Astronics (ATRO) 10-K2019 FY Annual report

Information included or incorporated by reference in this report that does not consist of historical facts, including statements accompanied by or containing words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “believes,” “expects,” “expected,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “approximate,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “outlook,” “forecast,” “anticipates,” “presume” and “assume,” are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to several factors, risks and uncertainties, the impact or occurrence of which could cause actual results to differ materially from the expected results described in the forward-looking statements. Certain of these factors, risks and uncertainties are discussed in the sections of this report entitled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” New factors, risks and uncertainties may emerge from time to time that may affect the forward-looking statements made herein. Given these factors, risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as predictive of future results. We disclaim any obligation to update the forward-looking statements made in this report.

Astronics Corporation (“Astronics” or the “Company”) is a leading supplier of advanced technologies and products to the global aerospace and defense industries. Our products and services include advanced, high-performance electrical power generation and distribution systems, seat motion solutions, lighting and safety systems, avionics products, aircraft structures, systems certification and automated test systems.

We have principal operations in the United States (“U.S.”), Canada, France and the United Kingdom (“UK”), as well as engineering offices in the Ukraine and India. We design and build our products through our wholly owned subsidiaries Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems Corp. (“AES”); Astronics AeroSat Corporation (“AeroSat”); Armstrong Aerospace, Inc. (“Armstrong”); Astronics Test Systems, Inc. (“ATS”); Ballard Technology, Inc. (“Ballard”); Astronics Custom Control Concepts Inc. (“CCC”); Astronics Connectivity Systems and Certification Corp. and subsidiaries (“CSC”); Diagnosys Inc. and its affiliates (“Diagnosys”); Astronics DME LLC (“DME”); Freedom Communication Technologies, Inc. (“Freedom”); Luminescent Systems, Inc. (“LSI”); Luminescent Systems Canada, Inc. (“LSI Canada”); Max-Viz, Inc. (“Max-Viz”); Peco, Inc. (“Peco”); and PGA Electronic s.a. (“PGA”).

On July 1, 2019, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Freedom Communication Technologies, Inc. Freedom, located in Kilgore, Texas, is a leader in wireless communication testing, primarily for the civil land mobile radio market. Freedom is included in our Test Systems segment. The total consideration for the transaction was $21.8 million, net of $0.6 million in cash acquired.

On October 4, 2019, the Company acquired the stock of the primary operating subsidiaries as well as certain other assets from mass transit and defense market test solution provider, Diagnosys Test Systems Limited, for $7.0 million in cash, plus contingent purchase consideration (“earn-out”) estimated at a fair value of $2.5 million. Diagnosys is included in our Test Systems segment. Diagnosys is a developer and manufacturer of comprehensive automated test equipment providing test, support, and repair of high value electronics, electro-mechanical, pneumatic and printed circuit boards focused on the global mass transit and defense markets. The terms of the acquisition allow for a potential earn-out of up to an additional $13.0 million over the next three years based on achievement of new order levels of over $72.0 million during that period. The acquired business has operations in Westford, Massachusetts as well as Ferndown, England, and an engineering center of excellence in Bangalore, India.

On February 13, 2019, the Company completed a divestiture of its semiconductor test business within the Test Systems segment. The business was not core to the future of the Test Systems segment. The total proceeds received for the sale amounted to $103.8 million. The Company recorded a pre-tax gain on the sale of $80.1 million in the first quarter of 2019. The Company recorded income tax expense relating to the gain of $19.7 million.

The transaction also includes two elements of contingent earnouts. The “First Earnout” is calculated based on a multiple of all future sales of existing and certain future derivative products to existing and future customers in each annual period from 2019 through 2022. The First Earnout may not exceed $35.0 million in total. The “Second Earnout” is calculated based on a multiple of future sales related to an existing product and program with an existing customer exceeding an annual threshold for each annual period from 2019 through 2022. The Second Earnout is not capped. For the Second Earnout, if the applicable sales in an annual period do not exceed the annual threshold, no amounts will be paid relative to such annual period; the sales in such annual period do not carry over to the next annual period. Due to the degree of uncertainty associated with estimating the future sales levels of the divested business and its underlying programs, and the lack of reliable predictive market information, the Company will recognize such earnout proceeds, if received, as additional gain on sale when such proceeds are realized or realizable. No amounts were due under the First Earnout.

On July 12, 2019, the Company sold intellectual property and certain assets associated with its Airfield Lighting product line for $1.0 million in cash. The Airfield Lighting product line, part of the Aerospace segment, was not core to the business and represented less than 1% of revenue. The Company recorded a pre-tax loss on the sale of approximately $1.3 million.

Our Aerospace segment designs and manufactures products for the global aerospace and defense industry. Product lines include lighting and safety systems, electrical power generation, distribution and motions systems, aircraft structures, avionics products, systems certification, and other products. Our Aerospace customers are the airframe manufacturers (“OEM”) that build aircraft

for the commercial, military and general aviation markets, suppliers to those OEM’s, aircraft operators such as airlines, suppliers to the aircraft operators, and branches of the U.S. Department of Defense. During 2019, this segment’s sales were divided 76% to the commercial transport market, 11% to the military aircraft market, 10% to the business jet market and 3% to other markets. Most of this segment’s sales are a result of contracts or purchase orders received from customers, placed on a day-to-day basis or for single year procurements rather than long-term multi-year contract commitments. On occasion, the Company does receive contractual commitments or blanket purchase orders from our customers covering multiple-year deliveries of hardware to our customers.

Our Test Systems segment designs, develops, manufactures and maintains automated test systems that support the aerospace, communications and weapons test systems as well as training and simulation devices for both commercial and military applications. In the Test Systems segment, Astronics’ products are sold to a global customer base including OEMs and prime government contractors for both electronics and military products.

Sales by segment, geographic region, major customer and foreign operations are provided in Note 20 of Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data in this report.

We have a significant concentration of business with two major customers; The Boeing Company (“Boeing”) and Panasonic Avionics Corporation (“Panasonic”). Sales to Boeing accounted for 13.6% of sales in 2019, 14.3% of sales in 2018, and 16.8% of sales in 2017. Sales to Panasonic accounted for 13.0% of sales in 2019, 14.4% of sales in 2018, and 19.1% of sales in 2017.

Our strategy is to increase our value by developing technologies and capabilities either internally or through acquisition, and use those capabilities to provide innovative solutions to the aerospace and defense and other markets where our technology can be beneficial.

Liquidity is discussed in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of this report.

We experience considerable competition in the market sectors we serve, principally with respect to product performance and price, from various competitors, many of which are substantially larger and have greater resources. Success in the markets we serve depends upon product innovation, customer support, responsiveness and cost management. We continue to invest in developing the technologies and engineering support critical to competing in our markets.

All U.S. government contracts, including subcontracts where the U.S. government is the ultimate customer, may be subject to termination at the election of the government. Our revenue stream relies on military spending. Approximately 13% of our consolidated sales were made to the military aircraft and military test systems markets combined.

Materials, supplies and components are purchased from numerous sources. We believe that the loss of any one source, although potentially disruptive in the short-term, would not materially affect our operations in the long-term.

Our business is typically not seasonal.

At December 31, 2019, our consolidated backlog was $359.6 million. At December 31, 2018, our backlog was $415.5 million. Excluding backlog related to the divested semiconductor business, our backlog was $403.3 million at December 31, 2018. Backlog in the Aerospace segment was $275.8 million at December 31, 2019, of which $249.6 million is expected to be recognized as revenue in 2020. Backlog in the Test Systems segment was $83.8 million at December 31, 2019. The Test Systems segment expects to recognize as revenue $51.4 million of backlog in 2020.

We have a number of patents. While the aggregate protection of these patents is of value, our only material business that is dependent upon the protection afforded by these patents is our cabin power distribution products. Our patents and patent applications relate to electroluminescence, instrument panels, cord reels and handsets, and a broad patent covering the cabin power distribution technology. We regard our expertise and techniques as proprietary and rely upon trade secret laws and contractual arrangements to protect our rights. We have trademark protection in our major markets.

