DUCOMMUN INC /DE/ (DCO) FY 2023 MD&A

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 and defense (“A&D”), industrial, medical, and other industries (“Industrial”). 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.

COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Our Business

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on our overall business during the prior year ended December 31, 2022. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, precautionary measures were instituted by governments and businesses to mitigate its spread, including the imposition of travel restrictions, quarantines, shelter in place directives, and shutting down of non-essential businesses.

The residual effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting inflation, rising or high interest rates, supply chain issues, geopolitical developments, and other events have contributed and/or continue to contribute to a general slowdown in the global economy and most significantly, the commercial aerospace end-use market. Further, one of our largest customers, The Boeing Company (“Boeing”), was notified by the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) in early January 2024 it has initiated an investigation into Boeing’s quality control system. This was followed by the FAA announcing actions to increase its oversight of Boeing as well as not approving production rate increases or additional production lines for the 737 MAX until it is satisfied that Boeing is in full compliance with required quality control procedures. For 2024, while both major large aircraft manufacturers, Boeing and Airbus SE, have announced either similar or increases in build rates compared to 2023, the ramp up is slower than expected and below pre-pandemic levels. In its 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Boeing indicated that in 2023, global air traffic largely recovered to 2019 levels with domestic travel continuing to be the most robust and international travel has mostly recovered. While the full extent and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be reasonably estimated with certainty, in the prior year, the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on our business, the businesses of our customers and suppliers, as well as our results of operations and financial condition, and such lingering effects along with compliance with regulatory compliance, could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition for 2024 and beyond. See Risk Factors included in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Form 10-K”).

Recap for the year ended December 31, 2023:

•Net revenues of $757.0 million

•Net income of $15.9 million, or $1.14 per diluted share

•Adjusted EBITDA of $101.5 million

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation expense, restructuring charges, Guaymas fire related expenses, other fire related expenses, insurance recoveries related to loss on operating assets, insurance recoveries related to business interruption, inventory purchase accounting adjustments, loss on extinguishment of debt, other debt refinancing costs, gain on sale-leaseback, and success bonus related to the completion of sale-leaseback transaction (“Adjusted EBITDA”) was $101.5 million and $94.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

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 that clarifies and enhances the understanding of the factors and trends affecting our past performance and future prospects. We define this measure, explain how it is calculated and provide a reconciliation of this measure to the most comparable GAAP measure in the table below. Adjusted EBITDA and the related financial ratios, as presented in this 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 a measurement 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.

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We use Adjusted EBITDA as a non-GAAP operating performance measure internally as a complementary financial measure 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 operating commitments.

Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations include:

•It does not reflect our cash expenditures, future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments;

•It does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;

•It does 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;

•It is not adjusted for all non-cash income or expense items that are reflected in our statements of cash flows;

•It does not reflect the impact on earnings or charges resulting from matters unrelated to our ongoing operations; and

•Other companies in our industry may calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently from us, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.

As a result 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.

Even with the limitations above, we believe that Adjusted EBITDA is useful to an investor in evaluating our results of operations as this measure:

•Is 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;

•Helps 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

•Is 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 or subtracted from our net income when calculating Adjusted EBITDA:

•Interest expense 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 expense may be useful to our investors for determining current cash flow;

•Restructuring charges may be useful to our investors in evaluating our core operating performance;

•Guaymas fire related expenses may be useful to our investors in evaluating our core operating performance;

•Other fire related expenses may be useful to our investors in evaluating our core operating performance;

•Insurance recoveries related to loss on operating assets (property and equipment, inventories, and other assets) may be useful to our investors in evaluating our core operating performance;

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•Insurance recoveries related to business interruption may be useful to our investors in evaluating our core operating performance;

•Purchase accounting inventory step-ups may be useful to our investors as they do not necessarily reflect the current or on-going cash charges related to our core operating performance;

•Loss on extinguishment of debt may be useful to our investors for determining current cash flow;

•Other debt refinancing costs may be useful to our investors in evaluating our core operating performance;

•Gain on sale-leaseback may be useful to our investors in evaluating our core operating performance; and

•Success bonus related to completion of sale-leaseback transaction may be useful to our investors in evaluating our core operating performance.

