20-F 1 zk1516435.htm 20-F zk1516435.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington D.C. 20549
 
FORM 20-F
 
o
REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
OR
 
x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014
 
OR
 
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from ______________ to _____________
 
o
SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
Date of event requiring this shell company report
 
Commission file number: 0-16050
 
TAT TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter
and translation of Registrant’s name into English)
 
Israel
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
P.O. Box 80, Gedera 70750, Israel
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of each class
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
 
Ordinary Shares, NIS 0.90 Par Value
NASDAQ Global Market
 
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
 
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: None
 
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or Common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report:
 
Ordinary Shares, par value NIS 0.90 per share…………… 8,808,344
(as of December 31, 2014)
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
 
Yes o No x
 
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
Yes o No x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
 
Yes x No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer x
 
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
 
U.S. GAAP x
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board o
Other o
 
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow:
 
Item 17 o Item 18 o
 
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
 
Yes o No x

 
 

 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
        Page
     
  1
 
  3
3
3
3
 
A.
Selected Financial Data
 
3
 
B.
Capitalization and Indebtedness
 
5
 
C.
Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
 
5
 
D.
Risk Factors
 
6
23
 
A.
Business Overview of Gedera, Limco and Piedmont
 
25
 
B.
Government Regulations
 
52
 
C.
Property, Plants and Equipment
 
54
55
55
 
A.
Research and Development, Patents and Licenses
 
92
 
B.
Trend Information
 
92
 
C.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
92
 
D.
Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations
 
93
94
 
A.
Directors and Senior Management
 
94
 
B.
Board Practices
 
100
 
C.
Employees
 
116
 
D.
Share Ownership
 
117
118
 
A.
Major Shareholders
 
118
 
B.
Related Party Transactions
 
120
 
C.
Interests of Experts and Counsel
 
122
122
 
A.
Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
 
122
 
B.
Significant Changes
 
123
 
124
 
A.
Offer and Listing Details
 
124
 
B.
Plan of Distribution
 
126
 
C.
Markets
 
126
 
D.
Selling Shareholders
 
127
 
E.
Dilution
 
127
 
F.
Expense of the Issue
 
127
127
 
A.
Share Capital
 
127
 
B.
Memorandum and Articles of Association
 
127
 
C.
Material Contracts
 
132
 
D.
Exchange Controls
 
133
 
E.
Taxation
 
133
 
F.
Dividends and Paying Agents
 
148
 
G.
Statement by Experts
 
148
 
H.
Documents on Display
 
148
 
 
ii

 
 
 
I.
Subsidiary Information
 
149
149
150
     
150
150
150
150
152
152
152
153
154
154
154
154
    155
155
155
155
 
 
iii 

 
 
 
TAT Technologies Ltd. (the Company or TAT) is a provider of a variety of services and products to the commercial and military aerospace and ground defense industries through our Gedera facility in Israel or Gedera, as well as through our subsidiary, Limco-Piedmont Inc., or Limco-Piedmont in the U.S. Limco-Piedmont operates through Limco Airepair Inc., or Limco and Piedmont Aviation Component Services LLC or Piedmont.

As of December 31, 2014, we operated under three segments:  (i) original equipment manufacturing or “OEM” of Heat Management Solutions through our Gedera facility; (ii) heat transfer services and products through our Limco subsidiary; and (iii) maintenance, repair and overhaul or “MRO” services for aviation components through our Piedmont subsidiary.

Through our Gedera facility, we are an OEM of a broad range of heat transfer components, air conditioning systems and other cooling systems used in mechanical and electronic systems on board military and commercial aircraft as well as on ground systems. The Gedera facility is also an OEM of a wide range of aviation accessories and provides limited MRO services for military and commercial customers, mainly for aviation accessories as well as for certain heat transfer components.

Through our Limco subsidiary, we provide Heat Transfer services and products to the aerospace industry. Limco is an FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) certified repair station  and provides aircraft MRO services and products for airlines, air cargo carriers, maintenance service centers and the military, primarily for heat transfer components. In addition to Limco’s MRO services, Limco is an OEM of heat transfer equipment for airplane manufacturers and other related products.

Through our Piedmont subsidiary, we provide MRO services to the aerospace industry. Piedmont’s FAA certified repair station provides MRO services for airlines, air cargo carriers, maintenance service centers and to a lesser extent the military, primarily for landing gear and auxiliary power units (APU).

 
1

 
In addition, TAT, through its Piedmont subsidiary, holds approximately 28.08% of the equity securities of First Aviation Services Inc., or FAvS (See Item 4 – “Information on the Company; History and development of TAT”; See Item 8 – “Financial Information; Significant Changes”). FAvS, together with its subsidiaries, offers certain MRO services through two FAA authorized facilities.

Our ordinary shares are publicly traded on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “TATT” (from year 1987) and on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange under the symbol “TAT Tech” (from year 2005).  As used in this annual report, the terms “TAT”, “we”, “us” and “our” mean TAT Technologies Ltd. and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated.

Our consolidated financial statements appearing in this annual report are prepared in U.S. dollars and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or U.S. GAAP.  All references in this annual report to “dollars” or “$” are to U.S. dollars and all references in this annual report to “NIS” are to New Israeli Shekels.

Statements made in this annual report concerning the contents of any contract, agreement or other document are summaries of such contracts, agreements or documents and are not complete descriptions of all of their terms.  If we filed any of these documents as an exhibit to this annual report or to any previous filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, you may read the document itself for a complete recitation of its terms.
 
Except for the historical information contained in this annual report, the statements contained in this annual report are “forward looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, with respect to our business, financial condition and results of operations.  Such forward-looking statements reflect our current view with respect to future events and financial results.  Statements which use the terms “believe”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “estimate”, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  We remind readers that forward-looking statements are merely predictions and therefore inherently subject to uncertainties and other factors and involve known and unknown risks that could cause the actual results, performance, levels of activity, or our achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance, levels of activity, or our achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.  Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States, we undertake no obligation to publicly release any update or revision to any forward looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances, or otherwise after the date hereof.  We have attempted to identify significant uncertainties and other factors affecting forward-looking statements in the Risk Factors section that appears in Item 3D. “Key Information - Risk Factors”.
 
 
2

 
 
Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers
 
Not applicable.
 
Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
 
Not applicable.
 
Key Information
 
A.             Selected Financial Data
 
TAT’s selected historical information is derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of TAT as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 and for each of its fiscal years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, which are included elsewhere in this annual report, and have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The selected financial data as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 and for the years ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 is derived from audited consolidated financial statements of TAT not included in this annual report, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
 
The selected consolidated financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with and are qualified by reference to Item 5, “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”, and our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this annual report.

 
3

 
 
Income Statement Data:
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
Revenues:
             
 
   
 
   
 
 
Products
  $ 31,363     $ 34,364     $ 36,263     $ 36,837     $ 25,908  
Services
    49,363       45,187       41,652       36,902       40,801  
Total revenues
    80,726       79,551       77,915       73,739       66,709  
Cost of revenues:
                                       
Products
    23,340       24,892       25,177       24,914       21,859  
Services
    40,286       35,987       33,362       31,794       29,136  
    Write down of inventory and impairment charges of  long lived assets
    -       -       -       5,465       3,500  
Total cost of revenues
    63,626       60,879       58,539       62,173       54,495  
Gross profit
    17,100       18,672       19,376       11,566       12,214  
Operating expenses:
                                       
Research and development, net
    1,070       713       995       455       274  
Selling and marketing
    3,203       3,150       2,899       2,819       2,948  
General and administrative
    9,019       9,512       10,110       9,450       11,262  
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets
            -       -       -       4,704  
    Other income
    (11 )     (20 )     (13 )     (190 )     -  
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations
    13,281       5,317       5,385       (968 )     (6,974 )
Financial expenses, net
    (1,294 )     (50 )     (106 )     (420 )     (33 )
Other expenses, net
    -       -       -       -       (200 )
Gain from dilution of interests in affiliated company
    -       -       -       240       -  
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes on income
    2,525       5,267       5,267       (1,148 )     (7,207 )
Taxes on income (tax benefit)
    1,360       1,041       2,090       (335 )     (4,262 )
Net income (loss) from continuing operations after taxes on income
    1,165       4,226       3,189       (813 )     (2,945 )
Share in results of affiliated company and impairment of share in affiliated company
    267       1,025       (3,756 )     331       (4,510 )
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
    1,432       5,251       (567 )     (482 )     (7,455 )
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
    -       (2,429 )     (1,147 )     (548 )     169  
Net income (loss) attributable to TAT Technologies’ shareholders
  $ 1,432     $ 2,822     $ (1,714 )   $ (1,030 )   $ (7,286 )
Basic and diluted net income (loss)  per share
                                       
Net income (loss) from continuing operations per share attributable to controlling interest
    0.16       0.60       (0.06 )     (0.05 )     (0.84 )
Discontinued operations attributable to controlling interest
    -       (0.28 )     (0.13 )     (0.07 )     0.02  
    $ 0.16     $ 0.32     $ (0.19 )   $ (0.12 )   $ (0.82 )
Weighted average number of shares used in computing
                                       
Basic net income (loss) per share
    8,805,495       8,799,237       8,808,075       8,815,003       8,815,003  
Diluted net income (loss) per share
    8,826,542       8,808,920       8,808,075       8,815,003       8,815,003  
Cash dividend per share
  $ 0.23     $ -     $ 0.28     $ -     $ -  
 
 
4

 
 
Balance Sheet Data:
 
 
 
As of December 31,
   
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Working capital
  $ 71,805     $ 73,834     $ 71,430     $ 70,665     $ 70,462  
Total assets
    101,468       108,880       108,942       115,318       121,427  
Long-term liabilities, excluding current maturities
    4,463       4,256       6,421       9,333       5,294  
Shareholders’ equity
  $ 85,468     $ 85,569     $ 82,233     $ 86,370     $ 88,059  
 
B.             Capitalization and Indebtedness
 
Not applicable.
 
C.             Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
 
Not applicable.
 
 
5

 
D.             Risk Factors
 
Investing in our ordinary shares involves certain risks and uncertainties. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below before investing in our ordinary shares. Our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected due to any of the following risks. In that case, the value of our ordinary shares could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment.

Risks Related to Our Business and Our Industry
 
The aerospace industry is subject to significant government regulation and oversight, and TAT and its subsidiaries may incur significant additional costs to comply with these regulations.
 
The aerospace industry is highly regulated in the United States and in other countries. TAT and its subsidiaries must be certified or accepted by the FAA, the United States Department of Defense, the European Aviation Safety Agency, or EASA, and similar agencies in foreign countries and by individual original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs, in order to manufacture, sell and service parts used in aircraft. If any of the material certifications, authorizations or approvals of TAT or its subsidiaries are revoked or suspended, then the operations of TAT or its subsidiaries, as the case may be, will be significantly curtailed and TAT and its subsidiaries could be subjected to significant fines and penalties. In the future, new and more demanding government regulations may be adopted or industry oversight may be increased. TAT and its subsidiaries may have to incur significant additional costs to achieve compliance with new regulations or to reacquire a revoked or suspended license or approval, which could materially reduce profitability.

 
6

 
 
TAT competes with a number of established companies in all aspects of TAT’s business, many of which have significantly greater resources or capabilities than TAT.
 
For the OEM of heat management solutions, TAT’s major competitors are other OEMs who manufacture heat transfer components, including manufacturers based in the U.S. such as the Hughes-Treitler division of Ametek Inc., Lytron Inc., Niagara Thermal, Hamilton Sundstrand, Honeywell International, Liebherr-Aerospace Toulouse S.A., Stewart Warner South Wind Corp. and Triumph Thermal Systems, manufacturers based in Europe such as I.M.I. Marston Ltd., a subsidiary of Hamilton Sundstrand, Secan, a subsidiary of Honeywell, Behr and manufacturers based in Asia such as Sumitomo Precision Products from Japan. Many of TAT’s competitors are far larger, have substantially greater resources, including technical, financial, research and development, marketing and distribution capabilities than TAT, and enjoy greater market recognition. These competitors may be able to achieve greater economies of scale and may be less vulnerable to price competition than TAT.  TAT may not be able to offer its products as part of integrated systems to the same extent as its competitors or successfully develop or introduce new products that are more cost effective or offer better performance than those of its competitors. Failure to do so could adversely affect TAT’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
For the Heat Transfer Services and Products, TAT’s major competitors are the service divisions of OEMs, the in-house maintenance services of a number of commercial airlines and other independent service providers, including Triumph Accessories (Triumph Corporation), LORI Heat Transfer Center of Honeywell (Tulsa, Oklahoma), SECAN-Honeywell (France),Drake Air – Ametek (Tulsa, Oklahoma), American Cooler Service, Hamilton Malaysia, Lufthansa Technik and Elite.
 
For the MRO services for Aviation Components, TAT’s major competitors are the service divisions of OEMs, the in-house maintenance services of a number of commercial airlines and other independent service providers, including Standard Aero Group Inc., Aerotech International Inc., Honeywell International, AAR Corp., Messier- Bugatti-Dowty, Hawker Pacific and APRO.
 
Competition in the MRO market is based on price, quality, engineered solutions, ability to provide a broad range of services, and the ability to perform repairs and overhauls rapidly. A number of our competitors have inherent competitive advantages. For example, we compete with the service divisions of large OEMs which are able to derive significant brand recognition from their OEM manufacturing activities. We also compete with the in-house service divisions of large commercial airlines and there is a strong incentive for an airline to fully-utilize the services of its maintenance employees and facilities.
 
 
7

 
Further, TAT’s competitors may have additional competitive advantages, such as:
 
 
·      The ability to adapt more quickly to changes in customer requirements and industry conditions or trends;
 
·      Greater access to capital;
 
·      Stronger relationships with customers and suppliers;
 
·      Greater name recognition; and
 
·      Access to superior technology and marketing resources.

If TAT is unable to overcome these competitive disadvantages, then TAT’s business, financial condition and results of operations would be adversely affected.
 
TAT derives a material part of its revenues from several major customers. If TAT loses any of these customers or they reduce the amount of business they do with TAT, TAT’s revenues may be seriously affected.
 
Five customers accounted for approximately 18.6%, 22.2% and 23.1% of TAT’s revenues for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. TAT’s major customers may not maintain the same volume of business with TAT in the future. If TAT loses any of these customers or they reduce the amount of business they do with TAT, TAT’s revenues may be seriously affected.

 
8

 
 
A part of the revenues of TAT and its subsidiaries are from contracts with the U.S. and Israeli governments and are subject to special risks. A loss of all, or a major portion, of the revenues of TAT or any of its subsidiaries from government contracts could have a material adverse effect on TAT’s operations.
 
A portion of the revenues of TAT and its subsidiaries are from contracts with the U.S. and Israeli governments. Sales to the U.S. and Israeli governments accounted for approximately 6.8%, 4.2% and 4.6% of TAT’s revenues on a consolidated basis for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
Business with the U.S. and Israeli governments, as well as with the governments of other countries, is subject to risks which are not as relevant in business with private parties. These risks include the ability of the governmental authorities to unilaterally:
 
 
·
Suspend TAT or any of its subsidiaries from receiving new contracts pending resolution of alleged violations of procurement laws or regulations;
 
·
Terminate existing contracts, with or without cause, at any time;
 
·
Condition the receipt of new contracts on conditions which are beyond the control of TAT;
 
·
Reduce the value of existing contracts;
 
·
Audit the contract-related costs and fees of TAT and its subsidiaries, including allocated indirect costs; and
 
·
Control or prohibit the export of the products of TAT and its subsidiaries.
 
A decision by a governmental authority to take any or all of the actions listed above could materially reduce the sales and profitability of TAT and its subsidiaries. Most of the U.S. Government contracts of TAT and its subsidiaries can be terminated by the U.S. Government either for its convenience or if TAT or any of its subsidiaries defaults by failing to perform under the contract. Termination for convenience provisions generally provide only for the recovery of costs incurred or committed, settlement expenses and profit on the work completed by TAT and its subsidiaries prior to termination.
 
Declines in military/defense budgets may result in reduced demand for the products and manufacturing services of TAT and its subsidiaries. Any decline could result in reduction in the business revenues of TAT and its subsidiaries and adversely affect their business, results of operations and financial condition.