We are engaged in a variety of engineering and design activities as well as basic research and development activities directed to the substantial improvement or new application of our existing technologies. These costs are expensed when incurred and included in cost of sales. Research, development and engineering costs amounted to approximately $108.9 million in 2019, $114.3 million in 2018 and $95.0 million in 2017.

We employed approximately 2,800 employees at December 31, 2019. We consider our relations with our employees to be good. We have approximately 165 hourly production employees at Peco who are subject to collective bargaining agreements.

We file our financial information and other materials as electronically required with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). These materials can be accessed electronically via the Internet at www.sec.gov. Such materials and other information about the Company are also available through our website at www.astronics.com.

In October 2018 and March of 2019, two commercial aircraft accidents led to the grounding by the Federal Aviation Administration and other regulators of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, on which we have significant content. The grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX, which started in March of 2019, has caused the production rate of that aircraft to be lower than expected in fiscal year 2019. The ongoing 737 MAX grounding affects our business both because of the production pause, impacting our line-fit content, and because it leaves many of our airline customers short of capacity, which makes them reluctant to take other aircraft out of service to install the types of retrofit products they buy from us. Although we expect, based on information that Boeing has made publicly available, that deliveries of the 737 MAX program will resume and that the demand for the aircraft in the long-term has not changed, a prolonged or permanent grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX could substantially decrease our Aerospace segment sales in the near or long-term, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. Even if deliveries of the 737 MAX program resume, demand for the aircraft could be lower than was expected prior to the initial grounding of the aircraft.

reducing our sales and profits. A reduction in air travel may also result in our commercial airline customers being unable to pay our invoices on a timely basis or not at all.

We are a supplier on various new aircraft programs just entering or expected to begin production in the future. As with any new program, there is risk as to whether the aircraft or program will be successful and accepted by the market. As is customary for our business, we purchase inventory and invest in specific capital equipment to support our production requirements generally based on delivery schedules provided by our customer. If a program or aircraft is not successful, we may have to write-off all or a part of the inventory, accounts receivable and capital equipment related to the program. A write-off of these assets could result in a significant reduction of earnings and cause covenant violations relating to our debt agreements. This could result in our being unable to borrow additional funds under our bank credit facility or being obliged to refinance or renegotiate the terms of our bank indebtedness.

In our Test Systems segment, the market for our products is concentrated with a limited number of significant customers accounting for a substantial portion of the purchases of test equipment. In any one reporting period, a single customer or several customers may contribute an even larger percentage of our consolidated sales. In addition, our ability to increase sales will depend, in part, on our ability to obtain orders from current or new significant customers. The opportunities to obtain orders from these customers may be limited, which may impair our ability to grow sales. We expect that sales of our Test Systems products will continue to be concentrated with a limited number of significant customers for the foreseeable future. Additionally, demand for some of our test products is dependent upon government funding levels for our products, our ability to compete successfully for those contracts and our ability to develop products to satisfy the demands of our customers.

We believe that the principal points of competition in our markets are product quality, price, design and engineering capabilities, product development, conformity to customer specifications, quality of support after the sale, timeliness of delivery and effectiveness of the distribution organization. Maintaining and improving our competitive position will require continued investment in manufacturing, engineering, quality standards, marketing, customer service and support and our distribution networks. If we do not maintain sufficient resources to make these investments, or are not successful in maintaining our competitive position, our operations and financial performance will suffer.

In addition, any acquisition, once successfully integrated, could negatively impact our financial performance if it does not perform as planned, does not increase earnings, or does not prove otherwise to be beneficial to us.

Other than these proceedings, we are not party to any significant pending legal proceedings that management believes will result in a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

financial statements. These estimates are integral in the determination of whether a potential non-cash impairment loss exists as well as the calculation of that loss. Actual future results could differ from those estimates. As discussed in Note 23 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, we recorded long-lived asset impairment losses of $9.5 million (excluding goodwill impairment, which has been previously discussed) in connection with the AeroSat restructuring.

The threats we face vary from attacks common to most industries to more advanced and persistent, highly organized adversaries, including nation states, which target us and other defense contractors because we protect sensitive information. If we are unable to protect sensitive information, our customers or governmental authorities could question the adequacy of our threat mitigation and detection processes and procedures, and depending on the severity of the incident, our customers’ data, our employees’ data, our intellectual property, and other third-party data (such as subcontractors, suppliers and vendors) could be compromised. As a consequence of their persistence, sophistication and volume, we may not be successful in defending against all such attacks. Due to the evolving nature of these security threats, the impact of any future incident cannot be predicted.

Although we work cooperatively with our customers, suppliers, and subcontractors to seek to minimize the impact of cyber threats, other security threats or business disruptions, we must rely on the safeguards put in place by these entities, which may affect the security of our information. These entities have varying levels of cybersecurity expertise and safeguards and their relationships with U.S. government contractors, such as Astronics, may increase the likelihood that they are targeted by the same cyber threats we face.

new industry standards emerge. We may have to modify our products significantly in the future to remain competitive, and new products we introduce may not be accepted by our customers.

Additionally, pension obligations and the related costs are determined using actual results and actuarial valuations that involve several assumptions. The most critical assumption is the discount rate. Other assumptions include mortality, salary increases

and retirement age. The discount rate assumptions are based on current market conditions and are outside of our control. Changes in these assumptions could affect our future earnings and equity.

In addition, the stock market in general, and the market prices for companies in the aerospace and defense industry in particular, have experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that often have been unrelated to the operating performance of the companies affected by these fluctuations. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance.

None

On December 31, 2019, we own or lease 1.4 million square feet of space, distributed by segment as follows:

We have principal operations in the U.S., Canada, France and the UK, as well as engineering offices in the Ukraine and India.

Upon the expiration of our current leases, we believe that we will be able to either secure renewal terms or enter into leases for or purchases of alternative locations at market terms. We believe that our properties have been adequately maintained and are generally in good condition.

Currently, we are involved in legal proceedings relating to an allegation of patent infringement and based on rulings to date we have concluded that losses related to these proceedings are probable. For a discussion of contingencies related to legal proceedings, see Note 19 to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Not Applicable

The table below sets forth the range of prices for the Company’s Common Stock, traded on the NASDAQ National Market System, for each quarterly period during the last two years. The approximate number of shareholders of record as of February 24, 2020, was 726 for Common Stock and 2,003 for Class B Stock.

The Company has not paid any cash dividends in the three-year period ended December 31, 2019. The Company has no plans to pay cash dividends as it plans to retain all cash from operations as a source of capital to finance working capital and growth in the business.

On February 24, 2016, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $50 million of common stock, which allowed the Company to purchase shares of its common stock in accordance with applicable securities laws on the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The Company repurchased approximately 1,675,000 shares and has completed that program in 2017. On December 12, 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized an additional repurchase of up to $50 million. No shares were repurchased in 2018. The Company repurchased approximately 1,823,000 shares and completed that program in the third quarter of 2019. On September 17, 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized an additional repurchase of up to $50 million. An additional 28,000 shares were repurchased under the new program as of December 31, 2019 at a cost of $0.8 million. Subsequent to December 31, 2019, approximately 282,000 additional shares were repurchased at a cost of $7.7 million.

The following graph and table shows the performance of the Company’s common stock compared with the S&P 500 Index — Total Return and the NASDAQ US and Foreign Companies for a $100 investment made December 31, 2014:

Astronics, through its subsidiaries, is a leading supplier of advanced, high-performance electrical power generation, distribution and seat motion solutions, lighting and safety systems, avionics products, systems certification, aircraft structures and automated test systems.

Our strategy is to increase our value by developing technologies and capabilities either internally or through acquisition, and use those capabilities to provide innovative solutions to the aerospace & defense and other markets where our technology can be beneficial.