Reconciliations of net income to Adjusted EBITDA and the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net revenues were as follows:

(1)2023 and 2022 included $2.7 million and $1.2 million, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense for awards with both performance and market conditions that will be settled in cash.

(2)2023 and 2022 included $0.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively, of restructuring charges that were recorded as cost of sales.

(3)2023 included inventory purchase accounting adjustments of inventory that was stepped up as part of our purchase price allocation from our acquisition of BLR Aerospace, LLC (“BLR”) on April 25, 2023 and is a part of our Structural Systems operating segment.

(4)2022 and 2021 included inventory purchase accounting adjustments of inventory that was stepped up as part of our purchase price allocation from our acquisition of Magnetic Seal LLC (f/k/a Magnetic Seal Corporation, “MagSeal”) in December 2021 and is a part of our Structural Systems operating segment.

(5)2021 included $1.3 million of success bonus related to the completion of the sale-leaseback transaction that was recorded as part of cost of sales.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

2023 Compared to 2022

The following table sets forth net revenues, selected financial data, the effective tax rate and diluted earnings per share:

nm = not meaningful

Net Revenues by End-Use Market and Operating Segment

Net revenues by end-use market and operating segment during 2023 and 2022, respectively, were as follows:

Net revenues for 2023 were $757.0 million compared to $712.5 million for 2022. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to the following:

•$61.8 million higher revenues in our commercial aerospace end-use markets due to higher build rates on large aircraft platforms and other commercial aerospace platforms; partially offset by

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•$16.9 million lower revenues in our military and space end-use markets due to lower build rates on various missile platforms and military fixed-wing aircraft platforms, partially offset by higher build rates on military rotary-wing aircraft platforms, a portion of which was related to BLR, and other military and space platforms.

Net Revenues by Major Customers

A significant portion of our net revenues are from our top ten customers as follows:

(1) Includes The Boeing Company (“Boeing”), General Dynamics Corporation (“GD”), Northrop Grumman Corporation (“Northrop”), RTX Corporation (f/k/a Raytheon Technologies Corporation) (“RTX”), Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. (“Spirit”), and Viasat, Inc. (“Viasat”).

The revenues from Boeing, GD, Northrop, RTX, Spirit, and Viasat are diversified over a number of commercial, military and space programs and some of which were generated by both operating segments.

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 increased to 21.6% in 2023 compared to 20.3% in 2022 primarily due to favorable manufacturing volume, partially offset by unfavorable product mix and higher other manufacturing costs.

Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses

SG&A expenses increased $21.4 million in 2023 compared to 2022 primarily due to BLR SG&A expenses of $10.7 million which did not exist in the prior year period, higher compensation and benefits costs of $4.2 million, higher stock-based compensation expense of $3.9 million, and higher professional services fees of $1.6 million, a portion of which was related to the BLR acquisition.

Restructuring Charges

Restructuring charges increased $8.2 million (the portion recorded in cost of sales decreased $0.2 million) in 2023 compared to 2022 primarily due to the restructuring plan that was approved and commenced in April 2022 that is expected to better position us for stronger performance. See Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15(a) of this Form 10-K for further information.

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased in 2023 compared to 2022 primarily due to higher interest rates and a higher outstanding debt balance, mainly due to the acquisition of BLR on April 25, 2023. See Note 2 and Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15(a) of this Form 10-K for further information.

Income Tax Expense

We recorded an income tax expense of $0.5 million (an effective tax rate of 2.8%) in 2023, compared to $4.5 million (an effective tax rate of 13.6%) in 2022. The decrease in the effective tax rate for 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily due to lower pre-tax income for 2023 compared to 2022, which caused the research and development tax credits to have a higher income tax benefit impact on the effective tax rate. The higher income tax benefit on the effective tax rate was partially offset by higher income tax expense related to non-deductible book compensation expenses.

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Our unrecognized tax benefits were $4.5 million and $4.9 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. We record interest and penalty charges, if any, related to uncertain tax positions as a component of tax expense and unrecognized tax benefits. The amounts accrued for interest and penalty charges as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 were not significant. If recognized, $2.6 million would affect the effective income tax rate. As a result of statute of limitations set to expire in 2024, we expect decreases to our unrecognized tax benefits of $0.8 million in the next twelve months.