 
9

 
 
If TAT does not receive the governmental approvals necessary for the export of its products, TAT’s revenues may decrease. Similarly if TAT’s suppliers and partners do not receive their government approvals necessary to export their products or designs to TAT, TAT’s revenues may decrease.
 
Under Israeli law, the export of certain of the products and know-how of TAT is subject to approval by the Israeli Ministry of Defense. To initiate sales proposals with regard to exports of the products and know-how of TAT and to export such products or know-how, TAT must obtain permits from the Ministry of Defense. TAT may not be able to receive in a timely manner, or at all, all the required permits for which it may apply in the future.
 
Similarly, under foreign laws the export of certain military products, technical designs and spare parts require the prior approval of, or export license from, such foreign governments. In order to maintain the third party production, certain co-development activities and procurements required for the performance of certain contracts, TAT must receive detailed technical designs, products or product parts’ samples from its strategic partners or suppliers. TAT may not be able to receive all the required permits and/or licenses in a timely manner, or at all. Consequently, TAT’s revenues may decrease.

TAT depends on a limited number of suppliers of components for certain of its products and if TAT or any of its subsidiaries is unable to obtain these components when needed, they would experience delays in manufacturing their products and TAT’s financial results could be adversely affected.
 
TAT relies on a limited number of key suppliers for parts for certain of its OEM and MRO services. Certain of these suppliers are currently the sole source of one or more components upon which TAT is dependent. Suppliers of some of these components require TAT to place orders with significant lead-time to assure supply in accordance with TAT’s requirements. If TAT were to engage in a commercial dispute with or be unable to obtain adequate supplies of parts from these suppliers at commercially reasonable prices or required lead time, TAT’s operations could be interrupted. Increased costs associated with supplied materials or components could increase TAT’s costs and reduce TAT’s profitability if TAT is unable to pass these cost increases on to its customers.

 
10

 
 
TAT may face increased costs and a reduced supply of raw materials. TAT may not be able to recoup future increases in the cost of raw materials or in electric power costs for its operations through price increases for its products.
 
In recent years, the cost of raw materials and components used by TAT has fluctuated significantly due to market and industry conditions. The cost of electric power used in TAT’s operations has also fluctuated significantly in the last several years. TAT may not be able to recoup future increases in the cost of raw materials and components or electric power costs through price increases for its products.

TAT may face significant risks in the management of its inventory, and failure to effectively manage its inventory levels may result in supply imbalances that could harm its business
 
In connection with our OEM and MRO operations, we maintain an inventory of exchangeable units of heat exchangers, APUs, landing gears and other spare parts related to our products in various locations, including with third party logistics providers. Due to the long-lead time of our suppliers and manufacturing cycles, we need to make forecasts of demand and commit significant resources towards these inventories. As such, we are subject to significant risks in managing the inventory needs of our business during the year, including estimates of the appropriate demand across our models. Should actual market conditions differ from our estimates, our future results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In the future, we may be required to record write-downs of finished products and materials on-hand as a result of future changes in our sales forecasts.

 
11

 

TAT faces special risks from international sales operations which may have a material adverse effect on TAT’s business, operating results and financial condition.
 
In the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, approximately 93%, 91.4% and 87.7% of TAT’s sales, respectively, resulted from TAT’s international operations (out of Israel). This source of revenue is subject to various risks, including:
 
 
·      Governmental embargoes or foreign trade restrictions;
 
·      Changes in U.S. and foreign governmental regulations;
 
·      Changes in foreign exchange rates;
 
·      Tariffs;
 
·      Other trade barriers;
 
·      Political, economic and social instability; and
 
·      Difficulties collecting accounts receivable.
 
Accordingly, TAT and its subsidiaries may encounter significant difficulties in connection with the sale of their products in international markets.

TAT may engage in future acquisitions that could dilute TAT’s shareholders’ equity and harm TAT’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
 
TAT has pursued, and will continue to pursue, growth opportunities through internal development and acquisition of complementary businesses, products and technologies. TAT is unable to predict whether or when any prospective acquisition will be completed. The process of integrating an acquired business may be prolonged due to unforeseen difficulties and may require a disproportionate amount of TAT’s resources and management’s attention. TAT may not be able to successfully identify suitable acquisition candidates, complete acquisitions, integrate acquired businesses into its operations, or expand into new markets. Further, once integrated, acquisitions may not achieve comparable levels of revenues, profitability or productivity as TAT’s existing business or otherwise perform as expected. The occurrence of any of these events could harm TAT’s business, financial condition or results of operations. Future acquisitions may require substantial capital resources, which may require TAT to seek additional debt or equity financing.
 
 
12

 
Future acquisitions by TAT could result in the following, any of which could materially harm TAT’s results of operations or the price of TAT’s ordinary shares:
 
 
·
Issuance of equity securities that would dilute TAT’s shareholders’ percentages of ownership;
 
·
Large one-time write-offs;
 
·
The incurrence of debt and contingent liabilities;
 
·
Difficulties in the assimilation and integration of operations, personnel, technologies, products and information systems of the acquired companies;
 
·
Diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns;
 
·
Contractual disputes;
 
·
Risks of entering geographic and business markets in which TAT has no or only limited prior experience; and
 
·
Potential loss of key employees of acquired organizations.

Rapid technological changes may adversely affect the market acceptance of the products of TAT.
 
The aerospace and defense markets in which TAT competes are subject to technological changes, introduction of new products, change in customer demands and evolving industry standards. The future success of TAT will depend upon its ability to keep pace with technological developments and to timely address the increasingly sophisticated needs of its customers by supporting existing and new technologies and by developing and introducing enhancements to its current products and new products. TAT may not be able to successfully develop and market enhancements to its products that will respond to technological change, evolving industry standards or customer requirements. TAT may experience difficulties that could delay or prevent the successful development, introduction and sale of such enhancements; and such enhancements may not meet the requirements of the market or achieve any significant degrees of market acceptance. If release dates of any new products or enhancements of TAT are delayed, or if when released, they fail to achieve market acceptance, TAT’s business, operating results and financial condition would be materially adversely affected.

 
13

 
TAT has fixed-price contracts with some of its customers and TAT bears the risk of costs in excess of its estimates. In addition, TAT may not be able to pass on increased costs to its customers.
 
TAT has entered into multi-year, fixed-price contracts with some of its MRO and OEM customers. Pursuant to these contracts, TAT realizes all the benefits or costs resulting from any increases or decreases in the cost of providing services to these customers. Several of TAT’s contracts do not permit TAT to recover for increases in raw material prices, taxes or labor costs and other contracts may permit, to a limited extent, periodic price adjustments. Any increase in these costs could increase the cost of operating the business of TAT and reduce its profitability. Factors such as inaccurate pricing and increases in the cost of labor, materials or overhead may result in cost over-runs and losses on those agreements. TAT may not succeed in obtaining the agreement of a customer to re-price a particular product, and may not be able to recoup previous losses resulting from incomplete or inaccurate engineering data. In addition, as costs increase, TAT may not be able to pass on such increased costs to its other customers. This could materially Impact TAT’s profitability.

TAT depends on its key executives, and may not be able to hire and retain additional key employees or successfully integrate new members of its team and the loss of key employees could have a material adverse effect on TAT’s business.
 
TAT’s success will depend largely on its continued reliance on the experience and expertise of its senior management. Any of the senior managers of TAT may terminate his or her employment with TAT and seek employment with others who may seek his or her expertise. The loss of the expertise of senior management of TAT through death, disability or termination of employment would have a material and adverse effect on TAT’s business, financial condition and results of operations. TAT is not the beneficiary of life or disability insurance covering any of the executives, key employees or other personnel of TAT.

 
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TAT depends on its manufacturing and MRO facilities and any material damage to these facilities may adversely impact TAT’s operations.
 
TAT believes that its results of operations will be dependent in large part upon its ability to manufacture and deliver OEM products and to provide MRO services promptly upon receipt of orders and to provide prompt and efficient service to its customers. As a result, any material disruption of TAT’s day-to-day operations could have a material adverse effect on its business, customer relations and profitability. TAT relies on its Gedera, Israel,  Kernersville and Winston-Salem, North Carolina and Tulsa, Oklahoma facilities for the production of its OEM products and provision of its MRO services. A war, fire, flood, earthquake or other disaster or condition that significantly damaged or destroyed any of these facilities would have a material adverse effect on the operations of TAT.

TAT uses equipment that is not easily repaired or replaced, and therefore material equipment failures could cause TAT or its subsidiaries to be unable to meet quality or delivery expectations of its customers.
 
Many of the service and manufacturing processes of TAT are dependent on equipment that is not easily repaired or replaced. As a result, unexpected equipment failures could result in production delays or the manufacturing of defective products. The ability of TAT to meet the expectations of its customers with respect to on-time delivery of repaired components or quality OEM products is critical. The failure by TAT to meet the quality or delivery expectations of its customers could lead to the loss of one or more of its significant customers.
 
TAT may fail to maintain effective internal controls in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 imposes certain duties on TAT and TAT’s executives and directors. TAT’s efforts to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 governing internal controls and procedures for financial reporting have resulted in increased general and administrative expense and a diversion of management time and attention, and TAT expects these efforts to require the continued commitment of significant resources. TAT may identify material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in its assessments of its internal control over financial reporting. Failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could result in investigation or sanctions by regulatory authorities and could have a material adverse effect on TAT’s operating results, investor confidence in TAT’s reported financial information and the market price of TAT’s ordinary shares. Our independent registered public accounting firm is not required to and was not performed an audit of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31,2014.
 
 
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TAT has potential exposure to liabilities arising under environmental laws and regulations.
 
The business operations and facilities of TAT are subject to a number of federal, state, and local laws and regulations that govern the discharge of pollutants and hazardous substances into the air and water as well as the handling, storage and disposal of such materials and other environmental matters. Compliance with such laws as they relate to the handling, storage and disposal of hazardous substances is a significant obligation for TAT at each of its facilities. TAT would be subject to serious consequences, including fines and other sanctions, and limitations on the operations of TAT due to changes to, or revocations of, the environmental permits applicable to its facilities if it fails to comply. The adoption of new laws and regulations, stricter enforcement of existing laws and regulations, the discovery of previously unknown contamination or the imposition of new cleanup requirements could require TAT to incur costs and become subject to new or increased liabilities that could increase the operating costs of TAT and adversely affect the manner in which TAT conducts its business.
 
Under certain environmental laws, liability associated with investigation or remediation of hazardous substances can arise at a broad range of properties, including properties currently or formerly operated by TAT or any of its predecessors, as well as properties to which TAT sent hazardous substances or wastes for treatment, storage, or disposal. Costs and other obligations can arise from claims for toxic torts, natural resource and other damages, as well as the investigation and clean-up of contamination at such properties. Under certain environmental laws, such liability may be imposed jointly and severally, so TAT may be responsible for more than its proportionate share and may even be responsible for the entire liability at issue. The extent of any such liability can be difficult to predict.

 
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TAT is exposed to potential liabilities arising from product liability and warranty claims.
 
TAT’s operations expose TAT to potential liabilities for personal injury or death as a result of the failure of an aircraft component that has been designed, manufactured, serviced or supplied by TAT. TAT believes that, in an effort to improve operating margins, some customers have delayed the replacement of parts beyond their recommended lifetime, which may undermine aircraft safety and increase the risk of liability of TAT and its subsidiaries
.
There can be no assurance that TAT will not experience any material product liability losses in the future, that it will not incur significant costs to defend such claims, that, although TAT maintains a product liability insurance policy,  its insurance coverage will be adequate if claims were to arise or that it would be able to maintain insurance coverage in the future at an acceptable cost. A successful claim brought against TAT or its subsidiaries in excess of its available insurance coverage may have a material adverse effect on TAT’s business.
 
In addition, in the ordinary course of business of TAT, contractual disputes over warranties can arise. TAT may be subject to requests for cost sharing or pricing adjustments from its customers as a part of its commercial relationships with them, even though they have agreed to bear these risks.

TAT may be adversely affected by a change in the exchange rate of the NIS against the dollar. Because exchange rates between the NIS and the dollar fluctuate continuously, exchange rate fluctuations, particularly larger periodic devaluations, may have an impact on TAT’s profitability and period to period comparisons of TAT’s results.
 
TAT’s financial statements are stated in dollars, while a portion of TAT’s expenses, primarily labor expenses, are incurred in NIS and a part of TAT’s revenues are quoted in NIS. Additionally, certain assets, as well as a portion of TAT’s liabilities, are denominated in NIS. Because exchange rates between the NIS and the dollar fluctuate continuously, exchange rate fluctuations, particularly larger periodic devaluations, may have an impact on TAT’s profitability and period to period comparisons of TAT’s results. TAT’s results may be adversely affected by the devaluation of the NIS in relation to the dollar (or if such devaluation is on lagging basis), if TAT’s revenues in NIS are higher than TAT’s expenses in NIS and/or the amount of TAT’s assets in NIS are higher than TAT’s liabilities in NIS. Alternatively, TAT’s results may be adversely affected by an appreciation of the NIS in relation to the dollar (or if such appreciation is on a lagging basis), if the amount of TAT’s expenses in NIS are higher than the amount of TAT’s revenues in NIS and/or the amount of TAT’s liabilities in NIS are higher than TAT’s assets in NIS. From time to time, we enter into hedging transactions to attempt to limit the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. However, the protection provided by such hedging transactions may be partial and leave certain exchange rate-related losses and risks uncovered. Therefore, our business and profitability may be harmed by such exchange rate fluctuations.

 
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Risk Factors Related to Our Ordinary Shares
 
TAT’s share price has been volatile in the past and may decline in the future.
 
TAT’s ordinary shares have experienced significant market price and volume fluctuations in the past and may experience significant market price and volume fluctuations in the future, in response to factors such as the following, some of which are beyond TAT’s control:
 
 
·
Quarterly variations in TAT’s operating results;
 
·
Operating results that vary from the expectations of securities analysts and investors;
 
·
Changes in expectations as to TAT’s future financial performance, including financial estimates by securities analysts and investors;
 
·
Announcements of technological innovations or new products by TAT or TAT’s competitors;
 
·
Announcements by TAT or TAT’s competitors of significant contracts, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments;
 
·
Announcements by third parties of significant claims or proceedings against us;
 
·
Additions or departures of key personnel;
 
·
Future sales of TAT’s ordinary shares;
 
·
De-listing of TAT’s shares from the NASDAQ Global Market;
 
·
Stock market price and volume fluctuation; and
 
·
Legal proceedings against TAT’s controlling shareholders

 
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Domestic and international stock markets often experience extreme price and volume fluctuations. Market fluctuations, as well as general political and economic conditions, such as a recession or interest rate or currency rate fluctuations or political events or hostilities in or surrounding Israel, could adversely affect the market price of TAT’s ordinary shares.
 
In the past, securities class action litigation has often been brought against companies following periods of volatility in the market price of its securities. TAT may in the future be the target of similar litigation. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and divert management’s attention and resources both of which could have a material adverse effect on TAT’s business and results of operations.

Substantial future sales of TAT’s ordinary shares by TAT’s principal shareholders may depress TAT’s share price.
 
TAT’s principal shareholders, FIMI Israel Opportunity FIVE, Limited Partnership and FIMI Opportunity V, L.P., or the FIMI Funds, beneficially own together 53.7% of TAT’s outstanding shares. If FIMI shall sell a substantial number of TAT’s ordinary shares or if the perception that TAT’s principal shareholders may sell a substantial number of TAT’s ordinary shares exists, the market price of TAT’s ordinary shares may fall. Any substantial sales of TAT’s shares in the public market also might make it more difficult for TAT to sell equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time, in a place and on terms TAT deems appropriate.
 
Risks Relating to Our Location in Israel
 
Because TAT has significant operations in Israel, TAT may be subject to political, economic and other conditions affecting Israel that could increase TAT’s operating expenses and disrupt TAT’s business.
 