We have two reportable segments, Aerospace and Test Systems. Our Aerospace segment has principal operating facilities in the United States, Canada and France. Our Test Systems segment has principal operating facilities in the United States and the United Kingdom. We have engineering offices in the Ukraine and India.

Our Aerospace segment serves three primary markets. They are the military, commercial transport and business jet markets. Our Test Systems segment serves the aerospace & defense and mass transit markets.

Important factors affecting our growth and profitability are the rate at which new aircraft are produced, government funding of military programs, our ability to have our products designed into new aircraft and the rates at which aircraft owners, including commercial airlines, refurbish or install upgrades to their aircraft. New aircraft build rates and aircraft owners spending on upgrades and refurbishments is cyclical and dependent on the strength of the global economy. Once designed into a new aircraft, the spare parts business is frequently retained by the Company. Future growth and profitability of the test business is dependent on developing and procuring new and follow-on business in the mass-transit market as well as with the military. The nature of our Test Systems business is such that it pursues large multi-year projects. There can be significant periods of time between orders in this business which may result in large fluctuations of sales and profit levels and backlog from period to period.

Each of the markets that we serve presents opportunities that we expect will provide growth for the Company over the long-term. We continue to look for opportunities in all of our markets to capitalize on our core competencies to expand our existing business and to grow through strategic acquisitions.

Challenges which continue to face us include improving shareholder value through increasing profitability. Increasing profitability is dependent on many things, primarily sales growth, both acquired and organic, and the Company’s ability to control operating expenses and to identify means of creating improved productivity. Sales are driven by increased build rates for existing aircraft, market acceptance and economic success of new aircraft and our products, continued government funding of defense programs, the Company’s ability to obtain production contracts for parts we currently supply or have been selected to design and develop for new aircraft platforms and continually identifying and winning new business for our Test Systems segment.

Reduced aircraft build rates driven by a weak economy, tight credit markets, reduced air passenger travel and an increasing supply of used aircraft on the market would likely result in reduced demand for our products, which will result in lower profits. Reduction of defense spending may result in fewer opportunities for us to compete, which could result in lower profits in the future. Many of our newer development programs are based on new and unproven technology and at the same time we are challenged to develop the technology on a schedule that is consistent with specific programs. We will continue to address these challenges by working to improve operating efficiencies and focusing on executing on the growth opportunities currently in front of us.

On July 1, 2019, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Freedom Communication Technologies, Inc. Freedom, located in Kilgore, Texas, is a leader in wireless communication testing, primarily for the civil land mobile radio market. Freedom is included in our Test Systems segment. The total consideration for the transaction was $21.8 million, net of $0.6 million in cash acquired.

On October 4, 2019, the Company acquired the stock of the primary operating subsidiaries as well as certain other assets from mass transit and defense market test solution provider, Diagnosys Test Systems Limited, for $7.0 million in cash, plus an earn-out estimated at a fair value of $2.5 million. Diagnosys is included in our Test Systems segment. Diagnosys is a developer and manufacturer of comprehensive automated test equipment providing test, support, and repair of high value electronics, electro-mechanical, pneumatic and printed circuit boards focused on the global mass transit and defense markets. The terms of the

acquisition allow for a potential earn-out of up to an additional $13.0 million over the next three years based on achievement of new order levels of over $72.0 million during that period. The acquired business has operations in Westford, Massachusetts as well as Ferndown, England, and an engineering center of excellence in Bangalore, India. Refer to Note 21 for additional information.

On February 13, 2019, the Company completed a divestiture of its semiconductor test business within the Test Systems segment. The business was not core to the future of the Test Systems segment. The total proceeds received for the sale amounted to $103.8 million. The Company recorded a pre-tax gain on the sale of $80.1 million in the first quarter of 2019. The Company recorded income tax expense relating to the gain of $19.7 million.

The transaction also includes two elements of contingent earnouts. The “First Earnout” is calculated based on a multiple of all future sales of existing and certain future derivative products to existing and future customers in each annual period from 2019 through 2022. The First Earnout may not exceed $35.0 million in total. The “Second Earnout” is calculated based on a multiple of future sales related to an existing product and program with an existing customer exceeding an annual threshold for each annual period from 2019 through 2022. The Second Earnout is not capped. For the Second Earnout, if the applicable sales in an annual period do not exceed the annual threshold, no amounts will be paid relative to such annual period; the sales in such annual period do not carry over to the next annual period. Due to the degree of uncertainty associated with estimating the future sales levels of the divested business and its underlying programs, and the lack of reliable predictive market information, the Company will recognize such earnout proceeds, if received, as additional gain on sale when such proceeds are realized or realizable. No amounts were due under the First Earnout.

On July 12, 2019, the Company sold intellectual property and certain assets associated with its Airfield Lighting product line for $1.0 million in cash. The Airfield Lighting product line, part of the Aerospace segment, was not core to the business and represented less than 1% of revenue. The Company recorded a pre-tax loss on the sale of approximately $1.3 million.

In the fourth quarter of 2019, in an effort to reduce the significant operating losses at our AeroSat business, we initiated a restructuring plan to reduce costs and minimize losses of our AeroSat antenna business. The plan narrows the initiatives for the AeroSat business to focus primarily on near-term opportunities pertaining to business jet connectivity. The plan has a downsized manufacturing operation remaining in New Hampshire, with significantly reduced personnel and operating expenses.

The Company's total impairments and restructuring charges recorded in the fourth quarter of 2019 amounted to $28.8 million all of which is included in the Aerospace segment. Refer to Note 23 for additional discussion.

Sales to the commercial transport market include sales of electrical power generation, distribution, seat motion, lighting & safety products, avionics products, systems certification and structures products. Sales to this market totaled approximately $523.9 million or 67.8% of our consolidated sales in 2019.

Maintaining and growing sales to the commercial transport market will depend on airlines’ capital spending budgets for cabin upgrades as well as the purchase of new aircraft by global airlines. This spending by the airlines is impacted by their profits, cash flow and available financing as well as competitive pressures between the airlines to improve the travel experience for their passengers. We expect that new aircraft will be equipped with more passenger and aircraft connectivity and in-seat power than previous generation aircraft which drives demand for our avionics and power products. This market has historically experienced strong growth from airlines installing in-seat passenger power systems on their existing and newly delivered aircraft. Although we expect, based on information that Boeing has made publicly available, that deliveries of the 737 MAX program will resume and the demand for the aircraft in the long-term has not changed, a prolonged grounding of the 737 MAX could substantially decrease sales to this market in the near or long term which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. The 737 MAX situation affects us not only because it has been our largest production program, but also because the grounding has reduced capacity in the world’s airline fleets, challenging our aftermarket business. Our ability to maintain and grow sales to this market depends on our ability to maintain our technological advantages over our competitors and maintain our relationships with major in-flight entertainment suppliers and global airlines.

Sales to the military aerospace market include sales of lighting & safety products, avionics products, electrical power & motion products and structures products. Sales to this market totaled approximately 9.9% of our consolidated sales and amounted to $76.5 million in 2019.

The military market is dependent on governmental funding which can change from year to year. Risks are that overall spending may be reduced in the future, specific programs may be eliminated or that we fail to win new business through the competitive bid process. Astronics does not have significant reliance on any one program such that cancellation of a particular program will cause material financial loss. We believe that we will continue to have opportunities similar to past years regarding this market.

Sales to the business jet market include sales of lighting & safety products, avionics products, and electrical power & motion products. Sales to this market totaled approximately 8.7% of our consolidated sales in 2019 and amounted to $67.5 million.

Sales to the business jet market are driven by our ship set content on new aircraft and build rates of new aircraft. Business jet OEM build rates are impacted by global wealth creation and corporate profitability. We continue to see opportunities on new aircraft currently in the design phase to employ our lighting & safety, electrical power and avionics technologies in this market. There is risk involved in the development of any new aircraft including the risk that the aircraft will not ultimately be produced or that it will be produced in lower quantities than originally expected and thus impacting our return on our engineering and development efforts.