We file U.S. Federal and state income tax returns. We are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for tax years after 2019 and by state taxing authorities for tax years after 2018. While we are no longer subject to examination prior to those periods, carryforwards generated prior to those periods may still be adjusted upon examination by the IRS or state taxing authority if they either have been or will be used in a subsequent period. We believe we have adequately accrued for tax deficiencies or reductions in tax benefits, if any, that could result from the examination and all open audit years.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“TCJA”), which was signed into U.S. law in December 2017, eliminated the option to immediately deduct research and development expenditures in the year incurred under Section 174 effective January 1, 2022. The amended provision under Section 174 requires us to capitalize and amortize these expenditures over five years (for U.S.-based research). For the year ended December 31, 2023, we recorded an increase to income taxes payable of $9.7 million and a decrease to net deferred tax liabilities of a similar amount. We are monitoring legislation for any further changes to Section 174 and the potential impact to our financial statements in 2024.

In August 2022, the U.S. enacted the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IRA”) which aims to curb inflation by reducing the deficit, lowering prescription drug prices, and investing in domestic energy production while promoting clean energy. We considered the provisions in the IRA and determined they have no or minimal impact to our overall income taxes.

In August 2022, the U.S. enacted the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors Act of 2022 (“CHIPS Act”) which provides new funding to boost domestic research and manufacturing of semiconductors in the United States. We considered the provisions in the CHIPS Act and determined they have no or minimal impact to our overall income taxes.

Net Income and Earnings per Diluted Share

Net income and earnings per diluted share for 2023 were $15.9 million, or $1.14 per diluted share, compared to net income and earnings per diluted share for 2022 of $28.8 million, or $2.33 per diluted share. The decrease in net income in 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily due to higher SG&A expenses of $21.4 million, higher interest expense of $9.2 million, higher restructuring charges of $8.2 million (the portion recorded in cost of sales decreased $0.2 million), partially offset by higher gross profit of $18.9 million, lower income tax expense of $4.1 million, and higher other income, net of $2.8 million.

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Business Segment Performance

We report our financial performance based upon the two reportable operating segments: Electronic Systems and Structural Systems. 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 2023 and 2022:

(1)Includes costs not allocated to either the Electronic Systems or Structural Systems operating segments.

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Electronic Systems

Electronic Systems’ net revenues in 2023 compared to 2022 decreased $10.5 million primarily due to the following:

•$20.7 million lower revenues in our military and space end-use markets due to lower build rates on military fixed-wing aircraft platforms and various missile platforms, partially offset by higher build rates on other military and space platforms; partially offset by

•$10.6 million higher revenues in our commercial aerospace end-use markets due to higher build rates on other commercial aerospace platforms, partially offset by lower build rates on regional and business aircraft platforms.

Electronic Systems segment operating income in 2023 compared to 2022 decreased $7.8 million primarily due to unfavorable product mix and higher restructuring charges, partially offset by favorable manufacturing volume.

Structural Systems

Structural Systems’ net revenues in 2023 compared to 2022 increased $55.0 million primarily due to the following:

•$51.1 million higher revenues in commercial aerospace end-use markets due to higher build rates on large aircraft platforms, other commercial aerospace platforms, regional and business aircraft platforms, and commercial rotary-wing aircraft platforms; and

•$3.8 million higher revenues in military and space end-use markets due to higher build rates on military rotary-wing platforms, a portion of which was related to BLR, and other military and space platforms, partially offset by lower build rates on various missile platforms and military fixed-wing aircraft platforms.

The Structural Systems operating income in 2023 compared to 2022 increased $6.2 million primarily due to favorable manufacturing volume and favorable product mix, partially offset by higher restructuring charges, higher inventory purchase accounting adjustments, and unfavorable other manufacturing costs.

In June 2020, a fire severely damaged our performance center in Guaymas, Mexico, which is part of our Structural Systems segment. We have insurance coverage and up to a capped amount, expect the damaged items will be covered, less our deductible. The full financial impact cannot be estimated at this time as we are currently working with our insurance carriers to determine the cause of the fire. The loss of production from the Guaymas performance center was being absorbed by our other existing performance centers, however, we have reestablished and are in the process of ramping up our manufacturing capabilities in a different leased facility in Guaymas. A neighboring, non-related manufacturing facility, also suffered fire damage during the same time as the fire that severely damaged our Guaymas performance center. The cause of the fire is still undetermined and as such, there is no amount of loss that is probable and reasonably estimable at this time. If we are ultimately deemed to be responsible or partly responsible, it is possible we could incur a loss in excess of our insurance coverage limits, which could be material to our cash flow, liquidity, or financial results. See Note 13 and Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15(a) of this Form 10-K for additional information.