TAT is incorporated under the laws of the state of Israel, and TAT’s executive offices, manufacturing plant and research and development facilities are located in the State of Israel. As a result, political, economic and military conditions affecting Israel directly influence TAT. Any major hostilities involving Israel, a full or partial mobilization of the reserve forces of the Israeli army, the interruption or curtailment of trade between Israel and its present trading partners, or a significant downturn in the economic or financial condition of Israel could have a material adverse effect on TAT’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
 
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Since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, Israel and its Arab neighbors have engaged in a number of armed conflicts. A state of hostility, varying from time to time in intensity and degree, has led to security and economic problems for Israel. Major hostilities between Israel and its neighbors may hinder Israel’s international trade and lead to economic downturn. This, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on TAT’s operations and business. Since June 2007, when Hamas effectively took control of the Gaza Strip, there have been extensive hostilities along the Gaza Strip. Ongoing violence between Israel and the Palestinians as well as tension between Israel and its Arab neighbors and Iran may have a material adverse effect on TAT’s business, financial conditions and results of operations.
 
Furthermore, there are a number of countries, primarily in the Middle East, that restrict business with Israel or Israeli companies, and TAT is precluded from marketing its products to these countries. Restrictive laws or policies directed towards Israel or Israeli businesses may have an adverse impact on TAT’s operations, TAT’s financial results or the expansion of TAT’s business.

TAT’s results of operations may be negatively affected by the obligation of its personnel to perform military service.
 
Many of TAT’s employees and some of TAT’s directors and officers in Israel are obligated to perform annual reserve duty in the Israel Defense Forces and may be called for active duty under emergency circumstances at any time. If a military conflict or war arises, these individuals could be required to serve in the military for extended periods of time. TAT’s operations could be disrupted by the absence for a significant period of one or more of TAT’s executive officers or key employees or a significant number of other employees due to military service. Any disruption in TAT’s operations could adversely affect TAT’s business.
 
 
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Your rights and responsibilities as a shareholder will be governed by Israeli law and differ in some respects from the rights and responsibilities of shareholders under U.S. law.
 
TAT is incorporated under Israeli law. The rights and responsibilities of holders of TAT’s ordinary shares are governed by TAT’s memorandum of association, articles of association and by Israeli law. These rights and responsibilities differ in some respects from the rights and responsibilities of shareholders in typical U.S. corporations. In particular, each shareholder of an Israeli company has a duty to act in good faith and in a customary manner in exercising his or her rights and fulfilling his or her obligations toward the company and other shareholders and to refrain from abusing his power in the company, including, among other things, in voting at the general meeting of shareholders on certain matters. Israeli law provides that these duties are applicable in shareholder votes on, among other things, amendments to a company’s articles of association, increases in a company’s authorized share capital, mergers and interested party transactions requiring shareholder approval. In addition, a controlling shareholder of an Israeli company, or a shareholder who knows that he or she possesses the power to determine the outcome of a shareholder vote or who has the power to appoint or prevent the appointment of a director or officer in the company, has a duty of fairness toward the company. However, Israeli law currently does not define the substance of this duty of fairness. Because Israeli corporate law has undergone extensive revision in recent years, there is relatively little case law available to assist in understanding the implications of these provisions that govern shareholder behavior.

Israeli law may delay, prevent or make difficult an acquisition of TAT, which could prevent a change of control and, therefore, depresses the price of TAT’s shares.
 
Israeli corporate law regulates mergers, requires tender offers for acquisitions of shares above specified thresholds, requires special approvals for transactions involving directors, officers or significant shareholders and regulates other matters that may be relevant to these types of transactions. Furthermore, Israeli tax considerations may make potential transactions unappealing to TAT or to some of TAT’s shareholders. These provisions of Israeli law may delay, prevent or make difficult an acquisition of TAT, which could prevent a change of control and therefore depress the price of TAT’s shares.

 
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Investors and TAT’s shareholders generally may have difficulties enforcing a U.S. judgment against TAT, TAT’s executive officers and directors or asserting U.S. securities laws claims in Israel.
 
TAT is incorporated in Israel and the majority of TAT’s executive officers and directors reside outside the United States. Service of process upon them may be difficult to effect within the United States. Furthermore, many of TAT’s assets and most of the assets of TAT’s executive officers and directors are located outside the United States. Therefore, a judgment obtained against TAT or certain of its executive officers and directors in the United States, including one based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws, may not be collectible in the United States and may not be enforced by an Israeli court. It also may be difficult for you to assert U.S. securities law claims in original actions instituted in Israel. However, subject to certain time limitations and other conditions, Israeli courts may enforce final judgments of United States courts for liquidated amounts in civil matters, including judgments based upon the civil liability provisions of those and similar acts.

As a foreign private issuer whose shares are listed on the NASDAQ Global Market, TAT may follow certain home country corporate governance practices instead of certain NASDAQ requirements.
 
As a foreign private issuer whose shares are listed on the NASDAQ Global Market, TAT is permitted to follow certain home country corporate governance practices instead of certain requirements of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules. A foreign private issuer that elects to follow a home country practice instead of such requirements must submit to NASDAQ in advance a written statement from an independent counsel in such issuer’s home country certifying that the issuer’s practices are not prohibited by the home country’s laws. In addition, a foreign private issuer must disclose in its annual reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission or on its website each such requirement that it does not follow and describe the home country practice followed by the issuer instead of any such requirement. As a foreign private issuer listed on The NASDAQ Global Market, TAT may follow TAT’s home country law, instead of the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules, which require that TAT obtain shareholder approval for certain dilutive events, such as for the establishment or amendment of certain equity based compensation plans, an issuance that will result in a change of control of TAT, certain transactions other than a public offering involving issuances of a 20% or more interest in TAT and certain acquisitions of the stock or assets of another company.

 
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Information on the Company
 
History and Development of TAT
 
TAT was incorporated under the laws of the State of Israel in April 1985 under the name Galaxy Graphics Ltd. TAT changed its name to Galagraph Ltd. in August 1986 and to TAT Technologies Ltd. in May 1992. TAT is a public limited liability company under the Israeli Companies Law 1999-5759, or the Israeli Companies Law, and operates under this law and associated legislation. TAT’s registered offices and principal place of business are located at Re’em Industrial Park, Neta Boulevard, Bnei Ayish, Gedera 70750, Israel and its telephone number is +972-8-8268-500. TAT’s address on the Internet is www.tat-technologies.com. The information on TAT’S website is not incorporated by reference into this annual report.
 
TAT was founded in 1985 to develop the computerized systems business of its then parent company, TAT Industries Ltd. (or TAT Industries), a publicly - held Israeli corporation then engaged in the manufacture and sale of aeronautical equipment. In December 1991, TAT acquired the heat exchange operations of TAT Industries and in 2000, TAT purchased the remaining operations of TAT Industries relating to the manufacture and maintenance of aviation accessories and leased certain of its properties.
 
In March 1987, TAT completed the initial public offering of its securities in the United States. TAT was listed on the NASDAQ Global Market (then known as the NASDAQ National Market) from its initial public offering until July 1998 when the listing of TAT’s ordinary shares was transferred to the NASDAQ Capital Market. On June 24, 2009 TAT’s ordinary shares resumed trading on the NASDAQ Global Market. Since August 2005 TAT’s shares have been traded also on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE).
 
TAT is a provider of a variety of services and products to the commercial and military aerospace and defense industries through its Gedera facility, as well as through its subsidiaries, Limco and Piedmont in the U.S (Limco and Piedmont are held by TAT through Limco-Piedmont Inc. (“Limco-Piedmont”)).
 
Limco provides Heat Transfer MRO services and products to the aerospace industry. Limco’s Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA, certified repair station (located in Oklahoma) provides aircraft with MRO services for airlines, air cargo carriers, maintenance service centers and the military, especially for heat transfer components. In addition to its MRO services, Limco is an OEM of heat transfer products for airplane manufacturers and other selected related products.
 
 
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In July 2005, Limco acquired Piedmont Aviation Component Services, LLC (“Piedmont”), a company certified by the FAA to perform maintenance, repair and overhaul services of APUs and landing gears. Piedmont’s  FAA - certified repair station (located in North Carolina). provides MRO services for airlines, air cargo carriers, maintenance service centers and the military, especially for landing gear and auxiliary power units (APU).
 
In July 2007, Limco-Piedmont completed an initial public offering of its shares of Common stock and Limco-Piedmont’s shares were listed on the NASDAQ Global Market (symbol: LIMC) until July 2, 2009, when TAT acquired all of the publicly held shares of Limco-Piedmont (approximately 32% of Limco-Piedmont’s total shares) in a stock for stock merger.  As a result of such merger, Limco-Piedmont again became a wholly-owned subsidiary of TAT.
 
On January 1, 2008, TAT established a wholly-owned subsidiary under the laws of the State of California, TAT-GAL Inc., which acts as purchasing agent for TAT’s operations.

 
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A.            Business Overview
 
Overview
 
TAT provides a variety of services and products to the commercial and military aerospace and defense industries and operates under three segments: (i) Original Equipment Manufacturing or “OEM” of Heat Management Solutions (ii) Heat Transfer Services and Products, and (iii) Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul or “MRO” services for Aviation Components, each with the following characteristics.
 
TAT’s activities in the field of OEM of Heat Management Solutions primarily relate to its Gedera facility and include (i) the design, development, manufacture and sale of a broad range of heat transfer components such as heat exchangers used in mechanical and electronic systems on-board commercial, military and business aircraft; (ii) the manufacture and sale of cooling systems and (iii) a variety of other aircraft accessories and systems such as pumps, valves, power systems and turbines.
 
TAT’s activities in the field of MRO services for heat transfer products primarily relate to its subsidiary, Limco, and include the maintenance, repair and overhaul of heat transfer equipment and to a lesser extent, the OEM manufacturing of certain heat transfer products. TAT’s Limco subsidiary operates an FAA certified repair station, which provides heat transfer MRO services and products for airlines, air cargo carriers, maintenance service centers and the military. Limco is also certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency, or EASA, the Civil Aviation Administration of Thailand (Thai), the Civil Aviation Administration of Indonesia and the Civil Aviation Administration of Brazil.
 
TAT’s activities in the field of MRO services for aviation components primarily relate to its subsidiary, Piedmont, and includes the maintenance, repair and overhaul of APUs, landing gear and other aircraft components. TAT’s Piedmont subsidiary operates an FAA certified repair station, which provides aircraft component MRO services for airlines, air cargo carriers, maintenance service centers and the military.

 
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OEM of Heat Management Solutions
 
TAT is an OEM of heat management solutions, primarily through its Gedera facility, to the aerospace and defense industries. The main OEM activity of Gedera is the design and manufacture of a comprehensive line of heat exchangers and cold plates, or heat transfer products. Heat transfer products facilitate removal and dissipation of heat generated during the operation of mechanical and electronic systems. Gedera’s heat transfer products are generally integrated into a complete cooling systems. Using Gedera’s technological expertise, Gedera designs each of its heat transfer products to meet the specific space, power, performance and other needs of its customers. Gedera’s heat transfer products are marketed worldwide for applications in commercial and military aircraft and electronic systems, the primary users of such equipment. Gedera’s customers include Liebherr-Aerospace Toulouse S.A., or Liebherr, Boeing Aircraft Company, or Boeing, Israel Aerospace Industries, or IAI, Cessna Aircraft Company, or Cessna, Cirrus Aircraft Inc., or Cirrus, Pilatus Aircraft Ltd, or Pilatus, Embraer Empresa Brasileira de Aeronáutica S.A., or Embraer, Eaton Aerospace LLC, or Eaton, Parker Hannifin Corporation, or Parker, as well as the United States Air Force, United States Army, and Navy. Such customers typically enter into supply contracts with Gedera pursuant to which Gedera manufactures specified heat transfer products in connection with the customers’ production or retrofitting of particular aircraft equipment. Such supply contracts are generally long term engagements that may have terms of ten years or more.
 
As part of its OEM activities, Gedera is also engaged in the design, development and manufacture of complete cooling systems. This product line principally includes cooling systems for electronic systems (used in airborne military platforms) and ground cooling systems (used in military facilities, tents, vehicles and other military applications).
 
In addition, Gedera designs, develops and manufactures aviation and flow control accessories. These accessories include components, such as valves and pumps. Customers for Gedera’s aviation accessories include Lockheed-Martin Corp, Teledyne Continental Motors, the Israeli Air Force, IAI, Elbit Systems, or Elbit, as well as the United States Air Force and Navy.
 
Gedera also provides limited MRO services for military customers, mainly for aviation accessories as well as for certain heat transfer products. Gedera currently overhauls emergency power systems, hydrazine tanks, jet fuel starters, and cooling turbines and valves for F-16s. In addition, Gedera overhauls anti-icing valves and starters for the Apache helicopter. Customers for Gedera’s MRO services include the Israeli Air Force, IAI, NATO, as well as the United States Air Force, United States Army and Navy.
 
 
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Gedera relies on highly qualified personnel and strong engineering, development and manufacturing capabilities that enable it to support its customers from the early stages of development of their product and system specifications.
 
TAT estimates the size of the markets in which Gedera operates to be significant based on the scope of development projects and purchasing processes of its customers. Many of the projects Gedera is engaged in are lengthy and complex, which account for its long term supplier relationships and the customer loyalty it enjoys. TAT plans to expand its Gedera operations in the OEM segment, among other things, by transitioning from the manufacture of standalone components to the development and manufacture of complete systems/sub systems, and by targeting strategic territories with high commercial potential.
 
Heat Transfer Services and Products
 
Through its subsidiary, Limco, TAT provides services and products to the aerospace industry in the field of heat transfer. Limco’s FAA certified repair station provides aircraft component MRO services for airlines, air cargo carriers, maintenance service centers and the military. Limco is also certified by EASA, the Civil Aviation Administration of Thailand (Thai), the Civil Aviation Administration of Indonesia and the Civil Aviation Administration of Brazil. Limco specializes in MRO services for components of aircraft, such as heat transfer products and ozone converters. Generally, manufacturer specifications, government regulations and military maintenance regimens require that aircraft components undergo MRO servicing at regular intervals or as necessary. Aircraft heat exchangers typically require MRO services, including repairs and installation of replacement units, after three to five years of service or sooner if required. Aircraft manufacturers typically provide warranties on new aircraft and their components and subsystems, which may range from one to five years depending on the bargaining power of the purchaser. Warranty claims are generally the responsibility of the OEM during the warranty period. Limco’s business opportunity usually begins upon the conclusion of the warranty period for these components and subsystems. Limco’s customers include major US domestic and international airlines, air cargo carriers, maintenance service centers, OEMs such as commercial and military aircraft manufacturers and defense contractors, and the U.S. government (Army, Air Force and Coast Guard). Such customers typically enter into MRO contracts with Limco which are generally long term engagements that may have terms of one to five years or more.
 
 
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Limco is recognized by leading OEMs of aerospace products to provide MRO services for their systems. For example, Limco is a well-recognized Hamilton Sundstrand repair center, providing MRO services for many of its air-to-air heat transfer products. Limco’s repair station is certified by the FAA and EASA.
 
In addition to its MRO services, Limco also manufactures heat transfer products used in commercial, regional, business and military aircraft, on the OEM basis. Customers for Limco’s heat transfer products include the U.S. Army, Air Force and Navy, Raytheon, Boeing, Bell Helicopter, Vought Aircraft, Enstrom Helicopter, Cobham and Gulfstream.
 
Limco relies on highly qualified personnel with strong manufacturing, engineering and development capabilities that enable it to provide excellent MRO services while supporting customers’ specifications in the development of their new products and systems.
 
TAT estimates the size of the markets in which Limco operates to be significant based on the number of aircraft requiring MRO services provided by Limco along with the customer loyalty Limco enjoys. TAT plans to expand its Limco operations in the MRO segment, among other things, by developing MRO capabilities for additional types of heat transfer products with significant commercial potential.

MRO services for Aviation Components
 
Through its subsidiary, Piedmont, TAT provides MRO services for aviation components to the aerospace industry. Piedmont’s FAA and EASA certified repair station provides aircraft component MRO services mainly for airlines, air cargo carriers, maintenance service centers and to a lesser extent the military, primarily for landing gear and auxiliary power units (APU). Piedmont specializes in MRO services for components of aircraft, such as APUs and landing gears. Generally, manufacturer specifications, government regulations and military maintenance regimens require that aircraft components undergo MRO servicing at regular intervals or as necessary. Aircraft components typically require MRO services, including repairs and installation of replacement units, after three to ten years of service or sooner if required. Aircraft manufacturers typically provide warranties on new aircraft and their components and subsystems, which may range from one to five years depending on the bargaining power of the purchaser. Warranty claims are generally the responsibility of the OEM during the warranty period.  Piedmont’s business opportunity usually begins upon the conclusion of the warranty period for these components and subsystems. Piedmont’s customers include domestic and international airlines, air cargo carriers and maintenance service centers. Such customers typically enter into MRO contracts with Piedmont which are generally long term engagements that may have terms of one to ten years or more.
 
