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 strategic businesses; Ducommun LaBarge Technologies (“DLT”) and Ducommun AeroStructures (“DAS”), each of which is a reportable operating segment. DLT designs, engineers and manufactures high-reliability products used in worldwide technology-driven markets including aerospace and defense, natural resources, industrial and medical and other end-use markets. DLT’s product offerings range from prototype development to complex assemblies. DAS designs, engineers and manufactures large, complex contoured aerospace structural components and assemblies and supplies composite and metal bonded structures and assemblies. DAS’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 amounts 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.

Restatement of Previously Issued Consolidated Financial Statements

We have restated 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 errors in prior periods primarily related to (i) a long-term 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. In addition, the restated amounts include previously identified and disclosed immaterial adjustments. See Note 2 for additional information.

Cash Equivalents

Our cash accounts are not reduced for checks written until the checks are presented for payment and paid by our bank. Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid instruments purchased with original maturities of three months or less. These assets are valued at cost, which approximates fair value, which we classify as Level 1. See Fair Value below.

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 net revenues are accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method using the units of delivery as the measure of completion. The percentage-of-completion method requires the use of assumptions and estimates related to the contract value, the total cost at completion, and measurement of progress toward completion. 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 fourth quarter of 2013, we recorded a charge in the DAS segment 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, 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.

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 the DAS segment for the Embraer Legacy 450/500 aircraft contracts. The charge result 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 (in the fourth quarter for us) 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 the DAS segment 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 the Company’s results of operations and a reduction in production cost of contracts on the Company’s balance sheet. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, production costs of contracts were approximately $11.7 million and $11.6 million, respectively.

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.

Fair Value

Assets and liabilities that are measured, recorded or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis are categorized using the fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy has three levels based on the reliability of the inputs used to determine fair value. Level 1, the highest level, refers to the values determined based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. Level 2 refers to fair values estimated using significant observable inputs. Level 3, the lowest level, includes fair values estimated using significant unobservable inputs.

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 its carrying value to determine impairment. An impairment charge will be recognized only when the estimated fair value of a reporting unit, including goodwill, is less than its carrying value.

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 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.

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.

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 valuation model, which requires assumptions and judgments regarding stock price volatility, risk-free interest rates, expected options terms, and options that are expected to be forfeited. 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.

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 recognizes impairment losses, if any, based upon the estimated fair value of the assets.

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 earnings and weighted-average number of common shares outstanding used to compute earnings per share were as follows:



	(In thousands, except per share data) Years Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
			As Restated		As Restated
Net income	$	19,867	$	11,378	$	17,623
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding	10,897		10,695		10,580
Dilutive potential common shares	229		157		48
Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding	11,126		10,852		10,628
Earnings per share
Basic	$	1.82	$	1.06	$	1.67
Diluted	$	1.79	$	1.05	$	1.66

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,
	2014	2013	2012
Stock options and stock units	218	410	983

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.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Guidance Adopted in 2014

In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740)” (“ASU 2013-11”), which required the netting of unrecognized tax benefits against a deferred tax asset for a loss or other carryforward that would apply in settlement of the uncertain tax positions. This guidance was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013, which is our fiscal year 2014, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this standard at the beginning of our fiscal year 2014 reduced deferred tax assets by approximately $0.7 million.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-04, “Liabilities (Topic 405)” (“ASU 2013-04”), which provided guidance for the recognition, measurement and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date, except for obligations addressed within existing guidance in GAAP. The new guidance was effective for us beginning January 1, 2014. Early adoption was permitted. The adoption of this standard at the beginning of our fiscal year 2014 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

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 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. Early adoption is not permitted. The new guidance is effective for us beginning January 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating the method and impact that adopting this new accounting standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.