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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2024

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), and 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 typically end on the Saturday closest to the end of March, June and September for the first three fiscal quarters of each year, and on December 31 for our fourth fiscal quarter. As a result of using fiscal quarters for the first three quarters combined with leap years, our first and fourth fiscal quarters can range between 12 1/2 weeks to 13 1/2 weeks while the second and third fiscal quarters remain at a constant 13 weeks per fiscal quarter.

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 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.

We have money market funds which are included as cash and cash equivalents. We also have forward interest rate swap agreements and the fair value of the forward interest rate swap agreements was determined using pricing models that use observable market inputs as of the balance sheet date, a Level 2 measurement.

Cash and 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, or a derivative instrument that will not be accounted for using hedge accounting methods. In November 2021, we entered into forward interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $150.0 million, all with an effective date of January 1, 2024 (“Forward Interest Rate Swaps”) to manage our exposure to interest rate movements on a portion of our debt. As such, at the time we entered into the Forward Interest Rate Swaps, there was a high probability of forecasted interest payments on our debts occurring and the swaps are highly effective in offsetting those interest payments and therefore, we elected to apply cash flow hedge accounting. In July 2022, as a result of refinancing all our existing debt, which allows borrowing based on a Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), we were required to complete an amendment of the Forward Interest Rate Swaps from One Month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) to One Month Term SOFR (“Amended Forward Interest Rate Swaps”), which occurred on the same day. After the transition of the Forward Interest Rate Swaps and debt to SOFR was completed, we determined the hedging relationship was still highly effective as of the amendment date. See Note 4 and Note 10. As of December 31, 2024, 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 hedged item. 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 in 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. Prior to the Amended Forward Interest Rate Swaps being effective on January 1, 2024, we only recorded the changes in fair value of the derivative instruments that were highly effective and that were designated and qualified as cash flow hedges prior to the effective date. See Note 4.

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 Credit Losses

We maintain an allowance for credit losses for expected losses from the inability of customers to make required payments. The allowance for credit losses is evaluated periodically for expected credit losses based on the financial condition of customers and their payment history, the aging of accounts receivable, 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. 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 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.

Property and Equipment and Depreciation

Property and equipment, including assets recorded under operating and finance 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.

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 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.

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.

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. If the qualitative assessment indicates that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we perform a quantitative assessment.

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.

Other Intangible Assets

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

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Accumulated other comprehensive income, as reflected on the consolidated balance sheets under the equity section, was comprised of cumulative pension and retirement liability adjustments, net of tax, and change in net unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax.

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 ASC 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. In addition, 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 met 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.

We manufacture most products to customer specifications, and the product cannot be easily modified for another customer. 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 measure 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, known as “estimates at completion,” are based on various assumptions to project the outcome of future events that can span multiple months or years. These assumptions include among others, actual gross profits on the same or similar products manufactured previously; labor productivity and availability; the complexity of the work to be performed; the cost and availability of materials; overhead cost rates; 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. In any given reporting period, we have a large number of active contracts, which we have defined as a customer purchase order, and changes in estimates may occur on a significant number of these contracts. Given the significant number of contracts that we may have at any given point in time, the varied nature of products produced under such contracts, and the different assumptions, facts and circumstances associated with each individual contract, and the fact that such changes at the contract level are typically not material, we disclose cumulative catch-up adjustments on a net basis.

Net cumulative favorable and unfavorable catch-up adjustments to contracts had the following impact on our operating results:


	(Dollars in thousands)
	Years Ended December 31,
	2024		2023		2022
Total net revenues	$	(2,402)	$	(7,161)	$	(4,842)
Operating income	$	(2,402)	$	(7,161)	$	(4,842)

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. As of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, provision for estimated losses on contracts were $4.7 million and $5.4 million, respectively. It is reasonably possible we may incur additional losses in the future.

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. As of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, production cost of contracts were $6.8 million and $7.8 million, respectively.

Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities

Contract assets consist of our right to payment for work performed but not yet billed. Contract assets are transferred to accounts receivable when we bill our customers. We bill our customers when we ship the products and meet the shipping terms within the revenue contract. Contract liabilities consist of advance or progress payments received from our customers prior to the time transfer of control occurs plus the estimated losses on contracts. When a contract liability and a contract asset exist on the same

contract, we report it on a net basis.

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.

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 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.

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 is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, plus potentially dilutive shares that could be issued if exercised or converted into common stock in each period.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Guidance Adopted in 2024

In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280), Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures” (“ASU 2023-07”), which expands reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, which is our annual period beginning January 1, 2024, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, which will be our interim period beginning January 1, 2025. The adoption of ASU 2023-07 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. See Note 18 for the enhanced disclosures.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In January 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-01, “Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Clarifying the Effective Date” (“ASU 2025-01”), which clarifies that all public business entities should initially adopt the disclosure requirements in the final annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, which is our annual period beginning January 1, 2027, and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027, which will be our interim period beginning January 1, 2028. Early adoption of ASU 2024-03 (described below) is permitted. We are evaluating the impact of this standard in conjunction with ASU 2024-03.

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, “Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses” (“ASU 2024-03”), which requires additional information about specific expense categories in the notes to the financial statements at interim and annual reporting periods. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, which is our annual period beginning January 1, 2027, and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027, which will be our interim period beginning January 1, 2028. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments in ASU 2024-03 should be applied either 1) prospectively to financial statements issued for reporting periods after the effective date, or 2) retrospectively to any or all prior periods presented in the financial statements. We are evaluating the impact of this standard.

In March 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-02, “Codification Improvements - Amendments to Remove References to the Concepts Statements” (“ASU 2024-02”), which removed references to various FASB Concepts Statements and updates technical corrections such as conforming amendments, clarification to guidance, simplifications to wording or the structure of guidance, and other minor improvements. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, which is our annual period beginning January 1, 2025. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the impact of this standard.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures” (“ASU 2023-09”), which provides more transparency about tax information primarily related to the rate reconciliation and the income taxes paid. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, which will be our annual period beginning January 1, 2025. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the impact of this standard.

In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-06, “Disclosure Improvements: Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative” (“ASU 2023-06”), which incorporates updates to the Accounting Standards Codification to align certain SEC disclosure requirements. The amendments impact a variety of topics but are relatively narrow in nature. For entities required to comply with the SEC’s existing disclosure requirements, the effective date for each amendment will be the effective date of the removal of the disclosure requirement from SEC Regulation S-X or SEC Regulation S-K, with early adoption prohibited. The amendments should be applied prospectively. We are evaluating the impact of this standard.