercial airline carriers, regional jet carriers and various other customers. The OEMs also sell to global leasing companies that lease commercial aircraft. A significant portion of our revenue is earned from subcontracts with the Primes. Tier 3 suppliers principally provide components or detailed parts. Tier 2 suppliers provide more complex, value-added parts and may also assume more design risk, manufacturing risk, supply chain risk and project management risk than Tier 3 suppliers. Tier 1 suppliers manufacture aircraft sections and purchase assemblies. We currently compete primarily with Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers. Our business growth strategy is to differentiate ourselves from competitors by providing more complex assemblies to our customers as a Tier 2 supplier.
Commercial Aerospace End-Use Market
The commercial aerospace end-use market is highly cyclical and is impacted by the level of global air passenger traffic in general, which in turn is influenced by global economic conditions, fleet fuel and maintenance costs and geopolitical developments. Revenues from the commercial aerospace end-use market represented approximately 38% of our total net revenues for 2015.
Global economic activity and global trade, which are the primary drivers for air travel, continues to grow below the long-term average, however, passenger traffic continued to grow more than 5%, as it has every year since 2010, and accelerated to more than 6% in 2015. While growth was strong across all major world regions, there continues to be significant variation between regions and airline business models. Airlines operating in the Middle East and Asia Pacific regions as well as low-cost-carriers globally are currently leading passenger growth.
In addition, airline financial performance also plays a role in the demand for new capacity. Airlines continue to focus on increasing revenue through alliances, partnerships, new marketing initiatives, and effective leveraging of ancillary services and related revenues. Airlines are also relentlessly focusing on reducing costs by renewing fleets to leverage more efficient airplanes and in 2015, benefited significantly from lower fuel costs. As a result, market acceptance is growing for these types of more fuel efficient aircraft from The Boeing Company (“Boeing”) and Airbus Group, formerly known as the European Aeronautic, Defense & Space Company (“EADS”), through their wholly owned subsidiary Airbus (“Airbus”).
Further, the availability of internal or external funding impacts commercial aircraft build rates. Failure of our customers to obtain financing may result in cancellation or deferral of orders.
The long-term outlook for the industry continues to remain positive due to the fundamental drivers of air travel growth: economic growth and the increasing propensity to travel due to increased trade, globalization, and improved airline services driven by liberalization of air traffic rights between countries. Boeing’s 20 year forecast projections in their 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC estimate a long-term average growth rate of approximately 5% per year for passenger traffic and approximately 4% per year for cargo traffic. This is based on long term global economic growth projections of

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approximately 3% average annual gross domestic product (“GDP”) growth, and factoring in increased utilization of the worldwide airplane fleet and requirements to replace older airplanes. We believe we are well positioned given our product capabilities to participate in the steady projected growth rate for commercial air traffic and build rates for large commercial aircraft for the airframe manufacturing industry.
Defense End-Use Market
Our defense end-use market includes products used in military and space, including technologies and structures applications. The defense end-use market is highly cyclical and is impacted by the level of government defense spending. Government defense spending is impacted by national defense policies and priorities, political climates, fiscal budgetary constraints, U.S. Federal budget deficits, projected economic growth and the level of global military or security threats, or other conflicts. Revenues from the military and space end-use market in 2015 represented approximately 43% of our total net revenues during 2015.
The enactment of The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 in November 2015 established overall defense spending levels for fiscal year (“FY”) 2016 and FY 2017. However, uncertainty remains as it relates to levels of defense spending for FY 2018 and beyond, including the risk of future sequestration cuts. In addition, significant uncertainty also continues related to program-level appropriations for the U.S. Department of Defense (“U.S. DoD”) within the overall budgetary framework described above.
We derive a significant portion of our business from customers whose principal sales are to the U.S. Government and from direct sales by us to the U.S. Government. Thus, future budget cuts, including cuts mandated by sequestration, or future procurement decisions associated with the authorization and appropriations process could result in reductions, cancellations and/or delays of existing contracts or programs. Any of these events could have a material effect on the results of our operations, financial position and/or cash flows.
In addition to the risks described above, if Congress is unable to pass appropriations bills in a timely manner, a government shutdown could result which may impact above and beyond those resulting from budget cuts, sequestration or program-level appropriations. For example, requirements to furlough employees in the U.S. DoD or other government agencies could result in payment delays, impair our ability to perform work on existing contracts, and/or negatively impact future orders. For additional information related to our revenues from customers whose principal sales are to the U.S. Government and our direct sales to the U.S. Government, see “Risk Factors” contained within Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Form 10-K”).
NON-AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE END-USE MARKETS OVERVIEW
Our non-aerospace and defense (“non-A&D”) end-use markets, (natural resources, industrial, and medical and other) are diverse and are impacted by the customers’ needs for increasing electronic content and a desire to outsource. Factors expected to impact these markets include capital and industrial goods spending, the number of oil-rigs operating and the level of natural gas exploration in North America and general economic conditions. Our products are used in industrial test systems, energy exploration systems, semiconductor fabrication units, glass electronic manufacturing systems, mine automation and control systems, patient monitoring devices, respiratory care devices, biodecontamination equipment and other technology-driven products. Revenues from the non-A&D end-use markets were approximately 19% of our total net revenues during 2015. Going forward, we will rename the non-A&D end-use markets as the industrial end-use markets.
We believe our business in these markets has stabilized and we are well positioned for these markets.
SALES AND MARKETING
Our commercial revenues are substantially dependent on airframe manufacturers’ production rates of new aircraft. Deliveries of new aircraft by airframe manufacturers are dependent on the financial capacity of its customers, primarily airlines and leasing companies, to purchase the aircraft. Thus, revenues from commercial aircraft could be affected as a result of changes in new aircraft orders, or the cancellation or deferral by airlines of purchases of ordered aircraft. Further, our revenues from commercial aircraft programs could be affected by changes in our customers’ inventory levels and changes in our customers’ aircraft production build rates. In recent years, both major large aircraft manufacturers, Boeing and Airbus, have announced higher build rates due to increases in production of existing programs, including more fully-developed models, and by the introduction of new platforms.
Military components manufactured by us are employed in many of the country’s front-line fighters, bombers, rotary-wing aircraft and support aircraft, as well as land and sea-based applications. Engineering, technical and program management services are provided principally for the United States defense, space and homeland security programs. Our defense business is diversified among a number of military manufacturers and programs. In the space sector, we continue to support various unmanned launch vehicle and satellite programs.

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Our sales into the industrial, natural resources, and medical and other commercial markets are customer focused in the various markets and driven primarily by their capital spending and manufacturing outsourcing demands.
We continue to broaden and diversify our customer base in the end-use markets we serve by providing innovative product and service solutions through drawing on our core competencies, experience and technical expertise. Net revenues related to military and space (defense technologies and defense structures), commercial aerospace, and non-A&D end-use markets in 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
Many of our contracts are fixed price contracts subject to termination at the convenience of the customer (as well as for default). In the event of termination for convenience, the customer generally is required to pay the costs we have incurred and certain other fees through the date of termination. Larger, long-term government subcontracts may have provisions for milestone payments, progress payments or cash advances for purchase of inventory.
Our marketing efforts primarily consist of developing strong, long-term relationships with our customers, which provide the basis for future sales. These close relationships allow us to gain a better insight into each customer’s business needs, identify ways to provide greater value to the customer, and allow us to be designed in early in various products and/or high volume products.
SEASONALITY
The timing of our revenue is governed by the purchasing patterns of our customers, and, as a result, we may not generate revenue equally during the year. However, no material portion of our business is considered to be seasonal.
MAJOR CUSTOMERS
We currently generate the majority of our revenues from the aerospace and defense industries. As a result, we have significant revenues from certain customers. Boeing and Raytheon each were approximately ten percent or greater of our 2015 net revenues. Revenues from our top ten customers, including Boeing and Raytheon, were approximately 56% of total net revenues during 2015. Net revenues by major customer for 2015 and 2014 were as follows: 

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Net revenues from our customers, except the U.S. Government, are diversified over a number of different military and space, commercial aerospace, natural resources, industrial, medical and other products. For additional information on revenues from major customers, see Note 17 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15(a) of this Form 10-K.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
We perform concurrent engineering with our customers and product development activities under our self-funded programs as well as under contracts with others. Concurrent engineering and product development activities are performed for commercial, military and space applications. Further, we perform high-technology systems engineering and analysis, principally under customer-funded contracts, with a focus on sensors system simulation, engineering and integration activities.
RAW MATERIALS AND COMPONENTS
Raw materials and components used in the manufacturing of our products include aluminum, titanium, steel and carbon fibers, as well as a wide variety of electronic interconnect and circuit card assemblies and components. These raw materials are generally available from a number of suppliers and are generally in adequate supply. However, from time to time, we have experienced increases in lead times for and limited availability of, aluminum, titanium and certain other raw materials and/or components. Moreover, certain components, supplies and raw materials for our operations are purchased from single source suppliers and occasionally, directed by our customers. In such instances, we strive to develop alternative sources and design modifications to minimize the potential for business interruptions.
COMPETITION
The markets we serve are highly competitive, and our products and services are affected by varying degrees of competition. We compete worldwide with domestic and international companies in most markets. These companies may have competitive advantages as a result of greater financial resources, economies of scale and bundled products and services that we do not offer. Additional information related to competition is discussed in “Risk Factors” contained within Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K. Our ability to compete depends principally upon the breadth of our technical capabilities, the quality of our goods and services, competitive pricing, product performance, design and engineering capabilities, new product innovation, the ability to solve specific customer needs, and customer relationships.
PATENTS AND LICENSES
We have several patents, but we do not believe that our operations are dependent upon any single patent or group of patents. In general, we rely on technical superiority, continual product improvement, exclusive product features, superior lead time, on-time delivery performance, quality, and customer relationships to maintain our competitive advantage.
BACKLOG
Backlog is subject to delivery delays or program cancellations, which are beyond our control. Backlog is affected by timing differences in the placement of customer orders and tends to be concentrated in certain programs and customers. As a result, trends in our overall level of backlog may not be indicative of trends in our future revenues. Backlog was approximately $545.8 million at December 31, 2015, compared to approximately $559.3 million at December 31, 2014. The decrease in backlog was primarily in the military and space end-use markets. Approximately $436.6 million of total backlog is expected to be delivered during 2016.

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ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
Our business, operations and facilities are subject to numerous stringent federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations issued by government agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”). Among other matters, these regulatory authorities impose requirements that regulate the emission, discharge, generation, management, transport and disposal of hazardous materials, pollutants and contaminants. These regulations govern public and private response actions to hazardous or regulated substances that threaten to release, or have been released to the environment, and they require us to obtain and maintain licenses and permits in connection with our operations. We may also be required to investigate and remediate the effects of the release or disposal of materials at sites associated with past and present operations. Additionally, this extensive regulatory framework imposes significant compliance burdens and risks on us. We anticipate that capital expenditures will continue to be required for the foreseeable future to upgrade and maintain our environmental compliance efforts, however, we do not expect such expenditures to be material in 2016 and the foreseeable future.
SS has been directed by California environmental agencies to investigate and take corrective action for groundwater contamination at its facilities located in Adelanto (a.k.a., El Mirage) and Monrovia, California. Based on currently available information, we have accrued approximately $1.5 million for our estimated liabilities related to these sites. For further information, see Note 16 in the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15(a) of this Form 10-K. In addition, see “Risk Factors” contained within Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K for certain risks related to environmental matters.
EMPLOYEES
As of December 31, 2015, we employed approximately 2,900 people, of which approximately 350 are subject to collective bargaining agreements expiring on July 1, 2018 and January 5, 2018. We believe our relations with our employees are good. See “Risk Factors” contained within Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K for additional information regarding certain risks related to our employees.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
General information about us can be obtained from our website address at www.ducommun.com. Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports, if any, are available free of charge on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Information included in our website is not incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The SEC also maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy statements and other information regarding SEC registrants, including our company.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows may be affected by known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. We have summarized below the significant, known material risks to our business. Additional risk factors not currently known to us or that we currently believe are immaterial may also impair our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Any of these risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause our future financial results to differ materially from recent financial results or from currently anticipated future financial results. The risk factors below should be considered together with the information included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Form 10-K”) as well as other required filings by us to the SEC.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR CAPITAL STRUCTURE
Our indebtedness could limit our financing options, adversely affect our financial condition, and prevent us from fulfilling our debt obligations.
In July 2015, we completed the refinancing of our existing debt by entering into a new credit facility to replace the existing credit facilities. The new credit facility consists of a $275.0 million senior secured term loan, which matures on June 26, 2020 (“New Term Loan”), and a $200.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility (“New Revolving Credit Facility”), which matures on June 26, 2020 (collectively, the “New Credit Facilities”).
At December 31, 2015, we had approximately $245.0 million of outstanding long-term debt under the New Term Loan. As a result, we currently have a relatively higher level of indebtedness than industry participants. The debt was the direct result of our LaBarge Acquisition.
Our ability to complete a debt refinancing in the future may be limited, as discussed below in this risk factor. We may have to undertake alternative financing plans, such as selling assets; reducing or delaying scheduled expansions and/or capital investments; or seeking various forms of capital. Our ability to complete alternative financing plans may be affected by circumstances and economic events outside of our control. We cannot ensure that we would be able to refinance our debt or enter into alternative financing plans in adequate amounts on commercially reasonable terms, terms acceptable to us or at all, or that such plans guarantee that we would be able to meet our debt obligations.
Our high level of debt could:
limit our ability to obtain additional financing to fund future working capital, capital expenditures, investments or acquisitions or other general corporate requirements;
require a substantial portion of our cash flows to be dedicated to debt service payments instead of other purposes, thereby reducing the amount of cash flows available for working capital, capital expenditures, investments or acquisitions or other general corporate purposes;
increase our vulnerability to adverse changes in general economic, industry and competitive conditions;
place us at a disadvantage compared to other, less leveraged competitors;
expose us to the risk of increased borrowing costs and higher interest rates as approximately one half of our borrowings under our New Credit Facilities bear interest at variable rates, which could further adversely impact our cash flows;
limit our flexibility to plan for and react to changes in our business and the industry in which we compete;
restrict us from making strategic acquisitions or causing us to make non-strategic divestitures;
expose us to risk of rating agency downgrades and unfavorable changes in the global credit markets; and
make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to the New Credit Facilities and our other debt.
The occurrence of any one of these events could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to satisfy our obligations in respect of our outstanding debt.
We require a considerable amount of cash to service our indebtedness.
Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our debt in the future and to fund planned capital expenditures and working capital needs, will depend upon our ability to generate significant cash in the future. Our ability to generate cash is subject to economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that may be beyond our control.

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The New Credit Facilities bear interest, at our option, at a rate equal to either (i) the Eurodollar Rate (defined as a London Interbank Offered Rate [“LIBOR”]) plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.50% to 2.75% per year or (ii) the Base Rate (defined as the highest of [a] Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, [b] Bank of America’s prime rate, and [c] the Eurodollar Rate plus 1.00%) plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.50% to 1.75% per year, in each case based upon the consolidated total net adjusted leverage ratio, typically payable quarterly. In October 2015, we entered into interest rate cap hedges designated as cash flow hedges, with maturity dates of June 2020 and notional value in aggregate, totaling approximately $135.0 million. At December 31, 2015, the outstanding balance on the New Credit Facilities was approximately $245.0 million with an interest rate of approximately 3.07%. Should interest rates increase significantly, even though approximately $135.0 million of our debt was hedged, our debt service cost will increase. Any inability to generate sufficient cash flow could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
While we expect to meet all of our financial obligations, we cannot ensure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our debt or to fund our other liquidity needs.
We require a considerable amount of cash to fund our anticipated voluntary principal prepayments on our New Credit Facilities.
Our ability to continue to reduce the debt outstanding under our New Credit Facilities through voluntary principal prepayments will be a contributing factor to our ability to meet the leverage ratio covenant and keeping our interest rate towards the lower end of the interest rate range as defined in the New Credit Facilities. Our ability to make such prepayments will depend upon our ability to generate significant cash in the future. We cannot ensure that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations to fund any such prepayments.
The covenants in the credit agreement to our New Credit Facilities impose restrictions that may limit our operating and financial flexibility.
We are required to comply with a leverage covenant as defined in the credit agreement to the New Credit Facilities. The leverage covenant is defined as Consolidated Funded Indebtedness less unrestricted cash and cash equivalents in excess of $10.0 million, divided by consolidated earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”). The leverage covenant decreases over the term of the New Credit Facilities, which will require us to lower our outstanding debt or increase our EBITDA in the future. We believe the voluntary prepayments on the New Credit Facilities will help reduce our leverage, as defined in the credit agreement.
At December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with the leverage covenant under the New Credit Facility. However, there is no assurance that we will continue to be in compliance with the leverage covenant in future periods.
Our credit agreement to the New Credit Facilities contains a number of significant restrictions and covenants that limit our ability, among other things, to incur additional indebtedness, to create liens, to make certain payments, investments, to engage in transactions with affiliates, to sell certain assets or enter into mergers.
These covenants could materially and adversely affect our ability to finance our future operations or capital needs. Furthermore, they may restrict our ability to expand, pursue our business strategies and otherwise conduct our business. Our ability to comply with these covenants may be affected by circumstances and events beyond our control, such as prevailing economic conditions and changes in regulations, and we cannot ensure that we will be able to comply with such covenants. These restrictions also limit our ability to obtain future financings to withstand a future downturn in our business or the economy in general.
A breach of any covenant in credit agreement to the New Credit Facilities would result in a default under the New Credit Facilities agreement. A default, if not waived, could result in acceleration of the debt outstanding under the agreement. A default could permit our lenders to foreclose on any of our assets securing such debt. Even if new financing were available at that time, it may not be on terms or amounts that are acceptable to us or terms as favorable as our current agreements. If our debt is in default for any reason, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.
The typical trading volume of our common stock may affect an investor’s ability to sell significant stock holdings in the future without negatively impacting stock price.
The level of trading activity may vary daily and typically represents only a small percentage of outstanding shares. As a result, a stockholder who sells a significant amount of shares in a short period of time could negatively affect our share price.

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Our amount of debt may require us to raise additional capital to fund operations.
We may sell additional shares of common stock or other equity securities to raise capital in the future, which could dilute the value of an investor’s holdings.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS
Our end-use markets are cyclical.
We sell our products into aerospace, defense, and industrial end-use markets, which are cyclical and have experienced periodic declines. Our sales are, therefore, unpredictable and tend to fluctuate based on a number of factors, including global economic conditions, geopolitical developments and conditions, and other developments affecting our end-use markets and the customers served. Consequently, results of operations in any period should not be considered indicative of the operating results that may be experienced in any future period.
We depend upon a selected base of industries and customers, which subjects us to unique risks which may adversely affect us.
We currently generate a majority of our revenue from customers in the aerospace and defense industry. Our business depends, in part, on the level of new military and commercial aircraft orders. As a result, we have significant sales to certain customers. Sales to the Boeing Company comprise the majority of our commercial aerospace end-use market. A significant portion of our net sales in our military and space end-use markets are made under subcontracts with OEMs, under their prime contracts with the U. S. Government. We had significant sales to Raytheon Company in 2015 in our defense technologies end-use market.
Our customers may experience delays in the launch of new products, labor strikes, diminished liquidity or credit unavailability, weak demand for their products, or other difficulties in their business. In addition, sequestration and a shift in government spending priorities are causing additional uncertainty in the placement of orders.
Our sales to our top ten customers, which represented approximately 56% of our total 2015 net revenues, were diversified over a number of different military and space, commercial aerospace, natural resources, industrial, medical and other products. Any significant change in production rates by these customers would have a material effect on our results of operations and cash flows. There is no assurance that our current significant customers will continue to buy products from us at current levels, and that we will retain any or all of our existing customers, or that we will be able to form new relationships with customers upon the loss of one or more of our existing customers. This risk may be further complicated by pricing pressures, intense competition prevalent in our industry and other factors. A significant reduction in sales to any of our major customers, the loss of a major customer, or a default of a major customer on accounts receivable could have a material adverse impact on our financial results.
In addition, we generally make sales under purchase orders and contracts that are subject to cancellation, modification or rescheduling. Changes in the economic environment and the financial condition of the industries we serve could result in customer cancellation of contractual orders or requests for rescheduling. Some of our contracts have specific provisions relating to schedule and performance, and failure to deliver in accordance with such provisions could result in cancellations, modifications, rescheduling and/or penalties, in some cases at the customers’ convenience and without prior notice. While we have normally recovered our direct and indirect costs, such cancellations, modifications, or rescheduling that cannot be replaced in a timely fashion, could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.
A significant portion of our business depends upon U.S. Government defense spending.
We derive a significant portion of our business from customers whose principal sales are to the U.S. Government and from direct sales by us to the U.S. Government. Accordingly, the success of our business depends upon government spending generally or for specific departments or agencies in particular. Such spending, among other factors, is subject to the uncertainties of governmental appropriations and national defense policies and priorities, constraints of the budgetary process, timing and potential changes in these policies and priorities, and the adoption of new laws or regulations or changes to existing laws or regulations.
These and other factors could cause the government and government agencies, or prime contractors that use us as a subcontractor, to reduce their purchases under existing contracts, to exercise their rights to terminate contracts at-will or to abstain from exercising options to renew contracts, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Further, the levels of U.S. Department of Defense (“U.S. DoD”) spending in future periods are difficult to predict and are subject to significant risks. Certain U.S. Government programs in which we participate may extend for several years; however,

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these programs are typically funded annually. Changes in the government’s strategy and priorities may affect our existing programs and future opportunities. Our government contracts and related orders with the U.S. Government are subject to cancellation, or delay, if appropriations for subsequent performance periods are not made. The termination of funding for existing or new U.S. Government programs, or delays in payment, could have a material adverse effect on our financial results. We have already experienced significant budgetary delays and constraints that have resulted in reduced spending levels, and additional reductions may occur. In August 2011, the Budget Control Act (“The Act”) established limits on U.S. Government discretionary spending, including a reduction of defense spending by approximately $490.0 billion between the 2012 and 2021 U.S. Government fiscal years (“FY”). The Act also provided that the defense budget would face “sequestration” cuts of up to an additional $500.0 billion during that same period to the extent that discretionary spending limits are exceeded. The impact of sequestration cuts has been reduced for FY 2016 and FY 2017, after the enactment of The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 in November 2015. However, long-term uncertainty remains as it relates to overall levels of defense spending and it is likely that the U.S. Government discretionary spending levels will continue to be subject to significant pressure, including the risk of future sequestration cuts.
We are subject to extensive regulation and audit by the Defense Contract Audit Agency.
The accuracy and appropriateness of certain costs and expenses used to substantiate our direct and indirect costs for the U.S. Government contracts are subject to extensive regulation and audit by the Defense Contract Audit Agency, an arm of the U.S. DoD. Such audits and reviews could result in adjustments to our contract costs and profitability. However, we cannot ensure the outcome of any future audits and adjustments may be required to reduce net sales or profits upon completion and final negotiation of audits. If any audit or review were to uncover inaccurate costs or improper activities, we could be subject to penalties and sanctions, including termination of contracts, forfeiture of profits, suspension of payments, fines and suspension or prohibition from conducting future business with the U.S. Government. Any such outcome could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.
Contracts with some of our customers, including Federal government contracts, contain provisions which give our customers a variety of rights that are unfavorable to us and the OEMs to whom we provide products and services, including the ability to terminate a contract at any time for convenience.
Contracts with some of our customers, including Federal government contracts, contain provisions and are subject to laws and regulations that provide rights and remedies not typically found in commercial contracts. These provisions may allow our customers to:
terminate existing contracts, in whole or in part, for convenience, as well as for default, or if funds for contract performance for any subsequent year become unavailable;
suspend or debar us from doing business with the federal government or with a governmental agency;
prohibit future procurement awards with a particular agency as a result of a finding of an organizational conflict of interest based upon prior related work performed for the agency that would give a contractor an unfair advantage over competing contractors;
claim rights in products and systems produced by us; and
control or prohibit the export of the products and related services we offer.
If the U.S. Government terminates a contract for convenience, the counterparty with whom we have contracted on a subcontract may terminate its contract with us. As a result of any such termination, whether on a direct government contract or subcontract, we may recover only our incurred or committed costs, settlement expenses and profit on work completed prior to the termination. If the U.S. Government terminates a direct contract with us for default, we may not even recover those amounts and instead may be liable for excess costs incurred by the U.S. Government in procuring undelivered items and services from another source. Contracts with foreign governments generally contain similar provisions relating to termination at the convenience of the customer.
In addition, the U.S. Government is typically required to open all programs to competitive bidding and, therefore, may not automatically renew any of its prime contracts. If one or more of our government prime or subcontracts is terminated or cancelled, our failure to replace sales generated from such contracts would result in lower sales and have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Further consolidation in the aerospace industry could adversely affect our business and financial results.
The aerospace and defense industry is experiencing significant consolidation, including our customers, competitors and suppliers. Consolidation among our customers may result in delays in the award of new contracts and losses of existing

