Form 10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended October 1, 2011

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from              to             

Commission File Number 1-8174

DUCOMMUN INCORPORATED

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   95-0693330

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

23301 Wilmington Avenue, Carson, California 90745-6209

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(310) 513-7200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “non-accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   x
Non–accelerated filer   ¨    Smaller reporting company   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. As of October 1, 2011, there were outstanding 10,538,987 shares of common stock.


DUCOMMUN INCORPORATED

FORM 10-Q

INDEX

 

               Page  

Part I.

 

Financial Information

  
 

Item 1.

  

Financial Statements

  
    

Consolidated Balance Sheets at October 1, 2011 and December 31, 2010

     3   
    

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended October 1, 2011 and October 2, 2010

     4   
    

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Nine Months Ended October 1, 2011 and October 2, 2010

     5   
    

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended October 1, 2011 and October 2, 2010

     6   
    

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     7 - 19   
 

Item 2.

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     20 - 42   
 

Item 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     43   
 

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

     43   

Part II.

 

Other Information

  
 

Item 1.

  

Legal Proceedings

     44   
 

Item 1A.

  

Risk Factors

     45 - 67   
 

Item 2.

  

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

     68   
 

Item 6.

  

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

     69   

Signatures

          70   

Exhibits

       

 

- 2 -


Item 1. Financial Statements

DUCOMMUN INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

 

     (Unaudited)        
   October 1,     December 31,  
   2011     2010  

Assets

    

Current Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 19,376      $ 10,268   

Accounts receivable

     97,429        47,949   

Unbilled receivables

     5,670        3,856   

Inventories

     168,161        72,597   

Production cost of contracts

     16,672        16,889   

Deferred income taxes

     11,119        5,085   

Other current assets

     18,588        4,748   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Current Assets

     337,015        161,392   

Property and Equipment, Net

     99,122        59,461   

Goodwill

     216,314        100,442   

Intangibles

     190,740        21,992   

Other Assets

     17,638        2,165   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 860,829      $ 345,452   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

    

Current Liabilities:

    

Current portion of long-term debt

   $ 1,961      $ 187   

Accounts payable

     59,708        39,925   

Accrued liabilities

     59,271        31,174   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Current Liabilities

     120,940        71,286   

Long-Term Debt, Less Current Portion

     390,773        3,093   

Deferred Income Taxes

     81,437        7,691   

Other Long-Term Liabilities

     10,688        9,197   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     603,838        91,267   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies

    

Shareholders’ Equity:

    

Common stock

     107        106   

Treasury stock

     (1,924     (1,924

Additional paid-in capital

     64,368        61,684   

Retained earnings

     197,542        197,421   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (3,102     (3,102
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Shareholders’ Equity

     256,991        254,185   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 860,829      $ 345,452   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

- 3 -


DUCOMMUN INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended  
   October 1,     October 2,  
   2011     2010  

Sales and Service Revenues:

    

Product sales

   $ 178,485      $ 89,473   

Service revenues

     6,595        9,970   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Sales

     185,080        99,443   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Costs and Expenses:

    

Cost of product sales

     145,560        72,041   

Cost of service revenues

     5,331        7,465   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     24,557        13,705   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Operating Costs and Expenses

     175,448        93,211   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Income

     9,632        6,232   

Interest Expense, Net

     (8,256     (544
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income Before Taxes

     1,376        5,688   

Income Tax Expense, Net

     (415     85   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income

   $ 961      $ 5,773   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings Per Share:

    

Basic earnings per share

   $ 0.09      $ 0.55   

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.09      $ 0.55   

Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:

    

Basic

     10,539        10,499   

Diluted

     10,631        10,583   

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

- 4 -


DUCOMMUN INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

     Nine Months Ended  
     October 1,
2011
    October 2,
2010
 

Sales and Service Revenues:

    

Product sales

   $ 370,763      $ 274,155   

Service revenues

     21,913        32,481   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Sales

     392,676        306,636   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Costs and Expenses:

    

Cost of product sales

     301,941        219,708   

Cost of service revenues

     17,134        25,330   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     62,303        39,484   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Operating Costs and Expenses

     381,378        284,522   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Income

     11,298        22,114   

Interest Expense, Net

     (10,047     (1,692
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income Before Taxes

     1,251        20,422   

Income Tax Expense, Net

     (340     (4,773
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income

   $ 911      $ 15,649   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings Per Share:

    

Basic earnings per share

   $ 0.09      $ 1.49   

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.09      $ 1.48   

Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:

    

Basic

     10,534        10,483   

Diluted

     10,658        10,564   

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

- 5 -


DUCOMMUN INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 
     Nine Months Ended  
     October 1,
2011
    October 2,
2010
 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

    

Net Income

   $ 911      $ 15,649   

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net

    

Cash Used in Operating Activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     14,472        10,070   

Stock-based compensation expense

     2,352        1,621   

Deferred income tax (liability)/benefit

     489        417   

Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation

     277        290   

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation

     —          (9

Recovery of doubtful accounts

     (37     —     

Net reduction in contract cost overruns

     (170     —     

Gain on sale of assets

     (217     —     

Changes in Assets and Liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable - (increase)

     (5,211     (7,432

Unbilled receivables - decrease/(increase)

     (1,814     1,069   

Inventories - (increase)

     (18,486     (8,280

Production cost of contracts - (increase)

     (1,189     (4,720

Other assets - (increase)/decrease

     (4,383     1,697   

Accounts payable - (decrease)

     (13,290     (6,045

Accrued and other liabilities - (decrease)

     (2,600     (7,042
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Cash Used in Operating Activities

     (28,896     (2,715
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

    

Purchase of property and equipment

     (11,186     (5,054

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

     (325,715     —     

Proceeds from the sale of assets

     451        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

     (336,450     (5,054
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

    

Repayments of senior notes, term loan and revolver debt

     (786     (6,943

Borrowings of senior notes and term loan

     390,000        —     

Cash dividends paid

     (790     (2,359

Debt issue cost paid

     (14,025     —     

Net cash effect of exercise related to stock options

     55        220   

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation

     —          9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities

     374,454        (9,073
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Increase/(Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

     9,108        (16,842

Cash and Cash Equivalents - Beginning of Period

     10,268        18,629   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents - End of Period

   $ 19,376      $ 1,787   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

- 6 -


DUCOMMUN INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Ducommun Incorporated and its subsidiaries (“Ducommun” or the “Company”), after eliminating intercompany balances and transactions. The consolidated balance sheet is unaudited as of October 1, 2011, the consolidated statements of operations are unaudited for the three months and nine months ended October 1, 2011 and October 2, 2010 and the consolidated statements of cash flows are unaudited for the nine months ended October 1, 2011 and October 2, 2010. The interim financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. The financial information included in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. The results of operations for the nine months ended October 1, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2011.

The Company supplies products and services primarily to the aerospace and defense industries. The Company’s subsidiaries are organized into two strategic businesses, each of which is a reportable operating segment. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those of the Company. Ducommun AeroStructures, Inc. (“DAS”) engineers and manufactures aerospace structural components and assemblies. Ducommun LaBarge Technologies (“DLT”), was formed in June 2011 by the combination of our former Ducommun Technologies segment (“DTI”) and LaBarge (See Note 2). DLT designs, engineers and manufactures a broad range of electronic, electromechanical and interconnect systems and components. In addition, DLT provides technical and program management services (including design, development, integration and testing of prototype products) principally for advanced weapons and missile defense systems.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding in each period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders plus income associated with dilutive securities by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus any potential dilutive shares that could be issued if exercised or converted into common stock in each period.

 

- 7 -


The weighted average number of shares outstanding used to compute earnings per share is as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended      Nine Months Ended  
     October 1,
2011
     October 2,
2010
     October 1,
2011
     October 2,
2010
 

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

     10,539,000         10,499,000         10,534,000         10,483,000   

Dilutive potential common shares

     92,000         84,000         124,000         81,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

     10,631,000         10,583,000         10,658,000         10,564,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The numerator used to compute diluted earnings per share is as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended      Nine Months Ended  
     October 1,
2011
     October 2,
2010
     October 1,
2011
     October 2,
2010
 

Net earnings (total numerator)

   $ 961,000       $ 5,773,000       $ 911,000       $ 15,649,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The weighted average number of shares outstanding, included in the table below, is excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the average market price did not exceed the exercise price. However, these shares may be potentially dilutive common shares in the future.

 

     Three Months Ended      Nine Months Ended  
     October 1,
2011
     October 2,
2010
     October 1,
2011
     October 2,
2010
 

Stock options and stock units

     755,505         510,732         646,870         520,222   

Revenue Recognition

Except as described below, the Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the price is fixed or determinable, collection is reasonably assured and delivery of products has occurred or services have been rendered. Revenue from products sold under long-term contracts is recognized by the Company on the same basis as other sale transactions.

DLT (as a result of the LaBarge acquisition) has a significant number of contracts for which net sales are accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method using the units of delivery as the measure of completion. The percentage-of-completion method requires the use of assumptions and estimates related to the contract value, the total cost at completion, and measurement of progress towards completion. These contracts are primarily fixed-price contracts that vary widely in terms of size, length of performance period and expected gross profit margins. When the units-of-delivery measurement is used, DLT recognizes net sales when title transfers, which is usually upon shipment of the product or completion of the service.

 

- 8 -


The Company recognizes revenue on the sale of services (including prototype products) by its Miltec subsidiary based on the type of contract: time and materials, cost-plus reimbursement and firm-fixed price. Revenue is recognized by Miltec (i) on time and materials contracts as time is spent at hourly rates, which are negotiated with customers, plus the cost of any allowable materials and out-of-pocket expenses, (ii) on cost-plus reimbursement contracts based on direct and indirect costs incurred plus a negotiated profit calculated as a percentage of cost, a fixed amount or a performance-based award fee, and (iii) on fixed-price contracts on the percentage-of-completion method measured by the percentage of costs incurred to estimated total costs.

Comprehensive Income

There were no other comprehensive income or loss reported in the three month and nine month periods ended October 1, 2011 and October 2, 2010. Certain items such as pension liability adjustments are presented as a separate component of shareholders’ equity. The current period change in pension liability is included in other comprehensive loss and separately reported in the financial statements. Accumulated other comprehensive loss, as reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets under the equity section, is comprised of a pension liability adjustment of $3,102,000, net of tax, at October 1, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

Goodwill

The Company performs its annual goodwill impairment test during the fourth quarter. However, certain factors may result in the need to perform an impairment test prior to the fourth quarter, including significant underperformance of the Company’s business relative to expected operating results, significant adverse economic and industry trends, significant decline in the Company’s market capitalization for an extended period of time relative to net book value, or a decision to divest an individual business within a reporting unit. Based upon the Company’s assessment of these factors in connection with the preparation of the Company’s third quarter financial statements, given both a decline in the Company’s stock price and a decline in the Miltec reporting unit’s performance for the nine months ended October 1, 2011, the Company prepared a preliminary discounted cash flow analysis for the Miltec reporting unit and evaluated whether any adverse economic or industry trends would negatively affect the conclusions drawn from the prior period discounted cash flow analysis of the other reporting units. A discounted cash flow analysis requires the Company to make various judgmental assumptions about sales, operating margins, growth rates and discount rates. Assumptions about discount rates are based on a weighted-average cost of capital for comparable companies. Assumptions about sales, operating margins, and growth rates are based on the Company’s forecasts, business plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows and marketplace data.

The results of the Company’s interim impairment evaluation indicated that the fair value of each of the reporting units exceeded its carrying value.

The Company will perform its annual goodwill impairment test by the end of the fourth quarter. In the event the operating performance of its reporting units declines, or the Company continues to experience a decline in its stock price, impairment charges could be triggered in the future.

 

- 9 -


Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2011, the FASB issued amendments to disclosure requirements for common fair value measurement. These amendments, effective for the interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011 (early adoption is prohibited), result in common definition of fair value and common requirements for measurement of and disclosure requirements between U.S. GAAP and IFRS. Consequently, the amendments change some fair value measurement principles and disclosure requirements. The implementation of this amended accounting guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

In June 2011, the FASB issued amendments to disclosure requirements for presentation of comprehensive income. This guidance, effective retrospectively for the interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011 (early adoption is permitted), requires presentation of total comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The implementation of this amended accounting guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

In September 2011, the FASB issued amendments to the goodwill impairment guidance which provides an option for companies to use a qualitative approach to test goodwill for impairment if certain conditions are met. The amendments are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011 (early adoption is permitted). The implementation of amended accounting guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

Use of Estimates

Certain amounts and disclosures included in the consolidated financial statements required management to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. These estimates are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Note 2. Acquisition

On June 28, 2011, the Company completed the acquisition of all the outstanding stock of LaBarge, Inc. (“LaBarge”), a publicly-owned company based in St. Louis, Missouri for $325,315,000 (net of cash acquired and excluding acquisition costs). LaBarge is a provider of electronics manufacturing services to aerospace, defense and other diverse markets. LaBarge provides its customers with sophisticated electronic, electromechanical and mechanical products through contract design and manufacturing. The acquisition was funded from internally generated cash, senior unsecured notes and a senior secured term loan. The operating results for this acquisition have been included in the consolidated statements of operations since the date of acquisition. For the three months and nine months ended October 1, 2011, operating expenses included expenses related to the acquisition of LaBarge of $2,682,000 and $15,337,000, respectively, and interest expense included $0 and $831,000, respectively, of write-off of unamortized financing costs, as a result of the Company’s debt refinancing related to the acquisition of LaBarge.

 

- 10 -


The following table presents unaudited pro forma consolidated operating results for the Company for the three months and nine months ended October 1, 2011 and October 2, 2010 as if the LaBarge acquisition had occurred as of January 1, 2010. The Company acquired certain assets of Foam Matrix for $400,000 during the first quarter of 2011. Pro forma results below exclude the acquisition of certain assets of Foam Matrix. Assuming the Form Matrix acquisition had occurred at January 1, 2010, it would not have been materially different from the Company’s historical results.

 

     (In thousands,except per share data)  
     Three Months Ended      Nine Months Ended  
     October 1,
2011
     October 2,
2010
     October 1,
2011
     October 2,
2010
 

Net sales

   $ 185,080       $ 184,891       $ 556,128       $ 549,232   

Net income/(loss)

   $ 961       $ 4,747       $ 325       $ (2,384

Basic earnings/(loss) per share

   $ 0.09       $ 0.45       $ 0.03       $ (0.23

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share

   $ 0.09       $ 0.45       $ 0.03       $ (0.23

The consolidated financial statements reflect preliminary estimates of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the related allocation of the purchase price for LaBarge. The principal estimates of fair value have been determined using expected net present value techniques utilizing a 14% discount rate. Customer relationships are valued assuming an annual attrition rate of 6.5%. For acquisitions completed through October 1, 2011, adjustments to fair value assessments are recorded to goodwill over the purchase price allocation period (not exceeding twelve months). The acquisition of LaBarge was completed on June 28, 2011 and the Company is currently unable to determine if future adjustments, if any, to fair value assessments will have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

- 11 -


The table below summarizes the preliminary purchase price allocation for LaBarge at the date of acquisition.