On April 29, 2023, a fire damaged a relatively small portion of one of our performance centers in our Structural Systems reporting segment. Our insurance covers damage, up to a capped amount, to the property and equipment at replacement cost, as well as business interruption and recovery related expenses caused by the fire, less our per claim deductible. There was a loss of production in this damaged portion of the performance center for a short period of time but did not result in significant disruption to customer delivery schedules. Production in this damaged portion has since resumed. The insurance claim for damages to our operating assets and business interruption was deemed final and closed by our insurance company during the fourth quarter of 2023 and since the remaining gain contingencies were deemed resolved, the remaining $0.3 million was recognized in the fourth quarter of 2023, for an aggregate total of $0.4 million recorded as other income during 2023. See Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15(a) of this Form 10-K for additional information.

Corporate General and Administrative (“CG&A”) Expenses

CG&A expenses in 2023 compared to 2022 increased $9.3 million primarily due to higher stock-based compensation expense of $3.9 million, higher compensation and benefits costs of $3.4 million, and higher professional services fees of $1.5 million, mainly due to the BLR acquisition.

Backlog

We define backlog as customer placed purchase orders (“POs”) and long-term agreements (“LTAs”) with firm fixed price and expected delivery dates of 24 months or less. The majority of the LTAs do not meet the definition of a contract under ASC 606 and thus, the backlog amount disclosed below is greater than the remaining performance obligations amount disclosed in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15(a) of this Form 10-K. 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

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orders and tends to be concentrated in several programs to a greater extent than our net revenues. As a result of these factors, trends in our overall level of backlog may not be indicative of trends in our future net revenues.

The increase in backlog was primarily in the military and space end-use markets; partially offset by a decrease in the commercial aerospace end-use markets and industrial end-use markets. $656.0 million of total backlog is expected to be delivered over the next 12 months. The following table summarizes our backlog for 2023 and 2022:

2022 Compared to 2021

See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our 2022 Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 16, 2023.

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 July 2022, we completed a refinancing of all our existing debt by entering into a new term loan (“2022 Term Loan”) and a new revolving credit facility (“2022 Revolving Credit Facility”). The 2022 Term Loan is a $250.0 million senior secured loan that matures on July 14, 2027. The 2022 Revolving Credit Facility is a $200.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility that matures on July 14, 2027. The 2022 Term Loan and 2022 Revolving Credit Facility, collectively are the new credit facilities (“2022 Credit Facilities”). In conjunction with the closing of the 2022 Credit Facilities, we utilized the entire $250.0 million of proceeds from the 2022 Term Loan plus our existing cash on hand to pay off our entire debt balance outstanding of $254.2 million under our prior credit facilities. At the same leverage ratio, the interest rate spread in the 2022 Credit Facilities is lower than the interest rate spread under our prior credit facilities. Interest payments are typically paid on a monthly or quarterly basis, depending on the interest rate selected, on the last business day each month or quarter. In addition, the 2022 Term Loan requires quarterly amortization payments of 0.625% during year one and year two, 1.250% during year three and year four, and 1.875% during year five of the original outstanding principal balance of the 2022 Term Loan amount, on the last business day each quarter. Further, the undrawn portion of the commitment of the 2022 Revolving Credit Facility is subject to a commitment

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fee ranging from 0.175% to 0.275%, based upon the consolidated total net adjusted leverage ratio, typically paid on a quarterly basis, on the last business day each quarter. However, the 2022 Revolving Credit Facility does not require any principal installment payments. As of December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with all covenants required under the 2022 Credit Facilities. See Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15(a) of this Form 10-K for further information.

We made the mandatory quarterly amortization payments under our term loans of $6.3 million and $5.1 million during 2023 and 2022, respectively. In addition, we paid down an aggregate total of $30.0 million on the term loans during the first quarter of 2022.

