Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

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 and defense, industrial, 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. Electronic Systems designs, engineers and manufactures high-reliability electronic and electromechanical products used in worldwide technology-driven markets including aerospace and defense, industrial, medical, and other end-use markets. Electronic Systems’ product offerings primarily range from prototype development to complex assemblies. Structural Systems designs, engineers and manufactures large, complex contoured aerostructure components and assemblies and supplies composite and metal bonded structures and assemblies. Structural Systems’ products are primarily 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.

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

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 the fair value. Level 1, the highest level, refers to the values determined based on quoted prices in active markets. Level 2 refers to fair values estimated using significant observable inputs. Level 3, the lowest level, includes fair values estimated using significant unobservable inputs.. See Note 4 for further information.

Cash Equivalents

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 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 December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, all of our derivative instruments were designated as cash flow hedges.

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 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, with units being relieved and charged to cost of sales on a first-in, first-out basis. 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 net progress payments 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.

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 evaluated for impairment on a annual basis on the first day of the fourth fiscal quarter or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired. Our impairment evaluation of goodwill consists of a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If our qualitative assessment indicates it is more likely than not that the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, no further analysis is required and goodwill is not impaired. Otherwise, we will follow a two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test to determine if goodwill is impaired.

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 goodwill 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.

In 2015, as a result of the annual goodwill impairment test, we recorded $57.2 million of goodwill impairment to the Structural Systems operating segment reducing the goodwill carrying value to zero as of December 31, 2015.

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.

Other Intangible Assets

We amortize purchased other intangible assets with finite lives over the estimated economic lives of the assets, ranging from fourteen 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, and unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, 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.

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 may be required to record additional provisions for estimated losses on contracts.

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes is determined using an estimated annual effective tax rate, which is generally less than the U.S. federal statutory rate, primarily as a result of research and development (“R&D”) tax credits available in the United States and deductions available in the United States for domestic production activities. Our effective tax rate may be subject to fluctuations during the year as new information is obtained, which may affect the assumptions used to estimate the annual effective tax rate, including factors such as valuation allowances against deferred tax assets, the recognition or derecognition of tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions, expected utilization of R&D tax credits and changes in or the interpretation of tax laws in jurisdictions where we conduct business.

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.

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 of 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. 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.

Earnings (Loss) per Share

Earnings (Loss) 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.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Guidance Adopted in 2017

In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-19, “Technical Corrections and Improvements” (“2016-19”), which cover a variety of Topics in the Codification. The amendments in ASU 2016-19 represent changes to make corrections or improvements to the Codification that are not expected to have a significant effect on current accounting practice or create a significant administrative cost to most entities. The new guidance was effective for us beginning January 1, 2017. The adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (“ASU 2016-09”), which is intended to improve the accounting for employee share-based payments. The new guidance was effective for us beginning January 1, 2017. The adoption of this standard did not have a significant dollar impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-05, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Effect of Derivative Contract Novations on Existing Hedge Accounting Relationships” (“ASU 2016-05”), which clarifies that a change in the counter party to a derivative instrument designated as a hedging instrument does not require dedesignation of that hedging relationship, provided that all other hedge accounting criteria are met. The new guidance was effective for us beginning January 1, 2017. The adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on our condensed 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 or net realizable value. Subsequent measurement is unchanged for inventory measured using last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) or the retail inventory value. The new guidance was effective for us beginning January 1, 2017. The adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging” (“ASU 2017-12”), which intends to improve and simplify accounting rules around hedge accounting. ASU 2017-12 refines and expands hedge accounting for both financial (i.e., interest rate) and commodity risks. In addition, it creates more transparency around how economic results are presented, both on the face of the financial statements and in the footnotes. The new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those annual periods, which will be our interim period beginning January 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period after the issuance of ASU 2017-12. We are evaluating the impact of this standard.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting” (“ASU 2017-09”), which provides clarity on determining which changes to the terms and conditions of share-based payment awards require an entity to apply modification accounting under Topic 718. The new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods, which will be our interim period beginning January 1, 2018. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period. The amendments should be applied prospectively to an award modified on or after the adoption date. We are evaluating the impact of this standard.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, “Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Costs” (“ASU 2017-07”), which require an employer to report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented. If a separate line item or items are used to present the other components of net benefit cost, that line item or items must be appropriately described. If a separate line item or items are not used, the line item or items used in the income statement to present the other components of net benefit cost must be disclosed. The amendments also allow only the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable. The new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods, which will be our interim period beginning January 1, 2018. We are evaluating the impact of this standard.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” (“ASU 2017-04”), which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill, the amendments eliminate Step Two from the goodwill impairment test. The annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge should be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. In addition, income tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit should be considered when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable. The amendments also eliminate the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and, if it fails that qualitative test, to perform Step Two of the goodwill impairment test. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. The new guidance is effective for annual or interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. We are evaluating the impact of this standard.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business” (“ASU 2017-01”), which clarify the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of businesses. The new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods, which will be our interim period beginning January 1, 2018. We are evaluating the impact of this standard.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments” (“ASU 2016-15”), which addresses the following eight specific cash flow issues: Debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing; contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies (“COLIs”) (including bank-owned life insurance policies [“BOLIs”]); distributions received from equity method investees; beneficial interests in securitization transactions; and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. The new guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods, which will be our interim period beginning January 1, 2018. We are evaluating the impact of this standard.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASU 2016-02”), which requires lessees to present right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet. Lessees are required to apply a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, which will be our interim period beginning January 1, 2019. We are evaluating the impact of this standard and currently anticipate it will impact our condensed 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 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. Additional guidance was issued subsequently as follows:


•	December 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-20, “Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 2016-20”);


•	May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients” (“ASU 2016-12”);


•	May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-11, “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605) and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Rescission of SEC Guidance Because of Accounting Standards Updates 2014-09 and 2014-06 Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the March 3, 2016 EITF Meeting” (“ASU 2016-11”);


•	April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing” (“ASU 2016-10”); and


•	August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, “Revenue From Contracts With Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2015-14”).

All of this new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, which will be our interim period beginning January 1, 2018.

We are in the process of completing the implementation phase of the project. We have noted that under ASU 2014-09, the percentage of completion, unit of delivery method of recognizing revenue will no longer be an acceptable method for us and production costs will generally not be deferred. Instead, revenue will be recognized as the customer obtains control of the goods and services promised in the contract (i.e., performance obligations). Given the nature of our products and terms and conditions in the majority of our contracts, our customer obtains control as we perform work under the contract. As such, the majority of our revenues will be recognized sooner as a result of changing to an over time method (i.e., cost-to-cost plus margin) from a point-in-time method, which is our current method for recognizing revenue. This will result in eliminating the majority of our work-in-process and finished goods inventory and a significant increase in unbilled accounts receivables (i.e., contract assets). This change will also impact our information technology systems, systems of internal controls over financial reporting, and certain accounting policies, requiring the usage of more judgment in determining our revenue recognition. We have selected a software solution and are in the process of implementing the software solution to comply with this new accounting standard. The new accounting standard will be adopted using the modified retrospective method, whereby the cumulative effect of applying the new guidance is recognized as an adjustment to certain captions on the balance sheet, including the opening balance of retained earnings in the first quarter of 2018. We have periodically briefed our Audit Committee of the Board of Directors on the progress made towards the adoption of this revenue recognition accounting standard. Since we have not completed the implementation of the software solution, we currently are unable to determine the exact impact to our consolidated financial statements. However, we expect the impact to be significant on certain captions on our January 1, 2018 opening balance sheet.