Our Test Systems segment accounted for approximately 10.4% of our consolidated sales in 2019 and amounted to $80.1 million. Sales to the aerospace & defense market were approximately $70.4 million in 2019. Sales to the semiconductor market were approximately $9.7 million. The Company completed a divestiture of its semiconductor test business on February 13, 2019.

Our financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of the Company’s financial statements requires management to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the amounts reported. These estimates, assumptions and judgments are affected by management’s application of accounting policies, which are discussed in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 1 of Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this report. The critical accounting policies have been reviewed with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.

Revenue is recognized when, or as, the Company transfers control of promised products or services to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring those products or services. Sales shown on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations are from contracts with customers.

Payment terms and conditions vary by contract, although terms generally include a requirement of payment within a range from 30 to 90 days after the performance obligation has been satisfied; or in certain cases, up-front deposits. In circumstances where the timing of revenue recognition differs from the timing of invoicing, the Company has determined that the Company's contracts generally do not include a significant financing component. Taxes collected from customers, which are subsequently remitted to governmental authorities, are excluded from sales.

The Company recognizes an asset for the incremental, material costs of obtaining a contract with a customer if the Company expects the benefit of those costs to be longer than one year and the costs are expected to be recovered. These incremental costs include, but are not limited to, sales commissions incurred to obtain a contract with a customer. As of December 31, 2019, the Company does not have material incremental costs on any open contracts with an original expected duration of greater than one year.

The Company recognizes an asset for certain, material costs to fulfill a contract if it is determined that the costs relate directly to a contract or an anticipated contract that can be specifically identified, generate or enhance resources that will be used in satisfying performance obligations in the future, and are expected to be recovered. Such costs are amortized on a systematic basis that is consistent with the transfer to the customer of the goods to which the asset relates. Start-up costs are expensed as incurred. Capitalized fulfillment costs are included in Inventories in the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance

Sheets. Should future orders not materialize or it is determined the costs are no longer probable of recovery, the capitalized costs are written off. As of December 31, 2019, the Company does not have material capitalized fulfillment costs. Capitalized fulfillment costs were $9.6 million as of December 31, 2018. These costs were associated with a contract that is included in the divestiture of the semiconductor business and as such, the balance is included in Assets Held for Sale in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2018. Amortization of fulfillment costs recognized within Cost of Products Sold was approximately $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.

A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer, and is the unit of account. The majority of our contracts have a single performance obligation as the promise to transfer the individual goods or services is not separately identifiable from other promises in the contracts which are, therefore, not distinct. Thus, the contract's transaction price is the revenue recognized when or as that performance obligation is satisfied. Promised goods or services that are immaterial in the context of the contract are not separately assessed as performance obligations.

Some of our contracts have multiple performance obligations, most commonly due to the contract covering multiple phases of the product lifecycle (development, production, maintenance and support). For contracts with multiple performance obligations, the contract’s transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation using our best estimate of the standalone selling price of each distinct good or service in the contract. The primary method used to estimate standalone selling price is the expected cost plus margin approach, under which expected costs are forecast to satisfy a performance obligation and then an appropriate margin is added for that distinct good or service. Shipping and handling activities that occur after the customer has obtained control of the good are considered fulfillment activities, not performance obligations.

Some of our contracts offer price discounts or free units after a specified volume has been purchased. The Company evaluates these options to determine whether they provide a material right to the customer, representing a separate performance obligation. If the option provides a material right to the customer, revenue is allocated to these rights and recognized when those future goods or services are transferred, or when the option expires.

Contract modifications are routine in the performance of our contracts. Contracts are often modified to account for changes in contract specifications or requirements. In most instances, contract modifications are for goods or services that are distinct, and, therefore, are accounted for as new contracts. The effect of modifications has been reflected when identifying the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations, determining the transaction price and allocating the transaction price.

The majority of the Company’s revenue from contracts with customers is recognized at a point in time, when the customer obtains control of the promised product, which is generally upon delivery and acceptance by the customer. These contracts may provide credits or incentives, which may be accounted for as variable consideration. Variable consideration is estimated at the most likely amount to predict the consideration to which the Company will be entitled, and only to the extent it is probable that a subsequent change in estimate will not result in a significant revenue reversal when estimating the amount of revenue to recognize. Variable consideration is treated as a change to the sales transaction price and based on an assessment of all information (i.e., historical, current and forecasted) that is reasonably available to the Company, and estimated at contract inception and updated at the end of each reporting period as additional information becomes available. Most of our contracts do not contain rights to return product; where this right does exist, it is evaluated as possible variable consideration.

For contracts that are subject to the requirement to accrue anticipated losses, the company recognizes the entire anticipated loss in the period that the loss becomes probable.

For contracts with customers in which the Company promises to provide a product to the customer that has no alternative use to the Company and the Company has enforceable rights to payment for progress completed to date inclusive of profit, the Company satisfies the performance obligation and recognizes revenue over time, using costs incurred to date relative to total estimated costs at completion to measure progress toward satisfying our performance obligations. Incurred cost represents work performed, which corresponds with, and thereby best depicts, the transfer of control to the customer. Contract costs include labor, material and overhead.

The Company also recognizes revenue from service contracts (including service-type warranties) over time. The Company recognizes revenue over time during the term of the agreement as the customer is simultaneously receiving and consuming the benefits provided throughout the Company’s performance. The Company typically recognizes revenue on a straight-line basis throughout the contract period.

Our goodwill is the result of the excess of purchase price over net assets acquired from acquisitions. As of December 31, 2019, we had approximately $145.0 million of goodwill. As of December 31, 2018, we had approximately $125.0 million of goodwill.

We identify our reporting units by assessing whether the components of our operating segments constitute businesses for which discrete financial information is available and segment management regularly reviews the operating results of those components. The Test Systems operating segment is its own reporting unit while the other reporting units are one level below our Aerospace operating segment.

Companies may perform a qualitative assessment as the initial step in the annual goodwill impairment testing process for all or selected reporting units under certain circumstances. Companies are also allowed to bypass the qualitative analysis and perform a quantitative analysis if desired. Economic uncertainties and the length of time from the calculation of a baseline fair value are factors that we would consider in determining whether to perform a quantitative test.

Quantitative testing first requires a comparison of the fair value of each reporting unit to the carrying value. We use the discounted cash flow method to estimate the fair value of each of our reporting units. The discounted cash flow method incorporates various assumptions, the most significant being projected sales growth rates, operating profit margins and cash flows, the terminal growth rate and the discount rate. Management projects sales growth rates, operating margins and cash flows based on each reporting unit’s current business, expected developments and operational strategies. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill is considered impaired and any loss must be measured. Goodwill impairment is measured as the amount by which a reporting unit's carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying value of goodwill.

In 2019, we performed quantitative assessments for the reporting units which had goodwill as of the first day of the fourth quarter. Based on our quantitative assessment, the Company recorded a full goodwill impairment charge of approximately $1.6 million in the December 31, 2019 consolidated statement of operations associated with the AeroSat reporting unit. The impairment loss was incurred in the Aerospace segment and is reported within the Impairment Loss line of the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

A discussion by segment can be found at “Segment Results of Operations and Outlook” in this MD&A.

Consolidated cost of products sold decreased $6.0 million to $616.6 million in 2019 from $622.6 million in the prior year. The decline was due to lower sales, primarily due to the divestiture of the semiconductor business, partially offset with incremental tariff expense of $5.9 million and $15.4 million of charges associated with the restructuring and impairment charges of our AeroSat antenna business which required classification within cost of products sold.

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses were $143.4 million, or 18.6% or sales, compared with $117.0 million, or 14.6% of sales, for the prior year period. The $26.3 million increase was due to increased legal reserves for the long-term patent dispute of $19.6 million and impairment and restructuring charges related to the antenna business classified within SG&A expense of $2.4 million.

The Company recorded a gain of $80.1 million upon the sale of the semiconductor business on February 13, 2019, offset by a $1.3 million loss on the sale of the airfield lighting product line on July 12, 2019.