As of December 31, 2023, we had $176.0 million of unused borrowing capacity under the 2022 Revolving Credit Facility, after deducting $0.2 million for standby letters of credit.

In April 2022, management approved and commenced a restructuring plan that will position us for stronger performance. The restructuring plan mainly reduces headcount and consolidate facilities. As a result of this restructuring plan, we analyzed the need to write-down inventory and impair long-lived assets, including operating lease right-of-use assets. As of December 31, 2023, we estimate the remaining amount of charges related to this initiative to be $5.0 million to $7.0 million in total pre-tax restructuring charges through 2023. Of these charges, we estimate $4.5 million to $6.0 million to be cash payments for employee separation and other facility consolidation related expenses, and $0.5 million to $1.0 million to be non-cash charges for impairment of long-lived assets. On an annualized basis, we anticipate these restructuring actions will result in total cost savings of $11.0 million to $13.0 million. See Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15(a) of this Form 10-K for further information.

In November 2021, we entered into derivative contracts, U.S. dollar-one month LIBOR forward interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges, all with an effective date of January 1, 2024, for an aggregate total notional amount of $150.0 million, weighted average fixed rate of 1.8%, and all terminating on January 1, 2031 (“Forward Interest Rate Swaps”). The Forward Interest Rate Swaps mature on a monthly basis, with fixed amount payer payment dates on the first day of each calendar month, commencing on February 1, 2024 through January 1, 2031. See Note 1 and Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15(a) of this Form 10-K for further information.

In July 2022, as a result of completing a refinancing of our existing debt, we were required to complete an amendment of the Forward Interest Rate Swaps (“Amended Forward Interest Rate Swaps”). The Forward Interest Rate Swaps were based on U.S. dollar-one month LIBOR and were amended to be based on one month Term SOFR as borrowings using LIBOR are no longer available under the 2022 Credit Facilities. The Amended Forward Interest Rate Swaps weighted average fixed rate was 1.7% as a result of the difference between U.S. dollar-one month LIBOR and one month Term SOFR. See Note 1 and Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15(a) of this Form 10-K for further information.

On April 25, 2023, we completed the acquisition of BLR. The initial purchase price for BLR was $115.0 million, net of cash acquired, all payable in cash. We paid a gross aggregate of $117.0 million in cash upon the closing of the transaction. We utilized the 2022 Revolving Credit Facility to complete the acquisition. See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15(a) of this Form 10-K for further information.

On May 18, 2023, we completed a public offering of our common stock resulting in net proceeds of $85.1 million. The public stock offering net proceeds along with cash on hand were used to pay down $85.2 million on the 2022 Revolving Credit Facility that was drawn on and utilized to complete the acquisition of BLR. See Note 2, Note 9, and Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15(a) of this Form 10-K for further information.

We expect to spend a total of $23.0 million to $25.0 million for capital expenditures in 2024, financed by cash generated from operations, principally to support both growth in existing programs as well as new contract awards in Electronic Systems and Structural Systems. As part of our strategic plan to become a supplier of higher-level assemblies and win new contract awards, 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 2022 Credit Facilities 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 from the date of issuance of these financial statements.

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Cash Flow Summary

2023 Compared to 2022

Net cash provided by operating activities during 2023 was $31.1 million, compared to $32.7 million during 2022. The lower net cash provided by operating activities during 2023 was primarily due to lower accounts payable mainly due to timing of payments, higher inventories mainly due to longer lead times and to support revenue growth, and lower net income, partially offset by lower contract assets and higher contract liabilities.

Net cash used in investing activities during 2023 was $133.5 million compared to $19.2 million during 2022. The higher net cash used in investing activities during 2023 was primarily due to payments for the acquisition of BLR.

Net cash provided by financing activities during 2023 was $99.0 million compared to net cash used of $43.5 million during 2022. The higher net cash provided by financing activities during 2023 was primarily due to $85.1 million net proceeds from the issuance of common stock in a public offering and $23.8 million net borrowings under the revolving credit facility for the acquisition of BLR, partially offset by the voluntary $30.0 million pay down on term loans in the prior year 2022.

2022 Compared to 2021

See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our 2022 Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 16, 2023.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Our off-balance sheet arrangements consist of operating and finance leases not recorded as a result of the practical expedients utilized, right of offset of industrial revenue bonds and associated failed sales-leasebacks on property and equipment, and indemnities, none of which we believe may have a material current or future effect on our financial condition, liquidity, capital resources, or results of operations.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Critical accounting policies and estimates are those accounting policies and estimates 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 Form 10-K for additional accounting policies.

Revenue Recognition

Our customers typically engage us to manufacture products based on designs and specifications provided by the end-use customer. This requires the building of tooling and manufacturing first article inspection products (prototypes) before volume manufacturing. Contracts with our customers generally include a termination for convenience clause.

We have a significant number of contracts that are started and completed within the same year, as well as contracts derived from long-term agreements and programs that can span several years. We recognize revenue under Accounting Standards Codification 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASC 606”), which utilizes a five-step model.

The definition of a contract for us is typically defined as a customer purchase order as this is when we achieve an enforceable right to payment. The majority of our contracts are firm fixed-price contracts. The deliverables within a customer purchase order are analyzed to determine the number of performance obligations. At times, in order to achieve economies of scale and based on our customer’s forecasted demand, we may build in advance of receiving a purchase order from our customer. When that occurs, we would not recognize revenue until we have received the customer purchase order.

A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer, and is the unit of account under ASC 606. A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, control is transferred and the performance obligation is satisfied. The majority of our contracts have a single performance obligation as the promise to transfer the individual goods or services are highly interrelated or meet the series guidance. For contracts with multiple performance obligations, we allocate the contract transaction price to each performance obligation using our best estimate of the standalone selling price of each distinct good or service in the contract. The primary method used to estimate the standalone selling price is the expected cost plus a margin approach, under which we forecast our expected costs of satisfying a performance obligation and then add an appropriate margin for that distinct good or service.

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We manufacture most products to customer specifications and the product cannot be easily modified to satisfy another customer’s order. As such, these products are deemed to have no alternative use once the manufacturing process begins. In the event the customer invokes a termination for convenience clause, we would be entitled to costs incurred to date plus a reasonable profit. Contract costs typically include labor, materials, overhead, and when applicable, subcontractor costs. For most of our products, we are building assets with no alternative use and have enforceable right to payment, and thus, we recognize revenue using the over time method.

The majority of our performance obligations are satisfied over time as work progresses. Typically, revenue is recognized over time using an input measure (i.e., costs incurred to date relative to total estimated costs at completion, also known as cost-to-cost plus reasonable profit) to determine progress. Our typical revenue contract is a firm fixed price contract, and the cost of raw materials could make up a significant amount of the total costs incurred. As such, we believe using the total costs incurred input method would be the most appropriate method. While the cost of raw materials could make up a significant amount of the total costs incurred, there is a direct relationship between our inputs and the transfer of control of goods or services to the customer.

Contract estimates are based on various assumptions to project the outcome of future events that can span multiple months or years. These assumptions include labor productivity and availability; the complexity of the work to be performed; the cost and availability of materials; and the performance of subcontractors.

As a significant change in one or more of these estimates could affect the progress completed (and related profitability) on our contracts, we review and update our contract-related estimates on a regular basis. We recognize such adjustments under the cumulative catch-up method. Under this method, the impact of the adjustment is recognized in the period the adjustment is identified. Revenue and profit in future periods of contract performance is recognized using the adjusted estimate.

The impact of adjustments in contract estimates on our operating earnings can be reflected in either operating costs and expenses or revenue. See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15(a) of this Form 10-K for the net impact of these adjustments to our consolidated financial statements for 2023 and 2022.

Payments under long-term contracts may be received before or after revenue is recognized. When revenue is recognized before we bill our customer, a contract asset is created for the work performed but not yet billed. Similarly, when we receive payment before we ship our products to our customer and have met the shipping terms, a contract liability is created for the advance or progress payment. When a contract liability and a contract asset exist on the same contract, we report it on a net basis.

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 us 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. Our estimate of the future cost to complete a contract may include assumptions as to changes in manufacturing efficiency, 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 may be required to adjust the provisions for estimated losses on contracts. The provision for estimated losses on contracts is included as part of contract liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

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 sales using the over time revenue recognition model. We review the value of the production cost of contracts on a quarterly basis to ensure when added to the estimated cost to complete, the value is not greater than the estimated realizable value of the related contracts.