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business. Consolidation among our competitors may result in larger competitors with greater resources and market share, which could adversely affect our ability to compete successfully. Consolidation among our suppliers may result in fewer sources of supply and increased cost to us.
We rely on our suppliers to meet the quality or delivery expectations of our customers.
Our ability to deliver our products and services on schedule is dependent upon a variety of factors, including execution of internal performance plans, availability of raw materials, internal and supplier produced parts and structures, conversion of raw materials into parts and assemblies, and performance of suppliers and others.
We rely on numerous third-party suppliers for raw materials and a large proportion of the components used in our production process. Certain of these raw materials and components are available only from single sources or a limited number of suppliers, or similarly, customers’ specifications may require us to obtain raw materials and/or components from a single source or certain suppliers. Many of our suppliers are small companies with limited financial resources and manufacturing capabilities. We do not currently have the ability to manufacture these components ourselves. These and other factors, including the loss of a critical supplier or raw materials and/or component shortages, could cause disruptions or cost inefficiencies in our operations compared to our competitors that have greater direct purchasing power, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.
We use estimates when bidding on fixed-price contracts. Changes in our estimates could adversely affect our financial results.
We enter into contracts providing for a firm, fixed-price for the sale of some of our products regardless of the production costs incurred by us. In many cases, we make multi-year firm, fixed-price commitments to our customers, without assurance that our anticipated production costs will be achieved. Contract bidding and accounting require judgment relative to assessing risks, estimating contract net sales and costs, including estimating cost increases over time and efficiencies to be gained, and making assumptions for supplier sourcing and quality, manufacturing scheduling and technical issues over the life of the contract. Such assumptions can be particularly difficult to estimate for contracts with new customers. Our failure to accurately estimate these costs can result in reduced profits or incurred losses. Because of the significance of the judgments and estimates involved, it is possible that materially different amounts could be obtained if different assumptions were used or if the underlying circumstances were to change. Therefore, any changes in our underlying assumptions, circumstances or estimates could have a material adverse effect on our financial results. For example, in the third quarter of 2015, we recorded a charge in the SS segment related to a regional jet program for estimated cost overruns of approximately $10.0 million. See “Revenue Recognition” and “Provision for Estimated Losses on Contracts” in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis—Critical Accounting Policies, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information.
As we move up the value chain to become a Tier 2 supplier, enhanced design, product development, manufacturing, supply chain project management and other skills will be required.
We may encounter difficulties as we execute our growth strategy to move up the value chain to become a Tier 2 supplier of more complex, value-added assemblies. Difficulties we may encounter include, but are not limited to, the need for enhanced and expanded product design skills, enhanced ability to control and influence our suppliers, enhanced quality control systems and infrastructure, enhanced large-scale project management skills, and expanded industry certifications. Assuming incremental project design responsibilities would require us to assume additional risk in developing cost estimates and could expose us to increased risk of losses. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in obtaining the enhanced skills required to be a Tier 2 supplier or that our customers will outsource such functions to us.
Risks associated with operating and conducting our business outside the United States could adversely impact us.
We have facilities in Thailand and Mexico and also derive a portion of our net sales from direct foreign sales. Further, our customers may derive portions of their sales to non-U.S. customers. As a result, we are subject to the risks of conducting and operating our business internationally, including:
political instability;
economic and geopolitical developments and conditions;
compliance with a variety of international laws, as well as U.S. laws affecting the activities of U.S. companies conducting business abroad, including, but not limited to, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act;
imposition of taxes, export controls, tariffs, embargoes and other trade restrictions; and
difficulties repatriating funds or restrictions on cash transfers.

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While the impact of these factors is difficult to predict, any one or more of these factors could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.
Goodwill and/or other assets could be impaired in the future, which could result in substantial charges.
Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis during our fourth quarter or more frequently if events or circumstances occur which could indicate potential impairment. Our annual goodwill impairment testing in the fourth quarter of 2015 indicated the carrying value exceeding the fair value of the SS reporting unit as a result of the lowered revenue outlook in our military and space end-use markets due to the decrease in U.S. government defense spending and thus, requiring us to perform Step Two of the goodwill impairment test. Based on the Step Two test, we impaired the entire goodwill for the SS reporting unit of approximately $57.2 million. See Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15(a) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.
We also test intangible assets with indefinite life periods for potential impairment annually and on an interim basis if there are indicators of potential impairment. In performing our annual impairment test in the fourth quarter of 2015, we concluded the fair value of the indefinite-lived trade name to be zero as a result of divesting businesses in ES and our discontinuation of the use of the trade name. Thus, we recorded an impairment of approximate $32.9 million, which was the remaining carrying value of the trade name. See Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15(a) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.
In addition, we evaluate amortizable intangible assets, fixed assets, and production cost of contracts for impairment if there are indicators of a potential impairment.
In assessing the recoverability of goodwill, management is required to make certain critical estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions include projected sales levels, including addition of new customers, programs or platforms and increased content on existing programs or platforms, improvements in manufacturing efficiency, and reductions in operating costs. Due to many variables inherent in the estimation of a business’s fair value and the relative size of our recorded goodwill, differences in estimates and assumptions may have a material effect on the results of our impairment analysis. If any of these or other estimates and assumptions are not realized in the future, or if market multiples decline, we may be required to record an additional impairment charge for goodwill.
Further, additional impairment charges may be incurred against other intangible assets or long-term assets if asset utilization declines, customer demand declines or other circumstances indicate that the asset carrying value may not be recoverable.
Our production cost of contracts as of December 31, 2015 was approximately $10.3 million or 2% of total assets. Our goodwill and other intangible assets as of December 31, 2015 were approximately $193.2 million, or 34% of total assets. See “Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets” and “Production Cost of Contracts” in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis—Critical Accounting Policies, and Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15(a) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information.
OTHER RISKS
Our operations are subject to numerous extensive, complex, costly and evolving laws, regulations and restrictions, and failure to comply with these laws, regulations and restrictions could subject us to penalties and sanctions that could harm our business.
Prime contracts with various agencies of the U.S. Government, and subcontracts with other prime contractors, are subject to numerous laws and regulations which affect how we do business with our customers and may impose added costs on our business. As a result, our contracts and operations are subject to numerous, extensive, complex, costly and evolving laws, regulation and restrictions, principally by the U.S. Government or their agencies. These laws, regulation and restrictions govern items including, but not limited to, the formation, administration and performance of U.S. Government contracts, disclosure of cost and pricing data, civil penalties for violations or false claims to the U.S. Government for payment, define reimbursable costs, establish ethical standards for the procurement process and control the import and export of defense articles and services.
Noncompliance could expose us to liability for penalties, including termination of our U.S. Government contracts and subcontracts, disqualification from bidding on future U.S. Government contracts and subcontracts, suspension or debarment from U.S. Government contracting and various other fines and penalties. Noncompliance found by any one agency could result in fines, penalties, debarment or suspension from receiving additional contracts with all U.S. Government agencies. Given our dependence on U.S. Government business, suspension or debarment could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

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In addition, the U.S. Government may revise its procurement practices or adopt new contract rules and regulations, at any time, including increased usage of fixed-price contracts and procurement reform. Such changes could impair our ability to obtain new contracts or subcontracts or renew contracts or subcontracts under which we currently perform when those contracts are put up for recompetition. Any new contracting methods could be costly or administratively difficult for us to implement and could adversely affect our future net sales.
In addition, our international operations subject us to numerous U.S. and foreign laws and regulations, including, without limitation, regulations relating to import-export control, technology transfer restrictions, repatriation of earnings, exchange controls, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the anti-boycott provisions of the U.S. Export Administration Act. Changes in regulations or political environments may affect our ability to conduct business in foreign markets including investment, procurement and repatriation of earnings. Failure by us or our sales representatives or consultants to comply with these laws and regulations could result in certain liabilities and could possibly result in suspension or debarment from government contracts or suspension of our export privileges, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.
Customer pricing pressures could reduce the demand and/or price for our products and services.
All the markets we serve are highly competitive and price sensitive. We compete worldwide with a number of domestic and international companies that have substantially greater manufacturing, purchasing, marketing and financial resources than we do. Many of our customers have the in-house capability to fulfill their manufacturing requirements. Our larger competitors may be able to vie more effectively for very large-scale contracts than we can by providing different or greater capabilities or benefits such as technical qualifications, past performance on large-scale contracts, geographic presence, price and availability of key professional personnel. If we are unable to successfully compete for new business, our net sales growth and operating margins may decline.
Several of our major customers have completed extensive cost containment efforts and we expect continued pricing pressures in 2016 and beyond. Competitive pricing pressures may have an adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results. Further, there can be no assurance that competition from existing or potential competitors in other segments of our business will not have a material adverse effect on our financial results. If we do not continue to compete effectively and win contracts, our future business, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to meet our financial obligations may be materially compromised.
Our products and processes are subject to risks of obsolescence as a result of changes in technology and evolving industry and regulatory standards.
The future success of our business depends in large part upon our and our customers’ ability to maintain and enhance technological capabilities, develop and market manufacturing services that meet changing customer needs and successfully anticipate or respond to technological advances in manufacturing processes on a cost-effective and timely basis, while meeting evolving industry and regulatory standards. To address these risks, we invest in product design and development, and undertake capital expenditures. There can be no guarantee that our product design and development efforts will be successful, or that funds required to be invested in product design and development or incurred as capital expenditures will not increase materially in the future.
Environmental liabilities could adversely affect our financial results.
We are subject to various U.S. and foreign environmental laws and regulations, including those relating to the use, storage, transport, discharge and disposal of hazardous chemicals and materials used and emissions generated during our manufacturing process. We do not carry insurance for these potential environmental liabilities. Any failure by us to comply with present or future regulations could subject us to future liabilities or the suspension of production, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial results. Moreover, some environmental laws relating to contaminated sites can impose joint and several liability retroactively regardless of fault or the legality of the activities giving rise to the contamination. Compliance with existing or future environmental laws and regulations may require extensive capital expenditures, increase our cost or impact our production capabilities. Even if such expenditures are made, there can be no assurance that we will be able to comply. We have been directed to investigate and take corrective action for groundwater contamination at certain sites. Our ultimate liability for such matters will depend upon a number of factors. See Note 16 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15(a) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information.
Cyber security attacks, internal system or service failures may adversely impact our business and operations.
Any system or service disruptions, including those caused by projects to improve our information technology systems, if not anticipated and appropriately mitigated, could disrupt our business and impair our ability to effectively provide products and related services to our customers and could have a material adverse effect on our business. We could also be subject to systems

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failures, including network, software or hardware failures, whether caused by us, third-party service providers, intruders or hackers, computer viruses, natural disasters, power shortages or terrorist attacks. Cyber security threats are evolving and include, but are not limited to, malicious software, unauthorized attempts to gain access to sensitive, confidential or otherwise protected information related to us or our products, customers or suppliers, or other acts that could lead to disruptions in our business. Any such failures could cause loss of data and interruptions or delays in our business, cause us to incur remediation costs, subject us to claims and damage our reputation. In addition, the failure or disruption of our communications or utilities could cause us to interrupt or suspend our operations or otherwise adversely affect our business. Our property and business interruption insurance may be inadequate to compensate us for all losses that may occur as a result of any system or operational failure or disruption which would adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We may not have the ability to renew facilities leases on terms favorable to us and relocation of operations presents risks due to business interruption.
Certain of our manufacturing facilities and offices are leased and have lease terms that expire between 2016 and 2020. The majority of these leases provide renewal options at the fair market rental rate at the time of renewal, which, if renewed, could be significantly higher than our current rental rates. We may be unable to offset these cost increases by charging more for our products and services. Furthermore, continued economic conditions may continue to negatively impact and create greater pressure in the commercial real estate market, causing higher incidences of landlord default and/or lender foreclosure of properties, including properties occupied by us. While we maintain certain non-disturbance rights in most cases, it is not certain that such rights will in all cases be upheld and our continued right of occupancy in such instances is potentially jeopardized. An occurrence of any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.
Additionally, if we choose to move any of our operations, those operations will be subject to additional relocation costs and associated risks of business interruption.
The occurrence of litigation in which we could be named as a defendant is unpredictable.
From time to time, we and our subsidiaries are involved in various legal and other proceedings that are incidental to the conduct of our business. While we believe no current proceedings, if adversely determined, could have a material adverse effect on our financial results, no assurances can be given. Any such claims may divert financial and management resources that would otherwise be used to benefit our operations and could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.
Product liability claims in excess of insurance could adversely affect our financial results and financial condition.
We face potential liability for personal injury or death as a result of the failure of products designed or manufactured by us. Although we currently maintain product liability insurance (including aircraft product liability insurance), any material product liability not covered by insurance could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Damage or destruction of our facilities caused by storms, earthquake or other causes could adversely affect our financial results and financial condition.
We have operations located in regions of the U.S. that may be exposed to damaging storms, earthquakes and other natural disasters. Although we maintain standard property casualty insurance covering our properties and may be able to recover costs associated with certain natural disasters through insurance, we do not carry any earthquake insurance because of the cost of such insurance. Many of our properties are located in Southern California, an area subject to earthquake activity. Our California facilities generated approximately $213.2 million in net sales during 2015. Even if covered by insurance, any significant damage or destruction of our facilities due to storms, earthquakes or other natural disasters could result in our inability to meet customer delivery schedules and may result in the loss of customers and significant additional costs to us. Thus, any significant damage or destruction of our properties could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
We are dependent upon our ability to attract and retain key personnel.
Our success depends in part upon our ability to attract and retain key engineering, technical and managerial personnel, at both the executive and plant level. We face competition for management, engineering and technical personnel from other companies and organizations. The loss of members of our senior management group, or key engineering and technical personnel, could negatively impact our ability to grow and remain competitive in the future and could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

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Labor disruptions by our employees could adversely affect our business.
As of December 31, 2015, we employed approximately 2,900 people. Two of our operating units are parties to collective bargaining agreements, covering approximately 130 full time hourly employees in one of those operating units and approximately 220 full time hourly and salary employees in the other operating unit, and will expire July 1, 2018 and January 5, 2018, respectively. Although we have not experienced any material labor-related work stoppage and consider our relations with our employees to be good, labor stoppages may occur in the future. If the unionized workers were to engage in a strike or other work stoppage, if we are unable to negotiate acceptable collective bargaining agreements with the unions or if other employees were to become unionized, we could experience a significant disruption of our operations, higher ongoing labor costs and possible loss of customer contracts, which could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
We have identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting which could, if not remediated, adversely impact the reliability of our financial reports, cause us to submit our financial reports in an untimely fashion, result in material misstatements in our financial statements and cause current and potential stockholders to lose confidence in our financial reporting, which in turn could adversely affect the trading price of our common stock.
In connection with the audit of our consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015, we have concluded that there is a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. The material weakness was originally identified in the year ended December 31, 2014, and relates to ineffective monitoring controls over the accuracy and appropriate classification of reported labor hours associated with contracts accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method using the units of delivery. Specifically, we did not maintain proper segregation of duties and monitoring controls over the accuracy and appropriate classification of underlying direct and indirect labor hour data used in our estimates to identify and record contract forward loss reserves. This material weakness could result in a material misstatement of account balances or disclosures that would result in a misstatement to the annual or interim consolidated financial statements that would not be prevented or detected. Thus, management has determined that our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting were not effective as of December 31, 2015.
Under standards established by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”), a material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected and corrected on a timely basis. The existence of this issue could adversely affect us, our reputation or investor perceptions of us. We have and will continue to take additional measures to remediate the underlying causes of the material weakness noted above. As we continue to evaluate and work to remediate the material weakness, we may determine to take additional measures to address the control deficiencies. Also, see Item 9A in Part II of this Form 10-K. We expect to incur additional costs remediating this material weakness.
Although we plan to complete this remediation process as quickly as possible, we cannot at this time estimate how long it will take, and our measures may not prove to be successful in remediating this material weakness. If our remedial measures are insufficient to address the material weakness, or if additional material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting are discovered or occur in the future, our consolidated financial statements may contain material misstatements and we could be required to restate our financial results. In addition, if we are unable to successfully remediate this material weakness and if we are unable to produce accurate and timely financial statements, our stock price may be adversely affected and we may be unable to maintain compliance with applicable stock exchange listing requirements and debt covenant requirements.
Future restatements of our consolidated financial statements and possible related events, should they occur, may consume our time and resources and may have an adverse effect on our business and stock price.
In 2014, our Annual Report on Form 10-K included the restatement of our consolidated financial statements to correct errors in prior periods primarily related to (i) a long-term contract (“Contract”) following the discovery of misconduct by employees in the recording of direct labor costs to the Contract from 2009 through the third quarter 2014 which resulted in the identification of a forward loss provision that should have been recorded in 2009 and the impact on subsequent periods of adjustments to the forward loss provision based on information available at the time; and (ii) the year end reconciliation of income taxes payable and deferred tax balances identified errors primarily in 2013, 2012, and 2011.
As with all corporate controls, we cannot be certain that the measures we have taken to remedy the errors since they were discovered will ensure that no errors will occur in the future. Further, the future restatements, if any, may affect investor confidence in the accuracy of our financial reporting and disclosures, may raise reputational issues for our business and may negatively impact our stock price.
Although the restatement was completed in the 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K that was filed in the prior year, we cannot guarantee that we will not receive regulatory inquiries or be subject to litigation regarding our restated financial statements or

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related matters. Were any such future regulatory inquiries or litigation to occur, regardless of the outcome, such actions would likely consume internal resources and result in additional legal and consulting costs.
Enacted and proposed changes in securities laws and regulations have increased our costs and may continue to increase our costs in the future.
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), enacted in July 2010, expands federal regulation of corporate governance matters. While some provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act are effective upon enactment, others will be implemented upon the SEC’s adoption of related rules and regulations. The scope and timing of the adoption of such rules and regulations is uncertain and accordingly, the cost of compliance with the Dodd-Frank Act is also uncertain.
The Dodd-Frank Act contains provisions to improve transparency and accountability concerning the supply of certain minerals originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries that are believed to be benefiting armed groups (“Conflict Minerals”). The provision does not prevent companies from using conflict minerals; however the SEC mandates due diligence, disclosure and reporting requirements for companies which manufacture products that include components containing such conflict minerals in a Form SD (“Form SD”). These regulations and disclosures in our Form SDs could result in our customers’ request to not use Conflict Minerals in our products they purchase from us. The number of suppliers who provide conflict-free minerals may be limited and thus, decrease the availability and increase the prices of components free of such Conflict Minerals used in our products. In addition, the compliance process will be both time-consuming and costly. Since our supply chain is complex, we may not be able to sufficiently verify the origins of the relevant minerals used in our products through our due diligence procedures, which may harm our reputation with our customers and other stakeholders. In addition, we may be unable to satisfy customers who require that all components included in our products be conflict-free, which could place us at a competitive disadvantage.
Our efforts to comply with the Dodd-Frank Act and other evolving laws, regulations and standards are likely to result in increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from revenue generating activities to compliance activities. Further, compliance with new and existing laws, rules, regulations and standards may make it more difficult and expensive for us to maintain director and officer liability insurance, and we may be required to accept reduced coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain coverage.
 
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.

19


ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
We occupy approximately 32 owned or leased facilities, totaling over 2.2 million square feet of manufacturing area and office space. At December 31, 2015, facilities which were in excess of 50,000 square feet each were occupied as follows:
 
Location
 
Segment
 
Square
Feet
 
Expiration
of Lease
Carson, California
 
Structural Systems
 
286,000
 
Owned
Monrovia, California
 
Structural Systems
 
274,000
 
Owned
Coxsackie, New York
 
Structural Systems
 
168,000
 
Owned
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
 
Electronic Systems
 
136,000
 
2017
Parsons, Kansas
 
Structural Systems
 
120,000
 
Owned
Carson, California
 
Electronic Systems
 
117,000
 
2016
Phoenix, Arizona
 
Electronic Systems
 
100,000
 
2017
Joplin, Missouri
 
Electronic Systems
 
92,000
 
2016
Appleton, Wisconsin
 
Electronic Systems
 
77,000
 
Owned
Orange, California
 
Structural Systems
 
76,000
 
Owned
Adelanto, California
 
Structural Systems
 
74,000
 
Owned
Huntsville, Arkansas
 
Electronic Systems
 
69,000
 
2020
Iuka, Mississippi
 
Electronic Systems
 
66,000
 
2016
Carson, California
 
Structural Systems
 
65,000
 
2019
Joplin, Missouri
 
Electronic Systems
 
55,000
 
Owned
Tulsa, Oklahoma
 
Electronic Systems
 
55,000
 
Owned
Huntsville, Alabama
 
Electronic Systems
 
52,000
 
2017
Berryville, Arkansas
 
Electronic Systems
 
52,000
 
Owned
Management believes these properties are adequate to meet our current requirements, are in good condition and are suitable for their present use.
Subsequent to our year ended December 31, 2015 we entered into agreements with separate buyers and sold our Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania operation on January 22, 2016 and our Huntsville, Alabama and Iuka, Mississippi (collectively, “Miltec”) operations that are expected to be completed by the end of the second fiscal quarter of 2016.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
See Note 16 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15(a) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a description of our legal proceedings.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.

20


PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DCO. As of December 31, 2015, we had approximately 194 holders of record of our common stock. We have not paid any dividends since the first quarter of 2011 and we do not expect to pay dividends for the foreseeable future. See “Available Liquidity” in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Available Liquidity, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion on dividend restrictions under our Credit Facility. The following table sets forth the high and low closing prices per share of our common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange for the fiscal periods indicated:
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
High
 
Low
 
High
 
Low
First Quarter
 
$
27.00

 
$
24.09

 
$
31.35

 
$
22.80

Second Quarter
 
$
33.22

 
$
23.07

 
$
27.74

 
$
22.45

Third Quarter
 
$
26.12

 
$
19.14

 
$
32.00

 
$
22.60

Fourth Quarter
 
$
23.28

 
$
14.96

 
$
29.54

 
$
23.52

See “Part III, Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS” for information relating to shares to be issued under equity compensation plans.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
In 2011, we terminated our stock repurchase program.