 

     (in thousands)  
     October 1,
2011
 

Accounts receivable

   $ 44,232   

Inventories

     77,078   

Prepaids

     1,382   

Deferred income taxes

     5,821   

Other current assets

     4,640   

Property, plant and equipment

     36,794   

Excess of cost over net assets acquired

     115,224   

Intangible-customer relationships

     140,300   

Intangible-trade name

     32,937   

Other assets

     4,954   
  

 

 

 
     463,362   
  

 

 

 

Current portion of long-term debt

     250   

Accounts payable

     33,073   

Accrued liabilities

     30,986   

Other long-term liabilities

     1,132   

Deferred income tax liabilities

     72,606   
  

 

 

 
     138,047   
  

 

 

 

Cash paid for acquisition

   $ 325,315   
  

 

 

 

Note 3. Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:

 

     (In thousands)  
     October 1,
2011
     December 31,
2010
 

Raw materials and supplies

   $ 70,895       $ 13,155   

Work in process

     88,428         61,295   

Finished goods

     14,491         6,903   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     173,814         81,353   

Less progress payments

     5,653         8,756   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 168,161       $ 72,597   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

- 12 -


Note 4. Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt is summarized as follows:

 

     (In thousands)  
     October 1,
2011
     December 31,
2010
 

Senior Unsecured Notes

   $ 200,000       $ —     

Senior Secured Term Loan

     189,525         —     

Notes and Other Liabilities for Acquisitions

     3,209         3,280   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Debt

     392,734         3,280   

Less Current Portion

     1,961         187   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Long-Term Debt

   $ 390,773       $ 3,093   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

At October 1, 2011, the Company had $58,410,000 of unused revolving lines of credit, after deducting $1,590,000 for outstanding standby letters of credit. The Company had no outstanding revolver loans and was in compliance with all covenants at October 1, 2011. The weighted average interest rate on borrowings outstanding was 7.66% at October 1, 2011, compared to 3.06% at October 2, 2010. The carrying amount of long-term debt approximates fair value based on the terms of the related debt, recent transactions and estimates using interest rates currently available to the Company for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.

In connection with the acquisition of LaBarge on June 28, 2011, the Company borrowed $190,000,000 under a senior secured term loan and entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility of $60,000,000. Both the term loan and the credit facility provide the option of choosing the LIBOR rate (with a Libor rate floor of 1.25%) plus 4.25%, or the Alternate Base Rate (with an Alternative Base Rate floor of 2.25%) plus 3.25%. The Alternate Base Rate is the greater of the (a) Prime rate and (b) Federal Funds rate plus 0.5%. The term loan requires quarterly principal payments of $475,000 beginning on September 30, 2011 and mandatory prepayment of certain amounts of excess cash flow on an annual basis beginning 2012. The revolving credit facility matures on June 28, 2016 and the term loan matures on June 30, 2017. The revolving credit facility and term loan contain minimum EBITDA and maximum leverage ratio covenants under certain circumstances, as well as limitations on future disposition of property, capital expenditures, investments, acquisitions, repurchase of stock, dividends, and outside indebtedness.

In connection with the acquisition of LaBarge, the Company also issued $200,000,000 of senior unsecured notes with interest of 9.75% per annum, payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year, beginning in 2012. The senior unsecured notes mature on July 15, 2018, at which time the entire principal amount is due.

 

- 13 -


Note 5. Employee Benefit Plans

The Company has a defined benefit pension plan covering certain hourly employees of a subsidiary. Pension plan benefits are generally determined on the basis of the retiree’s age and length of service. Assets of the defined benefit pension plan are composed primarily of fixed income and equity securities.

The components of net periodic pension cost for the defined benefit pension plan are as follows:

 

     (In thousands)  
     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     October 1,
2011
    October 2,
2010
    October 1,
2011
    October 2,
2010
 

Service cost

   $ 131      $ 116      $ 392      $ 347   

Interest cost

     229        223        686        670   

Expected return on plan assets

     (279     (233     (836     (699

Amortization of actuarial loss

     108        93        323        279   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net periodic post retirement benefit cost

   $ 189      $ 199      $ 565      $ 597   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Note 6. Indemnifications

The Company has made guarantees and indemnities under which it may be required to make payments to a guaranteed or indemnified party, in relation to certain transactions, including revenue transactions in the ordinary course of business. In connection with certain facility leases the Company has indemnified its lessors for certain claims arising from the facility or the lease. The Company indemnifies its directors and officers to the maximum extent permitted under the laws of the State of Delaware. However, the Company has a directors and officers insurance policy that may reduce its exposure in certain circumstances and may enable it to recover a portion of future amounts that may be payable, if any. The duration of the guarantees and indemnities varies and, in many cases is indefinite but subject to statute of limitations. The majority of guarantees and indemnities do not provide any limitations of the maximum potential future payments the Company could be obligated to make. Historically, payments related to these guarantees and indemnities have been immaterial. The Company estimates the fair value of its indemnification obligations as insignificant based on this history and insurance coverage and has, therefore, not recorded any liability for these guarantees and indemnities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

- 14 -


Note 7. Income Taxes

The Company records the interest charge and penalty charge, if any, with respect to uncertain tax positions as a component of tax expense. During the nine months ended October 1, 2011 and October 2, 2010, the Company recognized approximately $61,000 and $(143,000), respectively, in interest related to uncertain tax positions. The Company had approximately $224,000 and $163,000 for the payment of interest and penalties accrued at October 1, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

The Company’s total amount of unrecognized tax benefits was approximately $1,750,000 and $1,343,000 at October 1, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. These amounts, if recognized, would affect the effective income tax rate.

The Company’s effective tax rate for the nine months of 2011 was higher as a result of the non-deductibility of various expenses related to the acquisition of LaBarge, partially offset by various tax benefits related to research and development tax credits. The Company’s effective tax rate for the nine months of 2010 included benefits received from the revision of the Company’s estimate of its unrecognized tax benefits related to research and development tax credits. The Company’s effective tax rate for the nine months of 2010 reflected no current year federal research and development tax benefits.

The Company’s federal income tax return for 2009 and California franchise (income) tax returns for 2004 and 2005 have been selected for examination. Management does not expect the results of these examinations to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements. Federal income tax returns after 2006, California franchise (income) tax returns after 2005 and other state income tax returns after 2005 are subject to examination.

Note 8. Contingencies

Ducommun has been named as a defendant in five putative class actions filed in April, 2011 by purported stockholders of LaBarge against LaBarge, its Board of Directors and Ducommun in connection with the LaBarge acquisition. Two of the stockholder actions (filed by purported class representatives Barry P. Borodkin and Insulators and Asbestos Workers Local No. 14) were filed in the Delaware Chancery Court, and the court consolidated those two actions. The other three stockholder actions (filed by purported class representatives J. M. Foley, Jr., William Wheeler and Doris A. Gastineau) were filed in the Circuit Court of St. Louis County, Missouri, and that court consolidated those three actions. The consolidated Delaware and Missouri putative class actions generally allege that the individual members of the Board of Directors of LaBarge breached their fiduciary duties to LaBarge stockholders with respect to the merger transaction announced on April 4, 2011. These actions also allege that Ducommun and LaBarge aided and abetted the breach of fiduciary duties. They seek equitable relief (including injunctive relief), judicial declarations that the merger agreement was entered into in breach of the LaBarge directors’ fiduciary duties, rescission of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and the award of attorneys’ fees and expenses for the plaintiffs. In the Delaware consolidated actions, the parties engaged in expedited discovery in connection with a preliminary injunction hearing scheduled for June 17, 2011. After document discovery and

 

- 15 -


depositions, and before the plaintiffs filed their motion for preliminary injunction, the parties negotiated and signed a memorandum of understanding to settle plaintiffs’ claims. The preliminary settlement is subject to a definitive agreement and final approval of the Delaware Chancery Court. There can be no assurance that the parties will ultimately enter into a stipulation of settlement or that the Chancery Court will approve the settlement even if the parties do enter into such stipulation.

In the Missouri consolidated actions, the defendants sought a stay of the Missouri actions from the Missouri court, the plaintiffs opposed that request, and the Missouri court stayed the actions. Plaintiffs sought reconsideration of the court’s stay, and the defendants opposed that request. On June 16, 2011, a hearing before the Missouri court was held on plaintiffs’ motion for reconsideration. On June 20, 2011, the Missouri court denied plaintiffs’ motion for reconsideration and reaffirmed the court’s stay. Ducommun believes these lawsuits are without merit, and in the event that settlement of these claims is not finalized, intends to defend them vigorously.

Ducommun is a defendant in a lawsuit entitled United States of America ex rel Taylor Smith, Jeannine Prewitt and James Ailes v. The Boeing Company and Ducommun Inc., filed in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas (the “District Court”). The lawsuit is a qui tam action brought by three former Boeing employees (“Relators”) against Boeing and Ducommun on behalf of the United States of America for violations of the United States False Claims Act. The lawsuit alleges that Ducommun sold unapproved parts to the Boeing Commercial Airplane Group-Wichita Division which were installed by Boeing in aircraft ultimately sold to the United States Government. The number of Boeing aircraft subject to the lawsuit has been reduced to 21 aircraft following the District Court’s granting of partial summary judgment in favor of Boeing and Ducommun. The lawsuit seeks damages, civil penalties and other relief from the defendants for presenting or causing to be presented false claims for payment to the United States Government. Although the amount of alleged damages are not specified, the lawsuit seeks damages in an amount equal to three times the amount of damages the United States Government sustained because of the defendants’ actions, plus a civil penalty of $10,000 for each false claim made on or before September 28, 1999, and $11,000 for each false claim made on or after September 28, 1999, together with attorneys’ fees and costs. One of Relators’ experts has opined that the United States Government’s damages are in the amount of $833 million. After investigating the allegations, the United States Government has declined to intervene in the lawsuit. Ducommun intends to defend itself vigorously against the lawsuit. Ducommun, at this time, is unable to estimate what, if any, liability it may have in connection with the lawsuit.

DAS has been directed by California environmental agencies to investigate and take corrective action for ground water contamination at its facilities located in El Mirage and Monrovia, California. Based on currently available information, the Company has established a reserve for its estimated liability for such investigation and corrective action in the approximate amount of $1,509,000. DAS also faces liability as a potentially responsible party for hazardous waste disposed at two landfills located in Casmalia and West Covina, California. DAS and other companies and government entities have entered into consent decrees with respect to each landfill with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and/or California

 

- 16 -


environmental agencies under which certain investigation, remediation and maintenance activities are being performed. Based on currently available information, at the West Covina landfill the Company preliminarily estimates that the range of its liabilities in connection with the landfill is between approximately $900,000 and $3,300,000. The Company established a reserve for its estimated liability and has been making payments against this liability. The balance in the reserve included in the Company’s liabilities, in connection with the West Covina landfill was approximately $732,000 at October 1, 2011. The Company’s ultimate liability in connection with these matters will depend upon a number of factors, including changes in existing laws and regulations, the design and cost of construction, operation and maintenance activities, and the allocation of liability among potentially responsible parties.

In the normal course of business, Ducommun and its subsidiaries are defendants in certain other litigation, claims and inquiries, including matters relating to environmental laws. In addition, the Company makes various commitments and incurs contingent liabilities. While it is not feasible to predict the outcome of these matters, the Company does not presently expect that any sum it may be required to pay in connection with these matters would have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Note 9. Business Segment Information

The Company supplies products and services primarily to the aerospace and defense industries. The Company’s subsidiaries are organized into two strategic businesses, each of which is a reportable operating segment. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those of the Company. DAS engineers and manufactures aerospace structural components and assemblies. DLT was formed in June 2011 by the combination of our former Ducommun Technologies segment and LaBarge. DLT designs, engineers and manufactures a broad range of electronic, electromechanical and interconnect systems and components. In addition, DLT provides technical and program management services (including design, development, integration and testing of prototype products) principally for advanced weapons and missile defense systems.

 

- 17 -


Financial information by reportable segment is set forth below:

 

     (In thousands)  
     Three Months           Nine Months        
     October 1,
2011
    October 2,
2010
    %
Change
    October 1,
2011
    October 2,
2010
    %
Change
 

Net Sales:

            

Ducommun AeroStructures

   $ 75,076      $ 67,634        11.0   $ 223,890      $ 205,982        8.7

Ducommun LaBarge Technologies

     110,004        31,809        245.8     168,786        100,654        67.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Net Sales

   $ 185,080      $ 99,443        86.1   $ 392,676      $ 306,636        28.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment Operating Income (1)

            

Ducommun AeroStructures

   $ 6,503      $ 6,725        $ 22,414      $ 23,343     

Ducommun LaBarge Technologies

     7,287        3,120          12,129        8,912     
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   
     13,790        9,845          34,543        32,255     

Corporate General and Administrative Expenses (2) (3)

     (4,158     (3,613       (23,245     (10,141  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total Operating Income

   $ 9,632      $ 6,232        $ 11,298      $ 22,114     
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Depreciation and Amortization Expenses:

            

Ducommun AeroStructures

   $ 2,681      $ 2,243        $ 7,710      $ 7,110     

Ducommun LaBarge Technologies

     4,745        983          6,725        2,902     

Corporate Administration

     29        4          37        58     
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   
   $ 7,455      $ 3,230        $ 14,472      $ 10,070     
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Capital Expenditures:

            

Ducommun AeroStructures

   $ 2,838      $ 734        $ 6,972      $ 3,363     

Ducommun LaBarge Technologies

     2,494        532          3,970        1,622     

Corporate Administration

     50        9          244        69     
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total Capital Expenditures

   $ 5,382      $ 1,275        $ 11,186      $ 5,054     
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

(1) Before certain allocated corporate overhead.
(2) Includes approximately $0.3 million and $11.8 million of transaction expenses in the three months 2011 and nine months 2011, respectively, related to the LaBarge, Inc. acquisition.
(3) Certain expenses, previously incurred by the operating units, are now included in the corporate general and administrative expenses as a result of the Company’s organizational changes.

LaBarge operating results for the period June 29, 2011 through October 1, 2011 have been included in the Company’s financials since the date of the acquisition.

 

- 18 -


Segment assets include assets directly identifiable with each segment. Corporate assets include assets not specifically identified with a business segment, including cash.

 

     (In thousands)  
     October 1,
2011
     December 31,
2010
 

Total Assets:

     

Ducommun AeroStructures

   $ 246,253       $ 232,938   

Ducommun LaBarge Technologies

     563,093         93,505   

Corporate Administration

     51,483         19,009   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 860,829       $ 345,452   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Goodwill and Intangibles:

     

Ducommun AeroStructures

   $ 71,037       $ 72,157   

Ducommun LaBarge Technologies

     336,017         50,277   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Goodwill and Intangibles

   $ 407,054       $ 122,434   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

- 19 -


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview

Ducommun Incorporated (“Ducommun” or the “Company”), through its subsidiaries designs, engineers and manufactures structural components and subassemblies for aerospace and military markets, and electronic and electromechanical subsystems and devices, aerospace, military and other diverse markets. The components, assemblies and subsystems are provided principally for domestic and foreign commercial and military aircraft, helicopter, missile and space programs. The Company also provides engineering, technical and program management services almost entirely for United States defense, space and homeland security programs.