 
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Piedmont is licensed by Honeywell as an authorized repair center, to provide MRO services for several of its APU models. Piedmont’s repair station is certified by the FAA and EASA.
 
Piedmont relies on highly qualified personnel with strong manufacturing, engineering and development capabilities that enable it to provide excellent MRO services.
 
TAT estimates the size of the markets in which Piedmont operates to be significant based on the number of aircraft requiring MRO services provided by Piedmont. TAT plans to expand its Piedmont operations in the MRO segment, by using Piedmont’s experience and reputation to develop MRO capabilities for additional types of APU and landing gear with significant commercial potential and by offering additional supplementary services such as machining, plating and grinding, or MPG.
 
Business Strategy
 
TAT’s principal strategy is as follows:
 
 
·  
Enhancing OEM Capabilities — TAT’s goal through Gedera and Limco is to capitalize on its technical expertise, experience and reputation in the markets of heat management solutions, to expand the scope of its OEM offerings for the commercial and defense industries. TAT also intends to continue the transition from the development and manufacture of single components to the development and manufacture of complete systems.
 
 
·  
Expand the scope of MRO services - TAT’s goal is to use its technical expertise, engineering resources and facilities to provide MRO services for additional types of aircraft and additional aircraft systems, subsystems and components and intends to develop the required technical expertise to provide these additional MRO services.
 
 
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·  
Increasing Market Share — TAT plans to continue its aggressive marketing efforts for new customers as well as to expand its activities with its flagship customers. As part of TAT’s efforts to achieve greater penetration in the international markets, TAT intends to expand its marketing presence in Western Europe, which is TAT’s second largest market, and to substantially increase its presence in Asia,  South America, East Europe and Africa, which are fast growing markets where TAT has had limited sales to date.
 
 
·  
Effective synergy among group members — TAT plans to enhance the synergies between its various businesses by, among other things, using Gedera’s OEM design capabilities to provide Limco enhanced capabilities to repair heat transfer systems and products, enabling Limco to compete more effectively in the industry and by supplying to Limco heat transfer components which should enable Limco to reduce prices on its MRO services.
 
 
·  
Organic growth and M&A — In addition to growing the existing businesses of Gedera and Limco, TAT also believes that additional acquisition opportunities exist that will complement its OEM and MRO businesses. TAT will continue to pursue targeted complementary business acquisitions which will broaden the scope and depth of its OEM and MRO operations and increase its market share.
 
Products and Services
 
OEM of Heat Management Solutions
 
Through its Gedera facility, TAT manufactures a wide range of heat transfer products used on board aircraft, air conditioning systems, environmental control systems and cooling systems for electronics for military use. These products/systems are manufactured in compliance with all of the stringent quality assurance standards that apply to the manufacture of aircraft parts. Gedera’s quality systems comply with ISO 9001, AS9100, Boeing quality systems approval D6-82479 and FAR 21.303 (the FAA standard for Parts Manufacturer Approval).
 
Heat Transfer Products
 
Gedera manufactures a wide range of heat transfer products. Gedera specializes in the design and manufacturing of highly efficient, compact and reliable heat transfer products that are designed to meet stringent constraints such as size, weight and applicable environmental conditions. Heat transfer products, such as heat exchangers and cold plates, are integral components of a wide variety of environmental control systems and mechanical and engine systems, as well as a wide range of electronic systems. These systems generate heat during operation that must be removed and dissipated. Heat transfer products facilitate the exchange of the heat created through the operation of these systems by transmitting the heat from a hot medium (air, oil or other fluids) to a cold medium for disposal.
 
 
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In the aerospace industry, there is a constant need for improvements in performance, weight, cost and reliability. In addition, as electronic systems become smaller and more densely packed, the need for sophisticated and efficient heat transfer components used to provide the cooling functions becomes more critical. Using Gedera’s technological expertise, TAT believes it is well positioned to respond to these industry demands through continued new product development and product improvements.
 
Gedera’s principal heat transfer products include heat exchangers and cold parts. Typically, air-to-air heat exchangers cool a jet engine’s bleed air which, when cooled, is then used in the aircraft’s air conditioning, pressurization and pneumatic systems. The liquid-to-air heat exchangers cool liquids such as engine oil, hydraulic oil and others used in other systems.
 
Gedera provides one stop shop to all of the different types of heat transfer products in certain aircraft. Gedera’s heat exchangers are generally sold for between $2,000 and $20,000 per unit. A significant portion of Gedera’s heat transfer products are sold to customers in connection with the original manufacture or retrofitting of particular aircraft equipment. Gedera generally enters into long-term supply contracts with its customers, which require Gedera to supply heat transfer products as part of a larger project.
 
Gedera also manufactures other heat transfer equipment, such as cooling chassis, heat sinks and cold walls (which may be air-to-air, liquid-to-air or liquid-to-liquid), which control and dispose of heat emitted by the operation of various electronic systems. Such products are currently utilized mainly in radar systems, avionics, electronic warfare systems and various pods for targeting, navigation and night vision.
 
Gedera’s customers for heat transfer products/systems include: Liebherr, Boeing, IAI, Cessna, Bell Helicopter, Raytheon Aircraft Company, as well as the United States Air Force and Navy. As a result of the specialized nature of the systems in which Gedera’s parts are included, spare and replacement parts for the original heat transfer products/systems are usually provided by Gedera.
 
 
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Aviation And Flow Control Accessories
 
Gedera is also engaged in the design, development and manufacture of aviation and flow control accessories. These accessories include components such as valves and pumps. Gedera’s customers for the design, development and manufacture of aviation and flow control accessories include Lockheed-Martin, Boeing, Teledyne, the Israeli Air Force, IAI, as well as the U.S. Air Force and Navy.
 
Cooling And Air-Conditioning Systems
 
Gedera is also engaged in the design, development and manufacture of complete environmental control systems and cooling systems. This product line includes ground cooling systems used in military facilities, tents, vehicles and other military applications. It also includes Vapor Cycle air conditioning systems (or ECS — Environmental Cooling Systems) used in light aircraft. Gedera offers mobile cooling and air conditioning solutions for military applications such as mobile command and control units, command and control vehicles, armored vehicles, mobile broadcast units, mobile hospitals, etc. In addition, Gedera designs, develops and manufactures power electronics cooling systems based on customer specifications, while providing a complete engineering solution in compliance with strict military and civil aviation standards. Gedera’s systems are used in Israel and abroad and are tested under strict standards.

 
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Heat Transfer Services and Products
 
MRO Services For Heat Transfer Products
 
Through its Limco subsidiary in the U.S., TAT provides MRO services for heat transfer products. The demand for MRO services is driven by the size and age of the aircraft fleet, aircraft utilization and regulations by the FAA and other governmental authorities.
 
Due to the increased maintenance costs of their aging fleets many carriers are seeking ways to reduce costs, minimize down-time, increase aircraft reliability and extend time between overhauls. One of the ways they are accomplishing these goals is through the outsourcing of more of their maintenance and support functions to reliable third parties. Limco also believes that commercial carriers who have made the decision to outsource their MRO requirements are searching for MRO service providers with a wide-range of service capabilities. These MRO service providers allow the carriers to concentrate their outsourcing of MRO services to a select group of third party providers. The global military aircraft fleet also presents similar opportunities for MRO service providers. Recent military operations around the world have significantly increased usage of the global military aircraft fleet and resulted in a higher rate of maintenance activity. Limco believes that an aging military fleet and the increased use of upgrade programs aimed at extending the useful life of aircraft will provide continued MRO growth opportunities.
 
Limco specializes in the repair and overhaul of heat transfer products. These products are heat exchangers including oil coolers, pre-coolers, re-heaters, condensers, water separators, fuel heaters and evaporators.
 
Limco is continually increasing its MRO capabilities based upon market need or customer request. Limco’s capabilities include heat transfer components used in aircraft and systems manufactured by Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Cessna, Embraer, Lockheed Martin, Fokker, Liebherr-Aerospace, Gulfstream, British Aerospace and others.
 
One of Limco’s operational strengths and competitive advantages is the close cooperation with TAT’s Gedera facility. Through Gedera’s core manufacturing capabilities and engineering expertise, Limco enjoys a constant supply source of cores of the highest quality necessary in order to perform its MRO services for heat transfer products. In addition, Limco benefits from Gedera’s varying engineering and development capabilities relevant to Limco’s services in the field of heat transfer.
 
 
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Limco performs MRO services at its repair station in Tulsa, Oklahoma which is ISO9000 and AS9100 certified and licensed by the FAA and EASA, as well as by the Civil Aviation Administration of Thailand (Thai), the Civil Aviation Administration of Indonesia and the Civil Aviation Administration of Brazil, to provide MRO services. Limco’s Oklahoma facilities provided MRO services for heat transfer products.
 
Limco offers MRO services for heat transfer components to its customers on multiple levels. If the damage is significant, Limco will remanufacture the unit, which generally entails replacing the core matrix of the damaged or old heat transfer product in lieu of replacing the entire unit with a new one. Limco designs and develops these customized remanufactured units as a cost effective alternative to new part replacement. In the event of less severe damage, Limco will either overhaul or repair the unit as necessary. Re-manufactured units carry warranties similar to those provided to new units.
 
OEM Authorizations And Licenses
 
Limco believes that establishing and maintaining relationships with OEMs of aircraft systems and components, is an important factor in achieving sustainable success as an independent MRO service provider. OEMs grant participants in the overhaul and repair services market authorizations or licenses to perform repair and overhaul services on the equipment they manufacture. OEMs maintain tight controls over their authorized and licensed MRO service providers, in order to maintain high quality of service to their customers, and generally grant very few authorizations or licenses. Obtaining OEM authorizations requires sophisticated technological capabilities, experience-based industry knowledge and substantial capital investment. Limco believes that service providers that have received OEM authorizations and licenses gain a competitive advantage because they typically receive discounts on parts, technical information, OEM warranty support and use of the OEM name in marketing. Limco is an independent MRO service provider that is a well-recognized repair center of Hamilton Sundstrand, the largest heat transfer equipment manufacturer, for its air-to-air heat transfer equipment in North America.
 
OEM Capabilities
 
In addition to its MRO services, Limco also acts as an OEM manufacturer of heat transfer products used mainly in military aircraft and also in commercial, regional and business aircraft. Limco specializes in the design and manufacturing of highly efficient heat transfer components, which are designed to meet stringent constraints such as size, weight and applicable environmental conditions. These units include, oil coolers, precoolers, reheaters, condensers, fuel heaters and evaporators.
 
 
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Limco also manufactures air conditioning systems, complete environmental control systems and cooling systems for electronics. Limco currently offers approximately 80 OEM parts to the aerospace industry. These parts are manufactured in compliance with the stringent quality assurance standards that apply to the manufacture of aircraft parts.
 
Limco’s quality systems are ISO9000 and AS9100 certified and Limco has both Boeing quality systems approval D6-82479 and FAR 21.303 (the FAA standard for Parts Manufacturer Approval).
 
MRO Services for Aviation Components
 
Through its Piedmont subsidiary in the U.S., TAT provides MRO services for aviation components, APUs and landing gear. As previously mentioned, the demand for MRO services is driven by the size and age of the aircraft fleet, aircraft utilization and regulations by the FAA and other governmental authorities.
 
Due to the increased maintenance costs of their aging fleets many carriers are seeking ways to reduce costs, minimize down-time, increase aircraft reliability and extend time between overhauls. One of the ways they are accomplishing these goals is through the outsourcing of more of their maintenance and support functions to reliable third parties. Piedmont also believes that commercial carriers who have made the decision to outsource their MRO requirements are searching for MRO service providers with a wide-range of service capabilities. These MRO service providers allow the carriers to concentrate their outsourcing of MRO services to a select group of third party providers. The global military aircraft fleet also presents similar opportunities for MRO service providers. Piedmont believes that an aging military fleet and the increased use of upgrade programs aimed at extending the useful life of aircraft will provide continued MRO growth opportunities.
 
Piedmont specializes in the repair and overhaul of APUs and landing gear. APUs are relatively small, self-contained generators used to start jet engines, usually with compressed air, and to provide electricity, hydraulic pressure and air conditioning while an aircraft is on the ground. In many aircraft, an APU can also provide electrical power during in-flight emergency situations. Landing gear are the structure that support an aircraft on the ground and allow it to taxi, takeoff and land.
 
 Piedmont performs MRO services at its repair station in North Carolina, which is AS9001 certified and licensed by the FAA and EASA to provide MRO services.
 
 
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Piedmont specializes in providing MRO services for APU models manufactured primarily by Honeywell, and in providing MRO services for landing gear for regional aircraft manufactured by Bombardier Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ 100/200), ATR (42/72), Embraer (E170) and Bombardier Dash 8.
 
OEM Authorizations and Licenses
 
Piedmont believes that establishing and maintaining relationships with OEMs of aircraft systems and components is an important factor in achieving sustainable success as an independent MRO service provider. OEMs grant participants in the overhaul and repair services market authorizations or licenses to perform repair and overhaul services on the equipment they manufacture. OEMs maintain tight controls over their authorized and licensed MRO service providers, in order to maintain high quality of service to their customers, and generally grant few authorizations or licenses. Obtaining OEM authorizations requires sophisticated technological capabilities, experience-based industry knowledge and substantial capital investment. Piedmont believes that service providers that have received OEM authorizations and licenses gain a competitive advantage because they typically receive discounts on parts, technical information, OEM warranty support and use of the OEM name in marketing. Piedmont is an authorized repair station licensed by Honeywell, the largest manufacturer of APUs, for several of its APU models.
 
Machining, Plating and Grinding, or MPG Services
 
Piedmont extended the provision of MPG services, either as supplementary to its traditional MRO services or as stand-alone services. Piedmont believes that establishing and maintaining relationships with customers to its MPG shop is an important factor in achieving sustainable success as an independent MRO service provider and creates a competitive advantage.

 
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Customers
 
General
 
TAT targets both the commercial and defense markets for aviation and ground applications. Our customers include commercial manufacturers of military equipment, commercial airlines, aircraft manufacturers, military forces, defense industries, and other manufacturers of electronic systems, aviation units and machinery in the U.S., Europe, Asia, South America and Israel.
 
Major Customers
 
OEM Customers
 
TAT provides, primarily through Gedera, OEM services worldwide to customers in the commercial, defense and industrial markets. TAT currently sells its OEM products and systems to approximately 200 commercial and military aircraft manufacturers and defense contractors, and the U.S. and Israeli governments.
 
TAT’s leading OEM customers are set in the following table:
 
Aircraft manufacturers
Boeing Aircraft Company, Airbus, Cessna Aircraft Company, Bombardier, Cirrus Aircraft Inc., Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Embraer, Bell Helicopter, Lockheed Martin.
System manufacturers/integrators and Defense Contractors
Liebherr-Aerospace, Thales, Honeywell International, Rafael, Elbit, IAI, Lockheed, EADS, Eaton Aerospace, Parker Hannifin Corporation.
Industry players
Kodak (Creo), IBM
 
The development projects and purchasing processes of many of TAT’s OEM customers are lengthy and complex and accordingly, involve long term supply contracts with several of its material customers. These agreements provide for delivery schedules that are customized for the relevant product or service. With some of its customers, TAT enters into master purchase orders in which the anticipated supply quantities as well as the prices for the supplied products are determined for a certain period, and the actual purchase orders are fulfilled based on customer demands from time to time. In addition, TAT also enters into master agreements that determine supply quantities and prices for a set period, but under which the customer is not obligated to purchase any quantity of products.
 
 
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MRO Customers
 
TAT services approximately 200 MRO customers, primarily through Limco and Piedmont, including major U.S. domestic and international airlines, air cargo carriers, maintenance service centers, the U.S. military and navy and other military air forces. In this capacity, TAT is not a party to any OEM manufacturing contracts, and acts solely upon orders received from its MRO services’ customers.
 