21


Performance Graph
The following graph compares the yearly percentage change in our cumulative total shareholder return with the cumulative total return of the Russell 2000 Index and the Spade Defense Index for the periods indicated, assuming the reinvestment of any dividends. The graph is not necessarily indicative of future price performance:

22


ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with Part II, Item 7 and Part IV, Item 15(a) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Form 10-K”):
 
 
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2015(a)(b)
 
2014
 
2013(c)
 
2012
 
2011(d)(e)
Net Revenues
 
$
666,011

 
$
742,045

 
$
736,650

 
$
747,037

 
$
580,914

Gross Profit as a Percentage of Net Revenues
 
15.1
%
 
18.9
%
 
16.9
%
 
19.3
%
 
18.2
%
(Loss) Income Before Taxes
 
(106,590
)
 
26,240

 
9,385

 
24,124

 
(53,798
)
Income Tax (Benefit) Expense
 
(33,308
)
 
6,373

 
(1,993
)
 
6,501

 
(4,877
)
Net (Loss) Income
 
$
(73,282
)
 
$
19,867

 
$
11,378

 
$
17,623

 
$
(48,921
)
Per Common Share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic (loss) earnings per share
 
$
(6.63
)
 
$
1.82

 
$
1.06

 
$
1.67

 
$
(4.64
)
Diluted (loss) earnings per share
 
$
(6.63
)
 
$
1.79

 
$
1.05

 
$
1.66

 
$
(4.64
)
Dividends per share (f)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
0.07

Working Capital
 
$
180,624

 
$
217,670

 
$
225,323

 
$
219,774

 
$
218,665

Total Assets
 
$
561,420

 
$
747,599

 
$
762,645

 
$
777,275

 
$
805,823

Long-Term Debt, Including Current Portion
 
$
245,026

 
$
290,052

 
$
332,702

 
$
365,744

 
$
392,240

Total Shareholders’ Equity
 
$
187,331

 
$
256,570

 
$
234,271

 
$
215,217

 
$
195,640


(a)
The results for 2015 included a goodwill impairment charge in our SS operating segment and an indefinite-lived trade name intangible asset impairment charge in our ES operating segment of approximately $57.2 million and $32.9 million, respectively, resulting from our annual impairment testing.
(b)
The results for 2015 included a loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $14.7 million related to the retirement of the $200.0 million senior unsecured notes and existing credit facility.
(c)
The results for 2013 included an approximate $14.1 million in charges related to the Embraer Legacy 450/500 and Boeing 777 wing tip contracts and was comprised of approximately $7.0 million of asset impairment charges for production cost of contracts; approximately $5.2 million of forward loss reserves and approximately $1.9 million of inventory write-offs.
(d)
In June 2011, we acquired LaBarge Inc., which is now a part of our ES operating segment. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination.
(e)
The results for 2011 included a goodwill impairment charge of approximately $54.3 million resulting from our annual impairment testing. The 2011 results also include approximately $2.4 million of inventory step-up adjustments in cost of sales and approximately $16.1 million of merger-related transaction expenses.
(f)
We suspended payments of dividends after the first quarter of 2011.

23


Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
Ducommun Incorporated (“Ducommun,” “the Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) is a leading global provider of engineering and manufacturing services for high-performance products and high-cost-of failure applications used primarily in the aerospace, defense, industrial, natural resources, medical and other industries. We differentiate ourselves as a full-service solution-based provider, offering a wide range of value-added products and services in our primary businesses of electronics, structures and integrated solutions. We operate through two primary business segments: Electronic Systems and Structural Systems, each of which is a reportable segment. In the fourth quarter of 2015, we renamed our operating segments as Electronic Systems (“ES”) and Structural Systems (“SS”). ES was formerly known as Ducommun LaBarge Technologies (“DLT”) and SS was formerly known as Ducommun AeroStructures (“DAS”). There were no regrouping of revenues or expenses as a result of the operating segments name change.
Portfolio Repositioning Activities
The Houston facility was closed in the fourth quarter as a result of the significant decline in the oil and gas market. Revenue for 2015 was approximately $10 million.
In the first quarter of 2016, the Pittsburgh operation was sold as part of our overall strategy to streamline operations, including consolidating our footprint. Revenue for 2015 was approximately $42 million. The Miltec operation was also being sold as part of our overall strategy to streamline operations. Revenue for 2015 was approximately $28 million.
In aggregate, these businesses had 2015 revenue of approximately $80.0 million and are part of our Electronic Systems operating segment. Following these actions, we anticipate that the composition of our total revenue in 2016 will shift to 90% aerospace and defense and 10% industrial.
Recap of the year ended December 31, 2015:
Net revenues were approximately $666.0 million
Net loss was approximately $73.3 million, or $6.63 per share, which includes approximately $90.2 million, pre-tax, in goodwill and intangible charges
Adjusted EBITDA was approximately $49.5 million
Cash flow from operating activities was approximately $23.7 million
We made voluntary principal prepayments on our term loan in aggregate totaling approximately $45.0 million
See Non-GAAP Financial Measures below for certain information regarding adjusted EBITDA, including reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net (loss) income.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
When viewed with our financial results prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and accompanying reconciliations, we believe adjusted EBITDA provides additional useful information to clarify and enhance the understanding of the factors and trends affecting our past performance and future prospects. We define these measures, explain how they are calculated and provide reconciliations of these measures to the most comparable GAAP measure in the tables below. Adjusted EBITDA and the related financial ratios, as presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Form 10-K”), are supplemental measures of our performance that are not required by, or presented in accordance with, GAAP. They are not a measurement of our financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as alternatives to net income or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP, or as an alternative to net cash provided by operating activities as measures of our liquidity. The presentation of these measures should not be interpreted to mean that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or nonrecurring items.
We use adjusted EBITDA non-GAAP operating performance measures internally as complementary financial measures to evaluate the performance and trends of our businesses. We present adjusted EBITDA and the related financial ratios, as applicable, because we believe that measures such as these provide useful information with respect to our ability to meet our future debt service, capital expenditures, working capital requirements and overall operating performance.

24


Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are:
They do not reflect our cash expenditures, future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments;
They do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;
They do not reflect the significant interest expense or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments on our debt;
Although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and adjusted EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements;
They are not adjusted for all non-cash income or expense items that are reflected in our statements of cash flows;
They do not reflect the impact on earnings of charges resulting from matters unrelated to our ongoing operations; and
Other companies in our industry may calculate adjusted EBITDA differently from us, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures.
Because of these limitations, adjusted EBITDA and the related financial ratios should not be considered as measures of discretionary cash available to us to invest in the growth of our business or as a measure of cash that will be available to us to meet our obligations. You should compensate for these limitations by relying primarily on our GAAP results and using adjusted EBITDA only as supplemental information. See our consolidated financial statements contained in this Form 10-K.
However, in spite of the above limitations, we believe that adjusted EBITDA is useful to an investor in evaluating our results of operations because these measures:
Are widely used by investors to measure a company’s operating performance without regard to items excluded from the calculation of such terms, which can vary substantially from company to company depending upon accounting methods and book value of assets, capital structure and the method by which assets were acquired, among other factors;
Help investors to evaluate and compare the results of our operations from period to period by removing the effect of our capital structure from our operating performance; and
Are used by our management team for various other purposes in presentations to our Board of Directors as a basis for strategic planning and forecasting.
The following financial items have been added back to our net income when calculating adjusted EBITDA:
Interest expense may be useful to investors for determining current cash flow;
Debt extinguishment may be useful to investors for determining current cash flow;
Income tax expense may be useful to investors because it represents the taxes which may be payable for the period and the change in deferred taxes during the period, and may reduce cash flow available for use in our business;
Depreciation may be useful to investors because it generally represents the wear and tear on our property and equipment used in our operations;
Amortization expense may be useful to investors because it represents the estimated attrition of our acquired customer base and the diminishing value of product rights;
Stock-based compensation may be useful to our investors for determining current cash flow;
Asset impairments (including Goodwill and intangible assets) may be useful to our investors because it generally represents a decline in value in our assets used in our operations; and
Restructuring charges may be useful to our investors in evaluating our core operating performance.
Reconciliations of net (loss) income to adjusted EBITDA and the presentation of adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net sales were as follows:


25


 
 
(In thousands)
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Net (loss) income
 
$
(73,282
)
 
$
19,867

 
$
11,378

Interest expense
 
18,709

 
28,077

 
29,918

Loss on extinguishment of debt
 
14,720

 

 

Income tax (benefit) expense
 
(33,308
)
 
6,373

 
(1,993
)
Depreciation
 
15,707

 
15,277

 
15,547

Amortization
 
11,139

 
13,747

 
15,379

Stock-based compensation expense
 
3,495

 
3,725

 
2,438

Goodwill impairment (1)
 
57,243

 

 

Intangible asset impairment (2)
 
32,937

 

 

Restructuring charges
 
2,125

 

 

Asset impairment (3)
 

 

 
6,975

Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
49,485

 
$
87,066

 
$
79,642

% of net revenues
 
7.4
%
 
11.7
%
 
10.8
%
 
(1)
2015 includes goodwill impairment related to the SS operating segment.
(2)
2015 includes intangible asset impairment related to the ES operating segment.
(3)
2013 includes asset impairment charges for the Embraer Legacy 450/500 contracts and Boeing 777 wing tip contract.
Adjusted EBITDA decreased in 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to a net loss as a result of lower net revenues and lower gross margin.
Adjusted EBITDA increased in 2014 compared to 2013 primarily due to fourth quarter 2013 charges of approximately $14.1 million for the Embraer Legacy 450/500 and Boeing 777 wing tip contracts which for the year, net to approximately $7.0 million.

26


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
2015 Compared to 2014
The following table sets forth net revenues, selected financial data, the effective tax (benefit) rate and diluted earnings per share:

 
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
%
of Net Revenues
 
2014
 
%
of Net Revenues
Net Revenues
 
$
666,011

 
100.0
 %
 
$
742,045

 
100.0
 %
Cost of Sales
 
565,219

 
84.9
 %
 
601,713

 
81.1
 %
Gross Profit
 
100,792

 
15.1
 %
 
140,332

 
18.9
 %
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
85,921

 
12.9
 %
 
88,565

 
11.9
 %
Goodwill Impairment
 
57,243

 
8.6
 %
 

 
 %
Intangible Asset Impairment
 
32,937

 
4.9
 %
 

 
 %
Operating (Loss) Income
 
(75,309
)
 
(11.3
)%
 
51,767

 
7.0
 %
Interest Expense
 
(18,709
)
 
(2.8
)%
 
(28,077
)
 
(3.8
)%
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt
 
(14,720
)
 
(2.2
)%
 

 
 %
Other Income, Net
 
2,148

 
0.3
 %
 
2,550

 
0.3
 %
(Loss) Income Before Taxes
 
(106,590
)
 
(16.0
)%
 
26,240

 
3.5
 %
Income Tax (Benefit) Expense
 
(33,308
)
 
nm

 
6,373

 
nm

Net (Loss) Income
 
$
(73,282
)
 
(11.0
)%
 
$
19,867

 
2.7
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effective Tax (Benefit) Rate
 
(31.2
)%
 
nm

 
24.3
%
 
nm

Diluted (Loss) Earnings Per Share
 
$
(6.63
)
 
nm

 
$
1.79

 
nm

nm = not meaningful

27



Net Revenues by End-Use Market and Operating Segment
Net revenues by end-use market and operating segment during 2015 and 2014, respectively, were as follows:

 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Years Ended December 31,
 
% of Net Sales
 
 
Change
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Consolidated Ducommun
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Military and space
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Defense technologies
 
$
(29,046
)
 
$
212,537

 
$
241,583

 
32
%
 
32
%
Defense structures
 
(49,204
)
 
75,094

 
124,298

 
11
%
 
17
%
Commercial aerospace
 
7,158

 
249,301

 
242,143

 
38
%
 
33
%
Natural resources
 
(9,881
)
 
35,339

 
45,220

 
5
%
 
6
%
Industrial
 
3,626

 
46,287

 
42,661

 
7
%
 
6
%
Medical and other
 
1,313

 
47,453

 
46,140

 
7
%
 
6
%
Total
 
$
(76,034
)
 
$
666,011

 
$
742,045

 
100
%
 
100
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Military and space (defense structures)
 
$
(49,204
)
 
$
75,094

 
$
124,298

 
27
%
 
39
%
Commercial aerospace
 
2,567

 
198,225

 
195,658

 
73
%
 
61
%
Total
 
$
(46,637
)
 
$
273,319

 
$
319,956

 
100
%
 
100
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Military and space (defense technologies)
 
$
(29,046
)
 
$
212,537

 
$
241,583

 
54
%
 
57
%
Commercial aerospace
 
4,591

 
51,076

 
46,485

 
13
%
 
11
%
Natural resources
 
(9,881
)
 
35,339

 
45,220

 
9
%
 
11
%
Industrial
 
3,626

 
46,287

 
42,661

 
12
%
 
10
%
Medical and other
 
1,313

 
47,453

 
46,140

 
12
%
 
11
%
Total
 
$
(29,397
)
 
$
392,692

 
$
422,089

 
100
%
 
100
%
Net revenues for 2015 were approximately $666.0 million compared to approximately $742.0 million for 2014. The year-over-year decrease was due to the following:
Approximately 21% lower revenues in our military and space end-use markets mainly due to a decrease in U.S. government defense spending and shifting spending priorities, which impacted our fixed-wing and helicopter platforms and pushed out scheduled deliveries of these products to customers;
Approximately 4% lower revenues from non-aerospace and defense (“non-A&D”) end-use markets; and
Partially offset by an approximate 3% increase in revenues in commercial aerospace end-use markets.
Net Revenues by Major Customers
A significant portion of our net revenues are from our top ten customers as follows:
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
Boeing
 
16
%
 
20
%
Raytheon
 
9
%
 
9
%
Top ten customers
 
56
%
 
59
%

The revenues from Boeing and Raytheon are diversified over a number of commercial, military and space programs and were made by both operating segments.

28


Gross Profit
Gross profit consists of net revenues less cost of sales. Cost of sales includes the cost of production of finished products and other expenses related to inventory management, manufacturing quality, and order fulfillment. Gross profit margin decreased to approximately 15% in 2015 compared to approximately 19% in 2014 primarily due to higher cost of sales relative to net revenues primarily the result of an approximate $14.0 million attributable to lower manufacturing volume and an approximate $10.6 million of higher forward loss reserves related to a regional jet program. Another factor contributing to the reduction in gross profit include an approximate $7.8 million due to unfavorable product mix. The difference in the results was also impacted by a 2014 nonrecurring reversal of an approximate $3.4 million forward loss reserve related to a customer settlement.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (“SG&A”)
SG&A expenses decreased in 2015 primarily due to to lower accrued compensation and benefit costs of approximately $2.9 million and lower discretionary expenses as a result of the cost savings initiatives we have implemented, partially offset by higher professional service fees of approximately $1.9 million and restructuring charges related to severance and benefits and early termination of leases of approximately $2.1 million.
Goodwill Impairment
In 2015, the non-cash charge from the impairment of the entire goodwill in the SS reporting unit was the result of the annual impairment test during the fourth quarter of 2015 that indicated the carrying value exceeded the fair value. The decrease in fair value was due to the lowered revenue outlook in our military and space end-use markets caused by the decrease in U.S. government defense spending. Therefore, requiring us to perform Step Two of the goodwill impairment test. Based on the Step Two test, we impaired the entire goodwill for the SS reporting unit of approximately $57.2 million. No such impairment was required in 2014.
Intangible Asset Impairment
In 2015, the non-cash charge from the impairment of an intangible asset in ES was due to divesting businesses in ES and discontinued use of the indefinite-lived trade name intangible asset going forward of approximately $32.9 million. No such impairment was required in 2014.
Interest Expense
Interest expense decreased in 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to lower outstanding debt balance and lower interest rate on our outstanding debt as a result of completing the refinancing of our debt in July 2015. See Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15(a) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on our long-term debt.
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt and Other Income
Loss on extinguishment of debt for 2015 was made up of the call premium to retire the existing $200.0 million senior unsecured notes in July 2015 of approximately $9.8 million, the write off of the unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the existing $200.0 million senior unsecured notes of approximately $2.1 million, the write off of the unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the existing senior secured term loan and existing senior secured revolving credit facility of approximately $2.8 million when the existing senior secured term loan was paid off with both debt instruments being replaced with the New Credit Facilities. See Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15(a) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on our long-term debt.
Other income decreased in 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to lower insurance recoveries related to property and equipment of approximately $1.1 million.
Income Tax (Benefit) Expense
We recorded income tax benefit of approximately $33.3 million (an effective tax benefit rate of 31%) in 2015, compared to an income tax expense of approximately $6.4 million (an effective tax rate of 24%) in 2014. The change in effective tax rate in 2015 compared to 2014 was primarily due to the pre-tax loss in 2015, which can be carried back to reduce income taxes paid in 2014 and 2013 or carried forward. This was partially offset by the tax impact of the goodwill impairment of approximately $7.2 million and a reduction in Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) Section 199 deduction for qualified domestic production activities of approximately $1.1 million.
Our effective tax benefit rate of approximately 31% for 2015 includes a research and development (“R&D”) benefit of approximately $2.6 million in 2015 compared to a benefit of approximately $2.4 million in 2014. The benefit recorded in 2015

29


was due to the President of the United States signing into law on December 18, 2015, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act (“PATH”), which permanently extends the research and development credit.
Net (Loss) Income and (Loss) Earnings per Diluted Share
Net loss and loss per share for 2015 were approximately $(73.3) million, or $(6.63) per share, compared to approximately $19.9 million, or $1.79 per diluted share, for 2014. The net loss in 2015 was primarily the result of an approximate $57.2 non-cash goodwill impairment charge in the SS segment and an approximate $39.5 million of lower gross profit mainly due to lower revenues. Other factors contributing to the reduction in net income from the prior year include an approximate $32.9 million non-cash charge related to the impairment of the indefinite-lived trade name in the ES segment and an approximate $14.7 million loss on extinguishment of debt. These items were partially offset by lower 2015 income tax expense of approximately $39.7 million and lower interest expense of approximately $9.4 million.

30


Business Segment Performance
We report our financial performance based upon the two reportable operating segments: SS and ES. The results of operations differ between our reportable operating segments due to differences in competitors, customers, extent of proprietary deliverables and performance. The following table summarizes our business segment performance for 2015 and 2014:
 
 
 
%
 
(In thousands)
Years Ended December 31,
 
%
of Net Sales
 
%
of Net Sales
 
 
Change
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Net Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SS
 
(14.6
)%
 
$
273,319

 
$
319,956

 
41.0
 %
 
43.1
 %
ES
 
(7.0
)%
 
392,692

 
422,089

 
59.0
 %
 
56.9
 %
Total Net Revenues
 
(10.2
)%
 
$
666,011

 
$
742,045

 
100.0
 %
 
100.0
 %
Segment Operating (Loss) Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SS
 
 
 
$
(53,010
)
 
$
34,949

 
(19.4
)%
 
10.9
 %
ES
 
 
 
(4,472
)
 
34,599

 
(1.1
)%
 
8.2
 %
 
 
 
 
(57,482
)
 
69,548

 
 
 
 
Corporate General and Administrative Expenses (1)
 
 
 
(17,827
)
 
(17,781
)
 
(2.7
)%
 
(2.4
)%
Total Operating (Loss) Income
 
 
 
$
(75,309
)
 
$
51,767

 
(11.3
)%
 
7.0
 %
Adjusted EBITDA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating (Loss) Income (2)(3)
 
 
 
$
(53,010
)
 
$
34,949

 
 
 
 
Other Income (4)
 
 
 
1,510

 
2,550

 
 
 
 
Depreciation and Amortization
 
 
 
9,417

 
10,959

 
 
 
 
Goodwill Impairment
 
 
 
57,243

 

 
 
 
 
Restructuring Charges
 
 
 
1,294

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
16,454

 
48,458

 
6.0
 %
 
15.1
 %
ES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating (Loss) Income (3)(5)
 
 
 
(4,472
)
 
34,599

 
 
 
 
Other Income
 
 
 
712

 

 
 
 
 
Depreciation and Amortization
 
 
 
17,267

 
17,928

 
 
 
 
Intangible Asset Impairment
 
 
 
32,937

 

 
 
 
 
Restructuring Charges
 
 
 
831

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
47,275

 
52,527

 
12.0
 %
 
12.4
 %
Corporate General and Administrative Expenses (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Loss
 
 
 
(17,827
)
 
(17,781
)
 
 
 
 
Other Expense
 
 
 
(74
)
 

 
 
 
 
Depreciation and Amortization
 
 
 
162

 
137

 
 
 
 
Stock-Based Compensation Expense
 
 
 
3,495

 
3,725

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(14,244
)
 
(13,919
)
 
 
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA
 
 
 
$
49,485

 
$
87,066

 
7.4
 %
 
11.7
 %
Capital Expenditures
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SS
 
 
 
$
11,559

 
$
12,742

 
 
 
 
ES
 
 
 
4,419

 
5,782

 
 
 
 
Corporate Administration
 
 
 
10

 
30

 
 
 
 
Total Capital Expenditures
 
 
 
$
15,988

 
$
18,554

 
 
 
 

(1)
Includes costs not allocated to either the SS or ES operating segments.
(2)
Goodwill impairment related to SS operating segment.

31


(3)
Includes restructuring charges for severance and benefits and loss on early exit from leases of approximately $0.8 million and $1.3 million recorded in the ES and SS operating segments, respectively.
(4)
Insurance recoveries related to property and equipment included as other income.
(5)
Intangible asset impairment related to ES operating segment.
Structural Systems
SS’s net revenues in 2015 decreased approximately 15% compared to 2014 primarily due to an approximate 40% decrease in military and space revenue mainly due to the decrease in U.S. government defense spending and shifting spending priorities which impacted scheduled deliveries on our fixed-wing and helicopter platforms, partially offset by an approximate 1% increase in commercial aerospace revenue.
SS’s operating income decreased in 2015 compared to 2014 primarily as a result of an approximate $57.2 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge and higher forward loss reserves related to a regional jet program of approximately $10.6 million. Other factors contributing to the reduction in operating income from the prior year include an approximate $8.0 million due to lower manufacturing volume and an approximate $7.3 million due to unfavorable product mix. The difference in the results was also impacted by a 2014 nonrecurring reversal of an approximate $3.4 million forward loss reserve related to a customer settlement. An additional factor contributing to the reduction in operating income from the prior year include an approximate $1.3 million of higher costs associated with moving into a new facility.
Adjusted EBITDA was approximately $16.5 million or 6% of revenue for 2015, compared to approximately $48.5 million or 15% of revenue for 2014.
Electronic Systems
ES’s net revenues in 2015 decreased approximately 7% compared to 2014 primarily due to an approximate 12% decrease in military and space revenue mainly due to the decrease in U.S. government defense spending and shifting spending priorities which impacted scheduled deliveries on our fixed-wing and helicopter platforms and an approximate 4% decrease in non-A&D markets revenues, partially offset by an approximate 10% increase in commercial aerospace revenue.
ES’s segment operating income decreased in 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to a non-cash charge of approximately $32.9 million from the impairment of an indefinite-lived trade name intangible asset and an approximate $6.0 million from lower manufacturing volume.
Adjusted EBITDA was approximately $47.3 million or 12% of revenue for 2015, compared to approximately $52.5 million or 12% of revenue for 2014.
Corporate General and Administrative (“CG&A”)
CG&A expenses was essentially flat in 2015 compared to 2014 primarily due to approximately $1.0 million of higher professional service fees, partially offset by an approximate $0.7 million of lower accrued compensation and benefit costs and lower discretionary expenses as a result of the cost savings initiatives we have implemented.
Backlog
Backlog is subject to delivery delays or program cancellations, which are beyond our control. Backlog is affected by timing differences in the placement of customer orders and tends to be concentrated in several programs to a greater extent than our net sales. Backlog in non-A&D end-use markets tends to be of a shorter duration and is generally fulfilled within a 3-month period. As a result of these factors, trends in our overall level of backlog may not be indicative of trends in our future net sales.
Backlog was approximately $545.8 million at December 31, 2015, compared to approximately $559.3 million at December 31, 2014, as shown in more detail below. The decrease in backlog was primarily in the defense technologies end-use markets. Approximately $436.6 million of total backlog is expected to be delivered during 2016. The following table summarizes our backlog for 2015 and 2014:


32


 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
December 31,
 
 
Change
 
2015
 
2014
Consolidated Ducommun (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Military and space
 
 
 
 
 
 
Defense technologies
 
$
(16,456
)
 
$
168,561

 
$
185,017

Defense structures
 
(15,968
)
 
58,821

 
74,789

Commercial aerospace
 
36,809

 
269,193

 
232,384

Natural resources
 
(14,019
)
 
8,493

 
22,512

Industrial
 
(6,892
)
 
17,439

 
24,331

Medical and other
 
3,056

 
23,303

 
20,247

Total
 
$
(13,470
)
 
$
545,810

 
$
559,280

SS
 
 
 
 
 
 
Military and space (defense structures)
 
$
(15,968
)
 
$
58,821

 
$
74,789

Commercial aerospace
 
24,629

 
224,036

 
199,407

Total
 
$
8,661

 
$
282,857

 
$
274,196

ES (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Military and space (defense technologies)
 
$
(16,456
)
 
$
168,561

 
$
185,017

Commercial aerospace
 
12,180

 
45,157

 
32,977

Natural resources
 
(14,019
)
 
8,493

 
22,512

Industrial
 
(6,892
)
 
17,439

 
24,331

Medical and other
 
3,056

 
23,303

 
20,247

Total
 
$
(22,131
)
 
$
262,953

 
$
285,084


(1)
2015 backlog includes an aggregate total of approximately $16.1 million related to our Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania operation that was sold on January 22, 2016 and our Miltec operation that we expect to complete the sale by the end of the second fiscal quarter of 2016.