A summary of highlights for the third quarter ended October 1, 2011 includes:

 

   

Net sales increased 86% for the third quarter of 2011 versus the third quarter of 2010, reflecting increased sales of $83,800,000 from the LaBarge, Inc. acquisition

 

   

Diluted earnings per share for the third quarter of 2011 were $0.09 and, excluding merger-related expenses, were $0.34

 

   

Firm backlog at the end of the third quarter of 2011 was approximately $611,700,000

On June 28, 2011, the Company completed the acquisition of all the outstanding stock of LaBarge, Inc. (“LaBarge”), formerly a publicly-owned company based in St. Louis, Missouri for $325,315,000 (net of cash acquired and excluding acquisition costs). LaBarge is a broad-based provider of electronics to technology-driven companies in diverse markets. LaBarge has significant sales to customers in the aerospace defense, natural resources, industrial, medical and other commercial markets. The Company provides its customers with sophisticated electronic, electromechanically and mechanical products through contract design and manufacturing services. The operating results for the acquisition have been included in the consolidated statements of operations since the date of the acquisition. For the three months and nine months ended October 1, 2011, operating expenses included expenses related to the acquisition of LaBarge of $2,682,000 and $15,337,000, respectively, and interest expense in the nine months ended October 1, 2011 included the write-off of $831,000 of unamortized financing costs, as a result of the Company’s debt refinancing related to the acquisition of LaBarge.

In connection with the acquisition of LaBarge on June 28, 2011, the Company borrowed $190,000,000 under a senior secured term loan and entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility of $60,000,000. Both the term loan and the credit facility provide the option of choosing the LIBOR rate (with a Libor rate floor of 1.25%) plus 4.25%, or the Alternate Base Rate (with an Alternative Base Rate floor of 2.25%) plus 3.25%. The Alternate

 

- 20 -


Base Rate is the greater of the (a) Prime rate and (b) Federal Funds rate plus 0.5%. The term loan requires quarterly principal payments of $475,000 beginning on September 30, 2011 and mandatory prepayment of certain amounts of excess cash flow on an annual basis beginning 2012. The revolving credit facility matures on June 28, 2016 and the term loan matures on June 30, 2017. The revolving credit facility and term loan contain minimum EBITDA and maximum leverage ratio covenants under certain circumstances, as well as limitations on future disposition of property, capital expenditures, investments, acquisitions, repurchase of stock, dividends, and outside indebtedness.

In connection with the acquisition of LaBarge, the Company also issued $200,000,000 of senior unsecured notes with interest of 9.75% per annum, payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year, beginning in 2012 and ending 2018, at which time the entire principal amount is due.

The Company believes the LaBarge acquisition will allow us to expand our presence significantly in the aerospace and defense markets, as well as diversify our sales base across new markets, including industrial, natural resources, medical and other commercial end markets. More specifically, the Company expects to realize the following benefits from the LaBarge acquisition:

 

   

Strengthen our market position as a significant Tier 2 supplier for both structural and electronic assemblies

 

   

Diversify our end markets

 

   

Expand our platforms work content on existing programs and capabilities on new and existing programs

 

   

Increase value-added manufacturing services content in our product portfolio

 

   

Expand our technology product portfolio

 

   

Realize potential synergies

For the third quarter of 2011, we generated sales of $185,080,000 and recorded net income of $961,000. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA in the third quarter and the first nine months of 2011 were $17,975,000 and $28,122,000, respectively. See below for certain information regarding EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, including reconciliations of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to net income. We view EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as important operating performance measures that serve as a basis for measuring business segment operating performance. We use EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA internally as complementary financial measures to evaluate the performance of our businesses and, when viewed with our GAAP financial results and accompanying reconciliations, we believe they provide additional useful information to gain an understanding of the factors and trends affecting our businesses. We have expanded our operations significantly through the recent LaBarge acquisition. As a result, our operating income has included significant charges for amortization and transaction-related expenses. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA exclude these charges and provides meaningful information about the operating performance of our businesses apart from the amortization and transaction-related expenses, as well as interest and tax expenses.

 

- 21 -


Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We prepare and publicly release quarterly unaudited financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”). In accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) rules, we also disclose and discuss certain non-GAAP financial measures in our public releases.

To supplement financial information presented in accordance with GAAP, we use additional measures to clarify and enhance the understanding of our respective past performance and future prospects such as Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”) and Adjusted EBITDA and the related financial ratios. We define these measures, explain how they are calculated and provide reconciliations of these measures to the most comparable GAAP measure in the tables below. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and the related financial ratios, as presented in this Form 10-Q report, are supplemental measures of our performance that are not required by, or presented in accordance with, GAAP. They are not a measurement of our financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered as alternatives to net income or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP, or as an alternative to net cash provided by operating activities as measures of our liquidity. We present EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and the related financial ratios, as applicable, because we believe that measures such as these provide useful information with respect to our ability to meet our future debt service, capital expenditures, working capital requirements and overall operating performance. In addition, we utilize EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA when interpreting operating trends and results of operations of our respective businesses. The presentation of these measures should not be interpreted to mean that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or nonrecurring items.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA have limitations as analytical tools, and you should not consider them in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are:

 

   

They do not reflect our cash expenditures, future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments

 

   

They do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs

 

   

They do not reflect the significant interest expense or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments on our debt

 

   

Although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements

 

   

They are not adjusted for all non-cash income or expense items that are reflected in our statements of cash flows

 

   

They do not reflect the impact on earnings of charges resulting from matters unrelated to our ongoing operations, and

 

   

Other companies in our industry may calculate EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA differently from us, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures

 

- 22 -


Because of these limitations, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and the related financial ratios should not be considered as measures of discretionary cash available to us to invest in the growth of our business or as a measure of cash that will be available to us to meet our obligations. You should compensate for these limitations by relying primarily on our GAAP results and using EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA only supplementally. See our consolidated financial statements contained in this Form 10-Q report.

However, the Company believes that EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are useful to an investor in evaluating our results of operations because these measures:

 

   

Are widely used by investors to measure a company’s operating performance without regard to items excluded from the calculation of such terms, which can vary substantially from company to company depending upon accounting methods and book value of assets, capital structure and the method by which assets were acquired, among other factors

 

   

Help investors to evaluate and compare the results of our operations from period to period by removing the effect of our capital structure from our operating performance, and

 

   

Are used by our management team for various other purposes in presentations to our Board of Directors as a basis for strategic planning and forecasting

The following financial items have been added back to our net income when calculating EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:

 

   

Inventory step-up expense, which reflects additional cost of goods sold resulting from purchase accounting adjustments, may be useful to investors as it represents the cost of inventory acquired at closing

 

   

Amortization expense may be useful to investors because it represents the estimated attrition of our acquired customer base and the diminishing value of product rights

 

   

Depreciation may be useful to investors because it generally represents the wear and tear on our property and equipment used in our operations

 

   

Transaction–related expenses, including change in control compensation, may be useful to investors for determining current cash flow

 

   

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

 

   

Income tax expense may be useful to investors because it represents the taxes which may be payable for the period and the change in deferred taxes during the period, and may reduce cash flow available for use in our business

 

   

Non-cash stock compensation may be useful to investors for determining current cash flow

 

- 23 -


Management uses non-GAAP measures by using a non-GAAP measure only to supplement our GAAP results and to provide additional information that is useful to gain an understanding of the factors and trends affecting our business.

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA.

 

     (In thousands)  
     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     October 1,
2011
     October 2,
2010
    October 1,
2011
     October 2,
2010
 

Net income

   $ 961       $ 5,773      $ 911       $ 15,649   

Depreciation & amortization (1)

     7,455         3,230        14,472         10,070   

Interest expense, net (2)

     8,256         544        10,047         1,692   

Income tax provision (credit)

     415         (85     340         4,773   

Non-cash stock based compensation

     888         652        2,352         1,621   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

EBITDA

   $ 17,975       $ 10,114      $ 28,122       $ 33,805   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Inventory step-up (3)

     1,178         —          1,178         —     

Merger related transaction expenses (4)

     308         —          11,785         —     

Merger related change-in-control compensation expenses (5)

     2,374         —          2,374         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
     3,860         —          15,337         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 21,835       $ 10,114      $ 43,459       $ 33,805   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes amortization of intangibles and additional depreciation expense related to the LaBarge acquisition and prior acquisitions.
(2) Includes deferred financing costs in connection with the LaBarge acquisition.
(3) Purchase accounting adjustment associated with LaBarge acquisition.
(4) Includes investment banking, accounting, legal, tax and valuation expenses as a direct result of the LaBarge acquisition.
(5) Merger-related transaction cost resulting from a change-in-control provision for certain LaBarge key executives and employees arising in connection with the LaBarge acquisition.

Critical Accounting Policies

Revenue Recognition

Except as described below, the Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the price is fixed or determinable, collection is reasonably assured and delivery of products has occurred or services have been rendered. Revenue from products sold under long-term contracts is recognized by the Company on the same basis as other sale transactions.

DLT (as a result of the LaBarge acquisition) has a significant number of contracts for which net sales are accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method using the units of delivery as the measure of completion. The percentage-of-completion method requires the use of assumptions and estimates related to the contract value, the total cost at completion, and measurement of progress towards completion. These contracts are primarily fixed-price

 

- 24 -


contracts that vary widely in terms of size, length of performance period and expected gross profit margins. When the units-of-delivery measurement is used, DLT recognizes net sales when title transfers, which is usually upon shipment of the product or completion of the service.

The Company recognizes revenue on the sale of services (including prototype products) by its Miltec subsidiary based on the type of contract: time and materials, cost-plus reimbursement and firm-fixed price. Revenue is recognized by Miltec (i) on time and materials contracts as time is spent at hourly rates, which are negotiated with customers, plus the cost of any allowable materials and out-of-pocket expenses, (ii) on cost-plus reimbursement contracts based on direct and indirect costs incurred plus a negotiated profit calculated as a percentage of cost, a fixed amount or a performance-based award fee, and (iii) on fixed-price contracts on the percentage-of-completion method measured by the percentage of costs incurred to estimated total costs.

Goodwill

The Company performs its annual goodwill impairment test during the fourth quarter. However, certain factors may result in the need to perform an impairment test prior to the fourth quarter, including significant underperformance of the Company’s business relative to expected operating results, significant adverse economic and industry trends, significant decline in the Company’s market capitalization for an extended period of time relative to net book value, or a decision to divest an individual business within a reporting unit. Based upon the Company’s assessment of these factors in connection with the preparation of the Company’s third quarter financial statements, given both a decline in the Company’s stock price and a decline in the Miltec reporting unit’s performance for the nine months ended October 1, 2011, the Company prepared a preliminary discounted cash flow analysis for the Miltec reporting unit and evaluated whether any adverse economic or industry trends would negatively affect the conclusions drawn from the prior period discounted cash flow analysis of the other reporting units. A discounted cash flow analysis requires the Company to make various judgmental assumptions about sales, operating margins, growth rates and discount rates. Assumptions about discount rates are based on a weighted-average cost of capital for comparable companies. Assumptions about sales, operating margins, and growth rates are based on the Company’s forecasts, business plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows and marketplace data.

The results of the Company’s interim impairment evaluation indicated that the fair value of each of the reporting units exceeded its carrying value.

The Company will perform its annual goodwill impairment test by the end of the fourth quarter. In the event the operating performance of its reporting units declines, or the Company continues to experience a decline in its stock price, impairment charges could be triggered in the future.

 

- 25 -


Results of Operations

Third Quarter of 2011 Compared to Third Quarter of 2010

Sales, gross profit as a percentage of sales, selling, general and administrative expense as a percentage of sales, the effective tax rate and the diluted earnings per share in the three months ended October 1, 2011 and October 2, 2010, respectively, were as follows:

 

     (in thousands)  
     Third Quarter  
     October 1,
2011
    October 2,
2010
 

Sales

   $ 185,080      $ 99,443   

Gross Profit % of Sales

     18.5     20.0

SG&A Expense % of Sales

     13.3     13.8

Effective Tax Rate/(Benefit)

     30.2     (1.5 ) % 

Diluted (Loss)/Earnings Per Share

   $ 0.09      $ 0.55   

The Company’s net sales by end use segment in the third quarter of 2011 and 2010, respectively, were approximately as follows:

Net Sales by Market

 

            (in thousands)               
            Third Quarter               
Sales           October 1,      October 2,      % sales  

Consolidated Ducommun

   Change      2011      2010      2011     2010  

Military and Space

   $ 36,827       $ 94,578       $ 57,751         51     58

Commercial Aerospace

     2,454         44,146         41,692         24     42

Natural Resources

     17,137         17,137         —           9     —  

Industrial

     17,534         17,534         —           10     —  

Medical & Other

     11,685         11,685         —           6     —  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 85,637       $ 185,080       $ 99,443         100     100
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

- 26 -


            (in thousands)               
            Third Quarter               
Sales           October 1,      October 2,      % Sales  

Ducommun AeroStructures

   Change      2011      2010      2011     2010  

Military & Space

   $ 4,028       $ 35,752       $ 31,723         48     47

Commercial Aerospace

     3,413         39,324         35,911         52     53

Natural Resources

     —           —           —           —       —  

Industrial

     —           —           —           —       —  

Medical & Other

     —           —           —           —       —  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 7,441       $ 75,076       $ 67,634         100      100 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

           (in thousands)               
           Third Quarter               
Sales          October 1,      October 2,      % Sales  

Ducommun LaBarge Technologies

   Change     2011      2010      2011     2010  

Military & Space

   $ 32,799      $ 58,826       $ 26,028         53     82

Commercial Aerospace

     (959     4,822         5,781         4     18

Natural Resources

     17,137        17,137         —           16     —  

Industrial

     17,534        17,534         —           16     —  

Medical & Other

     11,685        11,685         —           11     —  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 78,196      $ 110,004       $ 31,809         100     100
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

- 27 -


The Company had substantial sales to Boeing, Raytheon, Owens-Illinois, Schlumberger and United Technologies. During the third quarters of 2011 and 2010, sales to these customers were as follows:

Net Sales to Top Customers

 

     (In thousands)  
     Third Quarter  

Sales

   October 1,
2011
     October 2,
2010
 

Boeing

   $ 30,099       $ 26,476   

Raytheon

     16,715         10,266   

Owens-Illinois

     10,167         —     

Schlumberger

     8,695         —     

United Technologies

     8,215         7,727   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 73,891       $ 44,469   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Receivables

 

     Third Quarter  
     (In thousands)  

Receivables

   October 1,
2011
 

Boeing

   $ 11,039   

Raytheon

     8,981   

Owens-Illinois

     7,206   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 27,226   
  

 

 

 

The sales and receivables relating to Boeing, Raytheon, Owens-Illinois, Schlumberger and United Technologies are diversified over a number of different military and space, commercial, aerospace, natural resources, industrial medical and other programs.