TAT’s leading MRO customers are set in the following table:
 
Domestic and International Airlines and Air Cargo carriers
Singapore Airlines, Air France-KLM, SAS, Swiss, EL AL, Delta, United, US Airways, Air Canada Jazz, Republic Airways, Expressjet, DHL, Austrian Airlines, TAM, Saudia, Interjet, Thai, Korean Air, Air India, FedEx and Cargolux.
Maintenance Service Centers
Fokker, Honeywell International, Kellstrom Commercial, Aerokool, Lufthansa Technik, UTAS-Hamilton, SR Technics, Evergreen Aviation Component Services, Gulfstream.
Government and Air forces
U.S. Army, Air Force and Navy; Israeli Air force; NATO Air-forces

Due to the long term relationships of TAT with many of its customers, their relative financial stability and their loyalty to TAT, TAT anticipates that the risk of major customer terminations is low. TAT also makes significant efforts to penetrate new markets and to broaden its customer base in order, among other things, to reduce the risk of relying on a small number of customers.
 
 
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Military Contracts
 
Sales to the U.S. and Israeli governments accounted for approximately 6.4% and 0.3% of TAT’s revenues for the year ended December 31, 2014, approximately 3.6% and 0.6% of its revenues for the year ended December 31, 2013 and approximately 4.1% and 0.5% of its revenues for the year ended December 31, 2012, respectively.
 
Many of TAT’s contracts are competitively bid and awarded on the basis of technical merit, personnel qualifications, experience and price. TAT also receives some contract awards involving special technical capabilities on a negotiated, noncompetitive basis due to TAT’s technical capabilities.
 
TAT provides products under government contracts that usually require performance over a period of several months to several years. Long-term contracts for the U.S. military may be conditioned upon continued availability of congressional appropriations. Variances between anticipated budget and congressional appropriations may result in a delay, reduction or termination of these contracts.
 
The vast majority of the governmental contracts to which TAT is party to are fixed-price contracts, some of which contain fixed price escalation mechanism. Under these contracts TAT agrees to perform specific work for a fixed price and, accordingly, realizes the benefit or detriment to the extent that the actual cost of performing the work differs from the contract price. The allowable government contract costs and fees of TAT are subject to audit and may result in non-reimbursement of some contract costs and fees. While governments reserve the right to conduct further audits, audits conducted for periods through fiscal year 2014 have resulted in no material cost recovery disallowances for TAT.
 
The eligibility of TAT to perform under its government contracts requires TAT to maintain adequate security measures. TAT has implemented security procedures that it believes adequately satisfies the requirements of its current government contracts.

 
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Sales and Marketing
 
Gedera
 
Gedera derives its revenues mainly from sales to customers in the United States, Israel and Europe. The tables below detail Gedera’s (i) geographic revenues; and (ii) revenues derived from commercial and defense customers, for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, before elimination of intercompany sales of $5.6 million and $4.0 million, respectively.

   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
Geographic Region
 
Revenues
In Thousands
   
Percentage
   
Revenues
In Thousands
   
Percentage
 
North America
  $ 15,479       54.9 %   $ 14,679       47.1 %
Europe
    2,257       8.0       2,302       7.4  
France
    3,642       12.9       5,482       17.6  
Israel
    5,035       17.9       6,359       20.4  
Other
    1,771       6.3       2,316       7.4  
Total
  $ 28,184       100 %   $ 31,138       100 %

   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
   
Revenues
In Thousands
   
Percentage
   
Revenues
In Thousands
   
Percentage
 
Commercial Customers
  $ 13,843       49.1 %   $ 13,478       43.3 %
Defense Customers
    14,341       50.9       17,660       56.7  
Total
  $ 28,184       100 %   $ 31,138       100 %

 
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Limco
 
Limco derives its revenues mainly from sales to customers in the US and Europe. The tables below detail Limco’s (i) geographic revenues and (ii) revenues derived from commercial and defense customers, for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
 
Sources of Revenues
 
Revenues
in Thousands
   
Percentage
   
Revenues
 In Thousands
   
Percentage
 
North America
  $ 20,864       68.7 %   $ 20,145       67.4 %
Europe
    4,782       15.8       3,945       13.2  
Israel
    834       2.7       612       2.0  
Other
    3,870       12.8       5,205       17.4  
Total
  $ 30,350       100 %   $ 29,907       100 %
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
   
Revenues
In Thousands
   
Percentage
   
Revenues
In Thousands
   
Percentage
 
Commercial Customers
  $ 25,760       84.9 %   $ 18,561       62.1 %
Defense Customers
    4,590       15.1       11,346       37.9  
Total
  $ 30,350       100 %   $ 29,907       100 %

 
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Piedmont
 
Piedmont derives its revenues mainly from sales to customers in the US and Europe. The tables below detail Piedmont’s geographic revenues. All of Piedmont’s revenue are derived from commercial customers, for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
 
Sources of Revenues
 
Revenues
in Thousands
   
Percentage
   
Revenues
 In Thousands
   
Percentage
 
North America
  $ 19,124       69.0 %   $ 14,643       65.3 %
Europe
    4,004       14.4       3,713       16.6  
Netherland
    1,734       6.3       1,553       6.9  
Israel
    -       -       -       -  
Other
    2,872       10.4       2,521       11.2  
Total
  $ 27,734       100 %   $ 22,430       100 %
 
Gedera, Limco and Piedmont market their products and services through their respective marketing staffs and a worldwide network of independent representatives. Gedera’s, Limco’s and Piedmont’s representatives are strategically located near key customer sites in offices throughout the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and South America. Their staff is in regular contact with engineering and procurement personnel and program managers of existing and target customers to identify new programs and needs for their products, obtain requests for quotations and identify new product opportunities. Gedera’s, Limco’s and Piedmont’s marketing activities also include advertising in technical publications which target heat transfer components and related markets, attending exhibitions, trade shows and professional conferences, organizing seminars and direct mailing of advertisements and technical brochures to current and potential customers and advertising in technical publications which target relevant products and related markets.

 
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Backlog
 
At December 31, 2014, TAT had a backlog of approximately $129.3 million for products and services. TAT anticipates that approximately $50.2 million of such backlog will be delivered by December 31, 2015 and approximately $79.1 million will be delivered by December 31, 2016 and thereafter. At December 31, 2013, TAT had a backlog of approximately $40.9 million for products and services.

Product and Service Warranties
 
TAT provides warranties for its products and services ranging from one to three years, which vary with respect to each contract and in accordance with the nature of each specific product. To date, TAT’s warranty costs have not been substantial. As of December 31, 2014, the combined warranty reserve for TAT was $251 thousand.
 
Competitive Environment
 
OEM of Heat Management Solutions
 
The aerospace and defense OEM industries in general and specifically, the commercial and military aviation markets, are characterized by intense competition and the need to constantly be in the forefront of technological innovations in order to be able to offer advanced and attractive products. Competition in these OEM markets is also based on price, quality and turn-around time. TAT estimates the market size of heat management solutions to be significant based on the scope of development projects and purchasing processes of the potential customers. TAT estimates that due to the high barriers to enter the aerospace and defense OEM industries, which include the need for highly qualified and trained personnel, technologically advanced facilities and the need to obtain appropriate governmental approvals, there are a small number of competing suppliers in the markets in which it operates. The nature of the projects in the OEM industry, which are often time consuming and complex also require long term supplier relationships and customer loyalty in order to succeed.

 
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TAT’s competitors in the global OEM aerospace and defense industries can be divided into two main groups:
 
·  
Complete system manufacturers that either independently or through subcontractors, design, develop  and manufacture complete systems (such as a manufacturer of aircraft hydraulic systems) directly for the platform manufacturer (i.e. for business jets). Although some of these companies have the capabilities to design and manufacture each standalone component in a complete system (i.e. a heat exchanger integrated in hydraulic systems) it is unlikely that such companies will compete with TAT in projects where there is a specific requirement for a stand-alone component. These companies will compete on complete systems and/or projects where the components/products TAT develops are part of the complete system. In such cases it is very likely that these companies will subcontract to companies such as TAT the design and manufacturing of one or a few components in the system.
 
·  
Component manufacturers for which the design and manufacture of components (such as heat exchangers) is the main business (and which are normally placed in the “value chain” one level below the system manufacturers, such as a manufacturer of an aircraft’s hydraulic system and two tiers below the platform manufacturer such as manufacturer of a new aircraft). Although some of the component manufacturers have the capabilities to design, develop and manufacture a complete system (i.e. environmental control system for a business jet) for a certain platform, these companies will usually not compete on projects for complete systems in which their manufactured component constitutes a small part of the complete system, mainly due to the extreme competitive barriers to entry and to their inability to move up the “value chain” from a component supplier to a whole system manufacturer. These companies are likely to compete in projects where there is a specific requirement for a standalone aviation component (such as a heat exchanger) and in tenders by manufacturers of complete systems or products for sub-contractors.
 
 
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The major competitors of TAT in the area of OEM of Heat Management Solutions include manufacturers in the U.S. such as Honeywell, Hughes-Treitler division of Ametek Inc., Lytron Inc., Kintex, Niagra Thermal, Hamilton Sundstrand, Stewart Warner South Wind Corp., and Triumph Thermal Systems, manufacturers based in Europe such as I.M.I. Marston Ltd., including Serck Aviation, Liebherr-Aerospace Toulouse S.A and manufacturers based in Asia such as Sumitomo Precision Products from Japan. Such competitors may enjoy competitive advantages over Gedera, such as:
 
 
·
The ability to independently offer systems in addition to components;
 
 
·
Greater access to capital;
 
 
·
Stronger relationships with customers and suppliers;
 
 
·
Better name recognition;
 
 
·
Access to superior technology and marketing resources; and
 
 
·
The ability to adapt more quickly to changes in customer requirements and industry conditions or trends.
 
Heat Transfer Services
 
The market for services and products in the field of heat transfer is highly competitive. Competition in this market is based on quality, price, and the ability to provide a broad range of services and to perform repairs and overhauls rapidly. TAT’s global competitors in services in the field of heat transfer can be divided into two main groups:
 
·  
Service Divisions of OEMs – generally, each OEM of products in the heat management solutions segment has the necessary capabilities to provide MRO services for products it designs and manufactures throughout their lifetime – commencing on the initial production period and through the after-market period (service divisions of OEMs). These service divisions of OEMs may also acquire capabilities to service other OEM’s products and to become a provider of MRO services.
 
 
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·  
Service Centers – which provide MRO services for broad range of components and systems. These Service Centers can be either the in-house maintenance services of a number of commercial airlines or other independent service providers.
 
Accordingly, in the areas of OEM operations, manufacturers of components can compete with manufacturers of complete systems, mainly for small systems.  Such OEM manufacturers can also compete for the provision of MRO services with other providers of MRO services.
 
For heat transfer MRO services, TAT’s major competitors are the Triumph Accessories, Drake Air- Ametek, LORI Heat Transfer Center of Honeywell, American Cooler, Hamilton Malaysia, Lufthansa Technik and SECAN-Honeywell (France).
 
A number of Limco’s competitors have inherent competitive advantages. For example, Limco competes with the service divisions of large OEMs who in some cases have design authority with respect to their OEM products and are able to derive significant brand recognition from their OEM manufacturing activities. Limco also competes with the in-house service divisions of large commercial airlines and there is a strong incentive for an airline to fully utilize the services of its maintenance employees and facilities. Further, Limco’s competitors may have additional competitive advantages, such as:
 
 
·
The availability of  large quantities of expensive spare parts;
 
 
·
Greater access to capital;
 
 
·
Stronger relationships with customers and suppliers;
 
 
·
Better name recognition;
 
 
·
Access to superior technology and marketing resources; and
 
 
·
The ability to adapt more quickly to changes in customer requirements and industry conditions or trends.
 
 
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MRO Services for Aviation Components
 
The market for MRO services, in which Piedmont operates, is highly competitive. Competition in this market is based on quality, price, and the ability to provide a broad range of services and to perform repairs and overhauls rapidly. Piedmont’s primary MRO services competitors are the service divisions of OEMs, the in-house maintenance services of a number of commercial airlines and other independent service providers. For APU and landing gear MRO services Piedmont’s major competitors are Standard Aero Group Inc., Aerotech International Inc., Honeywell International, Chase Aerospace, Professional, Messier-Dowty Aerospace (MD), AAR Corp., Hawker Pacific and APRO.
 
A number of Piedmont’s competitors have inherent competitive advantages. For example, Piedmont competes with the service divisions of large OEMs who in some cases have design authority with respect to their OEM products and are able to derive significant brand recognition from their OEM manufacturing activities. Piedmont also competes with the in-house service divisions of large commercial airlines and there is a strong incentive for an airline to fully utilize the services of its maintenance employees and facilities. Further, Piedmont’s competitors may have additional competitive advantages, such as:
 
 
·     The ability to adapt more quickly to changes in customer requirements and industry conditions or trends;
 
 
·     Greater access to capital;
 
 
·     Stronger relationships with customers and suppliers;
 
 
·     Better name recognition; and
 
 
·     Access to superior technology and marketing resources.
 
 
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Competitive Strengths
 
We believe that TAT’s success can be attributed to several critical factors, including the following:
 
 
·
Active efforts to preserve its customer base in existing projects, while actively making efforts to broaden and increase its engagements with such clients.
 
 
·
Conducting marketing activities aiming at penetrating new geographical markets and obtaining new customers, while taking advantage of the unique knowledge and expertise that Gedera, Limco and Piedmont gained in various areas.
 
 
·
Entering into additional related operating segments that will enable Gedera, Limco and Piedmont to fulfill its growth potential.
 
 
·
Providing its customers with the best value, including competitive prices, by tailoring service packages that combine the design and planning of an OEM component, the manufacture of such component, andthe provision of maintenance services.
 
 
·
Extending MRO capabilities in order to establish a ‘one-stop-shop’ center for comprehensive MRO services for the types of aircraft Limco and Piedmont target.
 
 
·
Enhancing its engineering capabilities in order to support customer needs related to new projects and in order to certify MRO services that differ from processes previously approved by the FAA or ESAA. This will allow shortening the long and complex approval process, streamlining the design and certification process, and reducing costs.
 
 
·
Constant search for new technologies and manufacturing techniques in the heat management solutions line.
 
 
·
Innovations and improvements aiming at enhancing the quality and performance of Gedera’s, Limco’s and Piedmont’s existing products.
 
 
·
Cutting delivery times and reducing costs.
 
 
·
Entrepreneurship and innovation in the development of new products in an effort to become a market leader and to enter into long term platforms.
 
 
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Engineering and Manufacturing
 
As of December 31, 2014, TAT had 452 employees engaged in manufacturing, repair, testing of products and engineering (out of a total of 507 employees). TAT believes that its engineering staff provides it with the ability to support its customers with innovative and efficient products while maintaining short product development cycles, high quality design and competitive pricing.
 
Gedera’s engineering staff has extensive knowledge and experience related to its heat transfer products. Most of Gedera’s product lines have a designated project manager who is an experienced engineer and is in charge of all the activities in his area. The product manager interfaces with the customer, engineering department, manufacturing department and vendors, and is responsible for all aspects of the program including scheduling, adherence to specifications, customer support and reporting.
 
In general, Gedera has manufacturing capabilities for most of the components of its heat transfer components. Gedera also manufactures the necessary tools, fixtures, test equipment and special jigs required to manufacture, assemble and test these products. Gedera developed proprietary design techniques which assist in the mechanical design and manufacturing of its products. All of Gedera’s products are inspected and tested by trained inspectors using highly sophisticated test equipment in accordance with customer requirements.
 
Limco’s engineering department enhances its ability to provide its customers with high-end top quality MRO services, supports the provision of MRO services for new products with commercial potential and supports its OEM activity. Limco’s engineering department employs several certified mechanical and aerospace engineers. Limco’s multi-disciplinary team of engineers specializes, among others, in heat transfer components and supports all processes of thermal and structural analysis, mechanical and metallurgical research and development for manufacturing design. All of Limco’s engineers have direct experience with aerospace component repair and have experience with the process of obtaining supplemental type certificates from the FAA and in obtaining FAA product manufacturing authorizations. Limco utilizes onsite Designated Engineering Representative, or DER, at Piedmont facility who is certified by the FAA to approve the repair of engines, mechanical systems and equipment, which enables Limco to respond quickly to its customers’ needs. Having a DER available on staff allows Limco to enter the market for a particular type of service more quickly than those of its competitors who do not have an immediate access to a DER. Limco works directly with the FAA Aircraft Certification Office in obtaining approvals on projects that are outside its DER’s authority.
 