Other expense, net in 2019 includes a $5.0 million impairment of an equity investment.

Consolidated sales were $803.3 million, up 28.6%, or $178.8 million, from the same period last year. Organic sales increased $94.0 million, or 15.0%. Acquired sales for 2018 were $84.8 million related to CSC and CCC and all related to the Aerospace segment. Aerospace segment sales of $675.6 million were up 26.4%, or $141.0 million, and Test Systems segment sales were up 42.0% to $127.6 million.

Consolidated cost of products sold increased $135.2 million to $622.6 million in 2018 from $487.4 million in the prior year. The increase was due primarily to the cost associated with the higher organic sales volume, coupled with the cost of products sold related to CSC and CCC.

SG&A expenses were $117.0 million, or 14.6% or sales, compared with $88.8 million, or 14.2% of sales, for the prior year period. The $28.3 million increase was due primarily to the incremental SG&A costs of CSC and CCC, which added $20.9 million. This included $7.4 million of incremental intangible asset amortization expense in 2018. Corporate overhead expenses increased $2.6 million due primarily to increased staffing and infrastructure development.

Interest expense increased in 2018 compared to 2017 due primarily to increased average debt levels.

Our effective tax rates for 2019, 2018 and 2017 were 23.8%, 10.5% and 21.3%, respectively. Our tax rate is affected by recurring items, such as tax rates in foreign jurisdictions and the relative amount of income we earn in those jurisdictions, which we expect to be fairly consistent in the near term. It is also affected by discrete items that may occur in any given year, but are not consistent from year to year. In addition to state income taxes, the following items had the most significant impact on the difference between our statutory U.S. federal income tax rate (21% in 2019 and 2018 and 35% in 2017) and our effective tax rate:

The continued grounding of the 737 MAX and the associated production pause has caused us to withdraw revenue guidance temporarily. The MAX situation affects us not only because it is one of our largest production programs, but also because the grounding has reduced capacity for the world’s airlines, challenging our aftermarket business. We look forward to the MAX’s return to service, and issuing sales guidance as soon as practical.

We expect first quarter sales in 2020 to be in the range of $155 million to $165 million, with Aerospace generating about 90% of the total. We expect the first quarter will be the lightest quarter of 2020, with results strengthening throughout the year. In 2019, we saw strong results at the beginning of the year which weakened towards the end. We expect 2020 will be just the opposite, with a weaker start and a stronger finish.

We have not currently estimated the impact which could result if the COVID-19 coronavirus becomes more significant globally. It is unknown whether and how global airline demand and spending, as well as global supply chains, may be affected if such an epidemic persists for an extended period of time.

At December 31, 2019, our consolidated backlog was $359.6 million. At December 31, 2018, our backlog was $415.5 million. Excluding backlog related to the divested semiconductor business, our backlog was $403.3 million at December 31, 2018. Backlog in the Aerospace segment was $275.8 million at December 31, 2019, of which $249.6 million is expected to be recognized as revenue in 2020. Backlog in the Test Systems segment was $83.8 million at December 31, 2019. The Test Systems segment expects to recognize as revenue $51.4 million of backlog in 2020.

The effective tax rate for 2020 is expected to be approximately 18% to 22%.

Capital equipment spending in 2020 is expected to be in the range of $22 million to $25 million.

Depreciation and Amortization in 2020 is expected to in the range of $33 million and $35 million.

Operating profit, as presented below, is sales less cost of products sold and other operating expenses excluding interest expense, corporate expenses and other non-operating sales and expenses. Cost of products sold and operating expenses are directly attributable to the respective segment. Operating profit is reconciled to earnings before income taxes in Note 20 of Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this report.

Aerospace segment sales increased by $17.0 million, or 2.5%, to $692.6 million, when compared with the prior-year period.

Electrical Power & Motion sales increased $35.1 million, or 11.6%, due primarily to increased sales of in-seat power and motion products. Lighting & Safety sales increased $11.1 million due to higher sales of products to the military market. Avionics sales decreased by $25.1 million for similar reasons in the quarter. Sales of Other products were down $3.5 million.

Aerospace operating profit for 2019 was $16.7 million, or 2.4% of sales, compared with $69.8 million, or 10.3% of sales, in the same period of 2018. Aerospace operating profit was impacted by the legal reserve for the patent dispute of $19.6 million for the full year incremental tariff expense of $5.9 million and antenna business impairment and restructuring charges of $28.8 million.

Aerospace segment sales increased by $141.0 million, or 26.4%, to $675.6 million, when compared with the prior-year period of $534.6 million. Organic sales increased $56.2 million, or 10.5%, to $590.8 million, while acquired sales from CSC and CCC were $84.8 million.

Avionics sales increased by $77.9 million, driven primarily by the acquisitions, which contributed incremental sales of $72.5 million. Electrical Power & Motion sales increased $38.9 million, or 14.7%, due to higher sales of in-seat power and seat motion products. Lighting & Safety sales increased $15.7 million due to a general increase in volume. Sales of Other products were up $10.6 million, due to the CSC business. The increases were slightly offset by a decrease in Structures sales of $1.7 million.

Aerospace operating profit for 2018 was $69.8 million, or 10.3% of sales, compared with $38.9 million, or 7.3% of sales, in the same period of 2017. Aerospace operating profit benefited from higher organic sales and profits of CSC, offset partially by increased operating losses of CCC, AeroSat and Armstrong which improved by $3.8 million to $34.7 million compared with the prior year, excluding Armstrong’s 2017 goodwill impairment charge. For the year, intangible asset amortization expense was $9.2 million related to CSC and CCC. Operating profit in the prior year was negatively impacted by the $16.2 million impairment at Armstrong.

(1) Test Systems backlog as of December 31, 2018, includes $12.2 million related to the divested semiconductor business.

Test Segment sales decreased from $127.6 million to $80.1 million for 2019, primarily due to the divestiture of the semiconductor test business, which contributed sales of $84.3 million in 2018 and $9.7 million in 2019.

Operating profit was $4.5 million, or 5.6% of sales, compared with $10.7 million, or 8.4% of sales, in 2018.

Sales in 2018 increased 42.0% to $127.6 million compared with sales of $89.9 million for 2017. The growth was driven by a $52.3 million increase in sales to the Semiconductor market, offset by a decrease in Aerospace & Defense sales of $14.5 million.

Operating profit was $10.7 million, or 8.4% of sales, compared with $7.4 million, or 8.2% of sales, in 2017. This was primarily due to increased sales volume partially offset by approximately $2.0 million in increased engineering costs and elevated initial costs associated with new products.

We do not have material off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a material future effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

The following table represents contractual obligations as of December 31, 2019:

Our cash flow from operations and available borrowing capacity provide us with the financial resources needed to run our operations and reinvest in our business.

Cash provided by operating activities was $42.7 million in 2019 compared with $54.9 million in 2018. The decrease of $12.2 million in 2019 was primarily due to the net non-cash effect on net income of the net gain from the sale of businesses, the legal reserve and the antenna business impairment and restructuring charges, partially offset by a change in net operating assets.

Cash provided by operating activities was $54.9 million in 2018 compared with $37.8 million in 2017. The increase of $17.1 million in 2018 was primarily a result of increased net income in 2018 when compared with 2017, offset with a change in net operating assets.

Cash provided by operating activities was $37.8 million in 2017 compared with $48.9 million in 2016. The decrease of $11.1 million in 2017 was primarily a result of decreased net income and net operating assets in 2017 when compared with 2016.

Our cash flows from operations are primarily dependent on our net income adjusted for non-cash expenses and the timing of collections of receivables, level of inventory and payments to suppliers and employees. Sales and operating results of our Aerospace segment are influenced by the build rates of new aircraft, which are subject to general economic conditions, airline passenger travel and spending for government and military programs. Our Test Systems segment sales depends in part on capital expenditures of the aerospace & defense industry which, in turn, depend on current and future demand for those products. A reduction in demand for our customers’ products would adversely affect our operating results and cash flows. We maintain a revolving credit facility to fund our short and long-term capital requirements including acquisitions and share repurchase efforts.