33


2014 Compared to 2013
The following table sets forth net revenues, selected financial data, the effective tax (benefit) rate and diluted earnings per share:

 
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2014
 
%
of Net Sales 2014
 
2013
 
%
of Net Sales 2013
Net Revenues
 
$
742,045

 
100.0
 %
 
$
736,650

 
100.0
 %
Cost of Sales
 
601,713

 
81.1
 %
 
612,498

 
83.1
 %
Gross Profit
 
140,332

 
18.9
 %
 
124,152

 
16.9
 %
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
88,565

 
11.9
 %
 
84,849

 
11.5
 %
Operating Income
 
51,767

 
7.0
 %
 
39,303

 
5.3
 %
Interest Expense
 
(28,077
)
 
(3.8
)%
 
(29,918
)
 
(4.1
)%
Other Income
 
$
2,550

 
0.3
 %
 
$

 
 %
Income Before Taxes
 
26,240

 
3.5
 %
 
9,385

 
1.3
 %
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
 
6,373

 
nm

 
(1,993
)
 
nm

Net Income
 
$
19,867

 
2.7
 %
 
$
11,378

 
1.5
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effective Tax (Benefit) Rate
 
24.3
%
 
nm

 
(21.2
)%
 
nm

Diluted Earnings Per Share
 
$
1.79

 
nm

 
$
1.05

 
nm

nm = not meaningful

34



Net Revenues by End-Use Market and Operating Segment
Net revenues by end-use market and operating segment during 2014 and 2013, respectively, were as follows:

 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Years Ended December 31,
 
% of Net Sales
 
 
Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Consolidated Ducommun
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Military and space
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Defense technologies
 
$
(18,983
)
 
$
241,583

 
$
260,566

 
32
%
 
35
%
Defense structures
 
(12,797
)
 
124,298

 
137,095

 
17
%
 
19
%
Commercial aerospace
 
28,889

 
242,143

 
213,254

 
33
%
 
29
%
Natural resources
 
6,096

 
45,220

 
39,124

 
6
%
 
5
%
Industrial
 
(3,975
)
 
42,661

 
46,636

 
6
%
 
6
%
Medical and other
 
6,165

 
46,140

 
39,975

 
6
%
 
6
%
Total
 
$
5,395

 
$
742,045

 
$
736,650

 
100
%
 
100
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Military and space (defense structures)
 
$
(12,797
)
 
$
124,298

 
$
137,095

 
39
%
 
43
%
Commercial aerospace
 
17,521

 
195,658

 
178,137

 
61
%
 
57
%
Total
 
$
4,724

 
$
319,956

 
$
315,232

 
100
%
 
100
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Military and space (defense technologies)
 
$
(18,983
)
 
$
241,583

 
$
260,566

 
57
%
 
62
%
Commercial aerospace
 
11,368

 
46,485

 
35,117

 
11
%
 
8
%
Natural resources
 
6,096

 
45,220

 
39,124

 
11
%
 
9
%
Industrial
 
(3,975
)
 
42,661

 
46,636

 
10
%
 
11
%
Medical and other
 
6,165

 
46,140

 
39,975

 
11
%
 
10
%
Total
 
$
671

 
$
422,089

 
$
421,418

 
100
%
 
100
%
Net revenues for 2014 were approximately $742.0 million compared to approximately $736.7 million for 2013. The net revenue increase reflects an approximate 14% increase in revenue in the commercial aerospace end-use markets and an approximate 7% increase in revenue in the non-A&D end-use markets, partially offset by an approximate 8% decrease in revenue in the military and space end-use markets.
Net Revenues by Major Customers
A significant portion of our net revenues are from our top ten customers as follows:
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
Boeing
 
20
%
 
18
%
Raytheon
 
9
%
 
10
%
Top ten customers
 
59
%
 
57
%

The revenues from Boeing and Raytheon are diversified over a number of commercial, military and space programs and were made by both operating segments.
Gross Profit
Gross profit margin and dollars increased in 2014 primarily due to reversal of forward loss reserve as a result of a settlement with a customer, a favorable product mix, an approximately $0.8 million workers’ compensation audit refund related to prior

35


years, combined with charges in the prior year of approximately $14.1 million in the SS operating segment, partially offset by an increase in accrued compensation and benefit costs.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
SG&A expenses increased in 2014 primarily due to to higher accrued compensation and benefit costs that was partially offset by lower non-recurring professional fees and the prior year included an approximate $0.5 million charge related to our debt repricing transaction.
Interest Expense
Interest expense decreased in 2014 primarily due to lower outstanding debt balances and interest rate reduction as a result of repricing our term loan towards the end of the first quarter of 2013. See Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15(a) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information on our long-term debt.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
We recorded income tax expense of approximately $6.4 million (an effective tax rate of 24%) in 2014, compared to an income tax benefit of approximately $2.0 million (an effective tax benefit rate of 21%) in 2013.
Our effective tax rate of approximately 24% for 2014 was lower than the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the benefit of the federal qualified domestic production activities deduction and the federal research and development tax credit. These benefits were approximately $0.6 million and $2.4 million, respectively. Our effective tax benefit rate of approximately 21% in 2013 was lower than the federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the benefit of the federal qualified domestic production activities deduction and the federal research and development tax credit. These benefits were approximately $0.8 million and $4.5 million, respectively. The approximately $4.5 million benefit included approximately $2.0 million of 2012 federal research and development tax credit benefit recognized in the first quarter of 2013. The 2012 benefit was recognized in 2013 as a result of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (the “Act”). The Act extended the federal research and development tax credit for the years 2013 and 2012.
Net Income and Earnings per Diluted Share
Net income and earnings per diluted share for 2014 were approximately $19.9 million, or $1.79 per diluted share, compared to approximately $11.4 million, or $1.05 per diluted share, for 2013. Net income for 2014 increased primarily due to higher gross profit, insurance recoveries related to property and equipment, lower interest expense combined with charges of approximately $14.1 million recorded in the prior year related to the Embraer Legacy 450/500 and Boeing 777 wing tip contracts, partially offset by higher income tax expense.


36


Business Segment Performance
We report our financial performance based upon the two reportable operating segments; SS and ES. The results of operations differ between our reportable operating segments due to differences in competitors, customers, extent of proprietary deliverables and performance. The following table summarizes our business segment performance for 2014 and 2013:
 
 
%
 
(In thousands)
Years Ended December 31,
 
%
of Net Sales
 
%
of Net Sales
 
 
Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Net Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SS
 
1.5
%
 
$
319,956

 
$
315,232

 
43.1
 %
 
42.8
 %
ES
 
0.2
%
 
422,089

 
421,418

 
56.9
 %
 
57.2
 %
Total Net Revenues
 
0.7
%
 
$
742,045

 
$
736,650

 
100.0
 %
 
100.0
 %
Segment Operating Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SS(2)
 
 
 
$
34,949

 
$
19,008

 
10.9
 %
 
6.0
 %
ES(3)
 
 
 
34,599

 
37,030

 
8.2
 %
 
8.8
 %
 
 
 
 
69,548

 
56,038

 
 
 
 
Corporate General and Administrative Expenses (1)(3)
 
 
 
(17,781
)
 
(16,735
)
 
(2.4
)%
 
(2.3
)%
Total Operating Income
 
 
 
$
51,767

 
$
39,303

 
7.0
 %
 
5.3
 %
EBITDA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income (2)
 
 
 
$
34,949

 
$
19,008

 
 
 
 
Other Income (4)
 
 
 
2,550

 

 
 
 
 
Depreciation and Amortization
 
 
 
10,959

 
12,406

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
48,458

 
31,414

 
15.1
 %
 
10.0
 %
ES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income (3)
 
 
 
34,599

 
37,030

 
 
 
 
Depreciation and Amortization
 
 
 
17,928

 
18,346

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
52,527

 
55,376

 
12.4
 %
 
13.1
 %
Corporate General and Administrative Expenses (1)(3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Loss
 
 
 
(17,781
)
 
(16,735
)
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and Amortization
 
 
 
137

 
174

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(17,644
)
 
(16,561
)
 
 
 
 
EBITDA
 
 
 
$
83,341

 
$
70,229

 
11.2
 %
 
9.5
 %
Adjusted EBITDA
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset impairments(2)
 
 
 
$

 
$
6,975

 
 
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA
 
 
 
$
83,341

 
$
77,204

 
11.2
 %
 
10.5
 %
Capital Expenditures
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SS
 
 
 
$
12,742

 
$
8,287

 
 
 
 
ES
 
 
 
5,782

 
5,000

 
 
 
 
Corporate Administration
 
 
 
30

 
116

 
 
 
 
Total Capital Expenditures
 
 
 
$
18,554

 
$
13,403

 
 
 
 

(1)
Includes costs not allocated to either the SS or ES operating segments.
(2)
2013 includes approximately $14.1 million in charges related to fourth quarter asset impairment charges of $5.7 million on the Embraer Legacy 450/500 contracts and $1.3 million on the Boeing 777 wing tip contract which are added back to adjusted EBITDA; forward loss reserves of $3.9 million on the Embraer Legacy 450/500 contracts and $1.3 million on the Boeing 777 wing tip contract; and inventory write-offs of $1.9 million on the Embraer Legacy 450/500 contracts.
(3)
2013 includes approximately $1.2 million of workers’ compensation insurance expenses included in gross profit and not allocated to the operating segments.
(4)
Insurance recoveries related to property and equipment included as other income.

37


Structural Systems
SS’s net revenues in 2014 increased approximately 1% primarily due to an approximate 10% increase in commercial aerospace revenue that was partially offset by an approximate 9% decrease in military and space revenue.
The SS operating income and EBITDA increased in 2014 primarily due to a reversal of forward loss reserve as a result of a settlement with a customer, a $0.8 million workers’ compensation audit refund related to prior years, combined with the prior year included charges of approximately $14.1 million related to the Embraer Legacy 450/500 contracts and Boeing 777 wing tip contracts, partially offset by higher freight costs and higher accrued compensation and benefit costs. The SS EBITDA included approximately $2.6 million of insurance recoveries related to property and equipment that was recorded as other income and none in 2013.
Electronic Systems
ES’s net revenues in 2014 increased slightly compared to 2013 reflecting an approximate 32% increase in commercial aerospace revenue, approximate 7% increase in non-aerospace and defense (“non A&D”) markets revenue, partially offset by an approximate 7% decrease in defense technologies revenue.
ES’s segment operating income and EBITDA decreased in 2014 primarily due to higher accrued compensation and benefit costs that was partially offset by favorable product mix.
Corporate General and Administrative (“CG&A”)
CG&A expenses increased in 2014 primarily due to higher accrued compensation and benefit costs and the prior year included an approximate $0.5 million charge related to our debt repricing transaction.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Available Liquidity
Total debt, the weighted-average interest rate, cash and cash equivalents and available credit facilities were as follows:

 
 
(In millions)
December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
Total debt, including long-term portion
 
$
245.0

 
$
290.1

Weighted-average interest rate on debt
 
3.07
%
 
8.20
%
Term Loan interest rate
 
3.07
%
 
4.75
%
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
5.5

 
$
45.6

Unused Revolving Credit Facility
 
$
198.5

 
$
58.5

In June 2015, we completed a new credit facility to replace the Existing Credit Facilities. The new credit facility consists of a $275.0 million senior secured term loan, which matures on June 26, 2020 (“New Term Loan”), and a $200.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility (“New Revolving Credit Facility”), which matures on June 26, 2020 (collectively, the “New Credit Facilities”). The New Credit Facilities bear interest, at our option, at a rate equal to either (i) the Eurodollar Rate (defined as LIBOR) plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.50% to 2.75% per year or (ii) the Base Rate (defined as the highest of [a] Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, [b] Bank of America’s prime rate, and [c] the Eurodollar Rate plus 1.00%) plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.50% to 1.75% per year, in each case based upon the consolidated total net adjusted leverage ratio. The undrawn portions of the commitments of the New Credit Facilities are subject to a commitment fee ranging from 0.175% to 0.300%, based upon the consolidated total net adjusted leverage ratio.
Further, we are required to make mandatory prepayments of amounts outstanding under the New Term Loan. The mandatory prepayments will be made quarterly, equal to 5.0% per year of the original aggregate principal amount during the first two years and increase to 7.5% per year during the third year, and increase to 10.0% per year during the fourth year and fifth years, with the remaining balance payable on June 26, 2020. The loans under the New Revolving Credit Facility are due on June 26, 2020. As of December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with all covenants required under the New Credit Facilities.
We have been making voluntary principal prepayments on a quarterly basis on our senior secured term loan and in conjunction with the closing of the New Credit Facilities in June 2015, we drew down approximately $65.0 million on the New Revolving Credit Facility and used those proceeds along with current cash on hand to extinguish the existing senior secured term loan of

38


approximately $80.0 million. We expensed the unamortized debt issuance costs related to the existing senior secured term loan of approximately $2.8 million as part of extinguishing the existing senior secured term loan during 2015. We also incurred approximately $4.8 million of debt issuance costs related to the New Credit Facilities and those costs are capitalized and being amortized over the five year life of the New Credit Facilities.
In addition, we retired all of the $200.0 million senior unsecured notes (“Existing Notes”) in July 2015. We drew down on the New Term Loan in the amount of $275.0 million. Along with the call notice amount and paying the call premium of approximately $9.8 million, we also paid down the $65.0 million drawn on the New Revolving Credit Facility in the previous quarter. We expensed the call premium of approximately $9.8 million and debt issuance costs related to the Existing Notes of approximately $2.1 million upon extinguishing the Existing Notes during 2015.
Further, we made voluntary principal prepayments of approximately $30.0 million under the New Term Loan during 2015.
Subsequent to our year ended December 31, 2015, we entered into an agreement to sell our operation located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which is part of our ES operating segment, for a preliminary sales price of approximately $38.5 million in cash, subject to finalization of the working capital amount. We divested this facility as part of our overall strategy to streamline operations, which includes consolidating our footprint. We completed the sale on January 22, 2016. As a result, our future cash flows will be impacted.
Also subsequent to our year ended December 31, 2015, we entered into an agreement to sell our Miltec operation, which is part of our ES operating segment, for a preliminary sales price of approximately $14.6 million in cash, subject to post-closing adjustments. We divested this facility as part of our overall strategy to streamline operations, which includes consolidating our footprint. We expect to complete the sale by the end of the second fiscal quarter of 2016. As a result, our future cash flows will be impacted.
We expect to spend a total of approximately $18.0 million for capital expenditures in 2016 financed by cash generated from operations, which will be higher than 2015, principally to support new contract awards at SS and ES. As part of our strategic plan to become a Tier 2 supplier, additional up-front investment in tooling will be required for newer programs which have higher engineering content and higher levels of complexity in assemblies.
We believe the ongoing aerospace and defense subcontractor consolidation makes acquisitions an increasingly important component of our future growth. We will continue to make prudent acquisitions and capital expenditures for manufacturing equipment and facilities to support long-term contracts for commercial and military aircraft and defense programs.
We continue to depend on operating cash flow and the availability of our New Credit Facility to provide short-term liquidity. Cash generated from operations and bank borrowing capacity is expected to provide sufficient liquidity to meet our obligations during the next twelve months.

Cash Flow Summary
2015 Compared to 2014
Net cash generated by operating activities during 2015 decreased to approximately $23.7 million compared to approximately $53.4 million during 2014 primarily due to lower net income that was partially offset by improved working capital management.
Net cash used in investing activities during 2015 was approximately $13.5 million compared to approximately $15.5 million during 2014 primarily due to lower capital expenditures that was partially offset by lower insurance recoveries related to property and equipment.
Net cash used in financing activities during 2015 was approximately $50.4 million compared to approximately $41.2 million during 2014 primarily due to voluntary principal prepayments on our existing and new term loans of approximately $45.0 million, call premium paid to redeem the $200.0 million Existing Notes of approximately $9.8 million, that was partially offset by proceeds from the New Term Loan net of redemption of the $200.0 million Existing Notes and repayment of the New Revolving Credit Facility of approximately $65.0 million.
2014 Compared to 2013
Net cash generated by operating activities during 2014 increased to approximately $53.4 million compared to approximately $46.0 million during 2013 primarily due to higher net income.
Net cash used in investing activities during 2014 was approximately $15.5 million compared to approximately $12.3 million during 2013 primarily due to higher capital expenditures, principally to support new contract awards at SS and ES, partially offset by insurance recoveries related to property and equipment.

39


Net cash used in financing activities during 2014 was approximately $41.2 million compared to approximately $31.4 million during 2013 primarily due to voluntary principal prepayments on our Term Loan of approximately $42.6 million during 2014 compared to approximately $30.0 million during 2013. In addition, 2013 included a final payment of approximately $3.0 million on a promissory note related to a prior acquisition.
Contractual Obligations
A summary of our contractual obligations at December 31, 2015 was as follows (in thousands):
 
 
 
 
Payments Due by Period
 
 
Total
 
Less Than
1 Year
 
1-3 Years
 
3-5 Years
 
More Than
5 Years
Long-term debt, including current portion
 
$
245,026

 
$
26

 
$
31,875

 
$
213,125

 
$

Future interest on notes payable and long-term debt
 
29,286

 
6,755

 
13,508

 
9,023

 

Operating leases
 
9,740

 
5,169

 
3,893

 
678

 

Pension liability
 
17,897

 
1,565

 
3,267

 
3,484

 
9,581

Total(1)
 
$
301,949

 
$
13,515

 
$
52,543

 
$
226,310

 
$
9,581

(1)
As of December 31, 2015, we recorded approximately $3.0 million in long-term liabilities related to uncertain tax positions. We are not able to reasonably estimate the timing of the long-term payments, or the amount by which our liability may increase or decrease over time, therefore, the liability or uncertain tax positions has not been included in the contractual obligations table.
We have estimated that the fair value of our indemnification obligations as insignificant based upon our history with such obligations and insurance coverage and have included no such obligation in the table above.
Our ultimate liability with respect to groundwater contamination at certain SS facilities will depend upon a number of factors, including changes in existing laws and regulations, the design and cost of construction, operation and maintenance activities, and the allocation of liability among potentially responsible parties. The above table does not include obligations related to these matters. See Note 16 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15(a) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for discussion of our environmental liabilities.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Our off-balance sheet arrangements consist of operating leases and indemnities.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Critical accounting policies are those accounting policies that can have a significant impact on the presentation of our financial condition and results of operations and that require the use of subjective estimates based upon past experience and management’s judgment. Because of the uncertainty inherent in such estimates, actual results may differ from these estimates. Below are those policies applied in preparing our financial statements that management believes are the most dependent on the application of estimates and assumptions. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15(a) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional accounting policies.
Revenue Recognition
Except as described below, we recognize revenue, including revenue from products sold under long-term contracts, when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the price is fixed or determinable, collection is reasonably assured and delivery of products has occurred or services have been rendered.
We have a significant number of contracts for which we recognize revenue under the contract method of accounting and record revenues and cost of sales on each contract in accordance with the percentage-of-completion method of accounting, using the units-of-delivery method. Under the units-of-delivery method, revenue is recognized based upon the number of units delivered during a period and the costs are recognized based on the actual costs allocable to the delivered units. Costs allocable to undelivered units are reported on the balance sheet as inventory. This method is used in circumstances in which a company produces units of a basic product under production-type contracts in a continuous or sequential production process to buyers’ specifications. These contracts are primarily fixed-price contracts that vary widely in terms of size, length of performance period, and expected gross profit margins.

40


We also recognize revenue on the sale of services (including prototype products) based on the type of contract: time and materials, cost-plus reimbursement and firm-fixed price. Revenue is recognized (i) on time and materials contracts as time is spent at hourly rates, which are negotiated with customers, plus the cost of any allowable materials and out-of-pocket expenses, (ii) on cost-plus reimbursement contracts based on direct and indirect costs incurred plus a negotiated profit calculated as a percentage of cost, a fixed amount or a performance-based award fee, and (iii) on fixed-price contracts on the percentage-of-completion method measured by the percentage of costs incurred to estimated total costs.
Provision for Estimated Losses on Contracts
We record provisions for total anticipated losses on contracts considering total estimated costs to complete the contract compared to total anticipated revenues in the period in which such losses are identified. The provisions for estimated losses on contracts require management to make certain estimates and assumptions, including those with respect to the future revenue under a contract and the future cost to complete the contract. Management’s estimate of the future cost to complete a contract may include assumptions as to improvements in manufacturing efficiency and reductions in operating and material costs. If any of these or other assumptions and estimates do not materialize in the future, we may be required to record additional provisions for estimated losses on contracts.