Business Combinations

When a business is acquired, we allocate the purchase price by recording the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date, with the excess cost recorded as goodwill. A preliminary fair value is determined once a business is acquired, with the final determination of fair value to be completed no later than one year from the date of acquisition.

To determine the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires significant judgment and estimates, including the selection of valuation methodologies, estimates of future revenues, costs and cash flows, discount rates, and selection of comparable companies. We engage the assistance of valuation specialists in concluding on fair value measurements in determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations.

The fair value of the intangible assets is estimated using several valuation methodologies, including the income based or market based approaches, which represent Level 3 fair value measurements. Inputs to fair value analyses and other aspects of the allocation of the purchase price require judgment. The values for technology and trade name are typically estimated using the relief from royalty methodology, while the value for customer relationships is typically estimated based on a multi-period excess earnings approach. The more significant inputs used in the technology intangible asset valuation included (i) future

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revenues, (ii) the technology decay rate, (iii) the royalty rate, and (iv) the discount rate. The more significant inputs used in the customer relationships intangible asset valuation include (i) future revenues, (ii) the projected earnings before interest, taxes, and amortization (“EBITA”) margins, (iii) the customer attrition rates, and (iv) the discount rate. The useful lives are estimated based on the underlying agreements or the future economic benefit expected to be received from the assets.

Acquisition related costs are not included as components of consideration transferred but instead, expensed as incurred and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of income. See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15(a) of this Form 10-K.

Goodwill

Goodwill is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis on the first day of the fourth fiscal quarter. If certain factors occur, including significant under performance of our business relative to expected operating results, significant adverse economic and industry trends, significant decline in our market capitalization for an extended period of time relative to net book value, a decision to divest individual businesses within a reporting unit, or a decision to group individual businesses differently, we may be required to perform an interim impairment test prior to the fourth quarter.

For goodwill impairment testing purposes, we have defined our reporting units as Electronic Systems and Structural Systems. We may use either a qualitative or quantitative approach when testing a reporting unit’s goodwill for impairment. The qualitative approach for potential impairment analysis is performed to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit was less than its carrying amount.

The quantitative approach for potential impairment analysis is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. Fair value is estimated by management using a combination of the income approach (which is based on a discounted cash flow model) and the market approach. Management’s cash flow projections include significant judgments and assumptions, including the amount and timing of expected cash flows, long-term growth rates, and discount rates. The cash flows used in the discounted cash flow model are based on our best estimate of future revenues, gross margins, and adjusted after-tax earnings. If any of these assumptions are incorrect, it will impact the estimated fair value of a reporting unit. The market approach also requires management judgment in selecting comparable companies, business acquisitions and the transaction values observed and its related control premiums.

In the fourth quarter of 2023, the carrying amount of goodwill at the date of the most recent annual impairment evaluation for Electronic Systems and Structural Systems was $117.4 million and $127.2 million, respectively. For both reporting units, we performed a quantitative (step one) goodwill impairment analysis. The fair value of our Electronic Systems and Structural Systems segments exceeded their respective carrying values and thus, were not deemed impaired.

Other Intangible Assets

We amortize acquired other intangible assets with finite lives over the estimated economic lives of the assets, ranging from 2 years to 23 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.

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 of stock options is 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. Management’s estimates could differ from actual results. The fair value of unvested stock awards is determined based on the closing price of the underlying common stock on the date of grant except for market condition awards for which the fair value was based on a Monte Carlo simulation model.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value with cost being determined using a moving average cost basis for raw materials and actual cost for work-in-process and finished goods. The majority of our inventory is charged to cost of sales as raw materials are placed into production. Inventoried costs include raw materials, outside processing, direct labor and allocated overhead, adjusted for any abnormal amounts of idle performance center expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted materials (spoilage) incurred. 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. The majority of our revenues are recognized over time, however, for revenue contracts where revenue is recognized

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using the point in time method, inventory is not reduced until it is shipped or transfer of control to the customer has occurred. Our ending inventory consists of raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for using an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities. 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, based on technical merits, 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, including resolution of related appeals and/or litigation process, if any.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part IV, Item 15(a) of this Form 10-K for a description of recent accounting pronouncements.