Cash provided by investing activities in 2019 was $64.6 million, primarily the result of the $103.8 million in proceeds from the divestiture of the semiconductor business offset by purchases of property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”) of $12.1 million. Cash provided by investing activities in 2019 was also offset by net cash used for the purchases of Freedom and Diagnosys for $21.8 million and $7.0 million, respectively.

Cash used for investing activities in 2018 was $19.7 million, primarily related to purchases of PP&E of $16.3 million.

Cash used for investing activities in 2017 was $129.6 million, primarily related to the acquisitions of CCC and CSC of $114.0 million and purchases of PP&E of $13.5 million.

Our expectation for 2020 is that we will invest between $22 million and $25 million for PP&E. Future requirements for PP&E depend on numerous factors, including expansion of existing product lines and introduction of new products. Management believes that our cash flow from operations and current borrowing arrangements will provide for these capital expenditures. We expect to continue to evaluate acquisition opportunities in the future.

Our ability to maintain sufficient liquidity is highly dependent upon achieving expected operating results. Failure to achieve expected operating results could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, our ability to obtain financing, and our operations in the future.

The Company's Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Agreement”) provides for a $500 million revolving credit line with the option to increase the line by up to $150 million. The maturity date of the loans under the Agreement is February 16, 2023. At December 31, 2019, there was $188.0 million outstanding on the revolving credit facility and there remains $310.9 million available, net of outstanding letters of credit. The credit facility allocates up to $20 million of the $500 million revolving credit line for the issuance of letters of credit, including certain existing letters of credit. At December 31, 2019, outstanding letters of credit totaled $1.1 million.

The maximum permitted leverage ratio of funded debt to Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the Agreement) was 3.75 to 1, increasing to 4.50 to 1 for up to four fiscal quarters following the closing of an acquisition permitted under the Agreement, subject to limitations. The Company is in compliance with its financial covenant at December 31, 2019. The Company will pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of the facility at a rate equal to one-, three- or six-month LIBOR plus between 1.00% and 1.50% based upon the Company’s leverage ratio. The Company will also pay a commitment fee to the Lenders in an amount equal to between 0.10% and 0.20% on the undrawn portion of the credit facility, based upon the Company’s leverage ratio.

The Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement as amended are jointly and severally guaranteed by each domestic subsidiary of the Company other than a non-material subsidiary. The obligations are secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of the Company’s and the guarantors’ assets.

In the event of voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy of the Company or any subsidiary, all unpaid principal and other amounts owing under the Credit Agreement automatically become due and payable. Other events of default, such as failure to make payments as they become due and breach of financial and other covenants, change of control, judgments over a certain amount, and cross default under other agreements give the Agent the option to declare all such amounts immediately due and payable.

The primary financing activities in 2019 related to the repurchase of approximately 1,851,000 shares at an aggregate cost of $50.8 million under our share purchase program, coupled with net payments on our senior credit facility of $39.0 million. The primary financing activities in 2018 related to net repayments on our senior facility of $35.0 million.

The Company’s cash needs for working capital, debt service, capital equipment, and acquisition opportunities during 2020 is expected to be met by cash flows from operations and cash balances and, if necessary, utilization of the revolving credit facility.

Management believes that it should retain the capital generated from operating activities for investment in advancing technologies, acquisitions and debt retirement. Accordingly, there are no plans to institute a cash dividend program.

At December 31, 2019, our consolidated backlog was $359.6 million. At December 31, 2018, our backlog was $415.5 million. Excluding backlog related to the divested semiconductor business, our backlog was $403.3 million at December 31, 2018. Backlog in the Aerospace segment was $275.8 million at December 31, 2019, of which $249.6 million is expected to be recognized as revenue in 2020. Backlog in the Test Systems segment was $83.8 million at December 31, 2019, of which $51.4 million is expected to be recognized as revenue of in 2020.

Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions is incorporated herein by reference to the information included in the Company’s 2020 Proxy Statement which will be filed with the Commission within 120 days after the end of the Company’s 2019 fiscal year.

See Note 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements at Item 8 of this report.

The Company has limited exposure to fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates to U.S. dollar, primarily in Canadian dollars and Euros currency. The impact of transactions denominated in any other foreign currency is insignificant. Approximately 89% of the Company’s consolidated sales are transacted in U.S. dollars. Net assets held in or measured in Canadian dollars amounted to $23.6 million at December 31, 2019. Net assets held in or measured in Euros amounted to $40.8 million at December 31, 2019.

Risk due to fluctuation in foreign exchange rates to net income was insignificant in 2019; however it could be significant in the future. Risk due to fluctuation in interest rates is a function of the Company’s floating rate debt obligations, which total approximately $188.0 million at December 31, 2019. A change of 1% in interest rates of all variable rate debt would impact annual net income by approximately $1.9 million, before income taxes.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated March 2, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method for recognizing revenue as a result of the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), and the amendments in ASUs 2015-14, 2016-08, 2016-10 and 2016-12, effective January 1, 2018. As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for leases as a result of the adoption of ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), as amended, effective January 1, 2019.

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019 based upon the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework originally issued in 2013 by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on that evaluation, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting is effective as of December 31, 2019.

We completed acquisitions in 2019, which were excluded from our management’s report on internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019. We acquired Freedom Communication Technologies, Inc. on July 1, 2019 and the primary operating subsidiaries from Diagnosys Test Systems Limited, on October 4, 2019. These acquisitions were included in our 2019 consolidated financial statements and constituted $55.8 million and $33.6 million of total and net assets, respectively, as of December 31, 2019 and $12.9 million and ($2.1) million of sales and net income, respectively, for the year then ended.

Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and, as part of their audit, has issued their report, included herein, on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.

Astronics Corporation (“Astronics” or the “Company”) is a leading provider of advanced technologies to the global aerospace, defense and electronics industries. Our products and services include advanced, high-performance electrical power generation, distribution and motion systems, lighting and safety systems, avionics products, systems and certification, aircraft structures and automated test systems.

We have principal operations in the United States (“U.S.”), Canada, France and the United Kingdom (“UK”), as well as engineering offices in the Ukraine and India. We design and build our products through our wholly owned subsidiaries Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems Corp. (“AES”); Astronics AeroSat Corporation (“AeroSat”); Armstrong Aerospace, Inc. (“Armstrong”); Astronics Test Systems, Inc. (“ATS”); Ballard Technology, Inc. (“Ballard”); Astronics Custom Control Concepts Inc. (“CCC”); Astronics Connectivity Systems and Certification Corp. and subsidiaries (“CSC”); Diagnosys Inc. and its affiliates (“Diagnosys”); Astronics DME LLC (“DME”); Freedom Communication Technologies, Inc. (“Freedom”); Luminescent Systems, Inc. (“LSI”); Luminescent Systems Canada, Inc. (“LSI Canada”); Max-Viz, Inc. (“Max-Viz”); Peco, Inc. (“Peco”); and PGA Electronic s.a. (“PGA”).

The Company has 2 reportable segments, Aerospace and Test Systems. The Aerospace segment designs and manufactures products for the global aerospace and defense industry. Our Test Systems segment designs, develops, manufactures and maintains automated test systems that support the aerospace and defense, communications and mass transit test systems as well as training and simulation devices for both commercial and military applications.

On February 13, 2019, the Company completed a divestiture of its semiconductor test business within the Test Systems segment. The business was not core to the future of the Test Systems segment. The total proceeds received for the sale amounted to $103.8 million, plus certain contingent earn-outs as described in Note 22. The Company recorded a pre-tax gain on the sale of approximately $80.1 million in the first quarter of 2019. The Company recorded income tax expense relating to the gain of $19.7 million.

On July 1, 2019, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Freedom Communication Technologies, Inc. Freedom, located in Kilgore, Texas, is a leader in wireless communication testing, primarily for the civil land mobile radio market. Freedom is included in our Test Systems segment. The total consideration for the transaction was $21.8 million, net of $0.6 million in cash acquired.