Production Cost of Contracts
Production cost of contracts includes tooling and other special-purpose machinery necessary to build parts as specified in a contract, and non-recurring production costs such as design and engineering costs. Production costs of contracts are recorded to cost of goods sold using the units of delivery method. We review long-lived assets within production costs of contracts for impairment on an annual basis (which we perform during the fourth quarter) or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of our long-lived assets may not be recoverable. An impairment charge is recognized when the carrying value of an asset exceeds the projected undiscounted future cash flows expected from its use and disposal.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Asset
Our business acquisitions have resulted in the recognition of goodwill. Goodwill is not amortized but is subject to annual impairment tests (which we perform during the fourth quarter) and between annual tests, if events indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value.
A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining if an indicator of impairment has occurred. Such indicators may include deterioration in general economic conditions, negative developments in equity and credit markets, adverse changes in the markets in which we operate, increases in costs that have a negative effect on earnings and cash flows, or a trend of negative or declining cash flows over multiple periods, among others.
Goodwill is allocated at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment. We have three internal reporting units; SS, ES and Miltec. Miltec is part of the ES operating segment. The application of the goodwill impairment test requires significant judgment, including the identification of the reporting units, and the determination of both the carrying value and the fair value of the reporting units. The carrying value of each reporting unit is determined by assigning the assets and liabilities, including existing goodwill, to those reporting units. The determination of the fair value of each reporting unit requires significant judgment, including our estimation of future cash flows, which is dependent upon internal forecasts, estimation of the long-term rate of growth of our businesses, estimation of the useful lives of the assets which will generate the cash flows, determination of our weighted-average cost of capital and other factors. In determining the appropriate discount rate, we considered the weighted-average cost of capital for each reporting unit which, among other factors, considers the cost of common equity capital and the marginal cost of debt of market participants.
The estimates and assumptions used to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit may change from period to period based upon actual operating results, market conditions and our view of the future trends. The estimates and assumptions used to determine whether impairment exists and determine the amount of such impairment, if any, are subject to a high degree of uncertainty. The estimated fair value of a reporting unit would change materially if different assumptions and estimates were used.
We initially perform an assessment of qualitative factors to determine if it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. We test goodwill for impairment using the two-step method if, based on our assessment of the qualitative factors, we determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, or if we decide to bypass the qualitative assessment. When performing the two-step impairment test, we use a combination of an income approach, which estimates fair value of the reporting unit based upon future discounted cash flows, and a market approach, which estimates fair value using market multiples for transactions in a set of comparable companies. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we then perform the second step of the impairment test to measure the amount

41


of the impairment loss, if any. The second step compares the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination. The implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is calculated by creating a hypothetical purchase price allocation as if the reporting unit had just been acquired. This balance sheet contains all assets and liabilities recorded at fair value (including any intangible assets that may not have any corresponding carrying value on our balance sheet). The implied value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is calculated by subtracting the fair value of the net assets from the fair value of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
We perform our annual goodwill impairment test during the fourth quarter each year. The carrying amounts of goodwill at the date of the most recent annual impairment test for the SS, ES, and Miltec internal reporting units was approximately $57.2 million, $92.0 million, and $8.4 million, respectively. As of the date of our 2015 annual goodwill impairment test, the fair value of the ES and Miltec internal reporting units exceeded their carrying value by approximately 42% and 18%, respectively, and thus, goodwill was not deemed impaired. However, the fair value of the SS reporting unit was less than the carrying amount as a result of the lowered revenue outlook in our military and space end-use markets due to the decrease in U.S. government defense spending. As a result, the second step (“Step Two”) of the goodwill impairment test was performed for the SS reporting unit. The implied fair value of goodwill was determined by allocating the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets and liabilities in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. The implied fair value of goodwill is then compared to the goodwill’s carrying value to determine if a goodwill impairment exists. As a result of the Step Two test, we recorded a goodwill impairment of approximately $57.2 million which reduced the SS goodwill balance to zero as of December 31, 2015.
We review our indefinite-lived intangible asset for impairment on an annual basis (which we perform during the fourth quarter) or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that more likely than not the fair value of our indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying value. We compare the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset with its carrying value if the qualitative factors indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying value or if we decide to bypass the qualitative assessment. Impairment indicators include, but are not limited to, cost factors, financial performance, adverse legal or regulatory developments, industry and market conditions and general economic conditions. If the carrying amount of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, we would recognize an impairment loss in the amount of such excess.
We performed our annual indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test during the fourth quarter of each year. The carrying value of the trade-name indefinite-lived intangible asset as of the date of the 2015 impairment test was approximately $32.9 million. In performing our annual impairment test in the fourth quarter of 2015, we concluded the fair value of the indefinite-lived trade name to be zero as a result of divesting businesses in ES and our discontinuation of the use of the trade name. Thus, we recorded an impairment of approximate $32.9 million, which was the remaining carrying value of the trade name.
Other Intangible Assets
We amortize purchased other intangible assets with finite lives over the estimated economic lives of the assets, ranging from three to eighteen years generally using the straight-line method. The value of other intangibles acquired through business combinations has been estimated using present value techniques which involve estimates of future cash flows. Actual results could vary, potentially resulting in impairment charges.
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation
We use the Black-Scholes-Merton (“Black-Scholes”) valuation model in determining stock-based compensation expense for our options, net of an estimated forfeiture rate, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award. The stock options typically vest over four years and the estimated the forfeiture rate is based on historical experience. The Black-Scholes valuation model requires assumptions and judgments using inputs such as stock price volatility, risk-free interest rates, and expected options terms. As a result, our estimates could differ from actual results.
For performance and restricted stock units, we calculate compensation expense, net of an estimated forfeiture rate, on a straight line basis over the requisite service/performance period of the awards. The performance stock units vest based on a three-year performance cycle. The restricted stock units vest over various periods of time ranging from one to three years. We estimate the forfeiture rate based on our historical experience.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, cost being determined on a first-in, first-out basis. Market value for raw materials is based on replacement costs and is based on net realizable value for other inventory classifications. Inventoried costs include raw materials, outside processing, direct labor and allocated overhead, adjusted for any abnormal amounts of idle

42


facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted materials (spoilage) incurred. Costs under long-term contracts are accumulated into, and removed from, inventory on the same basis as other contracts. We assess the inventory carrying value and reduce it, if necessary, to its net realizable value based on customer orders on hand, and internal demand forecasts using management’s best estimates given information currently available. Our customer demand can fluctuate significantly caused by factors beyond our control. We maintain an allowance for potentially excess and obsolete inventories and inventories that are carried at costs that are higher than their estimated net realizable values. If market conditions are less favorable than our projections, such as an unanticipated decline in demand and not meeting expectations, inventory write-downs may be required.

We net advances from customers related to inventory purchases against inventories in the consolidated balance sheets.
Environmental Liabilities
Environmental liabilities are recorded when environmental assessments and/or remedial efforts are probable and costs can be reasonably estimated. Generally, the timing of these accruals coincides with the completion of a feasibility study or our commitment to a formal plan of action. Further, we review and update our environmental accruals as circumstances change and/or additional information is obtained that reasonably could be expected to have a meaningful effect on the outcome of a matter or the estimated cost thereof.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15(a) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a description of recent accounting pronouncements.

43


ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Our main market risk exposure relates to changes in U.S. interest rates on our outstanding long-term debt. At December 31, 2015, we had borrowings of approximately $245.0 million under our Term Loan which bears interest, at our option, at a rate equal to either an alternate base rate or an adjusted LIBOR rate for a one-, two-, three-, or six-month interest period chosen by us, plus an applicable margin percentage. This LIBOR rate has a margin of 2.75%. A hypothetical 10% increase or decrease in the interest rate would have an immaterial impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
 
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The financial statements and supplementary data together with the report thereon of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP included in Part IV, Item 15(a) 1 and 2 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and are included herein by reference.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
 
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”)) are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, we carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-K. Based on this evaluation, as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-K, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2015 because of the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting described below. In light of the material weakness described below, management has concluded that the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K fairly present in all material respects our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented therein.

Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The 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. The 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 our 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.


44


Management of the Company has assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013).

A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. In connection with management’s assessment of our internal control over financial reporting, management has identified control deficiencies that constituted a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. We did not design and maintain effective monitoring controls over the accuracy and appropriate classification of reported labor hours associated with contracts accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method using units of delivery. Specifically, we did not maintain proper monitoring controls over the accuracy and appropriate classification of underlying direct and indirect labor hour data which were used in our estimates to identify and record contract forward loss reserves. This material weakness resulted in material misstatements of our historical financial statements, which necessitated a restatement of our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2013 and for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 and our unaudited quarterly financial information for the first three quarters in the year ended December 31, 2014 and for each of the quarters in the year ended December 31, 2013 to correct for errors in the contract forward loss reserve and cost of goods sold in each reporting period. Additionally, this material weakness could result in a material misstatement of aforementioned account balances or disclosures that would result in a misstatement to the annual or interim consolidated financial statements that would not be prevented or detected.

Because of the material weakness described above, management concluded that the Company did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria in Internal Control- Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears herein.

Management’s Remediation Activities
We are committed to remediating the control deficiencies that constitute the material weakness described above by implementing changes to our internal control over financial reporting. Our Chief Financial Officer is responsible for implementing changes and improvements in the internal control over financial reporting and for remediating the control deficiencies that gave rise to the material weakness.
Action to be taken or in process:
Design and implement our internal controls over the on-going review of the related labor distributions used in our estimates of anticipated costs used in the forward loss reserve analysis; we are also still in the process of testing certain of these processes and procedures.
While significant progress has been made to enhance our internal control over financial reporting relating to the material weakness, additional time will be required to assess and ensure the sustainability of these processes and procedures. We expect to complete the planned remedial actions during 2016, however, we cannot make any assurances that such actions will be completed during 2016. Until the remediation steps set forth above are fully implemented and concluded to be operating effectively, the material weakness described above will continue to exist.
Remediation of Prior Year Material Weaknesses
We previously identified and disclosed in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Form 10-K”) as well as in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Form 10-Q”) for each interim period in fiscal 2015, material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting regarding the following:
We did not maintain an effective control environment as we did not effectively implement a process to communicate, educate, and measure our employees understanding of ethical standards and code of conduct across the Company. Additionally, we did not maintain an effective program to encourage employees to proactively communicate concerns related to questionable or unethical behaviors and activities. While we had implemented an anonymous hotline, we did not sufficiently communicate the availability and purpose of the hotline.
Additionally, we did not maintain an effective control environment as we did not effectively establish the structure, authority, and responsibilities to ensure the objectives of internal control over financial reporting were adequately

45


achieved. Specifically, we did not properly assign and limit authority and responsibilities of certain management and supervisory personnel.
We did not design and maintain effective controls related to the quarterly and annual accounting and disclosures for income taxes, including maintaining an appropriate level of technical expertise related to income taxes. Specifically, we did not design and maintain effective controls related to the preparation, analysis and review of the income tax provision and significant income tax balance sheet accounts required to assess the appropriateness of balances at period-end. Additionally, we did not maintain effective controls to identify and accumulate all required supporting information to determine the completeness and accuracy of income tax amounts reported within the consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
Throughout 2015, we implemented changes to our processes to improve our internal control over financial reporting. The following steps have been taken to remediate the conditions leading to the above material weaknesses:
We completed the implementation of additional on-going oversight, training and communication programs to reinforce our ethical standards and code of conduct across the Company.
We enhanced the availability of our hotline by more clearly defining its purpose and ensuring all employees are educated and made aware of that purpose.
We engaged third party tax advisors to assist with our methodology of estimating and reconciling tax entries.
We implemented new controls and improved existing controls over income tax accounts, including controls over the reconciliation of current and deferred tax asset and liability accounts.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2015.
 
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.

46


PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Directors of the Registrant
The information under the caption “Election of Directors” in the 2016 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
Executive Officers of the Registrant
The information under the caption “Executive Officers of the Registrant” in the 2016 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
Audit Committee and Audit Committee Financial Expert
The information under the caption “Committees of the Board of Directors” relating to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors in the 2016 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act
The information under the caption “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the 2016 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
Code of Ethics
The information under the caption “Code of Ethics” in the 2016 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
Changes to Procedures to Recommend Nominees
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to the Company’s Board of Directors since the date of the Company’s last proxy statement.
 
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information under the captions “Compensation of Executive Officers,” “Compensation of Directors,” “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Compensation Committee Report” in the 2016 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in the 2016 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plan Plans
The following table provides information about our compensation plans under which equity securities are authorized for issuance:
 
 
 
Number of Securities
to be Issued Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding
Options,
Warrants and Rights
(a)
 
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding
Options,
Warrants and Rights
(b)
 
Number of  Securities
Remaining
Available for
Future Issuance
Under Equity
Compensation Plans
(Excluding Securities
Reflected
in Column
(a)(c)(2)
Equity Compensation Plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
Approved by security holders (1)
 
772,179

 
$
20.08

 
683,453

Not approved by security holders
 

 

 

Total
 
772,179

 
 
 
683,453

 

47


(1)
The number of securities to be issued consists of 483,491 for stock options, 155,191 for restricted stock units and 133,497 for performance stock units at target. The weighted average exercise price applies only to the stock options.
(2)
Awards are not restricted to any specified form or structure and may include, without limitation, sales or bonuses of stock, restricted stock, stock options, reload stock options, stock purchase warrants, other rights to acquire stock, securities convertible into or redeemable for stock, stock appreciation rights, limited stock appreciation rights, phantom stock, dividend equivalents, performance units or performance shares, and an award may consist of one such security or benefit, or two or more of them in tandem or in alternative.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information under the caption “Election of Directors” in the 2016 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information under the caption “Principal Accountant Fees and Services” contained in the 2016 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.


48


PART IV
 
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)
1.      Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
The following consolidated financial statements of Ducommun Incorporated and subsidiaries, are incorporated by reference in Item 8 of this report.
 
 
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
2.      Financial Statement Schedule
 
 
 
 
 
The following schedule for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is filed herewith:
 
 
 
 
 
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

 
 
 
 
All other schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable, not required, or the information has been otherwise supplied in the financial statements or notes thereto.
 
 
 
 
 
3.      Exhibits
 
 
 
See Item 15(b) for a list of exhibits.

 
 
Signatures



49


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Ducommun Incorporated:
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations, of comprehensive (loss) income, of changes in shareholders’ equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Ducommun Incorporated and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company did not maintain, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) because a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting existed as of that date as the Company did not design and maintain effective monitoring controls over the accuracy and appropriate classification of reported labor hours associated with contracts accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method using units of delivery.

A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The material weakness referred to above is described in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. We considered this material weakness in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the 2015 consolidated financial statements, and our opinion regarding the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting does not affect our opinion on those consolidated financial statements. The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in management’s report referred to above. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. 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.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for deferred income taxes in 2015.

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.



50


/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Los Angeles, California
March 14, 2016

51


Ducommun Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 
 
December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
Assets
 
 
 
 
Current Assets
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
5,454

 
$
45,627

Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $359 and $252 at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively)
 
77,089

 
91,060

Inventories
 
115,404

 
142,842

Production cost of contracts
 
10,290

 
11,727

Deferred income taxes
 

 
13,783

Other current assets
 
14,358

 
23,702

Assets held for sale
 
41,636

 

Total Current Assets
 
264,231

 
328,741

Property and Equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $128,533 and $128,457 at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively
 
96,551

 
99,068

Goodwill
 
82,554

 
157,569

Intangibles, Net
 
110,621

 
155,104

Other Assets
 
7,463

 
7,117

Total Assets
 
$
561,420

 
$
747,599

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities
 
 
 
 
Current portion of long-term debt
 
$
26

 
$
26

Accounts payable
 
40,343

 
58,979

Accrued liabilities
 
36,458

 
52,066

Liabilities held for sale
 
6,780

 

Total Current Liabilities
 
83,607

 
111,071

Long-Term Debt, Less Current Portion
 
245,000

 
290,026

Deferred Income Taxes
 
26,528

 
69,448

Other Long-Term Liabilities
 
18,954

 
20,484

Total Liabilities
 
374,089

 
491,029

Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 13, 16)
 

 

Shareholders’ Equity
 
 
 
 
Common stock - $0.01 par value; 35,000,000 shares authorized; 11,084,318 and 10,952,268 shares issued at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively
 
111

 
110

Additional paid-in capital
 
75,200

 
72,206

Retained earnings
 
117,623

 
190,905

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(5,603
)
 
(6,651
)
Total Shareholders’ Equity
 
187,331

 
256,570

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
 
$
561,420

 
$
747,599

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

52


Ducommun Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Net Revenues
 
$
666,011

 
$
742,045

 
$
736,650

Cost of Sales
 
565,219

 
601,713

 
612,498

Gross Profit
 
100,792

 
140,332

 
124,152

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
85,921

 
88,565

 
84,849

Goodwill Impairment
 
57,243

 

 

Intangible Asset Impairment
 
32,937

 

 

Operating (Loss) Income
 
(75,309
)
 
51,767

 
39,303

Interest Expense
 
(18,709
)
 
(28,077
)
 
(29,918
)
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt
 
(14,720
)
 

 

Other Income, Net
 
2,148

 
2,550

 

(Loss) Income Before Taxes
 
(106,590
)
 
26,240

 
9,385

Income Tax (Benefit) Expense
 
(33,308
)
 
6,373

 
(1,993
)
Net (Loss) Income
 
$
(73,282
)
 
$
19,867

 
$
11,378

(Loss) Earnings Per Share
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic (loss) earnings per share
 
$
(6.63
)
 
$
1.82

 
$
1.06

Diluted (loss) earnings per share
 
$
(6.63
)
 
$
1.79

 
$
1.05

Weighted-Average Number of Shares Outstanding
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
11,047

 
10,897

 
10,695

Diluted
 
11,047

 
11,126

 
10,852

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

53


Ducommun Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income
(In thousands)
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Net (Loss) Income
 
$
(73,282
)
 
$
19,867

 
$
11,378

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension Adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of actuarial (loss) gain included in net income, net of tax (expense) benefit of $(330), $156 and $408 for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively
 
(557
)
 
263

 
685

Actuarial gain (loss) arising during the period, net of tax expense (benefit) of $966, $(1,810), and $1,737 for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively
 
1,605

 
(3,052
)
 
2,921

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
1,048

 
(2,789
)
 
3,606

Comprehensive (Loss) Income
 
$
(72,234
)
 
$
17,078

 
$
14,984

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

54


Ducommun Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
(In thousands, except share data)
 
 
 
Shares
Outstanding
 
Common
Stock
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Total
Shareholders’
Equity
Balance at December 31, 2012
 
10,594,765

 
$
107

 
$
(1,924
)
 
$
64,842

 
$
159,660

 
$
(7,468
)
 
$
215,217

Net income
 

 

 

 

 
11,378

 

 
11,378

Other comprehensive income, net of tax
 

 

 

 

 

 
3,606

 
3,606

Stock options exercised
 
487,163

 
5

 

 
8,770

 

 

 
8,775

Stock repurchased related to the exercise of stock options
 
(265,174
)
 
(2
)
 

 
(6,805
)
 

 

 
(6,807
)
Stock-based compensation
 

 

 

 
2,438

 

 

 
2,438

Excess tax expense from share-based compensation
 

 

 

 
(336
)
 

 

 
(336
)
Balance at December 31, 2013
 
10,816,754

 
$
110

 
$
(1,924
)
 
$
68,909

 
$
171,038

 
$
(3,862
)
 
$
234,271

Net income
 

 

 

 

 
19,867

 

 
19,867

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
 

 

 

 

 

 
(2,789
)
 
(2,789
)
Stock options exercised
 
117,149

 
1

 

 
2,275

 

 

 
2,276

Stock repurchased related to the exercise of stock options
 
(34,597
)
 
(1
)
 

 
(919
)
 

 

 
(920
)
Stock awards vested
 
52,962

 
1

 

 
(1
)
 

 

 

Stock-based compensation
 

 

 

 
3,725

 

 

 
3,725

Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation
 

 

 

 
140

 

 

 
140

Retirement of treasury stock
 

 
(1
)
 
1,924

 
(1,923
)
 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2014
 
10,952,268

 
$
110

 
$

 
$
72,206

 
$
190,905

 
$
(6,651
)
 
$
256,570

Net loss
 

 

 

 

 
(73,282
)
 

 
(73,282
)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
 

 

 

 

 

 
1,048

 
1,048

Stock options exercised
 
167,523

 
1

 

 
3,083

 

 

 
3,084

Stock repurchased related to the exercise of stock options
 
(137,194
)
 
(1
)
 

 
(4,209
)
 

 

 
(4,210
)
Stock awards vested
 
101,721

 
1

 

 
(1
)
 

 

 

Stock-based compensation
 

 

 

 
3,495

 

 

 
3,495

Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation
 

 

 

 
626

 

 

 
626

Balance at December 31, 2015
 
11,084,318

 
$
111

 
$

 
$
75,200

 
$
117,623

 
$
(5,603
)
 
$
187,331

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

55


Ducommun Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (Loss) Income
 
$
(73,282
)
 
$
19,867

 
$
11,378

Adjustments to Reconcile Net (Loss) Income to
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
26,846

 
29,024

 
30,926

Goodwill impairment
 
57,243

 

 

Intangible asset impairment
 
32,937

 

 

Asset impairments
 

 

 
6,975

Stock-based compensation expense
 
3,495

 
3,725

 
2,438

Deferred income taxes
 
(30,707
)
 
345

 
(1,551
)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
 
(626
)
 
(140
)
 

Provision for (recovery of) doubtful accounts
 
132

 
(237
)
 
(77
)
Noncash loss on extinguishment of debt
 
4,970

 

 

Other
 
5,628

 
(5,713
)
 
5,337

Changes in Assets and Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
 
4,444

 
1,086

 
5,468

Inventories
 
20,985

 
(2,335
)
 
6,962

Production cost of contracts
 
330

 
(3,513
)
 
(5,101
)
Other assets
 
5,884

 
4,800

 
(12,173
)
Accounts payable
 
(13,978
)
 
410

 
4,533

Accrued and other liabilities
 
(20,623
)
 
6,103

 
(9,153
)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
 
23,678

 
53,422

 
45,962

Cash Flows from Investing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases of property and equipment
 
(15,891
)
 
(18,096
)
 
(12,403
)
Proceeds from sale of assets
 
904

 
91

 
139

Insurance recoveries related to property and equipment
 
1,510

 
2,550

 

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
 
(13,477
)
 
(15,455
)
 
(12,264
)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Borrowings from senior secured revolving credit facility
 
65,000

 

 

Repayment of senior secured revolving credit facility
 
(65,000
)
 
(42,650
)
 
(33,024
)
Borrowings from term loan
 
275,000

 

 

Repayments of senior unsecured notes and term loans
 
(320,000
)
 

 

Repayments of other debt
 
(26
)
 

 

Debt issuance costs
 
(4,848
)
 

 
(365
)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
 
626

 
140

 

Net proceeds from issuance of common stock under stock plans
 
(1,126
)
 
1,356

 
1,968

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities
 
(50,374
)
 
(41,154
)
 
(31,421
)
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
(40,173
)
 
(3,187
)
 
2,277

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year
 
45,627

 
48,814

 
46,537

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year
 
$
5,454

 
$
45,627

 
$
48,814

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest paid
 
$
26,501

 
$
25,105

 
$
27,614

Taxes paid
 
$
1,150

 
$
3,476

 
$
7,835

Non-cash activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Purchases of property and equipment not yet paid
 
$
1,549

 
$
1,458

 
$
1,000

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

56


DUCOMMUN INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Description of Business
We are a leading global provider of engineering and manufacturing services for high-performance products and high-cost-of failure applications used primarily in the aerospace, defense, industrial, natural resources, medical and other industries. Our subsidiaries are organized into two primary businesses: Electronic Systems segment and Structural Systems segment, each of which is a reportable operating segment. In the fourth quarter of 2015, we renamed our operating segments to Electronic Systems (“ES”) and Structural Systems (“SS”). ES was formerly known as Ducommun LaBarge Technologies (“DLT”) and SS was formerly known as Ducommun AeroStructures (“DAS”). There were no regrouping of revenues or expenses as a result of the operating segments name change. ES designs, engineers and manufactures high-reliability products used in worldwide technology-driven markets including aerospace, defense, natural resources, industrial and medical and other end-use markets. ES’s product offerings range from prototype development to complex assemblies. SS designs, engineers and manufactures large, complex contoured aerospace structural components and assemblies and supplies composite and metal bonded structures and assemblies. SS’s products are used on commercial aircraft, military fixed-wing aircraft and military and commercial rotary-wing aircraft. All reportable operating segments follow the same accounting principles.
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Ducommun Incorporated and its subsidiaries (“Ducommun,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”), after eliminating intercompany balances and transactions.
Our fiscal quarters end on the Saturday closest to the end of March, June and September for the first three fiscal quarters of each year, and ends on December 31 for our fourth fiscal quarter.
In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of recurring accruals, have been made that are necessary to fairly state our consolidated financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income (loss) and cash flows in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
Use of Estimates
Certain amounts and disclosures included in the consolidated financial statements required management to make estimates and judgments that affect the amount of assets, liabilities (including forward loss reserves), revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. These estimates are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Reclassifications
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year’s presentation.
Fair Value
We measure certain assets and liabilities at fair value based on the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in a orderly transaction between market participants. See Note 3 for further information.
Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid instruments purchased with original maturities of three months or less. Our cash accounts are not reduced for checks written until the checks are presented for payment and paid by our bank. These assets are valued at cost, which approximates fair value, which we classify as Level 1. See Fair Value above.
Derivative Instruments
We recognize derivative instruments on our consolidated balance sheets at their fair value. On the date that we enter into a derivative contract, we designate the derivative instrument as a fair value hedge, a cash flow hedge, a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation, or a derivative instrument that will not be accounted for using hedge accounting methods. As of

57


December 31, 2015, all of our derivative instruments were designated as cash flow hedges. We did not enter into any derivative contracts in 2014.
We record changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument that is highly effective and that is designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax until our earnings are affected by the variability of cash flows of the underlying hedge. We record any hedge ineffectiveness and amounts excluded from effectiveness testing in current period earnings within interest expense. We report changes in the fair values of derivative instruments that are not designated or do not qualify for hedge accounting in current period earnings. We classify cash flows from derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of cash flows in the same category as the item being hedged or on a basis consistent with the nature of the instrument.
When we determine that a derivative instrument is not highly effective as a hedge, we discontinue hedge accounting prospectively. In all situations in which we discontinue hedge accounting and the derivative instrument remains outstanding, we will carry the derivative instrument at its fair value on our consolidated balance sheets and recognize subsequent changes in its fair value in our current period earnings.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses from the inability of customers to make required payments. The allowance for doubtful accounts is evaluated periodically based on the aging of accounts receivable, the financial condition of customers and their payment history, historical write-off experience and other assumptions, such as current assessment of economic conditions.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, cost being determined on a first-in, first-out basis. Market value for raw materials is based on replacement costs, and is based on net realizable value for other inventory classifications. Inventoried costs include raw materials, outside processing, direct labor and allocated overhead, adjusted for any abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted materials (spoilage) incurred. Costs under long-term contracts are accumulated into, and removed from, inventory on the same basis as other contracts. We assess the inventory carrying value and reduce it, if necessary, to its net realizable value based on customer orders on hand, and internal demand forecasts using management’s best estimates given information currently available. We maintain an allowance for potentially excess and obsolete inventories and inventories that are carried at costs that are higher than their estimated net realizable values. In the fourth quarter of 2013, we recorded a charge of approximately $1.9 million in SS for the Embraer Legacy 450/500 aircraft contracts. The charge resulted from difficulties in achieving previously anticipated cost reductions, and estimated cost overruns driven by customer changes for both the development and production phases of the contracts.
We net advances from customers related to inventory purchases against inventories in the consolidated balance sheets.
Production Cost of Contracts
Production cost of contracts includes non-recurring production costs, such as design and engineering costs, and tooling and other special-purpose machinery necessary to build parts as specified in a contract. Production costs of contracts are recorded to cost of goods sold using the units of delivery method. We review long-lived assets within production costs of contracts for impairment on an annual basis (which we perform during the fourth quarter) or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of our long-lived assets may not be recoverable. An impairment charge is recognized when the carrying value of an asset exceeds the projected undiscounted future cash flows expected from its use and disposal. In the fourth quarter of 2013, we recorded an impairment charge in SS on production costs of contracts of $7.0 million, consisting of $5.7 million for the Embraer Legacy 450/500 aircraft contracts, and $1.3 million for the Boeing 777 wing tip contract. The impairment charge reflects a determination that the production cost of contracts for the Boeing 777 wing tip contract and the Embraer Legacy 450/500 contracts are not recoverable since these contracts are estimated to be unprofitable during their remaining terms. The impairment charge represents the entire remaining balance of production cost of contracts for these contracts. The $7.0 million charge was recorded as part of cost of goods sold in our results of operations and a reduction in production cost of contracts on our balance sheet. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, production costs of contracts were approximately $10.3 million and $11.7 million, respectively.
Assets Held For Sale
In the fourth quarter of 2015, we made the decision to sell our Huntsville, Alabama and Iuka, Mississippi (collectively, “Miltec”) operations and our Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania operation, both of which are part of our ES operating segment, and as a result, we met the criteria for assets held for sale. However, the proposed sale of these two operations does not represent a

58


strategic shift in our business and thus, were included in the ongoing operating results in the consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented.
Subsequent to our year ended December 31, 2015, we entered into an agreement to sell our operation located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for a preliminary sales price of approximately $38.5 million in cash, subject to finalization of the working capital amount. We divested this facility as part of our overall strategy to streamline operations, which includes consolidating our footprint. We completed the sale on January 22, 2016.
Also subsequent to our year ended December 31, 2015, we entered into an agreement to sell our Miltec operation for a preliminary sales price of approximately $14.6 million in cash, subject to post-closing adjustments. We divested this facility as part of our overall strategy to streamline operations, which includes consolidating our footprint. We expect to complete the sale by the end of the second fiscal quarter of 2016.
The carrying values of the major classes of assets and liabilities related to these assets held for sale were as follows:
 
 
(In thousands)
December 31,
 
 
2015
Assets
 
 
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $24)
 
$
9,395

Inventory
 
6,453

Deferred income taxes
 
1,246

Other current assets
 
3,315

Total current assets
 
20,409

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $8,509
 
1,941

Goodwill
 
17,772

Other Intangible Assets
 
1,514

 
 
$
41,636

Liabilities
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
4,836

Accrued liabilities
 
1,944

 
 
$
6,780

Property and Equipment and Depreciation
Property and equipment, including assets recorded under capital leases, are recorded at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, or the lease term if shorter for leasehold improvements. Repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. We evaluate long-lived assets for recoverability considering undiscounted cash flows, when significant changes in conditions occur, and recognize impairment losses if any, based upon the fair value of the assets.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Asset
Goodwill is tested for impairment utilizing a two-step method. In the first step, we determine the fair value of the reporting unit using expected future discounted cash flows and market valuation approaches considering comparable Company revenue and Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”) multiples. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we then perform the second step of the impairment test to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. The second step requires fair valuation of all the reporting unit’s assets and liabilities in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation, with any residual fair value being allocated to goodwill. This residual fair value of goodwill is then compared to the carrying value of goodwill to determine impairment. An impairment charge will be recognized equal to the excess of the carrying value of goodwill over the implied fair value of goodwill. As a result of our fourth quarter of 2015 annual goodwill impairment test, we recorded an approximate $57.2 million of goodwill impairment to the SS goodwill carrying value to decrease its goodwill carrying value to zero as of December 31, 2015. See Note 7 for further information.
We review our indefinite-lived intangible asset for impairment on an annual basis or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of our intangible asset may not be recoverable. We may first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test. Impairment indicators include, but are not limited to, cost factors, financial performance, adverse legal or regulatory developments, industry and market conditions and general economic

59


conditions. If the carrying amount of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, we would recognize an impairment loss in the amount of such excess. In performing our annual impairment test in the fourth quarter of 2015, we concluded the fair value of the indefinite-lived trade name to be zero as a result of divesting businesses in ES and our discontinuation of the use of the trade name. Thus, we recorded an impairment of approximate $32.9 million, which was the remaining carrying value of the trade name. See Note 7 for further information.
Other Intangible Assets
We amortize purchased other intangible assets with finite lives over the estimated economic lives of the assets, ranging from three to eighteen years generally using the straight-line method. The value of other intangibles acquired through business combinations has been estimated using present value techniques which involve estimates of future cash flows. We evaluate other intangible assets for recoverability considering undiscounted cash flows, when significant changes in conditions occur, and recognize impairment losses, if any, based upon the estimated fair value of the assets.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, as reflected in the consolidated balance sheets under the equity section, was composed of cumulative pension and retirement liability adjustments, net of tax.
Revenue Recognition
Except as described below, we recognize revenue, including revenue from products sold under long-term contracts, when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the price is fixed or determinable, collection is reasonably assured and delivery of products has occurred or services have been rendered.
We have a significant number of contracts for which we recognize revenue under the contract method of accounting and record revenues and cost of sales on each contract in accordance with the percentage-of-completion method of accounting, using the units-of-delivery method. Under the units-of-delivery method, revenue is recognized based upon the number of units delivered during a period and the costs are recognized based on the actual costs allocable to the delivered units. Costs allocable to undelivered units are reported on the balance sheet as inventory. This method is used in circumstances in which a company produces units of a basic product under production-type contracts in a continuous or sequential production process to buyers’ specifications. These contracts are primarily fixed-price contracts that vary widely in terms of size, length of performance period, and expected gross profit margins.
We also recognize revenue on the sale of services (including prototype products) based on the type of contract: time and materials, cost-plus reimbursement and firm-fixed price. Revenue is recognized (i) on time and materials contracts as time is spent at hourly rates, which are negotiated with customers, plus the cost of any allowable materials and out-of-pocket expenses, (ii) on cost-plus reimbursement contracts based on direct and indirect costs incurred plus a negotiated profit calculated as a percentage of cost, a fixed amount or a performance-based award fee, and (iii) on fixed-price contracts on the percentage-of-completion method measured by the percentage of costs incurred to estimated total costs.
Provision for Estimated Losses on Contracts
We record provisions for the total anticipated losses on contracts considering total estimated costs to complete the contract compared to total anticipated revenues in the period in which such losses are identified. The provisions for estimated losses on contracts require management to make certain estimates and assumptions, including those with respect to the future revenue under a contract and the future cost to complete the contract. Management's estimate of the future cost to complete a contract may include assumptions as to improvements in manufacturing efficiency, reductions in operating and material costs, and our ability to resolve claims and assertions with our customers. If any of these or other assumptions and estimates do not materialize in the future, we maybe required to record additional provisions for estimated losses on contracts.
In the third quarter of 2015, we recorded a charge in SS related to estimated cost overruns as a result of a change in the contract requirements for the remaining contractual period for a regional jet program of approximately $10.0 million. This amount was recorded as part of cost of goods sold in our results of operations and increased accrued liabilities by approximately $7.6 million and other long-term liabilities by approximately $2.4 million.
In the fourth quarter of 2013, we recorded a charge in SS for the estimated cost to complete of $5.2 million, consisting of $3.9 million for the Embraer Legacy 450/500 aircraft contracts, and $1.3 million for the Boeing 777 wing tip contract. The charges result from difficulties in achieving previously anticipated cost reductions, including delays in transferring work to our lower-cost Guaymas, Mexico facility. The charge for the Embraer Legacy 450/500 contracts also reflects estimated cost overruns for customer driven changes on both the development and production phases of the contracts, for which we have asserted claims with Embraer. Recognition of additional losses in future periods continues to be a risk and will depend upon numerous factors,

60


including our sales forecast, our ability to achieve forecasted cost reductions and our ability to resolve claims and assertions with our customers. The $5.2 million charge was recorded as part of cost of goods sold in the Company’s results of operations. The charge increased accrued liabilities by $4.2 million and other long-term liabilities by $1.0 million on our balance sheet.
Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized, using enacted tax rates, for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities, operating losses and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets are evaluated quarterly and are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return are recognized when it is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.
We elected to early adopt ASU 2015-17, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes” and on a prospective basis for the year ended December 31, 2015. See “Recent Accounting Pronouncements - New Accounting Guidance Adopted in 2015” in Note 1 and Note 15 for further information.
Litigation and Commitments
In the normal course of business, we are defendants in certain litigation, claims and inquiries, including matters relating to environmental laws. In addition, we make various commitments and incur contingent liabilities. Management’s estimates regarding contingent liabilities could differ from actual results.
Environmental Liabilities
Environmental liabilities are recorded when environmental assessments and/or remedial efforts are probable and costs can be reasonably estimated. Generally, the timing of these accruals coincides with the completion of a feasibility study or our commitment to a formal plan of action. Further, we review and update our environmental accruals as circumstances change and/or additional information is obtained that reasonably could be expected to have a meaningful effect on the outcome of a matter or the estimated cost thereof.
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation
We measure and recognize compensation expense for share-based payment transactions to our employees and non-employees at their estimated fair value. The expense is measured at the grant date, based on the calculated fair value of the share-based award, and is recognized over the requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity award). The fair value stock options are determined using the Black-Scholes-Merton (“Black-Scholes”) valuation model, which requires assumptions and judgments regarding stock price volatility, risk-free interest rates, and expected options terms. The fair value of unvested stock awards is determined based on the closing price of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. Management’s estimates could differ from actual results.
(Loss) Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding in each period. Diluted earnings per share are computed by dividing income available to common shareholders plus income associated with dilutive securities by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, plus any potential dilutive shares that could be issued if exercised or converted into common stock in each period.
The net (loss) earnings and weighted-average number of common shares outstanding used to compute (loss) earnings per share were as follows:
 

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(In thousands, except per share data)
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Net (loss) income
 
$
(73,282
)
 
$
19,867

 
$
11,378

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding
 
11,047

 
10,897

 
10,695

Dilutive potential common shares
 

 
229

 
157

Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding
 
11,047

 
11,126

 
10,852

(Loss) earnings per share
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
(6.63
)
 
$
1.82

 
$
1.06

Diluted
 
$
(6.63
)
 
$
1.79

 
$
1.05

Potentially dilutive stock options and stock units to purchase common stock, as shown below, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. However, these shares may be potentially dilutive common shares in the future.
 
 
(In thousands)
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Stock options and stock units
 
778

 
218

 
410

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Guidance Adopted in 2015

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes” (“ASU 2015-17”), which requires deferred tax assets and liabilities be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. This new guidance is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted and may be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. We have elected to early adopt ASU 2015-17 and on a prospective basis for the year ended December 31, 2015. The adoption of this new guidance had no impact on our results of operations or cash flows for 2015. See Note 15 for further information.

In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity” (“ASU 2014-08”), which changed the criteria for reporting discontinued operations. The revised guidance defines a discontinued operation as a disposal of a component or a group of a components of an entity that represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. It also requires additional disclosures for discontinued operations and new disclosures for individually material disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation This new guidance is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted, but only for disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issuance. We have adopted ASU 2014-08 for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, “Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30)” (“ASU 2015-15”), which provides guidance on the presentation and subsequent measurement of debt issuance costs associated with line-of-credit arrangements. In ASU 2015-03, “Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs,” it requires entities to present debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability but does not address presentation or subsequent measurement of debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements. Thus, the SEC staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015, which is our interim period beginning January 1, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. We had approximately $4.3 million of debt issuance costs and approximately $245.0 million of total debt as of December 31, 2015, and thus, we do not believe that adoption of this new

62


guidance will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330)” (“ASU 2015-11”), which requires inventory within the scope of ASU 2015-11 to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Subsequent measurement is unchanged for inventory measured using last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) or the retail inventory value. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years, which will be our interim period beginning January 1, 2017. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. We are evaluating the impact of this standard but currently do not anticipate it will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-10, “Technical Corrections and Improvements” (“ASU 2015-10”), which covers a wide range of Topics in the Codification. The amendments in ASU 2015-10 represent changes to make minor corrections or minor improvements to the Codification that are not expected to have a significant effect on current accounting practice or create a significant administrative cost on most entities. The amendments in this new guidance that require transition guidance are effective for annual and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015, which is our interim period beginning January 1, 2016. All other amendments are effective upon issuance of ASU 2015-10. Early adoption is permitted. We do not anticipate this standard will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement” (“ASU 2015-05”), which provides guidance on fees paid by a customer in a cloud computing arrangement. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015, which is our interim period beginning January 1, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the impact of this standard but currently do not anticipate it will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” (“ASU 2015-03”), which changes the presentation of debt issuance costs in financial statements. Under ASU 2015-03, an entity presents such costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Amortization of those costs is reported as interest expense. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015, which is our interim period beginning January 1, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. We had approximately $4.3 million of debt issuance costs and approximately $245.0 million of total debt as of December 31, 2015, and thus, we do not believe that adoption of this new guidance will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, “Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20)” (“ASU 2015-01”), which eliminates from U.S. GAAP the concept of extraordinary items. Current guidance requires separate classification, presentation, and disclosure of extraordinary events and transactions. In addition, an event or transaction is presumed to be an ordinary and usual activity of the reporting entity unless evidence clearly supports its classification as an extraordinary item. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015, which is our interim period beginning January 1, 2016. Early adoption is permitted provided it is applied from the beginning of the annual period of adoption. We are evaluating the impact of this standard but currently do not anticipate it will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern” (“ASU 2014-15”), which defines management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about a company’s ability to continue as a going concern. ASU 2014-15 also provide principles and definitions that are intended to reduce diversity in the timing and content of disclosures in the financial statement footnotes. The new guidance is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, which will be our year ending December 31, 2016, and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, which will be our interim period beginning January 1, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the impact of this standard but currently do not anticipate it will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide that a Performance Target Could be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period” (“ASU 2014-12”), which requires that a performance target that affects vesting, and that could be achieved after the requisite service period, be treated as a performance condition. Thus, the performance target should not be reflected in

63


estimating the grant date fair value of the award. This update further clarifies that compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered. The new guidance is effective for us beginning January 1, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. We currently do not anticipate the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”), which outlines a new, single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. This new revenue recognition model provides a five-step analysis in determining when and how revenue is recognized. It requires entities to exercise judgment when considering the terms of the contract(s) which include (i) identifying the contract(s) with the customer, (ii) identifying the separate performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determining the transaction price, (iv) allocating the transaction price to the separate performance obligations, and (v) recognizing revenue when each performance obligation is satisfied. Thus, it depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration an entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. Companies have the option of applying the provisions of ASU 2014-09 either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying this guidance recognized at the date of initial application. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, “Revenue From Contracts With Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2015-14”), which defer the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year to annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. The new guidance is effective for us beginning January 1, 2018 and will provide us additional time to evaluate the method and impact that ASU 2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements.
 
Note 2. Restructuring Activities
Summary of Restructuring Plans
In September 2015, management approved and commenced implementation of several restructuring actions, including organizational re-alignments, consolidation and relocation of the New York facilities that was completed by December 2015, closure of the Houston facility that was completed by December 2015, and closure of the St. Louis facility by April 2016, all of which are part of our overall strategy to streamline operations.
As of December 31, 2015, we have accrued approximately $0.7 million and $1.2 million for severance and benefits and loss on early exit from lease and charged to selling, general and administrative expenses in the ES and SS operating segments, respectively, and expect to record additional accruals totaling approximately $0.1 million for severance and benefits in the first quarter of 2016.
Our restructuring activities for 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
2015
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
Balance
 
Charges
 
Cash Payments
 
Change in Estimates
 
Balance
Severance and benefits
 
$

 
$
987

 
$
(221
)
 
$
(44
)
 
$
722

Lease termination
 

 
1,181

 

 

 
1,181

Ending balance
 
$

 
$
2,168

 
$
(221
)
 
$
(44
)
 
$
1,903


Note 3. Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received for an asset or the price that would be paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The accounting standard provides a framework for measuring fair value using a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires us to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value are as follows:
Level 1 - Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2 - Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities; and

64


Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
Our financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and interest rate cap derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows (in thousands):
 
 
As of December 31, 2015
 
As of December 31, 2014
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
 
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total Balance
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total Balance
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market funds(1)
 
$
4,587

 
$

 
$

 
$
4,587

 
$
44,554

 
$

 
$

 
$
44,554

Interest rate cap hedges(2)
 

 
963

 

 
963

 

 

 

 

Total Assets
 
$
4,587

 
$
963

 
$

 
$
5,550

 
$
44,554

 
$

 
$

 
$
44,554

(1) Included as cash and cash equivalents.
(2) Interest rate cap hedge premium included as other current assets and other assets.
The fair value of the interest rate cap hedge agreements is determined using pricing models that use observable market inputs as of the balance sheet date, a Level 2 measurement.

There were no transfers between Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 financial instruments in either 2015 or 2014.

Note 4. Financial Instruments
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
We periodically enter into cash flow derivative transactions, such as interest rate cap agreements, to hedge exposure to various risks related to interest rates. We assess the effectiveness of the interest rate cap hedges at inception of the hedge. We recognize all derivatives at their fair value. For cash flow designated hedges, the effective portion of the changes in fair value of the derivative contract are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes, and are recognized in net earnings at the time earnings are affected by the hedged transaction. Adjustments to record changes in fair values of the derivative contracts that are attributable to the ineffective portion of the hedges, if any, are recognized in earnings. We present derivative instruments in our consolidated statements of cash flows’ operating, investing, or financing activities consistent with the cash flows of the hedged item.
The gross notional and recorded fair value of derivative financial instruments in the consolidated balance sheets were as follows:
 
 
(In thousands)
December 31, 2015
 
(In thousands)
December 31, 2014
 
 
Gross Notional
 
Other Current Assets
 
Other Long Term Assets
 
Gross Notional
 
Other Current Assets
 
Other Long Term Assets
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Flow Hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate cap premiums
 
$
133,707

 
$
1

 
$
962

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Derivatives
 
$
133,707

 
$
1

 
$
962

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Note 5. Inventories
Inventories consisted of the following:
 

65


 
 
(In thousands)
December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
Raw materials and supplies
 
$
61,840

 
$
77,033

Work in process
 
49,299

 
61,458

Finished goods
 
10,073

 
14,116

 
 
121,212

 
152,607

Less progress payments
 
5,808

 
9,765

Total
 
$
115,404

 
$
142,842


We net advances from customers related to inventory purchases against inventories in the consolidated balance sheets.
 