Sales for the third quarter of 2011 increased 86% to $185,080,000 as compared to $99,443,000 for the third quarter of 2010, reflecting sales of $83.8 million from the LaBarge acquisition and 2% organic growth, primarily from increased sales of products for commercial aircraft.

 

- 28 -


Cost of Sales and Gross Profit

 

     (dollars in thousands)  
     Third Quarter  
     October 1,
2011
    October 2,
2010
 

Cost of Sales

   $ 150,891      $ 79,506   

Percent of Net Sales

     81.5     80.0

Gross Profit

   $ 34,189      $ 19,937   

Gross Profit % of Sales

     18.5     20.0

Gross profit margins vary considerably by contract. Gross profit dollars increased primarily due to the increased gross profit from the LaBarge acquisition. Gross profit percentages were lower in the 2011 period primarily due to a higher proportion of sales of lower margin products, inventory step-up write-off related to the LaBarge acquisition and lower operating performance at DAS.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

     (dollars in thousands)  
     Third Quarter  
     October 1,
2011
    October 2,
2010
 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

   $ 24,557      $ 13,705   

% of Net Sales

     13.3     13.8

The SG&A expenses increased primarily due to SG&A expenses from the newly acquired LaBarge organization of $11,271,000, including approximately $2,682,000 of acquisition-related expenses and $1,852,000 for amortization of intangibles.

Interest Expense

 

     (dollars in thousands)  
     Third Quarter  
     October 1,
2011
    October 2,
2010
 

Interest Expenses

   $ 8,256      $ 544   

% of Net Sales

     4.5     0.5

The increase in interest expense was due to higher debt and interest rates related to the LaBarge acquisition.

 

- 29 -


Income Tax Expenses

 

     (dollars in thousands)  
     Third Quarter  
     October 1,
2011
    October 2,
2010
 

Income Taxes/(Benefit)

   $ 415      $ (85

Effective Tax Rate/(Benefit)

     30.2     (1.5 )% 

The Company’s effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2011 was higher as a result of the non-deductibility of various expenses related to the acquisition of LaBarge, partially offset by various tax benefits related to research and development tax credits. The Company’s effective tax benefit for the third quarter of 2010 was 1.5%, as a result of the revision of the Company’s estimate of its unrecognized tax benefits related to research and development tax credits. The Company’s effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2010 reflected no current year federal research and development tax benefits.

Due to acquisition-related expenses and higher interest expenses, the Company’s net income was only $961,000, or $0.09 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2011, compared to net income of $5,773,000, or $0.55 per diluted share, for the comparable period last year. The third quarter of 2011 results included pre-tax acquisition-related expenses (including cost of sales relating to the write-up of LaBarge inventory) of $3,860,000 ($2,694,000 after-tax, or $0.25 per diluted share). Excluding acquisition-related expenses (including cost of sales relating to the write-up of LaBarge inventory), net income would have been $3,655,000, or $0.34 per diluted share in the third quarter of 2011.

 

- 30 -


Nine Months of 2011 Compared to Nine Months of 2010

Sales, gross profit as a percentage of sales, selling, general and administrative expense as a percentage of sales, the effective tax rate and the diluted earnings per share in the nine month ended October 1, 2011 and October 2, 2010, respectively, were as follows:

 

     (in thousands)  
     Nine Months Ended  
     October 1,
2011
    October 2,
2010
 

Sales

   $ 392,676      $ 306,636   

Gross Profit % of Sales

     18.7     20.1

SG&A Expense % of Sales

     15.9     12.9

Effective Tax Rate

     27.2     23.4

Diluted Earnings Per Share

   $ 0.09      $ 1.48   

Net Sales by Market

 

            (dollars in thousands)         
            Nine Months Ended         
Sales    Change      October  1,
2011
     October  2,
2010
     % Sales  

Consolidated Ducommun

            2011     2010  

Military and Space

   $ 23,549       $ 205,795       $ 182,246         52     59

Commercial Aerospace

     16,135         140,525         124,390         36     41

Natural Resources

     17,137         17,137         —           4     —  

Industrial

     17,534         17,534         —           5     —  

Medical & Other

     11,685         11,685         —           3     —  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 86,040       $ 392,676       $ 306,636         100     100
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

- 31 -


            (in thousands)         
            Nine Months         
Sales           October  1,
2011
     October  2,
2010
     % sales  

Ducommun AeroStructures

   Change            2011     2010  

Military & Space

   $ 3,825       $ 101,960       $ 98,135         46     48

Commercial Aerospace

     14,083         121,930         107,847         54     52

Natural Resources

     —           —           —           —       —  

Industrial

     —           —           —           —       —  

Medical & Other

     —           —           —           —       —  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 17,908       $ 223,890       $ 205,982         100     100
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

            (in thousands)         
            Nine Months         
Sales           October  1,
2011
     October  2,
2010
     % sales  

Ducommun LaBarge Technologies

   Change            2011     2010  

Military & Space

   $ 19,724       $ 103,835       $ 84,111         62     84

Commercial Aerospace

     2,052         18,595         16,543         11     16

Natural Resources

     17,137         17,137         —           10     —  

Industrial

     17,534         17,534         —           10     —  

Medical & Other

     11,685         11,685         —           7     —  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 68,132       $ 168,786       $ 100,654         100     100
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company had substantial sales to Boeing, United Technologies, Raytheon, and Spirit Aerosystems. During the nine months of 2011 and 2010, sales to these customers were as follows:

 

     (In thousands)  
     Nine Months Ended  
     October 1,
2011
     October 2,
2010
 

Boeing

   $ 84,302       $ 83,056   

Raytheon

     34,009         33,995   

United Technologies

     21,746         23,237   

Spirit Aerosystems

     21,593         20,206   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 161,650       $ 160,494   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Sales for the nine months of 2011 increased 28% to $392,676,000 compared to $306,636,000 for the first nine months of 2010, reflecting sales of $84,721,000 from the LaBarge acquisition as well as an increase in sales of products for commercial aircraft.

 

- 32 -


Cost of Sales and Gross Profit

 

     (dollars in thousands)  
     Nine Months Ended  
     October 1,
2011
    October 2,
2010
 

Cost of Sales

   $ 319,075      $ 245,038   

Percent of Net Sales

     81.3     79.9

Gross Profit

   $ 73,601      $ 61,598   

Gross Profit % of Sales

     18.7     20.1

Gross profit margins were lower in the 2011 period primarily due to a higher proportion of sales of lower margin products, inventory step-up write-off related to the LaBarge acquisition and lower operating performance at DAS, partially offset by higher gross profit margins from the LaBarge, Inc. acquisition. Gross profit, as a percent of sales, in the nine months of 2010 was favorably impacted by an adjustment to operating expenses of approximately $1,278,000, or 0.4 percentage points, relating to the reversal of certain accounts payable accruals recorded in prior periods.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

 

     (dollars in thousands)  
     Nine Months Ended  
     October 1,
2011
    October 2,
2010
 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

   $ 62,303      $ 39,484   

% of Net Sales

     15.9     12.9

The SG&A expenses in the first nine months of 2011 rose by $22,819,000 from the comparable period last year. The increase resulted from SG&A expenses of $11,839,000 from the newly acquired LaBarge organization, along with $11,785,000 of acquisiton-related expenses at Corporate, partially offset by a reduction of $800,000 in other expenses.

Interest Expense

 

     (dollars in thousands)  
     Nine Months Ended  
     October 1,
2011
    October 2,
2010
 

Interest Expenses

   $ 10,047      $ 1,692   

% of Net Sales

     2.6     0.6

The increased interest expense reflects approximately $7,524,000 of higher interest expense due to higher debt levels and interest rates, and the write-off of $831,000 of unamortized financing costs, as a result of the Company’s debt refinancing related to the acquisition of LaBarge.

 

- 33 -


Income Tax Expenses

 

     (dollars in thousands)  
     Nine Months Ended  
     October 1,
2011
    October 2,
2010
 

Income Taxes

   $ 340      $ 4,773   

Effective Tax Rate

     27.2     23.4

The decrease in income tax expense was due to lower income before taxes, primarily related to cost associated with the LaBarge acquisition. The Company’s effective tax rate for the nine months of 2011 was higher as a result of the non-deductibility of various expenses related to the acquisition of LaBarge, partially offset by various tax benefits related to research and development tax credits. The Company’s effective tax rate for the nine months of 2010 included benefits received from the revision of the Company’s estimate of its unrecognized tax benefits related to research and development tax credits. The Company’s effective tax rate for the nine months of 2010 reflected no current year federal research and development tax benefits.

Due to transaction-related expenses and higher interest expenses, the Company’s net income was only $911,000, or $0.09 per diluted share for the first nine months of 2011, compared to net income of $15,649,000, or $1.48 per diluted share, for the comparable period last year. Excluding pre-tax acquisition-related expenses (including cost of sales relating to the write-up of LaBarge inventory) of $15,337,000, or $1.05 per diluted share, net income was $12,076,000, or $1.13 per diluted share in the first nine months of 2011.

Business Segment Performance

We report our financial performance based on the following two reportable segments: Ducommun Aerostructures (“DAS”) and Ducommun LaBarge Technologies (“DLT”). The results of operations among our operating segments vary due to differences in competitors, customers, extent of proprietary deliverables and performance. Ducommun AeroStructures, Inc. (“DAS”) engineers and manufactures aerospace structural components and subassemblies.

Ducommun LaBarge Technologies (“DLT”), was formed in June 2011 by the combination of our former Ducommun Technologies segment (“DTI”) and LaBarge. DLT designs, engineers and manufactures a broad range of electronic, electromechanical and interconnect systems and components. In addition, DLT provides technical and program management services (including design, development, and integration and testing of prototype products) principally for advanced weapons and missile defense systems.

 

- 34 -


We currently generate a majority of our revenue from customers in the aerospace and defense industry. In addition, we service technology driven markets in the industrial, natural resources and medical markets. The following table summarizes our net sales by end-market by business segment. The loss of one or more of our major customers, an economic downturn or a reduction in commercial aircraft production rates or defense markets could have a material adverse effect on our business.

DUCOMMUN INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

BUSINESS SEGMENT PERFORMANCE

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

    (In thousands)  
    Three Months           Nine Months        
    October 1,
2011
    October 2,
2010
    %
Change
    October 1,
2011
    October 2,
2010
    %
Change
 

Net Sales:

           

Ducommun AeroStructures

  $ 75,076      $ 67,634        11.0   $ 223,890      $ 205,982        8.7

Ducommun LaBarge Technologies

    110,004        31,809        245.8     168,786        100,654        67.7
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Net Sales

  $ 185,080      $ 99,443        86.1   $ 392,676      $ 306,636        28.1
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment Operating Income (1)

           

Ducommun AeroStructures

  $ 6,503      $ 6,725        $ 22,414      $ 23,343     

Ducommun LaBarge Technologies

    7,287        3,120          12,129        8,912     
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   
    13,790        9,845          34,543        32,255     

Corporate General and Administrative Expenses (2)

    (4,158     (3,613       (23,245     (10,141  
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total Operating Income

  $ 9,632      $ 6,232        $ 11,298      $ 22,114     
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

EBITDA (1)

           

Ducommun AeroStructures

           

Operating Income

  $ 6,503      $ 6,725        $ 22,414      $ 23,343     

Depreciation and Amortization

    2,681        2,243          7,710        7,110     
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   
    9,184        8,968          30,124        30,453     

Ducommun LaBarge Technologies

           

Operating Income

    7,285        3,120          12,129        8,912     

Depreciation and Amortization

    4,745        983          6,725        2,902     
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   
    12,030        4,103          18,854        11,814     

Corporate General and Administrative Expenses (2)(3)

           

Operating Income

    (4,156     (3,613       (23,245     (10,141  

Depreciation and Amortization

    29        4          37        58     

Non-Cash Stock-Based Compensation

    888        652          2,352        1,621     
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   
    (3,239     (2,957       (20,856     (8,462  
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

EBITDA

  $ 17,975      $ 10,114        $ 28,122      $ 33,805     
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Adjusted EBITDA

           

Inventory step-up writeoff (3)

    1,178        —            1,178        —       

Merger related transaction expenses (4)

    308        —            11,785        —       

Merger related change-in-control compensation expenses (5)

    2,374        —            2,374        —       
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   
    3,860        —            15,337        —       
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ 21,835      $ 10,114        $ 43,459      $ 33,805     
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Capital Expenditures:

           

Ducommun AeroStructures

  $ 2,838      $ 734        $ 6,972      $ 3,363     

Ducommun LaBarge Technologies

    2,494        532          3,970        1,622     

Corporate Administration

    50        9          244        69     
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total Capital Expenditures

  $ 5,382      $ 1,275        $ 11,186      $ 5,054     
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

(1) Before certain allocated corporate overhead.
(2) Includes approximately $0.3 million and $11.8 million of merger-related transaction expenses in the three months 2011 and nine months 2011, respectively, related to the LaBarge acquisition.
(3) Certain expenses, previously incurred by the operating unit, are now included in the corporate general and administrative expenses as a result of the Company’s organizational changes.
(4) Includes investment banking, accounting, legal, tax and valuation expenses as a direct result of the LaBarge acquisition.
(5) Merger-related transaction costs resulting from a change-in-control provision for certain LaBarge key executives and employees arising in connection with the LaBarge acquisition.

Ducommun AeroStructures: DAS segment net sales increased by 11.0% to $75.1 million for the quarter ended October 1, 2011 and increased by 8.7% to $223.9 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2011. The increase for the three months was due to an increase in both commercial and military sales. The increase for the nine months was primarily due to an increase in commercial sales, primarily for large commercial aircraft and regional jet programs.

 

- 35 -


Ducommun LaBarge Technologies: DLT segment net sales increased by 245.8% to $110,004,000 for the quarter ended October 1, 2011 and increased 67.7% to $168,786,000 for the nine months ended October 1, 2011. Net sales increased primarily due to $83,848,000 and $84,722,000 million in sales from the LaBarge acquisition for the third quarter and first nine months of 2011, respectively.

DAS segment operating income and EBITDA were down slightly in the third quarter and first nine months of 2011 from the comparable period in 2010 primarily from an increased portion of sales of lower margin products and slightly lower operating performance compared to last year’s comparable period. In addition, operating income and EBITDA for the nine months of 2010 were favorably impacted by an adjustment to operating expenses of $1,285,000, or 0.6 percentage points, relating to the reversal of certain accounts payable accruals.

DLT segment operating income and EBITDA were higher as a result of added operating income from the LaBarge acquisition, partially offset by lower engineering services operating income. In addition, DLT incurred certain costs during the quarter relating to the completion of the consolidation of one of its product lines.

Backlog

Backlog is subject to delivery delays or program cancellations, which are beyond the Company’s control. As of October 1, 2011, backlog believed to be firm was approximately $611,722,000 compared to $328,045,000 at December 31, 2010. The increase in backlog was mainly due to backlog from the acquisition of LaBarge of $258,743,000, along with higher backlog for the Boeing 777 aircraft, and the Apache and Blackhawk helicopters. Approximately $172,000,000 of total backlog is expected to be delivered during the remainder of 2011.

Trends in the Company’s overall level of backlog, however, may not be indicative of trends in future sales because the Company’s backlog is affected by timing differences in the placement of customer orders and because the Company’s backlog tends to be concentrated in several programs to a greater extent than the Company’s sales.

 

- 36 -


Backlog at October 1. 2011 was broken down as follows:

 

     (in thousands)  

Ducommun Incorporated

   Change      October 1,
2011
     December 31,
2010
 

Military and Space

   $ 177,494       $ 320,915       $ 143,421   

Commercial Aerospace

     8,865         193,489         184,624   

Natural Resources

     44,523         44,523         —     

Industrial

     28,347         28,347         —     

Medical & Other

     24,448         24,448         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 283,677       $ 611,722       $ 328,045   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (in thousands)  

Ducommun AeroStructures

   Change      October 1,
2011
     December 31,
2010
 

Military and Space

   $ 28,321       $ 120,448       $ 92,127   

Commercial Aerospace

     2,267         172,317         170,050   

Natural Resources

     —           —           —     

Industrial

     —           —           —     

Medical & Other

     —           —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 30,588       $ 292,765       $ 262,177   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (in thousands)  

Ducommun LaBarge Technologies

   Change      October 1,
2011
     December 31,
2010
 

Military and Space

   $ 149,173       $ 200,467       $ 51,294   

Commercial Aerospace

     6,598         21,172         14,574   

Natural Resources

     44,523         44,523         —     

Industrial

     28,347         28,347         —     

Medical & Other

     24,448         24,448         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 253,089       $ 318,957       $ 65,868   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Financial Condition

Cash Flow Summary

Net cash used in operating activities for the nine months of 2011 and 2010 was $28,896,000 and $2,715,000, respectively. Net cash used in operating activities during the nine months of 2011 was impacted by lower net income, an increase in accounts receivables, primarily related to the timing of billings to customers and extension of payments by the customers, an increase in inventory, primarily related to work-in-process for production jobs scheduled to ship in 2011 and afterward, payments of accounts payable, increase in other assets and payments in 2011 for expenses recorded in accrued liabilities in 2010. Net cash used in operating activities for the nine months of 2011was also negatively impacted by $18,111,000 of acquisition expenses impacting net income.

Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months of 2011 was $336,450,000. This consisted of $325,315,000 for the acquisition of LaBarge and $400,000 for the acquisition of Foam Matrix, $11,186,000 of capital expenditures and proceeds of $451,000 from the sale of assets.

Net cash used in financing activities for the nine months of 2011 of $374,454,000 included approximately $390,000,000 of borrowings, primarily to finance the acquisition of LaBarge, $786,000 of repayment of senior notes, term loan and revolver debt, $14,025,000 of debt issue cost paid, also related to the acquisition of LaBarge and $790,000 of dividend payments.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At October 1, 2011, the Company had $58,410,000 of unused revolver lines of credit, after deducting $1,590,000 for outstanding standby letters of credit. The Company had no outstanding revolver loans and was in compliance with all covenants at October 1, 2011. The weighted average interest rate on borrowings outstanding was 7.66% at October 1, 2011, compared to 3.06% at October 2, 2010. The carrying amount of long-term debt approximates fair value based on the terms of the related debt, recent transactions and estimates using interest rates currently available to the Company for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.

In connection with the acquisition of LaBarge on June 28, 2011, the Company borrowed $190,000,000 under a senior secured term loan and entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility of $60,000,000. Both the term loan and the credit facility provide the option of choosing the LIBOR rate (with a Libor rate floor of 1.25%) plus 4.25%, or the Alternate Base Rate (with an Alternative Base Rate floor of 2.25%) plus 3.25%. The Alternate Base Rate is the greater of the (a) Prime rate and (b) Federal Funds rate plus 0.5%. The term loan requires quarterly principal payments of $475,000 beginning on September 30, 2011 and mandatory prepayment of certain amounts of excess cash flow on an annual basis beginning 2012. The Company made a $475,000 payment on the term loan in September 2011. The revolving credit facility matures on June 28, 2016 and the term loan matures on June 30, 2017. The revolving credit facility and term loan contain minimum EBITDA and maximum leverage ratio covenants under certain circumstances, as well as limitations on future disposition of property, capital expenditures, investments, acquisitions, repurchase of stock, dividends, and outside indebtedness.

 

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In connection with the acquisition of LaBarge, the Company also issued $200,000,000 of senior unsecured notes with interest of 9.75% per annum, payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year, beginning in 2012. The senior unsecured notes mature on July 15, 2018, at which time the entire principal amount is due.

The Company continues to depend on operating cash flow and the availability of its bank line of credit to provide short-term liquidity. Cash from operations and bank borrowing capacity are expected to provide sufficient liquidity to meet the Company’s obligations during the next twelve months.

In connection with the DAS-New York acquisition in December 2008, the Company issued a promissory note in the initial principal amount of $7,000,000 with interest of 5% per annum payable annually on each anniversary of the closing date (December 23). Principal of the promissory note in the amount of $4,000,000 was paid on June 23, 2010 and $3,000,000 is payable on December 23, 2013.

The Company expects to spend approximately $17,000,000 for capital expenditures in 2011. The increase in capital expenditures in 2011 from 2010 is principally to support new contract awards at DAS and DLT, including LaBarge capital expenditures, and offshore manufacturing expansion. The Company believes the ongoing subcontractor consolidation makes acquisitions an increasingly important component of the Company’s future growth. The Company will continue to make prudent acquisitions and capital expenditures for manufacturing equipment and facilities to support long-term contracts for commercial and military aircraft programs, defense, medical, natural resources, industrial and other commercial markets. As part of the Company’s strategic direction in moving to a Tier 2 supplier additional up-front investment in tooling will be required for newer programs which have higher engineering content and higher levels of complexity in assemblies.

The Company has made guarantees and indemnities under which it may be required to make payments to a guaranteed or indemnified party, in relation to certain transactions, including revenue transactions in the ordinary course of business. In connection with certain facility leases, the Company has indemnified its lessors for certain claims arising from the facility or the lease. The Company indemnifies its directors and officers to the maximum extent permitted under the laws of the State of Delaware. However, the Company has a directors and officers insurance policy that may reduce its exposure in certain circumstances and may enable it to recover a portion of future amounts that may be payable, if any. The duration of the guarantees and indemnities varies and, in many cases, is indefinite but subject to statute of limitations. The majority of guarantees and indemnities do not provide any limitations of the maximum potential future payments the Company could be obligated to make. Historically, payments related to these guarantees and indemnities have been immaterial. The Company estimates the fair value of its indemnification obligations as insignificant based on this history and insurance coverage and has, therefore, not recorded any liability for these guarantees and indemnities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. However, there can be no assurances that the Company will not have any future financial exposure under these indemnification obligations.

 

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As of October 1, 2011, the Company expects to make the following payments on its contractual obligations (in thousands):

 

            Payments Due by Period  

Contractual Obligations

   Total      Remainder
of 2011
     2012-
2013
     2014-
2015
     After
2015
 

Long-term debt

   $ 392,734       $ 490       $ 6,923       $ 3,847       $ 381,474   

Operating leases

     19,893         1,892         11,679         4,067         2,255   

Pension liability

     9,657         197         1,759         2,010         5,691   

Liabilities related to uncertain tax position

     1,974         157         947         870         —     

Future interest on notes payable and long-term debt

     196,264         2,756         60,942         59,195         73,371   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 620,522       $ 5,492       $ 82,250       $ 69,989       $ 462,791   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ducommun has been named as a defendant in five putative class actions filed in April, 2011 by purported stockholders of LaBarge against LaBarge, its Board of Directors and Ducommun in connection with the LaBarge acquisition. Two of the stockholder actions (filed by purported class representatives Barry P. Borodkin and Insulators and Asbestos Workers Local No. 14) were filed in the Delaware Chancery Court, and the court consolidated those two actions. The other three stockholder actions (filed by purported class representatives J. M. Foley, Jr., William Wheeler and Doris A. Gastineau) were filed in the Circuit Court of St. Louis County, Missouri, and that court consolidated those three actions. The consolidated Delaware and Missouri putative class actions generally allege that the individual members of the Board of Directors of LaBarge breached their fiduciary duties to LaBarge stockholders with respect to the merger transaction announced on April 4, 2011. These actions also allege that Ducommun and LaBarge aided and abetted the breach of fiduciary duties. They seek equitable relief (including injunctive relief), judicial declarations that the merger agreement was entered into in breach of the LaBarge directors’ fiduciary duties, rescission of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and the award of attorneys’ fees and expenses for the plaintiffs. In the Delaware consolidated actions, the parties engaged in expedited discovery in connection with a preliminary injunction hearing scheduled for June 17, 2011. After document discovery and depositions, and before the plaintiffs filed their motion for preliminary injunction, the parties negotiated and signed a memorandum of understanding to settle plaintiffs’ claims. The preliminary settlement is subject to a definitive agreement and final approval of the Delaware Chancery Court. There can be no assurance that the parties will ultimately enter into a stipulation of settlement or that the Chancery Court will approve the settlement even if the parties do enter into such stipulation. In the Missouri consolidated actions, the defendants sought a stay of the Missouri actions from the Missouri court, the plaintiffs opposed that request, and the Missouri court stayed the actions. Plaintiffs sought reconsideration of the court’s stay, and the defendants opposed that request. On June 16, 2011, a hearing before the Missouri court was held on plaintiffs’ motion for reconsideration. On June 20, 2011, the Missouri court denied plaintiffs’ motion for reconsideration and reaffirmed the court’s stay. Ducommun believes these lawsuits are without merit, and in the event that settlement of these claims is not finalized, intends to defend them vigorously.

 

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Ducommun is a defendant in a lawsuit entitled United States of America ex rel Taylor Smith, Jeannine Prewitt and James Ailes v. The Boeing Company and Ducommun Inc., filed in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas (the “District Court”). The lawsuit is a qui tam action brought by three former Boeing employees (“Relators”) against Boeing and Ducommun on behalf of the United States of America for violations of the United States False Claims Act. The lawsuit alleges that Ducommun sold unapproved parts to the Boeing Commercial Airplane Group-Wichita Division which were installed by Boeing in aircraft ultimately sold to the United States Government. The number of Boeing aircraft subject to the lawsuit has been reduced to 21 aircraft following the District Court’s granting of partial summary judgment in favor of Boeing and Ducommun. The lawsuit seeks damages, civil penalties and other relief from the defendants for presenting or causing to be presented false claims for payment to the United States Government. Although the amount of alleged damages are not specified, the lawsuit seeks damages in an amount equal to three times the amount of damages the United States Government sustained because of the defendants’ actions, plus a civil penalty of $10,000 for each false claim made on or before September 28, 1999, and $11,000 for each false claim made on or after September 28, 1999, together with attorneys’ fees and costs. One of Relators’ experts has opined that the United States Government’s damages are in the amount of $833 million. After investigating the allegations, the United States Government has declined to intervene in the lawsuit. Ducommun intends to defend itself vigorously against the lawsuit. Ducommun, at this time, is unable to estimate what, if any, liability it may have in connection with the lawsuit.

DAS has been directed by California environmental agencies to investigate and take corrective action for ground water contamination at its facilities located in El Mirage and Monrovia, California. Based on currently available information, the Company has established a reserve for its estimated liability for such investigation and corrective action in the approximate amount of $1,509,000. DAS also faces liability as a potentially responsible party for hazardous waste disposed at two landfills located in Casmalia and West Covina, California. DAS and other companies and government entities have entered into consent decrees with respect to each landfill with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and/or California environmental agencies under which certain investigation, remediation and maintenance activities are being performed. Based on currently available information, at the West Covina landfill the Company preliminarily estimates that the range of its liabilities in connection with the landfill is between approximately $900,000 and $3,300,000. The Company established a reserve for its estimated liability and has been making payments against this liability. The balance in the reserve included in the Company’s liabilities, in connection with the West Covina landfill was approximately $732,000 at October 1, 2011. The Company’s ultimate liability in connection with these matters will depend upon a number of factors, including changes in existing laws and regulations, the design and cost of construction, operation and maintenance activities, and the allocation of liability among potentially responsible parties.

In the normal course of business, Ducommun and its subsidiaries are defendants in certain other litigation, claims and inquiries, including matters relating to environmental laws. In addition, the Company makes various commitments and incurs contingent liabilities. While it is not feasible to predict the outcome of these matters, the Company does not presently expect that any sum it may be required to pay in connection with these matters would have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements consist of operating leases and indemnities.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2011, the FASB issued amendments to disclosure requirements for common fair value measurement. These amendments, effective for the interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011 (early adoption is prohibited), result in common definition of fair value and common requirements for measurement of and disclosure requirements between U.S. GAAP and IFRS. Consequently, the amendments change some fair value measurement principles and disclosure requirements. The implementation of this amended accounting guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

In June 2011, the FASB issued amendments to disclosure requirements for presentation of comprehensive income. This guidance, effective retrospectively for the interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011 (early adoption is permitted), requires presentation of total comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The implementation of this amended accounting guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

In September 2011, the FASB issued amendments to the goodwill impairment guidance which provides an option for companies to use a qualitative approach to test goodwill for impairment if certain conditions are met. The amendments are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011 (early adoption is permitted). The implementation of amended accounting guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

The Company had no material market risk disclosures.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded, based on an evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)), that such disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

In connection with the acquisition of LaBarge the Company has performed certain due diligence procedures related to LaBarge’s financial reporting and disclosure controls. As part of the ongoing integration, the Company will continue to assess the overall control environment of this business.

There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended October 1, 2011 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

See the copy of the legal proceedings in the Form 10-Q for the three months and six months ended July 2, 2011.

 

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Item 1A. Risk Factors

The Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows may be affected by known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Any of these risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause the Company’s future financial results to differ materially from recent financial results or from currently anticipated future financial results. In addition to those noted elsewhere in this report, the Company is subject to the following risks and uncertainties:

Unless the context indicates otherwise, when we refer to “we,” “us” and “our” for purposes of this section, we are referring to Ducommun and its subsidiaries including LaBarge and its subsidiaries following consummation of the LaBarge Acquisition.

Risks Related to the LaBarge Acquisition

The Merger with LaBarge presents risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those expressed in or implied by any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to: (1) the outcome of any legal proceedings that have been or may be instituted against LaBarge and/or Ducommun and others in connection with the Merger Agreement; (2) the interest rate on any borrowings incurred to finance the acquisition and operations of Ducommun and its subsidiaries following the Merger; (3) risks that the transaction disrupts current plans and operations and the potential difficulties in employee retention as a result of the Merger; (4) difficulties integrating LaBarge’s business, operations and employees into Ducommun’s business and operations; (5) the inability to recognize the benefits of the Merger, including any potential synergies, growth, cost savings or accretive value; (6) the method of accounting for the Merger, (7) the inability to maintain current customer and supplier relationships following the Merger; (8) the amount of the costs, fees, expenses and charges related to the Merger and the actual terms of certain financings that were obtained for the Merger; and (9) the impact of the indebtedness incurred to finance the consummation of the Merger. The businesses of Ducommun and LaBarge are also subject to a number of risks as described in the SEC filings of Ducommun and LaBarge, copies of which may be obtained by contacting the investor relations department of the Company via the website at http://www.ducommun.com.

Risks Related to the LaBarge Acquisition

The anticipated benefits of the LaBarge Acquisition may not be fully realized and may take longer to realize than expected, which may adversely affect our results of operations.

The LaBarge Acquisition involves the integration of LaBarge’s operations with our existing operations, and there are uncertainties and challenges inherent with the integration of LaBarge’s business into our operations which may cause the anticipated benefits of the acquisition not being fully realized or taking longer to realize than expected. We will be required to devote significant management attention and resources to integrating LaBarge’s operations

 

- 45 -


into our operations. Delays or unexpected difficulties in the integration process could adversely affect our business, financial results and financial condition. Issues that must be addressed in integrating LaBarge’s operations include, among other things:

 

   

conforming standards, controls, procedures and policies, business cultures and compensation structures;

 

   

consolidating corporate and administrative infrastructures;

 

   

consolidating sales and marketing operations;

 

   

retaining existing customers and attracting new customers;

 

   

retaining key employees;

 

   

identifying and eliminating redundant and underperforming operations and assets;

 

   

minimizing the diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business concerns;

 

   

coordinating geographically dispersed organizations; and

 

   

managing tax costs or inefficiencies associated with integrating LaBarge’s operations into our operations.

Even if we are able to integrate LaBarge’s operations successfully, this integration may not result in the realization of the full benefits of synergies, cost savings and operational efficiencies that we expect or the achievement of these benefits within a reasonable period of time. In addition, we may not discovered during the due diligence process, and we may not have discovered prior to closing, all known and unknown factors regarding LaBarge that could produce unintended and unexpected consequences for us. Undiscovered factors could result in us incurring financial liabilities, which could be material, and in us not achieving the expected benefits from the LaBarge Acquisition within our desired time frames, if at all.

LaBarge may have liabilities that are not known, probable or estimable at this time.

As a result of the Merger, LaBarge became our wholly-owned subsidiary, and we therefore effectively assumed all of its liabilities, whether or not asserted. There could be unasserted claims or assessments that we failed or were unable to discover or identify in the course of performing due diligence investigations of LaBarge. In addition, there may be liabilities that are neither probable nor estimable at this time which may become probable and estimable in the future. Any such liabilities, individually or in the aggregate, could have a material adverse effect on our business. We may learn additional information about LaBarge that adversely affects us, such as unknown, unasserted or contingent liabilities and issues relating to compliance with applicable laws.

 

- 46 -


We expect to incur significant costs in connection with the Transactions which may adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.

We incurred approximately $25.5 million in fees and expenses in connection with the Transactions and may incur a number of other costs associated with integrating LaBarge’s operations into our operations, which cannot be estimated accurately at this time. Additional unanticipated costs may also be incurred as we integrate LaBarge’s operations in our business. Consequently, we may incur material charges in both the quarter in which the Merger was consummated and in subsequent quarters to reflect additional costs associated with the Merger. Although we expect that the elimination of duplicative costs, as well as the realization of other efficiencies related to the integration of LaBarge into our operations, may offset incremental transaction and transaction-related costs over time, this net benefit may not be achieved in the near term, or at all. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in our integration efforts. In addition, while we expect to benefit from leveraging distribution channels and brand names across both companies, we cannot assure that we will achieve such benefits. If the benefits of the Merger do not exceed the costs of integrating the business of LaBarge into our business, our financial results may be adversely affected.

Integrating our business with that of LaBarge may divert our management’s attention away from operations.

Successful integration of our and LaBarge’s operations, products and personnel may place a significant burden on our management and other internal resources. The diversion of management’s attention and any difficulties encountered in the transition and integration process, could harm our business, financial conditions and operating results.

Failure to retain key employees could diminish the anticipated benefits of the LaBarge Acquisition.

The success of the LaBarge Acquisition will depend in part upon the retention of personnel critical to the LaBarge business due to, for example, their technical skills or management expertise. Employees may experience uncertainty about their future roles until clear strategies are announced or executed. Ducommun and LaBarge, while similar, do not have the same corporate cultures, and some LaBarge employees may not want to work for us. In addition, competitors may recruit employees of LaBarge during the integration stage. If we are unable to retain LaBarge personnel that are critical to the successful integration and future operation of our company, we could face disruptions in operations; loss of existing LaBarge customers, key information and expertise or know-how; and unanticipated additional recruiting and training costs. In addition, the loss of key personnel could diminish the benefits of the LaBarge Acquisition actually achieved by us. Although LaBarge has entered into one-year employment agreements with six key LaBarge executive officers that were effective upon closing of the Merger, there can be no assurance that such executives will stay with the combined company through the term of their agreements or afterwards.

 

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Legal proceedings in connection with the Merger may result in significant monetary costs or may otherwise negatively impact the business and operations of Ducommun and LaBarge.

LaBarge, certain of its directors, and Ducommun are parties to several lawsuits filed by third parties seeking damages, equitable relief, and costs and expenses of the litigation, including attorneys’ fees, in connection with the merger agreement. Any conclusion of such litigation in a manner adverse to Ducommun or LaBarge could have a material adverse effect on each company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the cost of defending this litigation, even if resolved favorably, could be substantial. Such litigation could also substantially divert the attention of management and resources in general. Furthermore, uncertainties resulting from the initiation and continuation of any litigation could harm the ability of Ducommun or LaBarge to compete in the marketplace.

Litigation Relating to the Merger

Ducommun has been named as a defendant in five putative class actions filed in April, 2011 by purported stockholders of LaBarge against LaBarge, its Board of Directors and Ducommun in connection with the LaBarge acquisition. Two of the stockholder actions (filed by purported class representatives Barry P. Borodkin and Insulators and Asbestos Workers Local No. 14) were filed in the Delaware Chancery Court, and the court consolidated those two actions. The other three stockholder actions (filed by purported class representatives J. M. Foley, Jr., William Wheeler and Doris A. Gastineau) were filed in the Circuit Court of St. Louis County, Missouri, and that court consolidated those three actions.

The consolidated Delaware and Missouri putative class actions generally allege that the individual members of the Board of Directors of LaBarge breached their fiduciary duties to LaBarge stockholders with respect to the merger transaction announced on April 4, 2011. These actions also allege that Ducommun and LaBarge aided and abetted the breach of fiduciary duties. They seek equitable relief (including injunctive relief), judicial declarations that the merger agreement was entered into in breach of the LaBarge directors’ fiduciary duties, rescission of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, and the award of attorneys’ fees and expenses for the plaintiffs.

In the Delaware consolidated actions, the parties engaged in expedited discovery in connection with a preliminary injunction hearing scheduled for June 17, 2011. After document discovery and depositions, and before the plaintiffs filed their motion for preliminary injunction, the parties negotiated and signed a memorandum of understanding to settle plaintiffs’ claims. The preliminary settlement is subject to a definitive agreement and final approval of the Delaware Chancery Court. There can be no assurance that the parties will ultimately enter into a stipulation of settlement or that the Chancery Court will approve the settlement even if the parties do enter into such stipulation.

In the Missouri consolidated actions, the defendants sought a stay of the Missouri actions from the Missouri court, the plaintiffs opposed that request, and the Missouri court stayed the actions. Plaintiffs sought reconsideration of the court’s stay, and the defendants

 

- 48 -


opposed that request. On June 16, 2011, a hearing before the Missouri court was held on plaintiffs’ motion for reconsideration. On June 20, 2011, the Missouri court denied plaintiffs’ motion for reconsideration and reaffirmed the court’s stay.

Ducommun believes these lawsuits are without merit, and in the event that settlement of these claims is not finalized, intends to defend them vigorously.

Legal proceedings in connection with the Merger may result in significant monetary costs or may otherwise negatively impact the business and operations of Ducommun and LaBarge.

LaBarge, certain of its directors, Ducommun and Merger Sub are parties to several lawsuits filed by third parties seeking damages and equitable relief, and costs and expenses of the litigation, including attorneys’ fees, in connection with the Merger Agreement. Any conclusion of such litigation in a manner adverse to Ducommun or LaBarge could have a material adverse effect on each company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the cost of defending this litigation, even if resolved favorably, could be substantial. Such litigation could also substantially divert the attention of management and resources in general. Furthermore, uncertainties resulting from the initiation and continuation of any litigation could harm the ability of Ducommun or LaBarge to compete in the marketplace.

Uncertainty regarding the effects of the Merger on our business may cause customers and suppliers to delay or defer decisions concerning us and adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.

Uncertainty regarding the effects of the Merger on us may cause customers and suppliers to delay or defer decisions concerning us, which could negatively affect our businesses. Customers and suppliers may also seek to change existing agreements with Ducommun or LaBarge as a result of the Merger. Any delay or deferral of those decisions or changes in existing agreements could have a material adverse effect on our business, regardless of whether the Merger is ultimately completed. Moreover, diversion of management focus and resources from the day-to-day operation of the business to matters relating to the integration of LaBarge into our business could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Risks Related to Our Business

Aerospace markets are cyclical.

The aerospace markets in which we sell our products are cyclical and have experienced periodic declines. Our sales are, therefore, unpredictable and tend to fluctuate based on a number of factors, including economic conditions and developments affecting the aerospace industry and the customers served.

 

- 49 -


We depend heavily upon a concentrated base of customers which are subject to unique risks, and a significant reduction in sales to any of our major customers, or the loss of a major customer, could have a material impact on our financial results.

In fiscal year 2010, approximately 26% of Ducommun’s sales were for Boeing commercial and military aircraft programs, 8% of our sales were for United Technologies (Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopter) programs and 12% of our sales were for Raytheon military aircraft programs on a stand-alone basis. In addition, LaBarge depends heavily on a concentrated base of customers. On a pro forma basis, 2010 sales to Boeing, Raytheon, Owens-Illinois and United Technologies were 15%, 10%, 6% and 6%, respectively. Any significant change in production rates by these customers would have a material effect on our results of operations and cash flows. There is no guarantee that our current significant customers will continue to buy products from us at current levels, and that we will retain any or all of our existing customers or LaBarge’s customers following the Merger, or that we will be able to form new relationships with customers upon the loss of one or more of our or LaBarge’s existing customers. This risk may be further complicated by pricing pressures, intense competition prevalent in our industry and other factors. The loss of a significant customer could have a material adverse effect on us.

In addition, we generally make sales under purchase orders and short term contracts that are subject to cancellation, modification or rescheduling. Changes in the economic environment and the financial condition of the industries we serve could result in customer requests for rescheduling or cancellation of contractual orders. Some of our contracts have specific provisions relating to schedule and performance, and failure to deliver in accordance with such provisions could result in cancellations, modifications, rescheduling and/or penalties, in some cases at the customers’ convenience and without prior notice. While we have normally recovered our direct and indirect costs, if we experience such cancellations, modifications, or rescheduling that cannot be replaced in a timely fashion, this could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

A significant portion of our business depends upon government spending.

We derive a significant portion of our business from contracts related to orders for or associated with the U.S. Government. In 2010 approximately 60% of Ducommun’s sales were derived from military and space markets. In addition, for the years ended June 27, 2010 and June 28, 2009, approximately 42.0% and 46.3%, respectively, of LaBarge’s net sales were derived from subcontracts with OEMs on contracts with the U.S. Government. On a pro forma basis, 2010 sales related to orders for or associated with the U.S. Government were 50%. Accordingly, the success of our business depends upon government spending, which, among other factors, depends upon:

 

   

changes in fiscal policies or decreases in available government funding, including budgetary constraints affecting federal government spending generally, or specific departments or agencies in particular;

 

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the adoption of new laws or regulations or changes to existing laws or regulations;

 

   

changes in political or social attitudes with respect to security and defense issues;

 

   

changes in federal government programs or requirements, including the increased use of small business providers;

 

   

increases in the federal government initiatives related to in-sourcing;

 

   

changes in or delays related to government restrictions on the export of defense articles and services, as a result of greater volatility in foreign economic and political environments or otherwise;

 

   

federal government shutdowns (such as that which occurred during the federal government’s 1996 fiscal year) and other potential delays or changes in the government appropriations process;

 

   

general economic conditions; and

 

   

delays in the payment of our invoices by government payment offices.

These and other factors could cause the government and government agencies, or prime contractors that use us as a subcontractor, to reduce their purchases under existing contracts, to exercise their rights to terminate contracts at-will or to abstain from exercising options to renew contracts, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Further, certain U.S. Government programs in which we participate may extend for several years; however, these programs are typically funded annually. Changes in the government’s strategy and priorities may affect our existing programs and future opportunities. Our government contracts and related orders with the U.S. Government are subject to cancellation, or delay, if appropriations for subsequent performance periods are not made. In addition, we anticipate that the U.S. Department of Defense budget will be under pressure as the current administration is faced with competing national priorities. The termination of funding for existing or new U.S. Government programs could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

We are subject to extensive regulation and audit by the Defense Contract Audit Agency.

The accuracy and appropriateness of certain costs and expenses used to substantiate our direct and indirect costs for the U.S. Government are subject to extensive regulation and audit by the Defense Contract Audit Agency, an arm of the Department of Defense. Such audits and reviews could result in adjustments to our contract costs and profitability. We have recorded contract net sales based upon costs expected to be realized upon final audit. However, we do not know the outcome of any future audits and adjustments may be required to reduce net sales or profits upon completion and final negotiation of audits. If any audit or review were to uncover inaccurate costs or improper activities, we could be subject to penalties and sanctions, including termination of contracts, forfeiture of profits, suspension of payments, fines and suspension or prohibition from conducting future business with the U.S. Government. Any such outcome could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

 

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Federal government contracts contain provisions giving government customers a variety of rights that are unfavorable to us and the OEMs to whom we provide products and services, including the ability to terminate a contract at any time for convenience.

As noted above, we derive a significant portion of our net sales from subcontracts under federal government prime contracts. A portion of our net sales is also derived from direct contracts with the federal government. Federal government contracts contain provisions and are subject to laws and regulations that give the government rights and remedies not typically found in commercial contracts. These provisions may allow the government to:

 

   

terminate existing contracts for convenience, as well as for default;

 

   

reduce orders under or otherwise modify contracts or subcontracts;

 

   

cancel multi-year contracts and related orders if funds for contract performance for any subsequent year become unavailable;

 

   

decline to exercise an option to renew a multi-year contract;

 

   

suspend or debar us from doing business with the federal government or with a governmental agency;

 

   

prohibit future procurement awards with a particular agency as a result of a finding of an organizational conflict of interest based upon prior related work performed for the agency that would give a contractor an unfair advantage over competing contractors;

 

   

subject the award of contracts to protest by competitors, which may require the contracting agency or department to suspend our performance pending the outcome of the protest;

 

   

claim rights in products and systems produced by us; and

 

   

control or prohibit the export of the products and related services we offer.

If the U.S. Government terminates a contract for convenience, the counterparty with whom we have contracted on a subcontract may terminate its contract with us. As a result of any such termination, whether on a direct government contract or subcontract, we may recover only our incurred or committed costs, settlement expenses and profit on work completed prior to the termination. If the U.S. Government terminates a direct contract with us for default, we may not even recover those amounts and instead may be liable for excess costs incurred by the U.S. Government in procuring undelivered items and services from another source. Contracts with foreign governments generally contain similar provisions relating to termination at the convenience of the customer.

 

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In addition, the U.S. Government is typically required to open all programs to competitive bidding and, therefore, may not automatically renew any of its prime contracts. If one or more of our government prime or subcontracts is terminated or cancelled, our failure to replace sales generated from such contracts would result in lower sales and have an adverse effect on our earnings, which would adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Some of our contracts with the U.S. Government are classified which may limit investor insight into portions of our business.

We derive a portion of our net sales from programs with the U.S. Government that are subject to security restrictions (classified programs), which preclude the dissemination of information that is classified for national security purposes. We are limited in our ability to provide details about these classified programs, their risks or any disputes or claims relating to such programs. As a result, you might have less insight into our classified programs than our other businesses and therefore less ability to fully evaluate the risks related to our classified business.

We face risks associated with competitive pricing pressures, which could cause price reductions, reduced profitability and loss of market share.

The aerospace and EMS industries are highly competitive and competitive pressures may adversely affect us. In both of these industries we compete worldwide with a number of domestic and international companies that have substantially greater manufacturing, purchasing, marketing and financial resources than us. In the EMS industry, many of our customers have the in-house capability to fulfill their manufacturing requirements. Our larger competitors may be able to vie more effectively for very large-scale contracts. Our larger competitors also may be able to provide clients with different or greater capabilities or benefits than we can provide in areas such as technical qualifications, past performance on large-scale contracts, geographic presence, price and availability of key professional personnel. Our competitors may have established relationships among themselves or with third parties, including through mergers and acquisitions, that could increase their ability to address customer needs. They may establish new relationships and new competitors or competitive alliances may emerge. If we are unable to successfully compete for new business, our net sales growth and operating margins may decline.

In addition, we are exposed to the introduction of lower priced competitive capabilities, significant price reductions by competitors or significant pricing pressures from customers. We are experiencing competitive pricing pressures. These pressures have had, and are expected to continue to have, an adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results. Further, there can be no assurance that competition from existing or potential competitors in other segments of our business will not have a material adverse effect on our financial results. If we do not continue to compete effectively and win contracts, our future business, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to meet our financial obligations may be materially compromised.

We use estimates when bidding on contracts and may not have the ability to control, and may not accurately estimate, costs associated with performing under fixed-price contracts. We therefore face risks of cost overruns and losses on fixed-price contracts. In addition, when determining the cost of sales to be recognized under certain long-term contracts, we are required to estimate total costs to complete the contract.

 

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We sell many of our products under firm, fixed-price contracts providing for a fixed price for the products regardless of the production costs incurred by us. In many cases, we make multi-year firm, fixed-price commitments to our customers, without assurance that our anticipated production costs will be achieved. Contract bidding and accounting require judgment relative to assessing risks, estimating contract net sales and costs and making assumptions for scheduling and technical issues. For example, assumptions have to be made regarding the length of time to complete the contract, because costs include expected increases in prices for materials and wages, which can be particularly difficult to estimate for contracts with new customers. Similarly, assumptions have to be made regarding the future impact of our efficiency initiatives and cost reduction efforts. In order to realize a profit on these contracts, we must, when we bid these contracts, accurately estimate our costs to complete the contracts. Our failure to accurately estimate these costs can result in cost overruns, which result in reduced or lost profits. Because of the significance of the judgments and estimates involved, it is possible that materially different amounts could be obtained if different assumptions were used or if the underlying circumstances were to change. For example, if we experience manufacturing inefficiencies, start-up costs or increases in the cost of labor, materials, outside processing, overhead and other factors, our production costs may be adversely affected. Therefore, any changes in our underlying assumptions, circumstances or estimates could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

In addition, we also face the risk of increased costs due to a rise in the prices of raw materials and components used in the manufacture of our products, including aluminum, titanium, steel and carbon fibers. Although these materials are generally available from a number of vendors and are generally in adequate supply, we have, from time to time, experienced increases in lead times for, and deterioration in availability of, aluminum, titanium and certain other materials. Moreover, certain components, supplies and raw materials for our operations are purchased from single sources. In such instances, we strive to develop alternative sources and design modifications to minimize the potential for business interruptions.

Risks associated with operating and conducting our business outside the United States could adversely impact us.

We have facilities in Thailand and Mexico and derive a portion of our net sales from direct foreign sales. Further, our customers may derive portions of their sales to non-U.S. customers. As a result, we are subject to the risks of conducting and operating our business internationally, including:

 

   

political instability;

 

   

local economic conditions;

 

   

economic and geopolitical developments and conditions;

 

   

foreign currency fluctuations;

 

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foreign government regulatory requirements;

 

   

domestic and international government policies, including requirements to expend a portion of program funds locally and governmental industrial cooperation requirements;

 

   

delays in placing orders;

 

   

the uncertainty of the ability of non-U.S. customers to finance purchases;

 

   

uncertainties and restrictions concerning the availability of funding credit or guarantees;

 

   

compliance with a variety of international laws, as well as U.S. laws affecting the activities of U.S. companies conducting business abroad, including, but not limited to, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act;

 

   

imposition of taxes, export controls, tariffs, embargoes and other trade restrictions; and

 

   

the potentially limited availability of skilled labor in proximity to our facilities.

While the impact of these factors is difficult to predict, any one or more of these factors could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

Our products and processes are subject to risks from changes in technology.

Our products and processes are subject to risks of obsolescence as a result of changes in technology. The future success of our business will depend in large part upon our and our customers’ ability to maintain and enhance technological capabilities, develop and market manufacturing services that meet changing customer needs and successfully anticipate or respond to technological advances in manufacturing processes on a cost-effective and timely basis. To address this risk, we invest in product design and development, and undertake capital expenditures. There can be no guarantee that our product design and development efforts will be successful, or that funds required to be invested in product design and development or incurred as capital expenditures will not increase materially in the future.

Many of our contracts require innovative design capabilities, are technologically complex, require state-of-the-art manufacturing expertise, or are dependent upon factors beyond our control.

We manufacture and assist in the design of technologically advanced and innovative products that are applied by our customers in a variety of environments. Problems and delays in development or delivery of our products and services, which could prevent us from meeting our contractual requirements, include changes in our customers’ required designs, acceptance of the customers’ designs in the marketplace, technology, licensing and patent rights, labor, learning curve assumptions, materials and components, as well as the timing of purchase orders placed or required delivery dates, variation in demand for customers’ products, federal government

 

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funding, regulatory changes affecting customers’ industries, customer efforts to manage their inventory, changes in customers’ manufacturing strategies and customers’ technical problems or issues. Any such problems or delays could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

We face risks associated with acquisitions and dispositions of businesses.

A key element of our long-term strategy has been growth through acquisitions. We are continuously reviewing and actively pursuing other acquisitions. Acquisitions, including the LaBarge Acquisition, may require us to incur additional indebtedness, resulting in increased leverage. Any significant acquisition, including the LaBarge acquisition, may result in a material weakening of our financial position and a material increase in our cost of borrowings. Acquisitions also may require us to issue additional equity, resulting in dilution to existing stockholders. This additional financing for acquisitions and capital expenditures may not be available on terms acceptable or favorable to us. Acquired businesses, including LaBarge, may not achieve anticipated results, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We also periodically review our existing businesses to determine if they are consistent with our strategy. We have sold, and may sell in the future, business units and product lines, which may result in either a gain or loss upon disposition.

Our acquisition strategy exposes us to risks. We may not be able to consummate acquisitions on satisfactory terms or, if any acquisitions are consummated, to satisfactorily integrate these acquired businesses. Our ability to grow by acquisition is dependent on, among other factors, the availability of suitable acquisition candidates. Growth by acquisition involves risks that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results, including difficulties in integrating the operations and personnel of acquired companies, the potential amortization of acquired intangible assets, potential impairment of goodwill and the potential loss of key customers or employees of acquired companies. For specific risks relating to the LaBarge Acquisition, see [“Risk Factors—Risks Related to the LaBarge Acquisition.”]

Goodwill and/or other intangible assets could be impaired in the future, resulting in substantial losses and write-downs.

In assessing the recoverability of goodwill, management is required to make certain critical estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions include improvements in manufacturing efficiency, reductions in operating costs and obtain increases in sales and backlog. Due to many variables inherent in the estimation of a business’s fair value and the relative size of our recorded goodwill, differences in estimates and assumptions may have a material effect on the results of our impairment analysis. If any of these or other estimates and assumptions are not realized in the future, or if market multiples decline, we may be required to record an additional impairment charge for goodwill. Ducommun’s goodwill as of October 1, 2011 was $216.3 million or 25.1 % of total assets.

 

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Significant consolidation in the aerospace and defense industry could adversely affect our business and financial results.

The aerospace and defense industry is experiencing significant consolidation, including our customers, competitors and suppliers. Consolidation among our customers may result in delays in the award of new contracts and losses of existing business. Consolidation among our competitors may result in larger competitors with greater resources and market share, which could adversely affect our ability to compete successfully. Consolidation among our suppliers may result in fewer sources of supply and increased cost to us.

Our failure to meet the quality or delivery expectations of customers could adversely affect our business and financial results.

Our ability to deliver our products and services on schedule is dependent upon a variety of factors, including execution of internal performance plans, availability of raw materials, internal and supplier produced parts and structures, conversion of raw materials into parts and assemblies and performance of suppliers and others. Our customers expect on-time delivery and quality with respect to our products. In some cases, we do not presently satisfy these customer expectations, particularly with respect to on-time delivery. If we fail to meet the quality or delivery expectations of our customers, this failure could lead to the loss of one or more significant customers.

We rely on numerous third-party suppliers for components used in our production process. Certain of these components are available only from single sources or a limited number of suppliers, or similarly, customers’ specifications may require us to obtain components from a single source or certain suppliers. These and other factors, including the loss of a critical supplier, could cause disruptions or cost inefficiencies in our operations compared to our competitors that have greater direct purchasing power, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

In addition, from time to time, we have experienced shortages of some of the components that we uses in production. These shortages can result from strong demand for those components or from problems experienced by suppliers and can result in delays in production, which may prevent us from making scheduled shipments to customers. Our inability to make scheduled shipments could cause us to experience a reduction in sales and an increase in inventory levels and costs, and could adversely affect relationships with existing and prospective customers. Component shortages may also increase our cost of goods sold because we may be required to pay higher prices for components in short supply and redesign or reconfigure products to accommodate substitute components. As a result, component shortages could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

 

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Internal system or service failures could disrupt our business and impair our ability to effectively provide the products and related services we offer to our customers, which could damage our reputation and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Any system or service disruptions, including those caused by projects to improve our information technology systems, if not anticipated and appropriately mitigated, would have a material adverse effect on our business. We could also be subject to systems failures, including network, software or hardware failures, whether caused by us, third-party service providers, intruders or hackers, computer viruses, natural disasters, power shortages or terrorist attacks. Any such failures could cause loss of data and interruptions or delays in our business, cause us to incur remediation costs, subject us to claims and damage our reputation. In addition, the failure or disruption of our communications or utilities could cause us to interrupt or suspend our operations or otherwise adversely affect our business. Our property and business interruption insurance may be inadequate to compensate us for all losses that may occur as a result of any system or operational failure or disruption which would adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our operating results may fluctuate significantly and fall below expectations, as well as make future results difficult to predict.

We depend on contract awards from our customers, the size and timing of which vary from period to period. Accordingly, our results of operations have varied historically and may continue to fluctuate significantly from period to period, including on a quarterly basis. Consequently, results of operations in any period should not be considered indicative of the operating results that may be experienced in any future period. Factors that may adversely impact our quarterly and annual results include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

   

general economic conditions;

 

   

changes in sales mix and volume to customers;

 

   

changes in delivery schedules of our customers and their customers;

 

   

changes in availability and cost of components used by us in our products and services;

 

   

volume of customer orders relative to our production capacity;

 

   

market demand and acceptance of our customers’ products;

 

   

price erosion within the EMS marketplace;

 

   

a downturn in the aerospace and defense markets;

 

   

the announcement or introduction of new or enhanced services by our competitors; and

 

   

capital equipment requirements needed to remain technologically competitive.

 

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We may not have the ability to renew facilities leases on terms favorable to us and relocation of operations presents risks due to business interruption.

Certain of our manufacturing facilities and offices are leased and have lease terms that expire between 2012 and 2020. The majority of these leases provide us with the opportunity to renew the leases at our option and, if renewed, provide that rent will be equal to the fair market rental rate at the time of renewal, which could be significantly higher than our current rental rates. We may be unable to offset these cost increases by charging more for our products and services. Furthermore, continued economic conditions may continue to negatively impact and create greater pressure in the commercial real estate market, causing higher incidences of landlord default and/or lender foreclosure of properties, including properties occupied by us. While we maintain certain non-disturbance rights in most cases, it is not certain that such rights will in all cases be upheld and our continued right of occupancy in such instances is potentially jeopardized. An occurrence of any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

Additionally, if we choose to move any of our operations, those operations will be subject to additional relocation costs and associated risks of business interruption.

Our operations are subject to numerous laws, regulations and restrictions, and failure to comply with these laws, regulations and restrictions could subject us to liability for penalties, including termination of our U.S. Government contracts and subcontracts, disqualification from bidding on future U.S. Government contracts and subcontracts, suspension or debarment from U.S. Government contracting and various other fines and penalties.

Our contracts and operations are subject to various laws and regulations. Prime contracts with various agencies of the U.S. Government, and subcontracts with other prime contractors, are subject to numerous laws and regulations which affect how we do business with our customers and may impose added costs on our business. These laws and regulations include:

 

   

the Federal Acquisition Regulation and supplements, which regulate the formation, administration and performance of U.S. Government contracts;

 

   

the Truth in Negotiations Act, which requires certification and disclosure of cost and pricing data in connection with certain contract negotiations;

 

   

the Civil False Claims Act, which provides for substantial civil penalties for violations, including for submission, or causing the submission of, a false or fraudulent claim to the U.S. Government for payment or approval;

 

   

the U.S. Government Cost Accounting Standards, which impose accounting requirements that govern our right to reimbursement under certain cost-based U.S. Government contracts and subcontracts;

 

   

the Procurement Integrity Act, which requires evaluation of ethical conflicts surrounding procurement activity and establishing certain employment restrictions for individuals who participate in the procurement process; and

 

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the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, promulgated under the Arms Export Control Act, which authorizes the President to control the export and import of defense articles and defense services.

Noncompliance found by any one agency could result in fines, penalties, debarment or suspension from receiving additional contracts with all U.S. Government agencies. Given our dependence on U.S. Government business, suspension or debarment could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

In addition, the U.S. Government may revise its procurement practices or adopt new contract rules and regulations, at any time. The U.S. Government may also face restrictions or pressure regarding the type and amount of services it may obtain from private contractors. Congressional legislation and initiatives dealing with mitigation of potential conflicts of interest, procurement reform and shifts in the buying practices of U.S. Government agencies resulting from those proposals, such as increased usage of fixed-price contracts which transfer some risks from the U.S. Government to the performing contractors, could have adverse effects on government contractors, including us. Any of these changes could impair our ability to obtain new contracts or subcontracts or renew contracts or subcontracts under which we currently perform when those contracts are put up for recompetition. Any new contracting methods could be costly or administratively difficult for us to implement and could adversely affect our future net sales.

In addition, our international operations subject us to numerous U.S. and foreign laws and regulations, including, without limitation, regulations relating to import-export control, technology transfer restrictions, repatriation of earnings, exchange controls, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the anti-boycott provisions of the U.S. Export Administration Act. Changes in regulations or political environments may affect our ability to conduct business in foreign markets including investment, procurement and repatriation of earnings. Failure by us or our sales representatives or consultants to comply with these laws and regulations could result in certain liabilities and could possibly result in suspension or debarment from government contracts or suspension of our export privileges, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

The occurrence of litigation in which we could be named as a defendant is unpredictable.

From time to time, we and our subsidiaries, including LaBarge, are involved in various legal and other proceedings that are incidental to the conduct of our business. See [“Business—Legal Proceedings.”] For example, LaBarge received a Wells notice from the staff of the SEC alleging violations of securities laws in connection with certain of LaBarge’s financial reporting processes during primarily 2006 and 2007. While we believe no current proceedings, if adversely determined, could have a material adverse effect on our financial results, no assurances can be given. Any such claims may divert financial and management resources that would otherwise be used to benefit our operations and could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

 

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Environmental liabilities could adversely affect our financial results.

We are subject to various environmental laws and regulations, including those relating to the use, storage, transport, discharge and disposal of hazardous chemicals used during our manufacturing process. We do not carry insurance for these potential environmental liabilities. Any failure by us to comply with present or future regulations could subject us to future liabilities or the suspension of production, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial results. Moreover, some environmental laws relating to contaminated sites can impose joint and several liability retroactively regardless of fault or the legality of the activities giving rise to the contamination.

The DAS chemical milling business uses various acid and alkaline solutions in the chemical milling process, resulting in potential environmental hazards. Despite existing waste recovery systems and continuing capital expenditures for waste reduction and management, at least for the immediate future, this business will remain dependent upon the availability and cost of remote hazardous waste disposal sites or other alternative methods of disposal.

Our DAS subsidiary has been directed by government environmental agencies to investigate and take corrective action for groundwater contamination at two of its facilities. DAS is also a potentially responsible party at certain sites at which it previously disposed of hazardous wastes. There can be no assurance that future developments, lawsuits and administrative actions and liabilities relating to environmental matters will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or cash flows.

In addition, certain of our customers must be in compliance with the European standard, Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS Directive 2002-95-EC), for all products shipped to the European marketplace. The purpose of the directive is to restrict the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment and to contribute to the environmentally sound recovery and disposal of electrical and electronic equipment waste. In addition, electronic component manufacturers must produce electronic components that are lead-free. Our Pittsburgh operation has implemented lead-free wave solder and reflow systems. We rely on numerous third-party suppliers for components used in our production process and there can be no assurances these suppliers will comply with this standard. Noncompliance could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

Product liability claims in excess of insurance could adversely affect our financial results and financial condition.

We face potential liability for personal injury or death as a result of the failure of products designed or manufactured by us. Although we currently maintain aircraft product liability insurance, any material product liability not covered by insurance could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

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Damage or destruction of our facilities caused by storms, earthquake or other causes could adversely affect our financial results and financial condition.

We have operations located in regions of the U.S. that may be exposed to damaging storms, earthquakes and other natural disasters. Although we maintain standard property casualty insurance covering our properties and may be able to recover costs associated with certain natural disasters through insurance, we do not carry any earthquake insurance because of the cost of such insurance. Many of our properties are located in Southern California, an area subject to earthquake activity. Our California facilities generated $231.7 million in net sales during fiscal year 2010. Even if covered by insurance, any significant damage or destruction of our facilities due to storms, earthquakes or other natural disasters could result in the inability to meet customer delivery schedules and may result in the loss of customers and significant additional costs to us. Thus, any significant damage or destruction of our properties could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We are dependent upon our ability to attract and retain key personnel.

Our success depends in part upon our ability to attract and retain key engineering, technical and managerial personnel (both at the executive and at the plant level). We face competition for management, engineering and technical personnel from other companies and organizations. Therefore, we may not be able to retain our existing management and other key personnel, or be able to fill new management, engineering and technical positions created as a result of expansion or turnover of existing personnel. The continued growth and expansion of our contract manufacturing business will require us to identify, hire, train and retain additional skilled and experienced personnel. Also, critical to ongoing operations at three of our facilities is the successful negotiation of collective bargaining agreements and the avoidance of organized work stoppages. The loss of members of our senior management group, or key engineering and technical personnel, the failure to meet recruitment and retention objectives or the inability to efficiently and successfully negotiate collective bargaining agreements could negatively impact our ability to grow and remain competitive in the future and could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

Labor disruptions by our employees could adversely affect our business.

We employ approximately 3,324 people. Our DAS subsidiary is a party to a collective bargaining agreement, expiring July 1, 2012, with labor unions at its Monrovia, California facility covering 247 full-time hourly employees at year end 2010. Our Ducommun LaBarge Technologies, Inc. subsidiary is party to collective bargaining agreements, expiring January 11, 2016, at its two Joplin, Missouri facilities. Although we have not experienced any material labor-related work stoppage and consider our relations with our employees to be good, labor stoppages may occur in the future. If the unionized workers were to engage in a strike or other work stoppage, if we are unable to negotiate acceptable collective bargaining agreements with the unions or if other employees were to become unionized, we could experience a significant disruption of our operations, higher ongoing labor costs and possible loss of customer contracts, which could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

 

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Enacted and proposed changes in securities laws and regulations have increased our costs and may continue to increase our costs in the future.

In recent years, there have been several changes in laws, rules, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and various other new regulations promulgated by the SEC and rules promulgated by the national securities exchanges.

The Dodd-Frank Act, enacted in July 2010, expands federal regulation of corporate governance matters and imposes requirements on publicly-held companies, including us, to, among other things, provide stockholders with a periodic advisory vote on executive compensation and also adds compensation committee reforms and enhanced pay-for-performance disclosures. While some provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act are effective upon enactment, others will be implemented upon the SEC’s adoption of related rules and regulations. The scope and timing of the adoption of such rules and regulations is uncertain and accordingly, the cost of compliance with the Dodd-Frank Act is also uncertain.

Our efforts to comply with the Dodd-Frank Act and other evolving laws, regulations and standards are likely to result in increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from revenue generating activities to compliance activities. Further, compliance with new and existing laws, rules, regulations and standards may make it more difficult and expensive for us to maintain director and officer liability insurance, and we may be required to accept reduced coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain coverage.

Risks Related to Our Indebtedness

Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition, limit our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under the Notes.

We currently have a substantial amount of indebtedness. As of October 1, 2011, we had had total indebtedness of $392.7 million. Upon the satisfaction of certain conditions including, but not limited to, the agreement of lenders to provide such facilities or commitments, we also have the option to add one or more incremental term loan facilities or increase commitments under our New Revolving Credit Facility by an aggregate amount of up to $75.0 million.

If we do not generate sufficient cash flow from operations to satisfy our debt obligations, we may have to undertake alternative financing plans, such as:

 

   

refinancing or restructuring our debt;

 

   

selling assets;

 

   

reducing or delaying scheduled expansions and capital investments; or

 

   

seeking to raise additional capital.

 

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We cannot assure you that we would be able to enter into these alternative financing plans on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Moreover, any alternative financing plans that we may be required to undertake would still not guarantee that we would be able to meet our debt obligations. Our inability to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy our debt obligations, including our obligations under the Notes, or to obtain alternative financing, could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and business prospects.

Our high level of debt could have important consequences to us and to the holders of the Notes, including:

 

   

making it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to the Notes and our other debt;

 

   

the occurrence of an event of default if we fail to satisfy our obligations with respect to the Notes or our other indebtedness or fail to comply with the financial and other restrictive covenants contained in the indenture governing the Notes or agreements governing other indebtedness, which event of default could result in acceleration of the indebtedness outstanding under the indenture and in a default with respect to, and an acceleration of, our other indebtedness and could permit our lenders to foreclose on any of our assets securing such debt;

 

   

limiting our ability to obtain additional financing to fund future working capital, capital expenditures, investments or acquisitions or other general corporate requirements;

 

   

requiring a substantial portion of our cash flows to be dedicated to debt service payments instead of other purposes, thereby reducing the amount of cash flows available for working capital, capital expenditures, investments or acquisitions or other general corporate purposes;

 

   

increasing our vulnerability to adverse changes in general economic, industry and competitive conditions;

 

   

exposing us to the risk of increased interest rates as certain of our borrowings, including borrowings under our New Credit Facilities, bear interest at variable rates, which could further adversely impact our cash flows;

 

   

limiting our flexibility in planning for and reacting to changes in our business and the industry in which we compete;

 

   

restricting us from making strategic acquisitions or causing us to make non-strategic divestitures;

 

   

impairing our ability to obtain additional financing in the future;

 

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preventing us from raising the funds necessary to repurchase all Notes tendered to us upon the occurrence of certain changes of control, which failure to repurchase would constitute an event of default under the indenture governing the Notes;

 

   

placing us at a disadvantage compared to other, less leveraged competitors; and

 

   

increasing our cost of borrowing.

The occurrence of any one of these events could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to satisfy our obligations in respect of our outstanding debt.

We require a significant amount of cash to service our indebtedness. Our ability to generate cash depends upon many factors beyond our control.

Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our debt, including the Notes, and to fund planned capital expenditures and working capital increases, will depend upon our ability to generate cash in the future. Since the consummation of the Transactions, our debt service requirements have increased significantly. Our ability to generate cash is subject to economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that may be beyond our control. While we expect to meet all of our financial obligations, we cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our debt, including the Notes, or to fund our other liquidity needs. Any inability to generate sufficient cash flow could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

The covenants in our New Credit Facilities and the indenture governing the Notes impose restrictions that may limit our operating and financial flexibility and may limit our ability to make payments on the Notes.

Our New Credit Facilities and the indenture governing the Notes contain a number of significant restrictions and covenants that limit our ability, among other things, to:

 

   

create liens;

 

   

incur additional debt, guarantee debt and issue preferred stock;

 

   

pay dividends;

 

   

make redemptions and repurchases of certain capital stock;

 

   

make capital expenditures and specified types of investments;

 

   

prepay, redeem or repurchase subordinated debt;

 

   

sell certain assets or engage in acquisitions, mergers and consolidations;

 

   

change the nature of our business;

 

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engage in affiliate transactions; and

 

   

restrict dividends or other payments from restricted subsidiaries.

In the event that a certain minimum amount is borrowed and outstanding under the New Revolving Credit Facility, for so long as any such amount is outstanding, we will be required to comply with a total leverage ratio. Furthermore, our consolidated EBITDA as of the end of any fiscal quarter on a trailing four-quarters basis is not permitted to be less than $50.0 million.

These covenants could materially and adversely affect our ability to finance our future operations or capital needs. Furthermore, they may restrict our ability to expand, pursue our business strategies and otherwise conduct our business. Our ability to comply with these covenants may be affected by circumstances and events beyond our control, such as prevailing economic conditions and changes in regulations, and we cannot assure that we will be able to comply with such covenants. These restrictions also limit our ability to obtain future financings to withstand a future downturn in our business or the economy in general. In addition, complying with these covenants may also cause us to take actions that are not favorable to holders of the Notes and may make it more difficult for us to successfully execute our business strategy and compete against companies that are not subject to such restrictions. A breach of any covenant in the New Credit Facilities or the agreements and indentures governing any other indebtedness that we may have outstanding from time to time, including the indenture governing the Notes, would result in a default under that agreement or indenture after any applicable grace periods. A default, if not waived, could result in acceleration of the debt outstanding under the agreement and in a default with respect to, and an acceleration of, the debt outstanding under other debt agreements. If that occurs, we may not be able to make all of the required payments or borrow sufficient funds to refinance such debt. Even if new financing were available at that time, it may not be on terms that are acceptable to us or terms as favorable as our current agreements. If our debt is in default for any reason, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

We may not be able to make the change of control offer required by the indenture governing the Notes.

We may be unable to purchase the Notes upon a change of control, as defined in the indenture governing the Notes. Upon a change of control, we will be required to offer to purchase all of the Notes then outstanding for cash at 101% of the principal amount on the date of purchase plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the Notes purchased to the date of purchase. If a change of control were to occur, we may not have sufficient funds to pay the change of control purchase price and we may be required to secure third-party financing to do so. However, we may not be able to obtain such financing on commercially reasonable terms, on terms acceptable to us or at all.

A change of control under the indenture governing the Notes may also result in an event of default under our New Credit Facilities which may cause the acceleration of indebtedness outstanding thereunder, in which case, proceeds of collateral pledged to secure borrowings thereunder would be used to repay such borrowings before we repay the Notes. In

 

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addition, our future indebtedness may also contain restrictions on our ability to repurchase the Notes upon certain events, including transactions that could constitute a change of control under the indenture governing the Notes. Our failure to repurchase the Notes upon a change of control would constitute an event of default under the indenture governing the Notes and would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

We face risks related to rating agency downgrades.

If the rating agencies reduce the rating on the Notes in the future, the market price of the Notes would be adversely affected. In addition, if any of our other outstanding debt is rated and subsequently downgraded, raising capital will become more difficult, borrowing costs under our New Revolving Credit Facility and other future borrowings may increase and the market price of the Notes may decrease.

 

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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

  (c) Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities for the three months ended October 1, 2011

 

Period

   Total
Number of
Shares (or
Units)
Purchase
     Average
Price Paid
per Share
(or Unit)
     Total Number of
Shares (or
Units) Purchased
as Part of
Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
     Maximum
Number (or
Approximate Dollar
Value) of Shares (or
Units) that May Yet
Be Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs
 

Period beginning July 3, 2011 and ending July 30, 2011

     0       $ 0.00         0       $ 2,773,030   

Period beginning July 31, 2011 and ending August 27, 2011

     0       $ 0.00         0       $ 2,773,030   

Period beginning August 28, 2011 and ending October 1, 2011

     0       $ 0.00         0       $ 2,773,030   
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Total

     0       $ 0.00         0       $ 2,773,030   
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

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Item 6. Exhibits

 

11

  Reconciliation of Numerators and Denominators of the Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Computations

31.1

  Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2

  Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32

  Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101.INS

  XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH

  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

101.CAL

  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase

101.LAB

  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase

101.PRE

  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

    DUCOMMUN INCORPORATED
  (Registrant)
By:  

/s/    Joseph P. Bellino        

  Joseph P. Bellino
  Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
  (Duly Authorized Officer of the Registrant)
By:  

/s/    Samuel D. Williams        

  Samuel D. Williams
  Vice President and Controller
  (Chief Accounting Officer of the Registrant)

Date: November 7, 2011

 

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