 
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Piedmont’s engineering department enhances its ability to provide its customers with high-end top quality MRO services and supports the provision of MRO services for new products with commercial potential. Piedmont’s engineering department employs several aerospace engineers, including a DER certified by the FAA. Piedmont’s engineers have direct experience with aerospace component repair and have experience with the process of obtaining supplemental type certificates from the FAA and in obtaining FAA product manufacturing authorizations. Piedmont’s onsite DER is certified by the FAA to approve the repair of APUs and equipment, which enables Piedmont to respond quickly to its customers’ needs. Having a DER on staff allows Piedmont to enter the market for a particular type of service more quickly than its competitors who do not employ a DER. Piedmont works directly with the FAA Aircraft Certification Office in obtaining approvals on projects that are outside its DER’s authority.

Research and Development
 
The technological developments in the markets in which TAT operates, increase the need to constantly examine the use of new materials and technology in an effort to improve both the physical characteristics of the products (size, weight), as well as their performance (optimal heat transfer, higher reliability and increased lifespan). TAT also develops new products and enhanced functionalities to its existing products based on customer demands and by the competitive environment and market potential. TAT invests resources to attain such technological and product improvements in cooperation with its customers.

Source and Availability of Raw Materials and Spare Parts
 
Gedera, Limco and Piedmont acquire most of the components for the manufacture of their products from a limited number of suppliers and subcontractors, most of whom are located in Israel and the United States. Certain of these suppliers are currently the sole source of one or more components upon which Gedera, Limco and Piedmont are dependent. Since many of Gedera’s, Limco’s and Piedmont’s purchases require long lead-times, a delay in the supply of an item can significantly delay the delivery of a product. Generally, Gedera, Limco and Piedmont have not experienced difficulty in obtaining timely deliveries of necessary components. The raw materials used in Gedera’s, Limco’s and Piedmont’s manufacturing programs are generally readily available metals and alloys. Gedera, Limco and Piedmont have not had any difficulty in obtaining such materials in the past and if they are unable to obtain these components when needed, Gedera, Limco and Piedmont would experience delays in manufacturing their products and their financial results could be adversely affected.
 
 
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Gedera, Limco and Piedmont select their suppliers primarily based on their ability to ensure that their parts are serviceable and traceable to OEM-approved sources, their delivery performance and their ability to help reduce their total cost of procuring those parts. For quality control, cost and efficiency reasons, Gedera, Limco and Piedmont generally purchase supplies only from vendors with whom they have ongoing relationships or who their customers have previously approved.
 
Authorizations from OEMs often require that TAT purchase component parts that are needed for its MRO services from the OEM or its designated distributors. Gedera and Piedmont have separate agreements with Honeywell under which Honeywell has agreed to sell Gedera and Piedmont certain parts at a discount for a period of five years, ending August 28, 2017 and December 31, 2015, respectively.
 
When deemed essential, Gedera, Limco and Piedmont have been and are investing efforts in order to qualify second sources or have identified alternate sources for many of its parts needs.
 
Israeli Export Policy
 
Exports of military related products are subject to the military export policy of the State of Israel. Current Israeli Government policy encourages exports to approved customers, provided that such exports do not run counter to Israeli policy or national security considerations. Gedera must obtain a permit to initiate a sales proposal and ultimately an export license for the transaction required. Gedera may not be able to obtain export permits or licenses in the future. In addition, governmental policy with respect to military exports may be altered. However, to date Gedera has not encountered any significant difficulties in obtaining necessary permits or licenses for sale of its products.

 
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Proprietary Rights
 
At the present time Gedera, Limco and Piedmont do not own any patents. Gedera, Limco and Piedmont rely on laws protecting trade secrets, and consider such items proprietary, but TAT believes that Gedera, Limco and Piedmont’s success depends less on the ownership of such proprietary rights than on their innovative skills, technical competences, marketing and engineering abilities. Gedera, Limco and Piedmont have no material registered trademarks.

B.             Government Regulations
 
Aerospace and Safety Regulations
 
The commercial aerospace industry is highly regulated by the FAA in the United States, EASA in Europe, the Civil Aviation Authority in England and other governmental authorities elsewhere in the world, while the military aerospace industry is governed by military quality specifications established by the U.S. Department of Defense for the manufacturing and repair industries and ISO-9000. TAT is required to be certified by one or more of these entities and, in some cases, by individual OEMs. TAT must also satisfy the requirements of its customers, including OEMs and airlines that are subject to FAA regulations and to evolving industry standards, and provide these customers with products that comply with the government regulations applicable to commercial flight operations. TAT believes it currently satisfies or exceeds these FAA maintenance standards in its repair and overhaul activities. Each of its repair stations is approved by the FAA. TAT also believes it currently satisfies all industry standards in its facilities.
 
TAT’s operations are also subject to a variety of worker and community safety laws including the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, known as OSHA, which mandates general requirements for safe workplaces for all US employees. In addition, OSHA provides special procedures and measures for the handling of certain hazardous and toxic substances. TAT believes that its operations are in material compliance with OSHA’s health and safety requirements.
 
TAT believes that it is in material compliance with US, European and other governmental regulations affecting the aerospace and defense industry.
 
 
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Israeli Regulations
 
TAT’s operations in Israel are subject to supervision by the Ministry of Defense and Civil Aviation Administration. Gedera is certified by the Israeli Air Force and the Ministry of Defense for both manufacturing and maintenance. Gedera is also licensed as a repair station for certain components by the Israeli Civil Aviation Administration. In addition, Gedera’s export of certain products and/or know-how is subject to approval by the Department for Control of Defense Export of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, known as API. Permits from API must be obtained for the initiation of sales proposals with regard to such exports, as well as for the actual export of such products.
 
Environmental Matters
 
TAT’s operations are subject to a number of federal, state and local environmental laws in the United States and Israel, and to regulation by government agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Among other matters, these regulatory authorities impose requirements that regulate the emission, discharge, generation, management, transportation and disposal of pollutants and hazardous substances. These authorities may require TAT to initiate actions to remediate the effects of hazardous substances which may be or have been released into the environment, and require TAT to obtain and maintain permits in connection with TAT’s operations. This extensive regulatory framework imposes significant compliance burdens and risks.
 
Although TAT seeks to maintain its operations and facilities in compliance with applicable environmental laws, there can be no assurance that TAT has no violations, or that change in such laws, regulations or interpretations of such laws, will not require TAT to make significant additional expenditures to ensure compliance in the future. Currently, TAT does not believe that it will have to make material capital expenditures for its operations to comply with environmental laws or regulations, or to incur material costs for environmental remediation during the 2015 fiscal year.
 
TAT has received no material third party environmental claims relating to its facilities, and TAT believes that it has all material licenses and certifications that are required in the jurisdictions in which it operates.

 
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C.             Property, Plants and Equipment
 
The Gedera facility is located in Park Re’em near Gedera. The Park Re’em location houses TAT’s executive offices, Gedera’s research and development and manufacturing operations and includes approximately 344,000 square feet facility. The land of this facility is leased by TAT Industries from the Israel Land Authority, or ILA pursuant to a lease that expires in 2016 with respect to one plot (237,000 square feet) and 2020 with respect the other plot (107,000 square feet). The term of the leases may be extended for a subsequent period of up to 49 years, subject to payment to be calculated according to the ILA's rules. Approximately 43,000 square feet of the facility are sub-leased to TAT from 1991 until 2020 for rental fees. TAT sub-leases the remaining 301,000 square feet of the facility from TAT Industries pursuant to an agreement TAT entered into in connection with the purchase of the operations relating to the manufacture of aviation accessories of TAT Industries in February 2000. From 2000 to 2004, TAT paid TAT Industries annual rental fees of approximately $300,000 per year, with an additional incremental payment of 2% per year. In 2005 the rental fee was reviewed by a real estate appraiser, and as a result was increased to $310,000 per year with an additional incremental payment of 2% per year. In 2010 the rental fee was reviewed again by a real estate appraiser, and as a result was increased to $400,000 per year with an additional incremental payment of 2% per year. In 2015 the rental fee was reviewed again by a real estate appraiser, and as a result was increased to $656,000 per year with an additional incremental payment of 2% per year. Total rental payment TAT paid to TAT Industries during 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $432,000, $424,000 and $416,000, respectively. See also Item 7.B "Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions – Related Party Transactions – Management and Services Agreement with TAT Industries."
 
Limco owns and operates a 55,000 square feet manufacturing plant in Tulsa, Oklahoma which has historically supported all its business, including its aftermarket heat transfer component repair station. This facility also has housed Limco’s administration, engineering, quality control and support services. Limco also leases an additional 16,000 square feet repair station adjacent to its Tulsa manufacturing plant which has supported its heat transfer component and pneumatic ducting MRO services. In 2014, 2013 and 2012, the rental expense for this property was $51,600, $50,000 and, $38,000, respectively for each one of these years. The lease expires in October 31, 2016.

 
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Piedmont leases approximately 56,000 square feet space for its facility in Kernersville, North Carolina to support its aftermarket APU component and overhaul repair station. In 2014, 2013 and 2012, the rental expense for this property was $78,000 for each one of these years. The lease expires in October 31, 2016. In 2013 and 2012, Piedmont leased an additional 56,000 square feet space in Kernersville (the majority of the leased space was released in November 2012, out of which 4,400 square feet were leased until July 2013), for which the rental expense was $11,000 and $69,000, respectively for each one of these years.  As of July 31, 2013 Piedmont no longer leases additional storage space in Kernersville, North Carolina.  Piedmont also leases approximately 32,000 square feet for its facility in Winston Salem, North Carolina to support its Landing Gear component and overhaul repair station as well as the Machining, Plating & Grinding operation. In 2014, 2013 and 2012, the rental expense for this property was $76,000, $76,000 and $48,000, respectively for each one of these years. The lease expires on December 31, 2017. Piedmont also leased approximately 10,000 square feet of storage space in Winston-Salem near its main facility starting in 2014 on a month to month lease. In 2014 Piedmont’s expense for this property was $14,000 for 2014.

Unresolved Staff Comments
 
Not applicable.

Item 5.                   Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
 
Operating Results
 
The following discussion of our results of operations should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes, which appear elsewhere in this annual report.  The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our current plans, estimates and beliefs and involve risks and uncertainties.  Our actual results may differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include those discussed below and elsewhere in this annual report.
 
 
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Overview
 
TAT provides a variety of services and products to the aerospace and defense industries under three segments: (i) OEM of Heat Management Solutions; (ii) Heat Transfer Services and Products; and (iii) MRO services for Aviation Components.
 
TAT’s activities in the field of OEM of Heat Management Solutions primarily relate to its Gedera facility and include the (i) design, development, manufacture and sale of a broad range of heat transfer products (such as heat exchangers, pre-coolers and oil/fuel hydraulic coolers) used in mechanical and electronic systems on-board commercial, military and business aircraft; and (ii) manufacture and sale of environmental control and cooling systems and (iii) a variety of other electronic and mechanical aircraft accessories and systems such as pumps, valves, power systems and turbines. It also includes, to a lesser extent, the maintenance services for heat transfer products and flow control accessories.
 
TAT’s activities in the field of Heat Transfer Services and Products primarily relate to its subsidiary, Limco, and include the maintenance, repair and overhaul of heat transfer products and other aircraft component. Limco operates an FAA certified repair station, which provides aircraft component MRO services for airlines, air cargo carriers, maintenance service centers and the military. In addition to its MRO services, Limco also manufactures heat transfer products used in commercial, regional, business and military aircraft.
 
TAT’s MRO services for Aviation Components primarily relate to its subsidiary, Piedmont, and include the maintenance, repair and overhaul of APUs, and landing gear. Piedmont operates an FAA certified repair station, which provides aircraft component MRO services for airlines, air cargo carriers, maintenance service centers and the military.
 
TAT is reliant on the commercial and military aviation and defense industries. Any downturn in these industries could decrease demand for its services and products and negatively impact its financial condition. The commercial airline industry is cyclical and has historically been subject to fluctuations due to general economic and political conditions, such as fuel and labor costs, price competition, downturns in the global economy and national and international events.
 
 
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TAT’s revenues from OEM operations generally have higher gross margins than from MRO services. Respectively, the manufacturing of OEM products require higher level of expertise, associated labor and initial investments than does the provision of MRO services.
 
TAT’s cost of revenues for OEM operations and MRO services consists of component and material costs, direct labor costs, shipping expenses, royalties, overhead related to manufacturing and depreciation of manufacturing equipment. TAT’s gross margin is affected by the proportion of its revenues generated from each of its operational segments.
 
The principal factors that affect the operating income of TAT’s four segments in addition to their gross profit, is the amount TAT expends for selling and marketing expenses and general and administrative expenses. While TAT plans to tightly monitor and save on its operating expenses, TAT believes that these operating expenses may increase in the future in accordance with its plans to grow the business of these segments.
 
TAT’s research and development expenses are related to new products and technologies or significant improvement in existing products and technologies, primarily within the OEM operations in Israel and in the Heat Transfer Services and Products operating segment in the U.S.
 
TAT’s selling and marketing expenses during the past years increased compared to previous year. While TAT plans to tightly monitor and save on its operating expenses, TAT believes that its selling and marketing expenses may increase in the future in accordance with its plans to grow the business of these segments.
 
TAT’s general and administrative expenses have decreased during 2014 and 2013. The decrease in 2014 was primarily as result of expenses was impacted by the decrease in general and administrative expenses in the OEM of Heat Management Solutions operating segment, primarily attributable to the decrease in bonuses.
 
Sources of Revenues
 
TAT, directly and through its subsidiaries, provides a variety of services and products to the commercial and military aerospace and defense industries, such as the manufacture, maintenance and repair of a broad range of heat transfer components (such as heat exchangers, pre-coolers and oil/fuel hydraulic coolers) used in mechanical and electronic systems on-board commercial, military and business aircraft; other environmental control and cooling systems a variety of other electronic and mechanical aircraft accessories and a wide range of electric motion systems.
 
 
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TAT specializes in the repair and overhaul of heat transfer products, APUs, landing gear and pneumatic ducting. TAT is a well-recognized repair center for heat transfer products of Hamilton Sundstrand, a leading provider of aerospace products, to provide MRO services for all of its air-to-air heat transfer products, and an authorized repair center by Honeywell, a leading manufacturer of aerospace products and aerospace services provider, to provide MRO services for several of their APU models. TAT’s repair stations are certified by the FAA and the EASA as well as by the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam (CAAV) and Thailand (Thai) .
 
The following table reflects the geographic breakdown of TAT’s revenues for each of the three years ended December 31, 2014:
 
TAT’s revenues from its four operational segments for the three years ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
Revenues
in
Thousands
   
% of
Total
Revenues
   
Revenues
in
Thousands
   
% of
Total
Revenues
   
Revenues
in
Thousands
   
% of
Total
Revenues
 
Sale of products (*)
                                   
North America
    18,886       60.2 %   $ 18,016       52.4 %   $ 16,475       45.4 %
Europe
    2,257       7.2 %     2,292       6.7 %     1,966       5.4 %
France
    3,642       11.6 %     5,482       16.0 %     4,604       12.7 %
Israel
    4,806       15.3 %     6,248       18.2 %     9,147       25.2 %
Other
    1,771       5.6 %     2,326       6.7 %     4,071       11.2 %
Total
    31,362       100.0 %   $ 34,364       100.0 %   $ 36,263       100.0 %
 
 
(*) Excluding discontinued operations for each of the years ended on December 31, 2013 and 2012.
 