Note 6. Property and Equipment, Net
Property and equipment, net consisted of the following:
 
 
 
(In thousands)
December 31,
 
Range of
Estimated
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
Useful Lives
Land
 
$
15,454

 
$
15,006

 
 
Buildings and improvements
 
44,313

 
45,636

 
5 - 40 Years
Machinery and equipment
 
127,934

 
131,263

 
2 - 20 Years
Furniture and equipment
 
24,187

 
25,975

 
2 - 10 Years
Construction in progress
 
13,196

 
9,645

 
 
 
 
225,084

 
227,525

 
 
Less accumulated depreciation
 
128,533

 
128,457

 
 
Total
 
$
96,551

 
$
99,068

 
 
Depreciation expense was $15.7 million, $15.3 million and $15.6 million, for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 
Note 7. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Asset
The carrying amounts of goodwill, by operating segment, for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
Structural
Systems
 
Electronic
Systems
 
Consolidated
Ducommun
Gross goodwill
 
$
57,243

 
$
182,048

 
$
239,291

Accumulated goodwill impairment
 

 
(81,722
)
 
(81,722
)
Balance at December 31, 2014
 
$
57,243

 
$
100,326

 
$
157,569

Goodwill impairment
 
(57,243
)
 

 
(57,243
)
Transfer to assets held for sale
 

 
(17,772
)
 
(17,772
)
Balance at December 31, 2015
 
$

 
$
82,554

 
$
82,554

We perform our annual goodwill impairment test during the fourth quarter each year. The carrying amounts of goodwill at the date of the most recent annual impairment test for the SS, ES, and Miltec internal reporting units was approximately $57.2 million, $92.0 million, and $8.4 million, respectively. In the fourth quarter of 2015, we met the criteria for assets held for sale for our Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania operation and Miltec operation (both are part of our ES operating segment). Assets held for sale, other than goodwill, is tested for impairment prior to the testing of goodwill for impairment. No impairment was noted of these assets held for sale. As of the date of the 2015 annual goodwill impairment test, the fair value of the ES and Miltec internal reporting units exceeded their carrying values by approximately 42% and 18%, respectively, and thus, not deemed impaired. However, the fair value of the SS reporting unit was less than the carrying value as a result of the lowered revenue

66


outlook in our military and space end-use markets due to the decrease in U.S. government defense spending. As a result, the second step (“Step Two”) of the goodwill impairment test was performed for the SS reporting unit. The fair value of goodwill was determined by allocating the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets and liabilities in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. As a result of this analysis, we recorded an approximate $57.2 million of goodwill impairment to the SS goodwill carrying value to decrease its goodwill carrying value to zero as of December 31, 2015.
We perform our annual indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment test during the fourth quarter of each year. The carrying value of the trade-name indefinite-lived intangible asset at the date of the most recent impairment test was approximately $32.9 million. In performing our annual impairment test in the fourth quarter of 2015, we concluded the fair value of the indefinite-lived trade name to be zero as a result of divesting businesses in ES and our discontinuation of the use of the trade name. Thus, we recorded an impairment of approximate $32.9 million, which was the remaining carrying value of the trade name.
Other Intangible Assets
Other intangible assets are related to acquisitions and recorded at fair value at the time of the acquisition. Other intangible assets with finite lives are amortized on the straight-line method over periods ranging from three to eighteen years. Intangible assets are as follows:
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Wtd. Avg Life (Yrs)
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Carrying
Amount
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Carrying
Amount
Finite-lived assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customer relationships
18
 
$
159,200

 
$
49,463

 
$
109,737

 
$
164,500

 
$
43,715

 
$
120,785

Trade names
8
 

 

 

 
3,400

 
3,060

 
340

Contract renewal
14
 
1,845

 
1,230

 
615

 
1,845

 
1,099

 
746

Technology
15
 
400

 
131

 
269

 
400

 
104

 
296

Total
 
 
$
161,445

 
$
50,824

 
$
110,621

 
$
170,145

 
$
47,978

 
$
122,167

The carrying amount of other intangible assets by operating segment as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Gross
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Carrying
Value
 
Gross
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Carrying
Value
Other intangible assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Structural Systems
 
$
19,300

 
$
14,433

 
$
4,867

 
$
19,300

 
$
13,046

 
$
6,254

Electronic Systems
 
142,145

 
36,391

 
105,754

 
150,845

 
34,932

 
115,913

Total
 
$
161,445

 
$
50,824

 
$
110,621

 
$
170,145

 
$
47,978

 
$
122,167

Amortization expense of other intangible assets was approximately $10.0 million, $10.4 million and $10.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Future amortization expense by operating segment is expected to be as follows:
 

67


 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
Structural
Systems
 
Electronic
Systems
 
Consolidated
Ducommun
2016
 
$
1,123

 
$
7,926

 
$
9,049

2017
 
907

 
7,927

 
8,834

2018
 
737

 
7,927

 
8,664

2019
 
591

 
7,926

 
8,517

2020
 
490

 
7,883

 
8,373

Thereafter
 
1,019

 
66,165

 
67,184

 
 
$
4,867

 
$
105,754

 
$
110,621

 
Note 8. Accrued Liabilities
The components of accrued liabilities consisted of the following:
 
 
 
(In thousands)
December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
Accrued compensation
 
$
13,521

 
$
25,352

Accrued income tax and sales tax
 
1,513

 
1,580

Customer deposits
 
1,758

 
1,139

Interest payable
 
58

 
9,439

Provision for forward loss reserves
 
11,925

 
4,734

Other
 
7,683

 
9,822

Total
 
$
36,458

 
$
52,066


Note 9. Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt and the current period interest rates were as follows:

 
 
(In thousands)
December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
New term loan
 
$
245,000

 
$

Senior unsecured notes (fixed 9.75%)
 

 
200,000

Senior secured term loan (floating 4.75%)
 

 
90,000

Other debt (fixed 5.41%)
 
26

 
52

Total Debt
 
245,026

 
290,052

Less current portion
 
26

 
26

Total long-term debt
 
$
245,000

 
$
290,026

Weighted-average interest rate
 
3.07
%
 
8.20
%

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Future long-term debt payments at December 31, 2015 were as follows:

 
(In thousands)
2016
$
26

2017
7,812

2018
24,063

2019
27,500

2020
185,625

Total
$
245,026

In June 2015, we completed a new credit facility to replace the Existing Credit Facilities. The new credit facility consists of a $275.0 million senior secured term loan, which matures on June 26, 2020 (“New Term Loan”), and a $200.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility (“New Revolving Credit Facility”), which matures on June 26, 2020 (collectively, the “New Credit Facilities”). The New Credit Facilities bear interest, at our option, at a rate equal to either (i) the Eurodollar Rate (defined as LIBOR) plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.50% to 2.75% per year or (ii) the Base Rate (defined as the highest of [a] Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, [b] Bank of America’s prime rate, and [c] the Eurodollar Rate plus 1.00%) plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.50% to 1.75% per year, in each case based upon the consolidated total net adjusted leverage ratio. The undrawn portions of the commitments of the New Credit Facilities are subject to a commitment fee ranging from 0.175% to 0.300%, based upon the consolidated total net adjusted leverage ratio.
Further, we are required to make mandatory prepayments of amounts outstanding under the New Term Loan. The mandatory prepayments will be made quarterly, equal to 5.0% per year of the original aggregate principal amount during the first two years and increase to 7.5% per year during the third year, and increase to 10.0% per year during the fourth year and fifth years, with the remaining balance payable on June 26, 2020. The loans under the New Revolving Credit Facility are due on June 26, 2020. As of December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with all covenants required under the New Credit Facilities.
We have been making voluntary principal prepayments on a quarterly basis on our senior secured term loan and in conjunction with the closing of the New Credit Facilities in June 2015, we drew down approximately $65.0 million on the New Revolving Credit Facility and used those proceeds along with current cash on hand to extinguish the existing senior secured term loan of approximately $80.0 million. We expensed the unamortized debt issuance costs related to the existing senior secured term loan of approximately $2.8 million as part of extinguishing the existing senior secured term loan during 2015. We also incurred approximately $4.8 million of debt issuance costs related to the New Credit Facilities and those costs are capitalized and being amortized over the five year life of the New Credit Facilities.
In addition, we retired all of the $200.0 million senior unsecured notes (“Existing Notes”) in July 2015. We drew down on the New Term Loan in the amount of $275.0 million. Along with the call notice amount and paying the call premium of approximately $9.8 million, we also paid down the $65.0 million drawn on the New Revolving Credit Facility in the previous quarter. We expensed the call premium of approximately $9.8 million and debt issuance costs related to the Existing Notes of approximately $2.1 million upon extinguishing the Existing Notes during 2015.
Further, we made voluntary principal prepayments of approximately $30.0 million under the New Term Loan during 2015.
As of December 31, 2015, we had approximately $198.5 million of unused borrowing capacity under the New Revolving Credit Facility, after deducting approximately $1.5 million for standby letters of credit.
The Existing Notes were issued by us (“Parent Company”) and guaranteed by all of our subsidiaries, other than one subsidiary that was considered minor (“Subsidiary Guarantors”). The Subsidiary Guarantors jointly and severally guarantee the Existing Notes and New Credit Facilities. The Parent Company has no independent assets or operations and therefore, no consolidating financial information for the Parent Company and its subsidiaries are presented.
In October 2015, we entered into interest rate cap hedges designated as cash flow hedges with maturity dates of June 2020, and in aggregate, totaling approximately $135.0 million of our debt. We paid a total of approximately $1.0 million in connection with the interest rate cap hedges. See Note 4 for further discussion.

Note 10. Shareholders’ Equity
We are authorized to issue five million shares of preferred stock. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, no preferred shares were issued or outstanding.
 

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Note 11. Stock-Based Compensation
Stock Incentive Compensation Plans
We have two stock incentive plans. The 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”), as amended effective March 20, 2007, and the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2013 Plan”), collectively referred to as (the “Stock Incentive Plans”), permits awards of stock options, restricted stock units, performance stock units and other stock-based awards to our officers, key employees and non-employee directors on terms determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Committee”). The aggregate number of our shares available for issuance under the 2007 Plan and 2013 Plan are 1,200,000 and 1,040,000, respectively. Under the 2007 Plan, no more than an aggregate of 400,000 shares are available for issue of stock-based awards other than stock options and stock appreciation rights. As of December 31, 2015, shares available for future grant under the 2007 Plan and 2013 Plan are 56,726 and 626,727, respectively. Prior the adoption of the 2007 Plan, we granted stock-based awards to purchase shares of our common stock to officers, key employees and non-employee directors under certain predecessor plans. No further awards can be granted under these predecessor plans.

Stock Options

In the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, we granted stock options to our officers, key employees and non-employee directors of 73,000, 71,000, and 190,500, respectively, with weighted-average grant date fair values of approximately $10.63, $12.62, and $10.95, respectively. Stock options have been granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our stock on the date of grant and expire not more than ten years from the date of grant. The stock options vest over a period of four years after the date of grant. The option price and number of shares are subject to adjustment under certain dilutive circumstances. If an employee terminates employment, the non-vested portion of the stock options will not vest and all rights to the non-vested portion will terminate completely.

Stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2015 were as follows:
 
 
Number
of Stock Options
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price Per Share
 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)
 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
Outstanding at January 1, 2015
 
611,977

 
$
19.02

 
 
 
 
Granted
 
73,000

 
25.51

 
 
 
 
Exercised
 
(167,523
)
 
18.42

 
 
 
 
Expired
 
(13,875
)
 
18.58

 
 
 
 
Forfeited
 
(20,088
)
 
22.29

 
 
 
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2015
 
483,491

 
$
20.08

 
4.1
 
$
689

Exerciseable at December 31, 2015
 
251,891

 
$
18.80

 
3.4
 
$
417


Changes in nonvested stock options for the year ended December 31, 2015 were as follows:
 
 
Number of Stock Options
 
Weighted-
Average
Grant
Date Fair Value
Nonvested at January 1, 2015
 
323,565

 
$
9.42

     Granted
 
73,000

 
10.63

     Vested
 
(144,877
)
 
8.78

     Forfeited
 
(20,088
)
 
10.40

Nonvested at December 31, 2015
 
231,600

 
$
10.03

The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options represents the amount by which the market price of our common stock exceeds the exercise price of the stock option. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $2.3 million, $1.0 million, and $2.6 million, respectively. Cash received from stock option exercised for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $3.1 million, $2.3 million, and $8.8 million, respectively, with related tax benefits of $0.9 million, $0.4 million, and $1.0 million, respectively. The total stock options vested and expected to vest in the future are 483,491 shares with a weighted-average exercise price of

70


approximately $20.08 and an aggregate intrinsic value of approximately $0.7 million. These stock options have a weighted-average remaining contractual term of approximately 4.1 years.
The share-based compensation cost expensed for stock options for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 (before tax benefits) was approximately $1.2 million, $1.5 million, and $1.2 million, respectively, and is included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated income statements. At December 31, 2015, total unrecognized compensation cost (before tax benefits) related to stock options of approximately $1.7 million is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.2 years. The weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 was approximately $10.63, $12.62, and $10.95. The total fair value of stock options vested during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 was approximately $1.3 million, $1.3 million, and $1.1 million, respectively.
The assumptions used to compute the fair value of stock option grants under the Stock Incentive Plans for years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 were as follows:
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Risk-free interest rate
 
1.13
%
 
1.67
%
 
1.44
%
Expected volatility
 
53.72
%
 
55.27
%
 
53.89
%
Expected dividends
 

 

 

Expected term (in months)
 
47

 
66

 
66

We apply fair value accounting for stock-based compensation based on the grant date fair value estimated using a Black-Scholes-Merton (“Black-Scholes”) valuation model. We recognize compensation expense, net of an estimated forfeiture rate, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award. We have one award population with an option vesting term of four years. We estimate the forfeiture rate based on our historic experience, attempting to determine any discernible activity patterns. The expected life computation is based on historic exercise patterns and post-vesting termination behavior. The risk-free interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the award is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. The expected volatility is derived from historical volatility of our common stock. We suspended payments of dividends after the first quarter of 2011.
Restricted Stock Units
We granted restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to certain officers, key employees and non-employee directors of approximately 108,500, 86,300, and 65,550 RSUs during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively, with weighted-average grant date fair values (equal to the fair market value of our stock on the date of grant) of approximately $25.15, $24.74, and $18.75 per share, respectively. RSUs represent a right to receive a share of stock at future vesting dates with no cash payment required from the holder. The RSUs have a three year vesting term of approximately 33%, 33% and 34% on the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant. If an employee terminates employment, their non-vested portion of the RSUs will not vest and all rights to the non-vested portion will terminate.

Restricted stock unit activity for the year ended December 31, 2015 was as follows:
 
 
Number of Restricted Stock Units
 
Weighted-
Average
Grant
Date Fair Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2015
 
122,943

 
$
21.67

     Granted
 
108,500

 
25.15

     Vested
 
(66,217
)
 
20.81

     Forfeited
 
(10,035
)
 
25.32

Outstanding at December 31, 2015
 
155,191

 
$
24.24

The share-based compensation cost expensed for RSUs for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 (before tax benefits) was approximately $1.8 million, $1.3 million, and $0.9 million respectively, and is included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated income statements. At December 31, 2015, total unrecognized compensation cost (before tax benefits) related to RSUs of approximately $2.3 million is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.8 years. The total fair value of RSUs vested for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

71


was approximately $1.8 million, $1.3 million, and $1.1 million, respectively. The tax benefit realized from vested RSUs for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 was approximately $0.7 million, $0.5 million, and $0.4 million, respectively.

Performance Stock Units
We granted performance stock awards (“PSUs”) to certain key employees of approximately 64,000, 67,500, and 85,500 PSUs during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively, with weighted-average grant date fair values of approximately $25.51, $24.90, and $16.15 per share, respectively. PSU awards are subject to the attainment of performance goals established by the Committee, the periods during which performance is to be measured, and all other limitations and conditions applicable to the awarded shares. Performance goals are based on a pre-established objective formula or standard that specifies the manner of determining the number of performance stock awards that will be granted if performance goals are attained. If an employee terminates employment, their non-vested portion of the PSUs will not vest and all rights to the non-vested portion will terminate.

Performance stock activity for the year ended December 31, 2015 is as follows:
 
 
Number of Performance Stock Units
 
Weighted-
Average
Grant
Date Fair Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2015
 
168,158

 
$
18.94

     Granted
 
64,000

 
25.51

     Vested
 
(35,504
)
 
13.04

     Forfeited
 
(63,157
)
 
20.65

Outstanding at December 31, 2015
 
133,497

 
$
22.86

The share-based compensation cost expensed for PSUs for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 (before tax benefits) was approximately $0.5 million, $1.0 million and $0.3 million, respectively, and is included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated income statements. At December 31, 2015, total unrecognized compensation cost (before tax benefits) related to PSUs of approximately $1.4 million is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.3 years. The total fair value of PSUs vested during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, was approximately $0.9 million, zero, and zero, respectively. The tax benefit realized from PSUs for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 were $0.3 million, zero, and zero, respectively.

Note 12. Employee Benefit Plans
Supplemental Retirement Plans
We have three unfunded supplemental retirement plans. The first plan was suspended in 1986, but continues to cover certain former executives. The second plan was suspended in 1997, but continues to cover certain current and retired directors. The third plan covers certain current and retired employees and further employee contributions to this plan were suspended on August 5, 2011. The liability for the third plan and interest thereon is included in accrued employee compensation and long-term liabilities and was approximately $0.5 million and $1.7 million, respectively, at December 31, 2015 and $0.3 million and $2.0 million, respectively, at December 31, 2014. The accumulated benefit obligations of the other two plans at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were approximately $0.9 million and $0.9 million, respectively, and are included in accrued liabilities.
Defined Contribution 401(K) Plans
We sponsor, for all our employees, two 401(k) defined contribution plans.The first plan covers all employees, other than employees at our Miltec subsidiary, and allows the employees to make annual voluntary contributions not to exceed the lesser of an amount equal to 25% of their compensation or limits established by the Internal Revenue Code. Under this plan, we generally provide a match equal to 50% of the employee’s contributions up to the first 6% of compensation, except for union employees who are not eligible to receive the match. The second plan covers only the employees at our Miltec subsidiary, and in 2013 the provisions of the Miltec plan were changed to be the same as our other plan. Prior to 2013, the Miltec plan allowed employees to make annual voluntary contributions not to exceed the lesser of an amount equal to 100% of their compensation or limits established by the Internal Revenue Code. Under this plan, Miltec generally (i) provided a match equal to 100% of the employee’s contributions up to the first 5% of compensation, (ii) contributions of 3% of an employee’s compensation annually,

72


and (iii) contributions, at our discretion of 0% to 7% of an employee’s compensation annually. Our provision for matching and profit sharing contributions for the three years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 was approximately $3.2 million, $3.3 million, and $3.1 million, respectively.
Other Plans
We have a defined benefit pension plan covering certain hourly employees of a subsidiary (the “Pension Plan”). Pension plan benefits are generally determined on the basis of the retiree’s age and length of service. Assets of this defined benefit pension plan are composed primarily of fixed income and equity securities. We also have a retirement plan covering certain current and retired employees (the “LaBarge Retirement Plan”).
The components of net periodic pension cost for both plans are as follows:
 
 
(In thousands)
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Service cost
 
$
785

 
$
693

 
$
843

Interest cost
 
1,350

 
1,278

 
1,160

Expected return on plan assets
 
(1,495
)
 
(1,400
)
 
(1,222
)
Amortization of actuarial losses
 
887

 
419

 
1,093

Net periodic pension cost
 
$
1,527

 
$
990

 
$
1,874

The components of the reclassifications of net actuarial losses from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income for 2015 were as follows:
 
 
(In thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2015
Amortization of actuarial loss - total before tax (1)
 
$
887

Tax benefit
 
(330
)
Net of tax
 
$
557


(1)
The amortization expense is included in the computation of periodic pension cost and is a decrease to net income upon reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive loss.

The estimated net actuarial loss for both plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic cost during 2016 is approximately $0.8 million.

The obligations and funded status of both plans are as follows:


73


 
 
(In thousands)
December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
Change in benefit obligation(1)
 
 
 
 
Beginning benefit obligation (January 1)
 
$
33,299

 
$
28,438

Service cost
 
785

 
693

Interest cost
 
1,350

 
1,278

Actuarial (gain) loss
 
(2,599
)
 
4,117

Benefits paid
 
(1,325
)
 
(1,227
)
Ending benefit obligation (December 31)
 
$
31,510

 
$
33,299

Change in plan assets
 
 
 
 
Beginning fair value of plan assets (January 1)
 
$
19,725

 
$
18,367

Return on assets
 
(296
)
 
669

Employer contribution
 
1,829

 
1,916

Benefits paid
 
(1,325
)
 
(1,227
)
Ending fair value of plan assets (December 31)
 
$
19,933

 
$
19,725

Funded status (under funded)
 
$
(11,577
)
 
$
(13,574
)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
$
527

 
$
464

Non-current liabilities
 
$
11,050

 
$
13,110

Unrecognized loss included in accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
Beginning unrecognized loss, before tax (January 1)
 
$
10,614

 
$
6,183

Amortization
 
(887
)
 
(419
)
Liability (gain) loss
 
(2,599
)
 
4,117

Asset loss
 
1,791

 
733

Ending unrecognized loss, before tax (December 31)
 
8,919

 
10,614

Tax impact
 
(3,316
)
 
(3,970
)
Unrecognized loss included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
 
$
5,603

 
$
6,644

Prepaid benefit cost included in other assets
 
$
1,984

 
$
1,832

Accrued benefit cost included in other liabilities
 
$
4,646

 
$
4,795


(1)
Projected benefit obligation equals the accumulated benefit obligation for the plans.
On December 31, 2015, our annual measurement date, the accumulated benefit obligation exceeded the fair value of the plans assets by approximately $11.6 million. Such excess is referred to as an unfunded accumulated benefit obligation. We recorded unrecognized loss included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax at December 31, 2015 and 2014 of approximately $5.6 million and $6.6 million, respectively, which decreased shareholders’ equity and was included in other long-term liabilities. This charge to shareholders’ equity represents a net loss not yet recognized as pension expense. This charge did not affect reported earnings, and would be decreased or be eliminated if either interest rates increase or market performance and plan returns improve or contributions cause the Pension Plan to return to fully funded status.
Our Pension Plan asset allocations at December 31, 2015 and 2014, by asset category, were as follows:

 
 
December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
Equity securities
 
74
%
 
76
%
Cash and equivalents
 
6
%
 
4
%
Debt securities
 
20
%
 
20
%
Total(1)
 
100
%
 
100
%

(1)
Our overall investment strategy is to achieve an asset allocation within the following ranges to achieve an appropriate rate of return relative to risk.

74


Cash
0-25%
Fixed income securities
0-50%
Equities
50-95%
Pension Plan assets consist primarily of listed stocks and bonds and do not include any of the Company’s securities. The return on assets assumption reflects the average rate of return expected on funds invested or to be invested to provide for the benefits included in the projected benefit obligation. We select the return on asset assumption by considering our current and target asset allocation. We consider information from various external investment managers, forward-looking information regarding expected returns by asset class and our own judgment when determining the expected returns.

 
 
(In thousands)
Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Cash and other investments
 
$
1,149

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,149

Fixed income securities
 
3,986

 

 

 
3,986

Equities(1)
 
9,468

 
5,330

 

 
14,798

Total
 
$
14,603

 
$
5,330

 
$

 
$
19,933


 
 
(In thousands)
Year Ended December 31, 2014
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Cash and other investments
 
$
886

 
$

 
$

 
$
886

Fixed income securities
 
3,896

 

 

 
3,896

Equities(1)
 
9,687

 
5,256

 

 
14,943

Total
 
$
14,469

 
$
5,256

 
$

 
$
19,725



(1)
Represents mutual funds and commingled accounts which invest primarily in equities, but may also hold fixed income securities, cash and other investments.
The valuation techniques used to determine fair value are as follows. Commingled funds with publicly quoted prices and active trading are classified as Level 1 investments. For commingled funds that are not publicly traded and have ongoing subscription and redemption activity, the fair value of the investment is the net asset value (“NAV”) per share, derived from the underlying securities’ quoted prices in active markets. These funds are classified as Level 2 investments.
The assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations and expense for our two plans are presented in the tables below. The expected long-term return on assets, noted below, represents an estimate of long-term returns on investment portfolios consisting of a mixture of fixed income and equity securities. The estimated cash flows from the plans for all future years are determined based on the plans’ population at the measurement date. We took the expected benefit payouts from the plans for each year into the future, and discounted them back to the present using the Wells Fargo yield curve rate for that duration.
The weighted-average assumptions used to determine the net periodic benefit costs under the two plans were as follows:

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Discount rate used to determine pension expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension Plan
 
4.25
%
 
4.75
%
 
4.00
%
LaBarge Retirement Plan
 
3.70
%
 
4.00
%
 
3.10
%

The weighted-average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations under the two plans were as follows:


75


 
 
December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Discount rate used to determine value of obligations
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pension Plan
 
4.55
%
 
4.25
%
 
4.75
%
LaBarge Retirement Plan
 
4.00
%
 
3.70
%
 
4.00
%
Long-term rate of return - Pension Plan only
 
7.50
%
 
7.50
%
 
8.00
%
The following benefit payments under both plans, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid:

 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
Pension Plan
 
LaBarge
Retirement
Plan
2016
 
$
1,038

 
$
527

2017
 
1,062

 
521

2018
 
1,172

 
512

2019
 
1,213

 
500

2020
 
1,286

 
485

Thereafter
 
7,442

 
2,139

Our funding policy is to contribute cash to our plans so that the minimum contribution requirements established by government funding and taxing authorities are met. We expect to make contributions of approximately $0.9 million to the plans in 2016.
 