On July 12, 2019, the Company sold intellectual property and certain assets associated with its Airfield Lighting product line for $1.0 million in cash. The Airfield Lighting product line, part of the Aerospace segment, was not core to the business and represented less than 1% of revenue. The Company recorded a pre-tax loss on the sale of approximately $1.3 million.

On October 4, 2019, the Company acquired the stock of the primary operating subsidiaries as well as certain other assets from mass transit and defense market test solution provider, Diagnosys Test Systems Limited, for $7.0 million in cash, plus contingent purchase consideration (“earn-out”) estimated at a fair value of $2.5 million. Diagnosys is included in our Test Systems segment. Diagnosys is a developer and manufacturer of comprehensive automated test equipment providing test, support, and repair of high value electronics, electro-mechanical, pneumatic and printed circuit boards focused on the global mass transit and defense markets. The terms of the acquisition allow for a potential earn-out of up to an additional $13.0 million over the next three years based on achievement of new order levels of over $72.0 million during that period. The acquired business has operations in Westford, Massachusetts as well as Ferndown, England, and an engineering center of excellence in Bangalore, India.

For more information regarding these acquisitions and divestitures see Note 21 and Note 22.

In the fourth quarter of 2019, in an effort to reduce the significant operating losses at our AeroSat business, we initiated a restructuring plan to reduce costs and minimize losses of our AeroSat antenna business. The plan narrows the initiatives for the AeroSat business to focus primarily on near-term opportunities pertaining to business jet connectivity. The plan has a downsized manufacturing operation remaining in New Hampshire, with significantly reduced personnel and operating expenses.

For more information regarding the restructuring plan see Note 23.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Acquisitions are accounted for under the acquisition method and, accordingly, the operating results for the acquired companies are included in the consolidated statements of operations from the respective dates of acquisition.

For additional information on the acquired businesses, see Note 21.

Cost of products sold includes the costs to manufacture products such as direct materials and labor and manufacturing overhead as well as all engineering and developmental costs. The Company is engaged in a variety of engineering and design activities as well as basic research and development activities directed to the substantial improvement or new application of the Company’s existing technologies. These costs are expensed when incurred and included in cost of products sold. Research and development, design and related engineering expenses amounted to $108.9 million in 2019, $114.3 million in 2018 and $95.0 million in 2017. Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses include costs primarily related to our sales, marketing and administrative departments. Interest expense is shown net of interest income. Interest income was insignificant for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

Shipping and handling costs are included in costs of products sold.

All highly liquid instruments with a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase are considered cash equivalents.

Accounts receivable are composed of trade and contract receivables recorded at either the invoiced amount or costs in excess of billings, are expected to be collected within one year, and do not bear interest. The Company records a valuation allowance to account for potentially uncollectible accounts receivable. The allowance is determined based on our knowledge of the business, specific customers, review of the receivables’ aging and a specific identification of accounts where collection is at risk. Account balances are charged against the allowance after all means of collections have been exhausted and recovery is considered remote. The Company typically does not require collateral.

We record our inventories at the lower of cost or net realizable value. We determine the cost basis of our inventory on a first-in, first-out or weighted average basis using a standard cost methodology that approximates actual cost. The Company records valuation reserves to provide for excess, slow moving or obsolete inventory. In determining the appropriate reserve, the Company considers the age of inventory on hand, the overall inventory levels in relation to forecasted demands as well as reserving for specifically identified inventory that the Company believes is no longer salable.

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”) is computed using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes and using accelerated methods for income tax purposes. Estimated useful lives of the assets are as follows: buildings, 25-40 years; machinery and equipment, 4-10 years. Leased buildings and associated leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the terms of the lease or the estimated useful lives of the assets, with the amortization of such assets included within depreciation expense.

Buildings acquired under capital leases amounted to $3.4 million ($8.2 million, net of $4.8 million of accumulated amortization) at December 31, 2018. The weighted-average interest rate on the building capital lease obligation at December 31, 2018 was 5.3%. See Note 10 for additional lease disclosures as required upon adoption of ASC 842.

The cost of properties sold or otherwise disposed of and the accumulated depreciation thereon are eliminated from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss, as well as maintenance and repair expenses, is reflected within operating income. Replacements and improvements are capitalized.

Depreciation expense was approximately $13.7 million, $15.0 million and $14.1 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Long-lived assets to be held and used are initially recorded at cost. The carrying value of these assets is evaluated for recoverability whenever adverse effects or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Impairments are recognized if future undiscounted cash flows from operations are not expected to be sufficient to recover long-lived assets. The carrying amounts are then reduced to fair value, which is typically determined by using a discounted cash flow model.

See Note 23 for further information regarding the long-lived asset impairment charge in 2019 related to AeroSat. The charge was comprised of PP&E, intangible assets and right-of-use assets.

Assets held for sale are to be reported at lower of its carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. Judgment is required in estimating the sales price of assets held for sale and the time required to sell the assets. These estimates are based upon available market data and operating cash flows of the assets held for sale.

As of December 31, 2019, the Company has agreed to sell certain facilities within the Aerospace segment. Accordingly, the property, plant and equipment assets associated with these facilities have been classified as held for sale in the consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2019.

As of December 31, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors had approved a plan to sell the semiconductor test business within the Test Systems segment. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities associated with these operations have been classified as held for sale in the accompanying consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2018. The carrying value of the disposal group was lower than its fair value, less costs to sell, and accordingly, no impairment loss was required at December 31, 2018.

The Company tests goodwill at the reporting unit level on an annual basis or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. The Company’s 9 reporting units with goodwill were subject to the goodwill impairment test as of the first day of our fourth quarter.

We may elect to perform a qualitative assessment that considers economic, industry and company-specific factors for all or selected reporting units. If, after completing the assessment, it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we proceed to a quantitative test. We may also elect to perform a quantitative test instead of a qualitative test for any or all of our reporting units.

Quantitative testing requires a comparison of the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. We use the discounted cash flow method to estimate the fair value of our reporting units. The discounted cash flow method incorporates various assumptions, the most significant being projected sales growth rates, operating margins and cash flows, the terminal growth rate and the weighted average cost of capital. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill is considered impaired and any loss must be measured. Accordingly, goodwill impairment is measured as the amount by which a reporting unit's carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying value of goodwill.

See Note 7 for further information regarding the goodwill impairment charge in 2019 associated to the AeroSat reporting unit. The 2018 assessment indicated no impairment to the carrying value of goodwill in any of the Company’s reporting units and 0 impairment charge was recognized. An impairment charge associated with the Armstrong reporting unit was recorded as result of the 2017 assessment.

Acquired intangibles are generally valued based upon future economic benefits such as earnings and cash flows. Acquired identifiable intangible assets are recorded at fair value and are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Acquired intangible assets with an indefinite life are not amortized, but are reviewed for impairment at least annually or more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of those assets are below their estimated fair values.

The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, notes payable and long-term debt. The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and generally does not require collateral. The Company does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes. Due to their short-term nature, the carrying values of cash and equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and notes payable approximate fair value. The carrying value of the Company’s variable rate long-term debt instruments also approximates fair value due to the variable rate feature of these instruments.

From time to time, the Company makes long-term, strategic equity investments in companies to promote business and strategic objectives. These investments as classified within Other Assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For investments requiring equity method accounting, we recognize our share of the investee’s earnings or losses within Other Expense, Net of Other Income in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Such amounts were immaterial in the year ended December 31, 2019 and not applicable in 2018 or 2017. For investments not requiring equity method accounting, if the investment has no readily determinable fair value, we have elected the practicability exception of ASU 2016-01, under which the investment is measured at cost, less impairment, plus or minus observable price changes from orderly transactions of an identical or similar investment of the same issuer.