 
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Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
Revenues
in
Thousands
   
% of
Total
Revenues
   
Revenues
in
Thousands
   
% of
Total
Revenues
   
Revenues
in
Thousands
   
% of
Total
Revenues
 
Services
                                   
North America
    31,267       63.3 %   $ 27,639       61.2 %   $ 25,648       61.6 %
Europe
    8,786       17.8 %     7,658       16.9 %     4,624       11.1 %
Netherland
    1,734       3.5 %     1,553       3.4 %     3,303       7.9 %
Israel
    834       1.7 %     612       1.4 %     468       1.1 %
Other
    6,742       13.7 %     7,725       17.1 %     7,609       18.3 %
Total
  $ 49,363       100.0 %   $ 45,187       100.0 %   $ 41,652       100.0 %
 
TAT’s revenues from its four operational segments for the three years ended December 31, 2014 were as follows:
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
Revenues
in
Thousands
   
% of
Total
Revenues
   
Revenues
in
Thousands
   
% of
Total
Revenues
   
Revenues
in
Thousands
   
% of
Total
Revenues
 
Revenues (*)
                                   
OEM of Heat Management Solutions
  $ 28,185       34.9 %   $ 31,138       39.1 %   $ 31,032       39.8 %
Heat Transfer Services and Products
    30,350       37.6 %     29,907       37.6 %     27,709       35.6 %
MRO services for Aviation Components
    27,734       34.4 %     22,429       28.2 %     22,442       28.84 %
Eliminations
    (5,543 )     (6.9 )%     (3,923 )     (4.9 )%     (3,268 )     (4.2 )%
Total revenues
  $ 80,726       100.0 %   $ 79,551       100.0 %   $ 77,915       100.0 %

(*) Excluding discontinued operations for each of the years ended on December 31, 2013 and 2012.

 
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Costs and Expenses
 
Cost of revenues TAT’s cost of revenues for OEM operations and MRO services consist of component and material costs, direct labor costs, royalties, shipping expenses, overhead related to manufacturing and depreciation of manufacturing equipment.
 
TAT’s gross margin was affected by the proportion of TAT’s revenues generated from OEM operations and MRO services in each of the reported years.
 
Research and development expenses, net. Research and development expenses, net are related to new products and technologies or to a significant improvement of products and technologies, net of grants and participations received.
 
Selling and marketing expenses. Selling and marketing expenses consist primarily of commission payments, compensation and related expenses of TAT’s sales teams, attendance at trade shows, advertising expenses and related costs for facilities and equipment.
 
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses consist of compensation and related expenses for executive, finance and administrative personnel, professional fees, other general corporate expenses and related costs for facilities and equipment.
 
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets. During the second quarter ended June 30, 2012, management believed that there were indicators of impairment of goodwill in its OEM of Electric Motion System reporting unit, primarily due to a decline in future forecasted sales levels and profitability margins resulting from the continued weakness in the defense industry. Accordingly, the Company performed an impairment test of goodwill, as of June 30, 2012, for this reporting unit, with the assistance of an independent appraisal. Based on the results of this test, the Company determined that the entire balance of goodwill included in this reporting unit was impaired and recorded an impairment charge of $1.0 million.
 
Other income (expense). Other income (expense) results from capital gain on sale of property and equipment.
 
Financial income (expense), net. Financial income (expense), net consists of income and interest expense. Interest expense relates to the interest paid to banks and changes in the rate of the NIS against the U.S. dollar.
 
 
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Tax expense (income). Tax expense consists of Israeli, U.S. federal, state and local taxes on the income of TAT’s business and changes in deferred tax assets (liabilities).
 
Net loss from discontinued operations. Consists of a $2.2 million loss from the impairment of entire interest in Bental, which assets and liabilities were segregated at the end of 2013 and classified as held for sale assets and liabilities. In addition, the Company recorded a loss from discontinued operations of $0.2 million for the year ended on December 31, 2013.
 
Impairment of share in associated company. During the quarter ended June 30, 2012, TAT recognized $3.3 million impairment with respect to its approximately 30% interest in FAvS, which was based on an independent appraisal.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
TAT’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These accounting principles require management to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions based upon information available at the time that they are made, historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates, judgments and assumptions can affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. While all the accounting policies impact the financial statements, certain policies may be viewed to be critical. These policies are those that are both most important to the portrayal of TAT’s financial condition and results of operations and require management’s most difficult, subjective and complex judgments and estimates. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States and does not require management’s judgment in its application. There are also areas in which management’s judgment in selecting among available alternatives would not produce a materially different result. Management has reviewed these critical accounting policies and related disclosures with TAT’s Audit Committee.

 
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TAT’s management believes the significant accounting policies which affect management’s more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of TAT’s consolidated financial statements and which are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating the reported financial results include the following:
 
 
·
Revenue recognition
 
·
Inventory valuation
 
·
Goodwill, Intangible assets and Long-lived assets
 
·
Income taxes
 
·
Doubtful debts
 
·
Fair value estimation of TAT’s investment in FavS.
 
·
Held for sale classification and discontinued operations.

Segments
 
TAT operates under three segments: (i) Original Equipment Manufacturing or “OEM” of Heat Management Solutions (ii) Heat Transfer Services and Products, and (iii) Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul or “MRO” services for Aviation Components.
 
TAT’s activities in the area of OEM of Heat Management Solutions primarily relate to its Gedera facility and include (i) the design, development, manufacture and sale of a broad range of heat transfer products (such as heat exchangers, pre-coolers and oil/fuel hydraulic coolers) used in mechanical and electronic systems on-board commercial, military and business aircraft; (ii) the manufacture and sale of environmental control and cooling systems and (iii) a variety of other electronic and mechanical aircraft accessories and systems such as pumps, valves, power systems and turbines. It also includes, to a lesser extent, the maintenance services for heat transfer products and flow control accessories.
 
TAT’s activities in the field of Heat Transfer Services and Products primarily relate to its subsidiary, Limco, and include the maintenance, repair and overhaul of heat transfer equipment and in a lesser extent, the manufacturing of certain heat transfer products. TAT’s Limco subsidiary operates an FAA certified repair station, which provides heat transfer MRO services and products for airlines, air cargo carriers, maintenance service centers and the military.
 
 
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TAT’s activities in the field of MRO services for Aviation Components primarily relate to its subsidiary, Piedmont, and includes the maintenance, repair and overhaul of APUs, landing gear and other aircraft components. TAT’s Piedmont subsidiary operates an FAA certified repair station, which provides aircraft component MRO services for airlines, air cargo carriers, maintenance service centers and the military.

Revenue Recognition
 
TAT generates its revenues from the sale of products and systems (the OEM segments) and from providing MRO Services (remanufacture, repair and overhaul services and long-term service contracts).
 
Revenues from the sale of products and services are recognized in accordance with ASC 605-10-S99 when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery of the product has occurred, provided the collection of the resulting receivable is probable, the price is fixed or determinable and no significant obligation exists. TAT does not grant a right of return.
 
Revenues from product sales are recognized when product is shipped to the customer and title passes to the customer.
 
Revenues from multi-year, fixed price contracts for OEM customers are recognized when a product is shipped (and title passes) to the customer. Management provides for losses, if expected for the remaining portion of such contracts. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, no losses have been recognized for such fixed price contracts.
 
Revenues from MRO services are recognized as services are performed, at the time when the customer-owned material is shipped back to the customer.
 
Revenue from maintenance contracts are accounted according to ASC 605-10-S99. Accordingly, revenues from maintenance contracts are recognized over the contract period in proportion to the costs expected to be incurred in performing services under the contract. TAT estimates the costs that are expected to be incurred based on its experience with the aggregate costs incurred and to be incurred on contracts of this nature. The cost incurred related to the maintenance contracts are not incurred on a straight-line basis, as the timing to provide the maintenance services is dependent on when parts under these contracts require maintenance, therefore TAT accrues revenue based on anticipated costs per contract as costs are incurred. These revenues are then compared to actual results and adjusted to either deferred revenue for results greater than historical estimates or expensed in those cases of performances less than historical estimates. These accounts are reviewed monthly and adjusted as needed based on cost structures.
 
 
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Revenues from royalties from sales of products developed with TAT’s intellectual property, technology and technical assistance are recognized when the related sales are made.

Valuation of Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Long-Lived Assets
 
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations.
 
In conjunction with acquisitions of assets, we allocate the purchase price based upon the relative fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. In connection with a business combination, amounts assigned to intangible assets are based upon fair value. We regularly assess whether indefinite life intangibles and goodwill have been impaired and will adjust the carrying values of these assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that some or all of the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. Our judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators are based on legal factors, market conditions and operating performances of our businesses and products. Future events could cause us to conclude that impairment indicators exist and that the carrying values of our intangible assets or goodwill are impaired. Any resulting impairment loss could have a material adverse impact on our financial position and results of operations.
 
We evaluate the recoverability and measure the possible impairment of goodwill. The impairment test is a two-step process that begins with the estimation of the fair value of the reporting unit. The first step screens for potential impairment, and the second step measures the amount of the impairment, if any. Our estimate of fair value considers publicly available information regarding the market capitalization of the company, as well as (1) publicly available information regarding comparable publicly traded companies in the aviation industry, (2) the financial projections and future prospects of our business, including its growth opportunities and likely operational improvements, and (3) comparable sales prices, if available. As part of the first step to assess potential impairment, we compare, on a reporting unit level, our estimate of fair value for such reporting unit to the book value of the reporting unit. If the book value of any of the reporting units is greater than the estimate of its fair value, we would then proceed to the second step to measure the impairment, if any. The second step measures the amount of impairment by comparing the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying value. Such implied fair value is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the reporting unit was the purchase price paid to acquire the reporting unit. The excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the amounts assigned to its assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill is greater than its implied fair value, an impairment loss will be recognized in the amount of the excess.
 
 
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We have determined September 30 of each year as the date of the annual impairment test for goodwill and other indefinite life intangible assets.
 
During the second quarter ended June 30, 2012, management believed that there were indicators of impairment of goodwill in its OEM of Electric Motion System reporting unit, primarily due to a decline in future forecasted sales levels and profitability margins resulting from the continued weakness in the defense industry. Accordingly, the Company performed an impairment test of goodwill, as of June 30, 2012, for this reporting unit, with the assistance of a third party valuation. Based on the results of this test, the Company determined that the entire balance of goodwill included in this reporting unit was impaired and recorded an impairment charge of $1.0 million.
 
Due to management estimates of a continuing decline in sales levels in the OEM of Electric Motion Systems operating segment resulting from the weakness in the Israeli defense market, the Company reviewed indications for impairment of certain identifiable assets in this segment. Accordingly, the Company reviewed these assets for impairment by estimating their fair value based on their net selling price and comparing those values to the carrying value of the assets.  As a result the Company concluded that the intangible asset ‘Customer Relations’ at its OEM of Electric Motion Systems operating segment in the amount of $0.3 million was impaired on 2012.
 
As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, there are no goodwill or other remaining identifiable intangible assets included on the balance sheet.

 
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Investment in Company Accounted for using the Equity Method
 
Investment in which the Company exercises significant influence, which is not considered subsidiary ("associate"), is accounted for the equity method, whereby the Company recognizes its proportionate share of the company's net income or loss after the date of investment. The Company reviews this investment for impairment whenever events indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable.
 
On December 4, 2009, the Company, through its subsidiary Piedmont, signed an investment agreement with FAvS. According to the agreement, Piedmont was issued 288,334 shares of Class B Common stock of First Aviation Services Inc., or FAvS, representing 37% of FAvS' then share capital (total number of shares acquired is adjusted as result of a 1 for 20 reverse stock split) and $ 750 thousand of FAvS Preferred shares (entitlement to cash dividends at an annual rate of 12% payable quarterly or to additional Preferred shares at an annual rate of 15%) in return for Piedmont's propeller and parts businesses.
 
On March 11, 2015, Piedmont Aviation Component Services, LLC , an indirect subsidiary of TAT, entered into an agreement to sell 237,932 shares of Class B Common Stock of FAvS representing 23.18% of FAvS' share capital and its entire holdings (16,253) of FAvS' Series A Preferred stock. The purchase price for the Class B Shares is $8.40 per Class B Shares, for an aggregate purchase price of $1,999, and the purchase price for the Series A Preferred stock is $100 per Preferred Share, for an aggregate purchase price of $1,625. The total gain from the sale of FAvS' stock is $1,395. The company owns 5% of FAvS’ after the transaction
 
As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, Piedmont's holding in FAvS was 28.08% and 29.36%, respectively.

Income Taxes
 
TAT operates within multiple taxing jurisdictions and is subject to audits in these jurisdictions. These audits can involve complex issues, which may require an extended period of time to resolve. In management’s opinion, adequate provisions for income taxes have been made for all years. Although management believes that its estimates are reasonable, no assurance can be given that the final tax outcome of these issues will not be different than those that are reflected in its historical income tax provisions.
 
 
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TAT uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities and net operating loss and credit carry forwards using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. To the extent that TAT’s decisions and assumptions and historical reporting are determined not to be compliant with applicable tax laws TAT may be subject to adjustments in its reported income for tax purposes as well as interest and penalties.
 
According to an acceptable Interpretation that prescribes a minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. The Interpretation also provides guidance on derecognition of tax positions, classification on the balance sheet, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. In addition the Interpretation requires significant judgment in determining what constitutes an individual tax position as well as assessing the outcome of each tax position. Changes in judgment as to recognition or measurement of tax positions can materially affect the estimate of the effective tax rate and consequently, affect our operating results.

Allowances for Doubtful Accounts
 
TAT performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and requires collateral as deemed necessary. Allowances for doubtful accounts are maintained for estimated losses resulting from the inability of TAT’s customers to make payments. In judging the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts, TAT considers multiple factors including the aging of receivables, historical bad debt experience and the general economic environment. Management applies considerable judgment in assessing the realization of receivables, including assessing the probability of collection and the current credit worthiness of each customer. If the financial condition of TAT’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

 
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Inventories
 
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the basis of actual cost or by the average cost method. TAT’s policy for valuation of inventory and commitments to purchase inventory, including the determination of obsolete or excess inventory, requires it to perform a detailed assessment of inventory at each balance sheet date which includes a review of, among other factors, an estimate of future demand for products within specific time frames, valuation of existing inventory, as well as product lifecycle and product development plans. The business environment in which TAT operates, the wide range of products that TAT offers and the relatively short sales-cycles TAT experiences, all contribute to the exercise of judgment relating to maintaining and writing-off of inventory levels. The estimates of future demand that TAT uses in the valuation of inventory are the basis for its revenue forecast, which is also consistent with its short-term manufacturing plan. Inventory reserves are also provided to cover risks arising from non-moving items. Inventory management remains an area of management focus as TAT balances the need to maintain strategic inventory levels to ensure competitive lead times against the risk of inventory obsolescence because of changing technology and customer requirements. TAT writes down obsolete or slow moving inventory in an amount equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the net realizable value based upon assumptions about future demand, market conditions and sale forecasts.

If actual market conditions are less favorable than TAT anticipates, additional inventory write-downs may be required.

Held for sale classification and discontinued operations
 
At December 31, 2013, held for sale assets and liabilities consisted of Bental, the OEM of Electric Motion Systems operating, and its results of operations are presented as discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of operations. Closing of the transaction was made on March 27, 2014 after receiving all required approvals for the closing.

 
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Key Indicators
 
TAT’s management evaluates its performance by focusing on key performance indicators, which are revenues, sources of revenues, gross profit and operating income. These key performance indicators are primarily affected by the competitive landscape in which TAT operates and its ability to meet the challenges posed.
 
The following table presents, for the periods indicated, information concerning TAT’s results of operations:
 
       
   
Year Ended December 31
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Revenues
                 
OEM of Heat Management Solutions
  $ 28,185     $ 31,138     $ 31,032  
Heat Transfer Services and Products
    30,350       29,907       27,709  
MRO services for Aviation Components
    27,734       22,429       22,442  
Eliminations
    (5,543 )     (3,923 )     (3,268 )
Total revenues
    80,726       79,551       77,915  
Cost of revenues
                       
OEM of Heat Management Solutions
    23,249       24,141       23,105  
Heat Transfer Services and Products
    22,205       21,600       19,671  
MRO services for Aviation Components
    23,502       19,224       19,044  
Eliminations
    (5,330 )     (4,086 )     (3,281 )
Total cost of revenues
    63,626       60,879       58,539  
Research and development costs, net
    1,070       713       995  
Selling and marketing
    3,203       3,150       2,899  
General and administrative
    9,019       9,512       10,110  
Other income
    (11 )     (20 )     (13 )
Operating income from continuing operations
    3,819       5,317       5,385  
Financial expense, net
    (1,294 )     (50 )     (106 )
Gain from dilution of interests in affiliated company
    -       -       -  
Income from continuing operations before taxes on income
    2,525       5,267       5,279  
Taxes on income
    1,360       1,041       2,090  
Net income from continuing operations after taxes on income
    1,165       4,226       3,189  
Share in results of affiliated company and impairment of share in affiliated company
    267       1,025       (3,756 )
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
    1,432       5,251       (567 )
Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
            (2,429 )     (1,147 )
Net income (loss) attributable to TAT Technologies Ltd. shareholders
  $ 1,432     $ 2,822     $ (1,714 )

 
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The following table presents, for the periods indicated, information concerning TAT’s results of operations as a percentage of revenues:
 
       
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2014
   
2013
   
2012
 
Revenues
                 
OEM of Heat Management Solutions
    34.9 %     39.1 %     39.8 %
Heat Transfer Services and Products
    37.6       37.6       35.6  
MRO services for Aviation Components
    34.4       28.2       28.8  
Eliminations
    (6.9 )     (4.9 )     (4.2 )
Total revenues
    100.0       100.0       100.0  
Cost of revenues
                       
OEM of Heat Management Solutions
    28.8       30.3       29.7  
Heat Transfer Services and Products
    27.5       27.2       25.2  
MRO services for Aviation Components
    29.1       24.2       24.4  
Write down of inventory and impairment charges of  long lived assets
    -       *       *  
Eliminations
    (6.6 )     (5.1 )     (4.2 )
Cost of revenues
    78.8       76.5       75.1  
Research and development costs, net
    1.3       0.9       1.3  
Selling and marketing
    4.0       4.0       3.7  
General and administrative
    11.2       12.0       13.0  
Other income
    *       -       -  
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations
    4.7       6.7       6.9  
Financial expense, net
    (1.6 )     (0.1 )     (0.1 )
Gain from dilution of interests in affiliated company
    -       -       -  
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes on income
    3.1       6.6       6.8  
Taxes on income (tax benefit)
    1.6       1.4       2.7  
Net income (loss) from continuing operations after taxes on income
    1.5       5.2       4.1  
Share in results of affiliated company and impairment of share in affiliated company
    *       1.3       (4.8 )
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
    1.8       6.5       *  
Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
    -       (3.0 )     (1.5 )
Net income (loss) attributable to TAT Technologies’ Shareholders
    1.8 %     3.5 %     (2.2 )%
________________________
* Less than one percent.
 
 
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Year ended December 31, 2014 compared with Year ended December 31, 2013
 
Revenues. Total revenues were $80.7 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, compared to $79.5 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, an increase of 1.5%. This reflects (i) the decrease in revenues in the OEM of Heat Management Solutions segment; (ii) the increase in revenues in the Heat Transfer Services and Products segment; and (iii) the increase in revenues in the MRO Services for Aviation Components segment.
 
Revenues from OEM of Heat Management Solutions. Revenues from OEM of Heat Management Solutions operating segment decreased to $28.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 from $31.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, an decrease of 9.5%.
 
Revenues from Heat Transfer Services and Products. Revenues from Heat Transfer Services and Products operating segment increased to $30.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, from $29.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of 1.5%.
 
Revenues from MRO services for Aviation Components. Revenues from MRO services for Aviation Components operating segment increased to $27.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, from $22.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase was attributable to increased sales both to existing and new customers.

 
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Cost of revenues. Cost of revenues was $63.6 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, compared to the $60.9 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, an increase of 4.5%. This reflects (i) the decrease in revenues in the OEM of Heat Management Solutions segment; (ii) the increase in revenues in the Heat Transfer Services and Products segment; and (iii) the increase in revenues in the MRO Services for Aviation Components segment, which is primarily attributable to the increase in material cost associated with the increase in revenues

Cost of revenues as a percentage of revenues was 78.8% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, compared to 76.5% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013. This is primarily attributable to product mix with lower margin products sold during 2014 in the OEM of Heat Management Solutions, in the Heat Transfer Services and Products and in the MRO Services for Aviation operating segments.

Cost of revenues for OEM of Heat Management Solutions. Cost of revenues for OEM of Heat Management Solutions operating segment increased to $23.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, from $24.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, an decrease of 3.7%. This decrease in primarily attributable to the decrease in revenues in 2014.
 
Cost of revenues as a percentage of revenues in this segment increased to 82.5% in the year ended December 31, 2014, from 77.5% for the year ended December 31, 2013. Primarily as a result of product mix with lower margin products sold during year 2014 along with higher rate of fixed production costs in 2014 compared with 2013.
 
Cost of revenues for Heat Transfer Services and Products. Cost of revenues for Heat Transfer Services and Products operating segment increased to $22.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 from $21.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of 2.8%. This increase in primarily attributable to the increase in material cost associated with the increase in revenues in 2014.
 
Cost of revenues as a percentage of revenues in this segment increased to 73.2% in the year ended December 31, 2014 from 72.2% for the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily as a result of product mix with lower margins sold during year 2014.
 
 
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Cost of revenues for MRO services for Aviation Components. Cost of revenues for MRO services for Aviation Components operating segment increased to $23.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 from $19.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, an increase of 22.3%.
 
Cost of revenues as a percentage of revenues in this segment decreased to 84.7% in the year ended December 31, 2014 from 85.7% for the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily as a result of product mix with higher margin products sold during year 2014.

Research and development, net. Research and Development expenses were $1.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, compared to $0.7 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, an increase of 50.1%, and are related to new products and technologies within the OEM of Heat Management Solutions and the Heat Transfer Services and Products operating segments.
 
Research and Development expenses as a percentage of revenues were 1.3% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 compared to 0.9% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013. TAT expects to invest additional resources in research and development activities, and accordingly will continue to incur and record additional research and development expenses in coming years.

Selling and marketing. Selling and marketing expenses were $3.2 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, compared to $3.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, an increase of 1.7%. This was impacted by the increased expenses in the Heat Transfer Services and Products segment, primarily attributable to increased commissions costs.

Selling and marketing expenses as a percentage of revenues were 4.0% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, similar to 4.0% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013. TAT expects to invest additional resources in selling and marketing activities in coming years.

 
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General and administrative. General and administrative expenses were $9.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, compared to $9.5 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, a decrease of 5.2%. The decrease in general and administrative expenses was impacted by the decrease in general and administrative expenses in the OEM of Heat Management Solutions operating segment, primarily attributable to the decrease in bonuses.

General and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues were 11.2% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, compared to 12.0% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013.

Operating income from continuing operations. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, TAT reported operating income of $3.8 million compared to operating income of $5.3 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, a decrease of 28.3%. The decrease in operating income is attributable to (i) the decrease in operating income in the OEM of Heat Management Solutions operating segment; (ii) partially offset by (ii) the increase in operating income in the MRO Services for Aviation operating segments.

Financial expenses. Financial expenses for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 were $2.5 million, compared to $0.9 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013. Financial expenses during the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 primarily resulted from losses on Forward transactions which the company entered in order to minimize its currency risk from expenses paid in NIS, changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the Israeli Shekel, bank fees and interest payments on long-term loans.

Financial income. Financial income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 was $1.2 million, compared to $0.9 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013. Financial income during the twelve month period ended on December 31, 2014 primarily resulted from changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the Israeli Shekel, interest received from the Israeli tax authorities for excess payments made in previous years and from interest received on short-term investments.

 
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Taxes on income. Taxes on income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, amounted to $1.4 million, compared to $1.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013. Taxes on income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, were impacted by tax expenses recorded in the MRO Services for Aviation operating segments.

Share in Results of affiliated company. TAT recognized income of $0.3 million from its approximately 28% interest in FAvS’ results for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 compared to an income of $1.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013.

Net income from continuing operations. TAT recognized net income from continuing operations of $1.4 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 compared to net income of $5.3 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013

Net loss from discontinued operations. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, TAT recognized an impairment of $3.3 million attributable to the sale of our entire interest in Bental, the OEM of Electric Motion Systems (out of which $2.3 million attributed to controlling interest), as mentioned above.

Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to controlling interest. TAT recognized net income of $1.4 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 compared to net loss of $2.8 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013.

 
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Year ended December 31, 2013 compared with Year ended December 31, 2012
 
Revenues. Total revenues were $79.6 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, compared to $77.9 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012, an increase of 2.1%. This reflects (i) the increase in revenues in the OEM of Heat Management Solutions segment; (ii) the increase in revenues in the Heat Transfer Services and Products segment; and (iii) similar revenues in the MRO Services for Aviation Components segment.
 
Revenues from OEM of Heat Management Solutions. Revenues from OEM of Heat Management Solutions operating segment increased to $31.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $31.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, an increase of 0.3%.
 
Revenues from Heat Transfer Services and Products. Revenues from Heat Transfer Services and Products operating segment increased to $29.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, from $27.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, an increase of 7.9%.
 
Revenues from MRO services for Aviation Components. Revenues from MRO services for Aviation Components operating segment were $22.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, similar to $22.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.
 
The increase was attributable to increased sales both to existing and new customers.

Cost of revenues. Cost of revenues was $60.9 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, compared to the $58.5 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012, an increase of 4.0%. This reflects the increase in cost of revenues in all our operating segments - the OEM of Heat Management Solutions, the Heat Transfer Services and Products and in the MRO Services for Aviation Components operating segments, which is primarily attributable to the increase in material cost associated with the increase in revenues.
 
Cost of revenues as a percentage of revenues was 76.5% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, compared to 75.1% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012. This is primarily attributable to product mix with lower margin products sold during 2013 in the OEM of Heat Management Solutions, in the Heat Transfer Services and Products and in the MRO Services for Aviation operating segments.

 
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Cost of revenues for OEM of Heat Management Solutions. Cost of revenues for OEM of Heat Management Solutions operating segment increased to $24.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, from $23.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, an increase of 4.5%. This increase in primarily attributable to the increase in material cost associated with the increase in revenues in 2013.
 
Cost of revenues as a percentage of revenues in this segment increased to 77.5% in the year ended December 31, 2013, from 74.5% for the year ended December 31, 2012. Primarily as a result of product mix with lower margin products sold during year 2013 along with higher rate of fixed production costs in 2013 compared with 2012.
 
Cost of revenues for Heat Transfer Services and Products. Cost of revenues for Heat Transfer Services and Products operating segment increased to $21.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $19.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, an increase of 9.8%. This increase in primarily attributable to the increase in material cost associated with the increase in revenues in 2013.
 
Cost of revenues as a percentage of revenues in this segment increased to 72.2% in the year ended December 31, 2013 from 71.0% for the year ended December 31, 2012, primarily as a result of product mix with lower margins sold during year 2013.
 
Cost of revenues for MRO services for Aviation Components. Cost of revenues for MRO services for Aviation Components operating segment increased to $19.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $19.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, an increase of 0.9%.
 
Cost of revenues as a percentage of revenues in this segment increased to 85.7% in the year ended December 31, 2013 from 84.9% for the year ended December 31, 2012, primarily as a result of product mix with lower margin products sold during year 2013.
 
Research and development, net. Research and Development expenses were $0.7 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, compared to $1.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012, a decrease of 28.3%, and are related to new products and technologies within the OEM of Heat Management Solutions and the Heat Transfer Services and Products operating segments.
 
Research and Development expenses as a percentage of revenues were 0.9% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 compared to 1.3% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012. TAT expects to invest additional resources in research and development activities, and accordingly will continue to incur and record additional research and development expenses in coming years.

 
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Selling and marketing. Selling and marketing expenses were $3.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, compared to $2.9 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012, an increase of 8.7%. This was impacted by (i) the increased expenses in the OEM of Heat Management Solutions operating segment, primarily attributable to increased agents’ commissions; and (ii) the increased expenses in the Heat Transfer Services and Products and in the MRO Services for Aviation Components operating segments, primarily attributable to increased payroll costs.

Selling and marketing expenses as a percentage of revenues were 4.0% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, similar to 3.7% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012. TAT expects to continue to invest additional resources in selling and marketing activities in coming years.

General and administrative. General and administrative expenses were $9.5 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, compared to $10.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012, a decrease of 5.9%. The decrease in general and administrative expenses was impacted by (i) the decrease in general and administrative expenses in the OEM of Heat Management Solutions operating segment, primarily attributable to the decrease in management fees to our previously controlling shareholder and professional services expenses; (ii) the decrease in general and administrative expenses in the Heat Transfer Services and the Products operating segment, primarily attributable to the decrease in payroll costs; and (iii) the decrease in general and administrative expenses in the MRO Services for Aviation Components operating segments, primarily attributable to the decrease in payroll costs and a provision recorded for doubtful debt in the first quarter of 2012.

General and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues were 12.0% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, compared to 13.0% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012.

 
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Operating income from continuing operations. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, TAT reported operating income of $5.3 million compared to operating income of $5.4 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012, a decrease of 1.3%. The decrease in operating income is attributable to (i) the decrease in operating income in the OEM of Heat Management Solutions operating segment; (ii) the increase in operating loss in the MRO Services for Aviation Components operating segment; partially offset by (iii) the increase in operating income in the Heat Transfer Services and the Products operating segment.

Financial expenses. Financial expenses for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 were $0.9 million, compared to $2.1 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012. Financial expenses during the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 primarily resulted from changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the Israeli Shekel, bank fees and interest payments on long-term loans.

Financial income. Financial income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 was $0.9 million, compared to $2.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012. Financial income during the twelve month period ended on December 31, 2013 primarily resulted from changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the Israeli Shekel, interest received from the Israeli tax authorities for excess payments made in previous years and from interest received on short-term investments.

Taxes on income. Taxes on income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, amounted to $1.0 million, compared to $2.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012. Taxes on income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, were impacted by (i) tax benefit recorded in the OEM of Heat Management solutions operating segment, primarily attributable to previous years assessment; (ii) the increase in pre-tax loss in the MRO Services for Aviation Components operating segment; and (iii) similar taxes on income in the Heat Transfer Services and Products operating segment.

Share in Results of affiliated company. TAT recognized income of $1.1 million from its approximately 30% interest in FAvS’ results for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 compared to a loss of $0.45 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012.

 
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Impairment of share in affiliated company. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 TAT recognized an impairment of $3.3 million with respect to its approximately 30% interest in FAvS. This was based on an impairment test performed by the Company, with the assistance of an independent appraisal.

Net income from continuing operations. TAT recognized net income from continuing operations of $5.2 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 compared to net income of $2.7 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 (excluding $3.3 million impairment charge recorded in the second quarter of 2012, with respect to TAT’s investment in FAvS), which reflects an increase of 92% in 2013.

Net loss from discontinued operations. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, TAT recognized an impairment of $3.3 million attributable to the sale of our entire interest in Bental, the OEM of Electric Motion Systems (out of which $2.3 million attributed to controlling interest), as mentioned above. In addition, we recognized a net loss from discontinued operations of $0.1 million (after tax), compared to a net loss from discontinued operations of $1.1 million (after tax) for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012, attributable to our 70% held Bental subsidiary (see Item 8 – Significant Changes, with respect to the sale of TAT's holdings in Bental Industries Ltd.).

Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to controlling interest. TAT recognized net income of $2.8 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 compared to net loss of $1.7 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012.

 
80

 
Quarterly Results of Operations

The following table presents the unaudited consolidated statements of operations data for each of the eight fiscal quarters ended December 31, 2014, in dollars and as a percentage of revenues. In the opinion of TAT’s management, this unaudited information has been prepared on the same basis as TAT’s audited consolidated financial statements and includes all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for fair statement of the unaudited information for the quarters presented. The results of operations for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results that TAT might achieve for any subsequent periods.
 
   
Three months ended
 
   
2014
   
2013
 
   
Dec.
31,
   
Sept.
30,
   
June
30,
   
Mar.
31,
   
Dec.
31,
   
Sept.
30,
   
June
30,
   
Mar.
31,
 
   
($ in thousands)
 
Revenues
  $ 21,385     $ 20,324     $ 20,600     $ 18,417     $ 21,196     $ 18,957     $ 19,819     $ 19,579  
Cost of revenues
    16,001       16,369       16,467       14,789       16,406       14,888       14,982       14,603  
Gross profit (loss)
    5,384       3,955       4,133       3,628       4,790       4,069       4,837       4,976  
Research and Development, net
    185       324       306       255       108       177       204       224  
Selling and marketing
    788       776       889       750       816       768       800       766  
General and administrative
    2,248       2,216       2,279       2,276       2,555       2,205       2,439       2,313  
Other income
    -       (4 )     -       (7 )     (7 )     -       (6 )     (7 )
Operating income from continuing operations
    2,163       643       659       354       1,321       919       1,400