Note 13. Indemnifications
We have made guarantees and indemnities under which we may be required to make payments to a guaranteed or indemnified party, in relation to certain transactions, including revenue transactions in the ordinary course of business. In connection with certain facility leases, we have indemnified our lessors for certain claims arising from the facility or the lease. We indemnify our directors and officers to the maximum extent permitted under the laws of the State of Delaware.
However, we have a directors and officers insurance policy that may reduce our exposure in certain circumstances and may enable us to recover a portion of future amounts that may be payable, if any. The duration of the guarantees and indemnities varies and, in many cases is indefinite but subject to statute of limitations. The majority of guarantees and indemnities do not provide any limitations of the maximum potential future payments we could be obligated to make. Historically, payments related to these guarantees and indemnities have been immaterial. We estimate the fair value of our indemnification obligations as insignificant based on this history and insurance coverage and have, therefore, not recorded any liability for these guarantees and indemnities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
 
Note 14. Leases
We lease certain facilities and equipment for periods ranging from one to ten years. The leases generally are renewable and provide for the payment of property taxes, insurance and other costs relative to the property. Rental expense in 2015, 2014, and 2013 was approximately $8.5 million, $7.3 million, and $7.9 million, respectively. Future minimum rental payments under operating leases having initial or remaining non-cancelable terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2015 were as follows:

 
(In thousands)
2016
$
5,169

2017
2,727

2018
1,166

2019
434

2020
244

Thereafter

Total
$
9,740

 

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Note 15. Income Taxes
Our pre-tax income attributable to foreign operations were not material. The provision for income tax expense (benefit) consisted of the following:

 
 
(In thousands)
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Current tax (benefit) expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
$
(1,511
)
 
$
5,258

 
$
(3,806
)
State
 
(418
)
 
244

 
432

 
 
(1,929
)
 
5,502

 
(3,374
)
Deferred tax (benefit) expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
(29,475
)
 
1,186

 
1,173

State
 
(1,904
)
 
(315
)
 
208

 
 
(31,379
)
 
871

 
1,381

Income tax (benefit) expense
 
$
(33,308
)
 
$
6,373

 
$
(1,993
)
The current income tax (benefit) expense excludes excess tax benefits recorded directly to additional paid-in-capital related to share-based compensation of approximately $0.6 million, $0.1 million, and $(0.3) million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.
Deferred tax (liabilities) assets were comprised of the following:


77


 
 
(In thousands)
December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
Deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
 
Accrued expenses
 
$
1,363

 
$
1,669

Allowance for doubtful accounts
 
134

 
94

Contract overrun reserves
 
4,412

 
1,766

Deferred compensation
 
491

 
464

Employment-related accruals
 
2,463

 
5,375

Environmental reserves
 
772

 
778

Federal tax credit carryforwards
 
7,031

 
2,696

Inventory reserves
 
2,703

 
3,873

Investment in common stock
 
297

 
300

Pension obligation
 
3,299

 
3,959

State net operating loss carryforwards
 
1,402

 
1,065

State tax credit carryforwards
 
5,937

 
5,382

Stock-based compensation
 
2,165

 
2,082

Workers’ compensation
 
133

 
121

Other
 
1,595

 
1,072

Total gross deferred tax assets
 
34,197

 
30,696

Valuation allowance
 
(7,477
)
 
(6,882
)
Total gross deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance
 
26,720

 
23,814

Deferred tax liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Depreciation
 
(11,802
)
 
(12,485
)
Goodwill
 
(2,035
)
 
(12,105
)
Intangibles
 
(37,891
)
 
(51,755
)
Prepaid insurance
 
(514
)
 
(685
)
Section 48(a) adjustment
 
(682
)
 
(1,334
)
Unbilled receivables
 

 
(1,115
)
Total gross deferred tax liabilities
 
(52,924
)
 
(79,479
)
Net deferred tax liabilities
 
$
(26,204
)
 
$
(55,665
)
We have elected to early adopt ASU 2015-17, prospectively, beginning with the annual period ended December 31, 2015, which requires that all deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance, be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. The adoption of this new guidance had no impact on our results of operations or cash flows for 2015.
We have federal and state tax credit carryforwards of approximately $7.9 million and $10.0 million, respectively. A valuation allowance of approximately $9.1 million has been provided on state tax credit carryforwards that are not expected to be realized under ASC Subtopic 740-10. If not realized, the federal and state tax credit carryforwards will expire between 2017 and 2035.
We have net operating losses in Alabama and various other states of approximately $30.2 million. The state net operating loss carryforwards include approximately $27.1 million that is not expected to be realized under ASC Subtopic 740-10 and has been reduced by a valuation allowance. If not realized, the state net operating loss carryforards will begin to expire in 2016.
We have established a valuation allowance for items that are not expected to provide future tax benefits. We believe it is more likely than not that we will generate sufficient taxable income to realize the benefit of the remaining deferred tax assets.
The principal reasons for the variation between the statutory and effective tax rates were as follows:

78


 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Statutory federal income tax (benefit) rate
 
(35.0)%
 
35.0%
 
35.0%
State income taxes (net of federal benefit)
 
(1.3)
 
0.9
 
2.0
Qualified domestic production activities
 
0.5
 
(2.3)
 
(8.9)
Research and development tax credits
 
(2.9)
 
(11.3)
 
(48.9)
Goodwill impairment
 
6.7
 
 
Increase in valuation allowance
 
0.6
 
8.5
 
0.9
Non deductible book expenses
 
0.2
 
0.9
 
1.8
Changes in deferred tax assets
 
0.1
 
(5.0)
 
(1.5)
Remeasurement of deferred taxes for changes in state tax law
 
 
(1.9)
 
Changes in tax reserves
 
0.1
 
(0.7)
 
(0.5)
Other
 
(0.2)
 
0.2
 
(1.1)
Effective income tax (benefit) rate
 
(31.2)%
 
24.3%
 
(21.2)%
We recorded a goodwill impairment charge related to the SS operating segment in 2015. A portion of this goodwill impairment charge was nondeductible for tax purposes and was a permanent impact to our income tax provision of approximately $7.2 million.
The deduction for qualified domestic production activities is treated as a “special deduction” which has no effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities. Instead, the impact of this deduction is reported in our rate reconciliation. No deduction for qualified domestic production has been recognized in 2015 due to a taxable loss. The loss has been carried back to 2014 and 2013, reducing the deduction for qualified domestic production in those years.
On December 18, 2015, the President of the United States signed into law the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act (“PATH”). The PATH Act permanently extended the research and development credit. As a result, we recognized a benefit of approximately $2.6 million for the U.S. Federal R&D credit in 2015.
In December 2014, the federal research and development tax credit was retroactively extended from the beginning of 2014. We recognized total federal research and development tax credits of approximately $2.4 million in 2014. The effective tax rate for 2013 included approximately $2.0 million of 2012 federal research and development tax credit benefits recognized in the first quarter of 2013 as a result of the American Taxpayer Relief Act (the “Act”) of 2012 passed in January 2013. The Act includes an extension of the federal research and development tax credit for the amounts paid or incurred after December 31, 2011 and before January 1, 2014. We recognized total federal research and development tax credit benefits of approximately $4.5 million in 2013.
We record interest and penalty charge, if any, related to uncertain tax positions as a component of tax expense. We had approximately $0.1 million for payment of interest and penalties accrued for all three years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2012.
Our total amount of unrecognized tax benefits was approximately $3.0 million, $2.8 million, and $2.3 million at December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2012 respectively. Approximately $2.1 million, if recognized, would affect the annual income tax rate. We do not reasonably expect significant increases or decreases to our unrecognized tax benefits in the next twelve months.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits was as follows:

 
 
(In thousands)
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Balance at January 1,
 
$
2,803

 
$
2,297

 
$
1,356

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
 
702

 
668

 
668

Additions for tax positions for prior years
 

 
31

 
538

Reductions for tax positions for prior years
 
(48
)
 
(22
)
 

Reduction to unrecognized tax benefits as a result of a lapse of the applicable statute of limitations
 
(494
)
 
(171
)
 
(265
)
Balance at December 31,
 
$
2,963

 
$
2,803

 
$
2,297


79


Federal income tax returns after 2011, California franchise (income) tax returns after 2010 and other state income tax returns after 2010 are subject to examination.
 
Note 16. Contingencies
On October 8, 2014, the United States District Court for the District of Kansas (the “District Court”) granted summary judgment in favor of The Boeing Company (“Boeing”) and Ducommun and dismissed the lawsuit entitled United States of America ex rel Taylor Smith, Jeannine Prewitt and James Ailes v. The Boeing Company and Ducommun Inc.. The lawsuit was a qui tam action brought by three former Boeing employees (“Relators”) against Boeing and Ducommun on behalf of the United States of America for violations of the United States False Claims Act. Relators have appealed the dismissal to the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. The lawsuit alleged that Ducommun sold unapproved parts to Boeing which were installed by Boeing in aircraft ultimately sold to the United States Government and that Boeing and Ducommun submitted or caused to be submitted false claims for payment relating to 21 aircraft sold by Boeing to the United States Government. The lawsuit sought damages in an amount equal to three times the amount of damages the United States Government sustained because of the defendants’ actions, plus a civil penalty of $10 thousand for each false claim made on or before September 28, 1999, and $11 thousand for each false claim made after September 28, 1999, together with attorneys’ fees and costs. The Relators claimed that the United States Government sustained damages of $1.6 billion (the contract purchase price of 21 aircraft) or, alternatively, $851 million (the alleged diminished value and increased maintenance cost of the 21 aircraft). After investigating the allegations, the United States Government declined to intervene in the lawsuit.
SS has been directed by California environmental agencies to investigate and take corrective action for groundwater contamination at its facilities located in El Mirage and Monrovia, California. Based on currently available information, Ducommun has established a reserve for its estimated liability for such investigation and corrective action of approximately $1.5 million at December 31, 2015, which is reflected in other long-term liabilities on its consolidated balance sheet.
SS also faces liability as a potentially responsible party for hazardous waste disposed at landfills located in Casmalia and West Covina, California. SS and other companies and government entities have entered into consent decrees with respect to these landfills with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and/or California environmental agencies under which certain investigation, remediation and maintenance activities are being performed. Based on currently available information, Ducommun preliminarily estimates that the range of its future liabilities in connection with the landfill located in West Covina, California is between approximately $0.4 million and $3.1 million. Ducommun has established a reserve for its estimated liability, in connection with the West Covina landfill of approximately $0.4 million at December 31, 2015, which is reflected in other long-term liabilities on its consolidated balance sheet. Ducommun’s ultimate liability in connection with these matters will depend upon a number of factors, including changes in existing laws and regulations, the design and cost of construction, operation and maintenance activities, and the allocation of liability among potentially responsible parties.
In the normal course of business, Ducommun and its subsidiaries are defendants in certain other litigation, claims and inquiries, including matters relating to environmental laws. In addition, Ducommun makes various commitments and incurs contingent liabilities. While it is not feasible to predict the outcome of these matters, Ducommun does not presently expect that any sum it may be required to pay in connection with these matters would have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
Note 17. Major Customers and Concentrations of Credit Risk
We provide proprietary products and services to the Department of Defense and various United States Government agencies, and most of the aerospace and aircraft manufacturers who receive contracts directly from the U.S. Government as an original equipment manufacturer (“prime manufacturers”). In addition, we also service technology-driven markets in the industrial, natural resources and medical and other end-use markets. As a result, we have significant net revenues from certain customers. Accounts receivable were diversified over a number of different commercial, military and space programs and were made by both operating segments. Net revenues from our top ten customers, including the Boeing Company (“Boeing”) and Raytheon Company (“Raytheon”), represented the following percentages of total net sales:

 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Boeing
 
16
%
 
20
%
 
18
%
Raytheon
 
9
%
 
9
%
 
10
%
Top ten customers
 
56
%
 
59
%
 
57
%
Boeing and Raytheon represented the following percentages of total accounts receivable:
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
Boeing
 
13
%
 
12
%
Raytheon
 
12
%
 
10
%
In 2015, 2014 and 2013, net revenues from foreign customers based on the location of the customer, were approximately $60.2 million, $66.7 million and $66.0 million, respectively. No net revenues from a foreign country were greater than approximately 2% of total net revenues in 2015, 2014, and 2013. We have manufacturing facilities in Thailand and Mexico. Our net revenues, profitability and identifiable long-lived assets attributable to foreign revenues activity were not material compared to our net revenues, profitability and identifiable long-lived assets attributable to our domestic operations during 2015, 2014, and 2013. We are not subject to any significant foreign currency risks as all our sales are made in United States dollars.
 
Note 18. Business Segment Information
We supply products and services primarily to the aerospace and defense industries. Our subsidiaries are organized into two strategic businesses, SS and ES, each of which is an operating segment as well as a reportable segment.

80



Financial information by reportable segment was as follows:
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Net Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
SS
 
$
273,319

 
$
319,956

 
$
315,232

ES
 
392,692

 
422,089

 
421,418

Total Net Revenues
 
$
666,011

 
$
742,045

 
$
736,650

Segment Operating (Loss) Income (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
SS (2)(3)
 
$
(53,010
)
 
$
34,949

 
$
19,008

ES (4)
 
(4,472
)
 
34,599

 
37,030

 
 
(57,482
)
 
69,548

 
56,038

Corporate General and Administrative Expenses (1)(5)
 
(17,827
)
 
(17,781
)
 
(16,735
)
Operating (Loss) Income
 
$
(75,309
)
 
$
51,767

 
$
39,303

Depreciation and Amortization Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
SS
 
$
9,417

 
$
10,959

 
$
12,406

ES
 
17,267

 
17,928

 
18,346

Corporate Administration
 
162

 
137

 
174

Total Depreciation and Amortization Expenses
 
$
26,846

 
$
29,024

 
$
30,926

Capital Expenditures
 
 
 
 
 
 
SS
 
$
11,559

 
$
12,742

 
$
8,287

ES
 
4,419

 
5,782

 
5,000

Corporate Administration
 
10

 
30

 
116

Total Capital Expenditures
 
$
15,988

 
$
18,554

 
$
13,403

 
(1)
Includes cost not allocated to either the SS or ES operating segments.
(2)
The results for 2015 includes approximately $57.2 million of goodwill impairment charge.
(3)
The results for 2013 includes approximately $14.1 million in charges related to fourth quarter asset impairment charges of $5.7 million on the Embraer Legacy 450/500 contracts and $1.3 million on the Boeing 777 wing tip contract; forward loss reserves of $3.9 million on the Embraer Legacy 450/500 contracts and $1.3 million on the Boeing 777 wing tip contract; and inventory write-offs of $1.9 million on the Embraer Legacy 450/500 contracts.
(4)
The results for 2015 includes approximately $32.9 million of an intangible asset impairment charge.
(5)
The results for 2015, 2014 and 2013 include approximately zero, $1.2 million and $0.6 million, respectively, of workers’ compensation insurance expenses included in gross profit and not allocated to the operating segments.
Segment assets include assets directly identifiable with each segment. Corporate assets include assets not specifically identified with a business segment, including cash. The following table summarizes our segment assets for 2015 and 2014:
 
 
(In thousands)
December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
Total Assets
 
 
 
 
SS
 
$
179,134

 
$
245,925

ES
 
363,227

 
427,719

Corporate Administration
 
19,059

 
73,955

Total Assets
 
$
561,420

 
$
747,599

Goodwill and Intangibles
 
 
 
 
SS
 
$
4,866

 
$
63,497

ES
 
207,595

 
249,176

Total Goodwill and Intangibles
 
$
212,461

 
$
312,673

Subsequent to our year ended December 31, 2015, we entered into an agreement to sell our operation located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which is part of our ES operating segment, for a preliminary sales price of approximately $38.5 million in cash,

81


subject to finalization of the working capital amount. We divested this facility as part of our overall strategy to streamline operations, which includes consolidating our footprint. We completed the sale on January 22, 2016.
Also subsequent to our year ended December 31, 2015, we entered into an agreement to sell our Miltec operation, which is part of our ES operating segment, for a preliminary sales price of approximately $14.6 million in cash, subject to post-closing adjustments. We divested this facility as part of our overall strategy to streamline operations, which includes consolidating our footprint. We expect to complete the sale by the end of the second fiscal quarter of 2016.

Note 19. Supplemental Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
The quarterly financial results presented in the table below reflects the impact of the restatement adjustments of all the Restated Periods.
 
 
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
Three Months Ended
2015
 
Three Months Ended
2014
 
 
Dec 31
 
Oct 3
 
Jul 4
 
Apr 4
 
Dec 31
 
Sep 27
 
Jun 29
 
Mar 30
Net Revenues
 
$
156,576

 
$
161,670

 
$
174,845

 
$
172,920

 
$
187,612

 
$
188,164

 
$
186,516

 
$
179,753

Gross Profit
 
22,796

 
20,028

 
31,207

 
26,761

 
33,627

 
33,112

 
37,678

 
35,915

(Loss) Income Before Taxes
 
(90,170
)
 
(16,447
)
 
3,061

 
(3,034
)
 
4,034

 
4,687

 
9,816

 
7,703

Income Tax (Benefit) Expense
 
(26,594
)
 
(6,932
)
 
1,279

 
(1,061
)
 
(1,122
)
 
1,754

 
3,197

 
2,544

Net (Loss) Income
 
$
(63,576
)
 
$
(9,515
)
 
$
1,782

 
$
(1,973
)
 
$
5,156

 
$
2,933

 
$
6,619

 
$
5,159

(Loss) Earnings Per Share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic (loss) earnings per share
 
$
(5.74
)
 
$
(0.86
)
 
$
0.16

 
$
(0.18
)
 
$
0.47

 
$
0.27

 
$
0.61

 
$
0.48

Diluted (loss) earnings per share
 
$
(5.74
)
 
$
(0.86
)
 
$
0.16

 
$
(0.18
)
 
$
0.46

 
$
0.26

 
$
0.60

 
$
0.46

In the fourth quarter of 2015, we recorded a goodwill impairment charge in our SS operating segment of approximately $57.2 million. In addition, we recorded an intangible asset impairment charge in our ES operating segment of approximately $32.9 million related to the write off an indefinite-lived trade name intangible asset.
In the third quarter of 2015, we recorded loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $11.9 million which was made up of the call premium to retire the existing $200.0 million senior unsecured notes in July 2015 of approximately $9.8 million and the write off of the unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the existing $200.0 million senior unsecured notes of approximately $2.1 million.
In the second quarter of 2015, we recorded loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $2.8 million which was made up of the write off of the unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the existing senior secured term loan and existing senior secured revolving credit facility when the existing senior secured term loan was paid off in June 2015 and both were replaced with the New Credit Facilities.

82


DUCOMMUN INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015, 2014, AND 2013
(in thousands)
SCHEDULE II
 
 
 
 
 
Additions
 
 
 
 
Description
 
Balance at
Beginning
of Period
 
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses (1)
 
Charged to Other
Accounts
 
Deductions
 
Balance at End
of Period
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for
Doubtful Accounts (1)
 
$
252

 
$
235

 
$

 
$
128

 
$
359

Valuation Allowance on Deferred Tax Assets
 
6,882

 
595

 

 

 
7,477

2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for
Doubtful Accounts
 
$
489

 
$
166

 
$

 
$
403

 
$
252

Valuation Allowance on Deferred Tax Assets
 
4,650

 
2,232

 

 

 
6,882

2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for
Doubtful Accounts
 
$
566

 
$
430

 
$

 
$
507

 
$
489

Valuation Allowance on Deferred Tax Assets
 
3,753

 
999

 

 
102

 
4,650

 
(1)
Includes amount that is part of assets held for sale.

83


EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
No.        Description
2.1
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of April 3, 2011, among Ducommun Incorporated, DLBMS, Inc. and LaBarge, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Form 8-K filed on April 5, 2011.
2.2
Stock Purchase Agreement dated January 22, 2016, by and among Ducommun Incorporated, Ducommun LaBarge Technologies, Inc., as Seller, LaBarge Electronics, Inc., and Intervala, LLC, as Buyer. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Form 8-K dated January 25, 2016.
2.3
Stock Purchase Agreement dated February 24, 2016, by and between Ducommun LaBarge Technologies, Inc., as Seller, and General Atomics, as Buyer. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Form 8-K dated February 24, 2016.
3.1
Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on May 29, 1990. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1990.
3.2
Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on May 27, 1998. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998.
3.3
Bylaws as amended and restated on March 19, 2013. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Form 8-K dated March 22, 2013.
3.4
Amendment No. 2 to Bylaws dated August 1, 2013. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to Form 8-K dated August 5, 2013.
10.1
Credit Agreement, dated as of June 29, 2015, among Ducommun Incorporated, certain of its subsidiaries, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, swingline lender and issuing bank, and other lenders party thereto. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K dated June 29, 2015.
*10.2
2007 Stock Incentive Plan. Incorporated by reference to Appendix B of Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14a, filed on March 29, 2010.
*10.3
2013 Stock Incentive Plan (Amended and Restated March 18, 2015). Incorporated by reference to Appendix B of Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14a, filed on April 22, 2015.
*10.4
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement, for grants to employees under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan, the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.
*10.5
Form of Performance Stock Unit Agreement for 2013. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Form 8-K dated March 29, 2012.
*10.6
Form of Performance Stock Unit Agreement for 2014 and after. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to Form 8-K dated April 28, 2014.
*10.7
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Form 8-K dated May 8, 2007.
*10.8
Form of Directors’ Restricted Stock Unit Agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Form 8-K dated May 10, 2010.
*10.9
Form of Key Executive Severance Agreement entered with five current executive officers of Ducommun. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Form 8-K dated January 3, 2008. All of the Key Executive Severance Agreements are identical except for the name of the executive officer, the address for notice, and the date of the Agreement:
 
Executive Officer
 
Date of Agreement
 
 
Kathryn M. Andrus
 
February 18, 2014
 
 
Douglas L. Groves
 
February 18, 2014
 
 
James S. Heiser
 
December 31, 2007
 
 
Anthony J. Reardon
 
December 31, 2007
 
 
Rosalie F. Rogers
 
November 5, 2009
 


84


Exhibit
No.        Description
*10.10
Form of Indemnity Agreement entered with all directors and officers of Ducommun. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1990. All of the Indemnity Agreements are identical except for the name of the director or officer and the date of the Agreement:
 
Director/Officer
 
Date of Agreement
 
 
Kathryn M. Andrus
 
January 30, 2008
 
 
Richard A. Baldridge
 
March 19, 2013
 
 
Joseph C. Berenato
 
November 4, 1991
 
 
Joel H. Benkie
 
February 12, 2013
 
 
Gregory S. Churchill
 
March 19, 2013
 
 
Robert C. Ducommun
 
December 31, 1985
 
 
Dean M. Flatt
 
November 5, 2009
 
 
Douglas L. Groves
 
February 12, 2013
 
 
Jay L. Haberland
 
February 2, 2009
 
 
James S. Heiser
 
May 6, 1987
 
 
Robert D. Paulson
 
March 25, 2003
 
 
Anthony J. Reardon
 
January 8, 2008
 
 
Rosalie F. Rogers
 
July 24, 2008
 
*10.11
Ducommun Incorporated 2016 Bonus Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to Form 8-K dated March 1, 2016.
*10.12
Directors’ Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plan, as amended and restated February 2, 2010. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.
*10.13
Retirement Letter Agreement dated February 26, 2016 between Ducommun Incorporated and Joel H. Benkie. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Form 8-K dated March 1, 2016.
21
Subsidiaries of the registrant.
23
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
31.1
Certification of Principal Executive Officer.
31.2
Certification of Principal Financial Officer.
32
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.LAB    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE        XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
___________________
* Indicates an executive compensation plan or arrangement.


85


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
DUCOMMUN INCORPORATED
 
 
 
Date: March 14, 2016
By:
 
/s/ Anthony J. Reardon
 
 
 
Anthony J. Reardon
 
 
 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been duly signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on March 14, 2016.
 
Signature
 
 
Title
 
 
 
 
/s/ Anthony J. Reardon
 
 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Anthony J. Reardon
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
/s/ Douglas L. Groves
 
 
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Douglas L. Groves
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
 
/s/ Christopher D. Wampler
 
 
Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
Christopher D. Wampler
 
 
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
 
/s/ Richard A. Baldridge
 
 
Director
Richard A. Baldridge
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Joseph C. Berenato
 
 
Director
Joseph C. Berenato
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Gregory S. Churchill
 
 
Director
Gregory S. Churchill
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Robert C. Ducommun
 
 
Director
Robert C. Ducommun
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Dean M. Flatt
 
 
Director
Dean M. Flatt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Jay L. Haberland
 
 
Director
Jay L. Haberland
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Robert D. Paulson
 
 
Director
Robert D. Paulson
 
 
 


86