The Company determined there were indicators of impairment over one of its investments in 2019 as a result of the investee’s deteriorating operating performance and limited access to capital. There were no observable price changes for this investment during 2019. We determined that the fair value of this investment was de minimis at December 31, 2019 and we recorded an impairment charge of $5.0 million recorded within Other Expense, Net of Other Income in the accompanying Consolidated Statement Operations.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent liabilities and the reported amounts of sales and expenses during the reporting periods in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The Company has 0t paid any cash dividends in the three-year period ended December 31, 2019.

Loss contingencies may from time to time arise from situations such as claims and other legal actions. Loss contingencies are recorded as liabilities when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable. In all other instances, legal fees are expensed as incurred. Disclosure is required when there is a reasonable possibility that the ultimate loss will exceed the recorded provision. Contingent liabilities are often resolved over long time periods. In recording liabilities for probable losses, management is required to make estimates and judgments regarding the amount or range of the probable loss. Management continually assesses the adequacy of estimated loss contingencies and, if necessary, adjusts the amounts recorded as better information becomes known.

We consider the applicability and impact of all ASUs. ASUs not listed above were assessed and determined to be either not applicable, or had or are expected to have minimal impact on our financial statements and related disclosures.

Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, was adopted on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method, which required the recognition of the cumulative effect of the transition as an adjustment to retained earnings, net of tax effects, of $3.3 million.

Revenue is recognized when, or as, the Company transfers control of promised products or services to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring those products or services. Sales shown on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations are from contracts with customers.

Payment terms and conditions vary by contract, although terms generally include a requirement of payment within a range from 30 to 90 days after the performance obligation has been satisfied; or in certain cases, up-front deposits. In circumstances where the timing of revenue recognition differs from the timing of invoicing, the Company has determined that the Company's contracts generally do not include a significant financing component. Taxes collected from customers, which are subsequently remitted to governmental authorities, are excluded from sales.

The Company recognizes an asset for the incremental, material costs of obtaining a contract with a customer if the Company expects the benefit of those costs to be longer than one year and the costs are expected to be recovered. These incremental costs include, but are not limited to, sales commissions incurred to obtain a contract with a customer. As of December 31, 2019, the Company does not have material incremental costs on any open contracts with an original expected duration of greater than one year.

The Company recognizes an asset for certain, material costs to fulfill a contract if it is determined that the costs relate directly to a contract or an anticipated contract that can be specifically identified, generate or enhance resources that will be used in satisfying performance obligations in the future, and are expected to be recovered. Such costs are amortized on a systematic basis that is consistent with the transfer to the customer of the goods to which the asset relates. Start-up costs are expensed as incurred. Capitalized fulfillment costs are included in Inventories in the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance

Sheets. Should future orders not materialize or it is determined the costs are no longer probable of recovery, the capitalized costs are written off. As of December 31, 2019, the Company does not have material capitalized fulfillment costs. Capitalized fulfillment costs were $9.6 million as of December 31, 2018. These costs were associated with a contract that is included in the divestiture of the semiconductor business and as such, the balance is included in Assets Held for Sale in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2018. Amortization of fulfillment costs recognized within Cost of Products Sold was approximately $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.

A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer, and is the unit of account. The majority of our contracts have a single performance obligation as the promise to transfer the individual goods or services is not separately identifiable from other promises in the contracts which are, therefore, not distinct. Thus, the contract's transaction price is the revenue recognized when or as that performance obligation is satisfied. Promised goods or services that are immaterial in the context of the contract are not separately assessed as performance obligations.

Some of our contracts have multiple performance obligations, most commonly due to the contract covering multiple phases of the product lifecycle (development, production, maintenance and support). For contracts with multiple performance obligations, the contract’s transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation using our best estimate of the standalone selling price of each distinct good or service in the contract. The primary method used to estimate standalone selling price is the expected cost plus margin approach, under which expected costs are forecast to satisfy a performance obligation and then an appropriate margin is added for that distinct good or service. Shipping and handling activities that occur after the customer has obtained control of the good are considered fulfillment activities, not performance obligations.

Some of our contracts offer price discounts or free units after a specified volume has been purchased. The Company evaluates these options to determine whether they provide a material right to the customer, representing a separate performance obligation. If the option provides a material right to the customer, revenue is allocated to these rights and recognized when those future goods or services are transferred, or when the option expires.

Contract modifications are routine in the performance of our contracts. Contracts are often modified to account for changes in contract specifications or requirements. In most instances, contract modifications are for goods or services that are distinct, and, therefore, are accounted for as new contracts. The effect of modifications has been reflected when identifying the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations, determining the transaction price and allocating the transaction price.

The majority of the Company’s revenue from contracts with customers is recognized at a point in time, when the customer obtains control of the promised product, which is generally upon delivery and acceptance by the customer. These contracts may provide credits or incentives, which may be accounted for as variable consideration. Variable consideration is estimated at the most likely amount to predict the consideration to which the Company will be entitled, and only to the extent it is probable that a subsequent change in estimate will not result in a significant revenue reversal when estimating the amount of revenue to recognize. Variable consideration is treated as a change to the sales transaction price and based on an assessment of all information (i.e., historical, current and forecasted) that is reasonably available to the Company, and estimated at contract inception and updated at the end of each reporting period as additional information becomes available. Most of our contracts do not contain rights to return product; where this right does exist, it is evaluated as possible variable consideration.

For contracts that are subject to the requirement to accrue anticipated losses, the company recognizes the entire anticipated loss in the period that the loss becomes probable.

For contracts with customers in which the Company promises to provide a product to the customer that has no alternative use to the Company and the Company has enforceable rights to payment for progress completed to date inclusive of profit, the Company satisfies the performance obligation and recognizes revenue over time, using costs incurred to date relative to total estimated costs at completion to measure progress toward satisfying our performance obligations. Incurred cost represents work performed, which corresponds with, and thereby best depicts, the transfer of control to the customer. Contract costs include labor, material and overhead.

The Company also recognizes revenue from service contracts (including service-type warranties) over time. The Company recognizes revenue over time during the term of the agreement as the customer is simultaneously receiving and consuming the benefits provided throughout the Company’s performance. The Company typically recognizes revenue on a straight-line basis throughout the contract period.

On December 31, 2019, we had $359.6 million of remaining performance obligations, which we refer to as total backlog. We expect to recognize approximately $300.9 million of our remaining performance obligations as revenue in 2020.

Costs in excess of billings includes unbilled amounts resulting from revenues under contracts with customers that are satisfied over time and when the cost-to-cost measurement method of revenue recognition is utilized and revenue recognized exceeds the

amount billed to the customer, and right to payment is not just subject to the passage of time. Amounts may not exceed their net realizable value. Costs in excess of billings are classified as current assets, within Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Billings in excess of cost includes billings in excess of revenue recognized as well as other elements of deferred revenue, which includes advanced payments, up-front payments, and progress billing payments. Billings in excess of cost are reported in our Consolidated Balance Sheet classified as current liabilities, within Customer Advance Payments and Deferred Revenue, and non-current liabilities, within Other Liabilities. To determine the revenue recognized in the period from the beginning balance of billings in excess of cost, the contract liability as of the beginning of the period is recognized as revenue on a contract-by-contract basis when the Company satisfies the performance obligation related to the individual contract. Once the beginning contract liability balance for an individual contract has been fully recognized as revenue, any additional payments received in the period are recognized as revenue once the related costs have been incurred.

We recognized $19.6 million and $8.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, in revenues that were included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the period.

The Company's contract assets and contract liabilities consist of costs and profits in excess of billings and billings in excess of cost and profits, respectively. Non-current contract liabilities are reported in our Consolidated Balance Sheet within Other Liabilities. The following table presents the beginning and ending balances of contract assets and contract liabilities:

The decrease in contract assets reflects the net impact of revenue recognized in excess of additional unbilled revenues recorded during the period. The increase in contract liabilities reflects the net impact of additional customer advances or deferred revenues recorded in excess of revenue recognized during the period and acquired contract liabilities.

The following table presents our revenue disaggregated by Market Segments as of December 31 as follows: