10-K


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K


[X]
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015
or
[   ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _____________________________ to _____________________________
 
Commission file number:  0-18953

AAON, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada
87-0448736
(State or other jurisdiction
(IRS Employer
of incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)
 
 
2425 South Yukon, Tulsa, Oklahoma
74107
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
 
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (918) 583-2266
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:  None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, par value $.004
(Title of Class)
Rights to Purchase Series A Preferred Stock
(Title of Class)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. 
[ ]  Yes        [X]  No

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. 
 [ ]  Yes        [X]  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
[X]  Yes        [ ]  No

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






Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
[X]
      
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).
 
Large accelerated filer [X]
Accelerated filer [   ]
Non-accelerated filer [   ]
Smaller reporting company [   ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Act.) 
 [ ]  Yes        [X]  No

The aggregate market value of the common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the closing price of registrant’s common stock on the last business day of registrant’s most recently completed second quarter June 30, 2015 was $919.4 million.

As of February 19, 2016, registrant had outstanding a total of 53,049,365 shares of its $.004 par value Common Stock.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of registrant's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 24, 2016, are incorporated into Part III.





TABLE OF CONTENTS
Item Number and Caption
Page
Number
 
 
 
 
PART I
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.
Business.
 
 
 
 
 
1A.
Risk Factors.
 
 
 
 
 
1B. 
Unresolved Staff Comments.
 
 
 
 
 
2.
Properties. 
 
 
 
 
 
3.
Legal Proceedings.
 
 
 
 
 
4.
Mine Safety Disclosure.
 
 
 
 
PART II
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5.
Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
 
 
 
 
 
6.
Selected Financial Data.
 
 
 
 
 
7.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
 
 
 
 
 
7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
 
 
 
 
 
8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
 
 
 
 
 
9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
 
 
 
 
 
9A. 
Controls and Procedures.
 
 
 
 
 
9B.
Other Information.
 
 
 
 
PART III
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
 
 
 
 
 
11.
Executive Compensation. 
 
 
 
 
 
12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
 
 
 
 
 
13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
 
 
 
 
 
14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
 
 
 
 
PART IV
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.




Forward-Looking Statements

This Annual Report includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “seeks”, “estimates”, “should”, “will”, and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, which are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. We undertake no obligations to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Important factors that could cause results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include (1) the timing and extent of changes in raw material and component prices, (2) the effects of fluctuations in the commercial/industrial new construction market, (3) the timing and extent of changes in interest rates, as well as other competitive factors during the year, and (4) general economic, market or business conditions.

PART I

Item 1.  Business.

General Development and Description of Business

AAON, Inc., a Nevada corporation, ("AAON Nevada") was incorporated on August 18, 1987. Our operating subsidiaries include AAON, Inc., an Oklahoma corporation, and AAON Coil Products, Inc., a Texas corporation. Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this Annual Report to “AAON,” the “Company”, “we”, “us”, “our”, or “ours” refer to AAON Nevada and our subsidiaries.

We are engaged in the manufacture and sale of air conditioning and heating equipment consisting of rooftop units, chillers, packaged outdoor mechanical rooms, air handling units, makeup air units, energy recovery units, condensing units, geothermal heat pumps, self-contained units and coils.

Products and Markets

Our products serve the commercial and industrial new construction and replacement markets. To date, our sales have been primarily to the domestic market. Foreign sales accounted for approximately $14.6 million, $19.9 million and $17.5 million of our sales in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Our rooftop and condensing unit markets primarily consist of units installed on commercial or industrial structures of generally less than ten stories in height. Our air handling units, self-contained units, chillers, packaged outdoor mechanical rooms and coils are applicable to all sizes of commercial and industrial buildings.

The size of these markets is determined primarily by the number of commercial and industrial building completions. The replacement market consists of products installed to replace existing units/components that are worn or damaged. Currently, slightly over half of the industry's market consists of replacement units.

The commercial and industrial new construction market is subject to cyclical fluctuations in that it is generally tied to housing starts, but has a lag factor of six to 18 months. Housing starts, in turn, are affected by such factors as interest rates, the state of the economy, population growth and the relative age of the population. When new construction is down, we emphasize the replacement market.

Based on our 2015 sales of $358.6 million, we estimate that we have approximately a 12-13% share of the greater than five ton rooftop market and a 1-2% share of the less than five ton market. Approximately 55% of our sales were generated from the renovation and replacement markets and 45% from new construction. The percentage of sales for new construction vs. replacement to particular customers is related to the customer’s stage of development.


1



We purchase certain components, fabricate sheet metal and tubing and then assemble and test the finished products. Our primary finished products consist of a single unit system containing heating and cooling in a self-contained cabinet, referred to in the industry as "unitary products”. Our other finished products are chillers, packaged outdoor mechanical rooms, coils, air handling units, condensing units, makeup air units, energy recovery units, rooftop units and geothermal heat pumps. 

We offer three groups of rooftop units: the RQ Series, consisting of five cooling sizes ranging from two to six tons; the RN Series, offered in 27 cooling sizes ranging from six to 140 tons; and the RL Series, which is offered in 21 cooling sizes ranging from 45 to 240 tons. 

We also offer the SA, SB and M2 Series as indoor packaged, water-cooled or geothermal/water-source heat pump self-contained units with cooling capacities of three to 70 tons.

We manufacture a LF Series chiller, air-cooled, a LN Series chiller, air-cooled, and a LZ Series chiller and packaged outdoor mechanical room, which are available in both air-cooled condensing and evaporative-cooled configurations, covering a range of four to 540 tons. BL Series boiler outdoor mechanical rooms are also available with 400-6,000 MBH heating capacity. FZ Series fluid cooler outdoor mechanical rooms are also available with a range of 50 to 450 tons.

We offer four groups of condensing units: the CB Series, two to five tons; the CF Series, two to 70 tons; the CN Series, 55 to 140 tons; and the CL Series, 45 to 230 tons.

Our air handling units consist of the indoor F1, H3 and V3 Series and the modular M2 and M3 Series, as well as air handling unit configurations of the RQ, RN, RL and SA Series units.  

Our energy recovery option applicable to our RQ, RN and RL units, as well as our V3, M2 and M3 Series air handling units, respond to the U.S. Clean Air Act mandate to increase fresh air in commercial structures. Our products are designed to compete on the higher quality end of standardized products.

Performance characteristics of our products range in cooling capacity from two to 540 tons and in heating capacity from 69,000 to 9,000,000 BTUs. All of our products meet the Department of Energy's (“DOE”) minimum efficiency standards, which define the maximum amount of energy to be used in producing a given amount of cooling. Many of our units far exceed these minimum standards and are among the highest efficiency units currently available.

A typical commercial building installation requires one ton of air conditioning for every 300-400 square feet or, for a 100,000 square foot building, 250 tons of air conditioning, which can involve multiple units.

Major Customers

One customer accounted for 10% or more of our sales during 2015. No customer accounted for 10% or more of our sales during 2014 or 2013.

Sources and Availability of Raw Materials

The most important materials we purchase are steel, copper and aluminum, which are obtained from domestic suppliers. We also purchase from other domestic manufacturers certain components, including compressors, electric motors and electrical controls used in our products. We attempt to obtain the lowest possible cost in our purchases of raw materials and components, consistent with meeting specified quality standards. We are not dependent upon any one source for raw materials or the major components of our manufactured products. By having multiple suppliers, we believe that we will have adequate sources of supplies to meet our manufacturing requirements for the foreseeable future.

Sourcing of raw materials may be impacted in the future by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act") that contains provisions to improve transparency and accountability concerning the supply of certain minerals, known as "conflict minerals", originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries. As companies begin implementing the requirements adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") in response to the provisions in the Dodd-Frank Act, availability of materials that contain conflict minerals may be affected.

2




We attempt to limit the impact of price fluctuations on these materials by entering into cancellable and non-cancellable fixed price contracts with our major suppliers for periods of six to 18 months. We expect to receive delivery of raw materials from our fixed price contracts for use in our manufacturing operations.

Representatives

We employ a sales staff of 37 individuals and utilize approximately 88 independent manufacturer representatives' organizations (“Representatives”) having 113 offices to market our products in the United States and Canada. We also have one international sales organization, which utilizes 12 distributors in other countries. Sales are made directly to the contractor or end user, with shipments being made from our Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Longview, Texas, plants to the job site.

Our products and sales strategy focuses on niche markets. The targeted markets for our equipment are customers seeking products of better quality than offered, and/or options not offered, by standardized manufacturers.

To support and service our customers and the ultimate consumer, we provide parts availability through our sales offices. We also have factory service organizations at each of our plants. Additionally, a number of the Representatives we utilize have their own service organizations, which, in connection with us, provide the necessary warranty work and/or normal service to customers.

Warranties

Our product warranty policy is:  the earlier of one year from the date of first use or 18 months from date of shipment for parts only; an additional four years for compressors (if applicable); 15 years on aluminized steel gas-fired heat exchangers (if applicable); 25 years on stainless steel heat exchangers (if applicable); and ten years on gas-fired heat exchangers in RL products (if applicable). Our warranty policy for the RQ series covers parts for two years from date of unit shipment and labor for one year from date of unit shipment.

The Company also sells extended warranties on parts for various lengths of time ranging from six months to ten years. Revenue for these separately priced warranties is deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the separately priced warranty period.

Research and Development

Our products are engineered for performance, flexibility and serviceability. This has become a critical factor in competing in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (“HVAC”) equipment industry. We must continually develop new and improved products in order to compete effectively and to meet evolving regulatory standards in all of our major product lines.

All of our Research and Development ("R&D") activities are self-sponsored, rather than customer-sponsored. R&D activities have involved the RQ, RN and RL (rooftop units), F1, H3, V3, M2 and M3 (air handling units), LF, LN and LZ (chillers), CB, CF and CN (condensing units), SA and SB (self-contained units), FZ (fluid coolers) and BL (boilers), as well as component evaluation and refinement, development of control systems and new product development. We incurred research and development expenses of approximately $7.5 million, $6.3 million and $5.2 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Backlog

Our backlog as of February 1, 2016 was approximately $52.3 million compared to approximately $49.5 million as of February 1, 2015. The current backlog consists of orders considered by management to be firm and generally are filled on average within approximately 60 to 90 days after an order is deemed to become firm; however, the orders are subject to cancellation by the customers.


3



Working Capital Practices

Working capital practices in the industry center on inventories and accounts receivable. Our management regularly reviews our working capital with a view of maintaining the lowest level consistent with requirements of anticipated levels of operation. Our greatest needs arise during the months of July - November, the peak season for inventory (primarily purchased material) and accounts receivable. Our working capital requirements are generally met by cash flow from operations and a bank revolving credit facility, which currently permits borrowings up to $30 million and had a zero balance at December 31, 2015. We believe that we will have sufficient funds available to meet our working capital needs for the foreseeable future.

Seasonality

Sales of our products are moderately seasonal with the peak period being July - November of each year due to timing of construction projects being directly related to warmer weather.

Competition

In the standardized market, we compete primarily with Lennox International, Inc., Trane (Ingersoll Rand Limited), York (Johnson Controls Inc.) and Carrier (United Technologies Corporation). All of these competitors are substantially larger and have greater resources than we do. Our products compete on the basis of total value, quality, function, serviceability, efficiency, availability of product, product line recognition and acceptability of sales outlet. However, in new construction where the contractor is the purchasing decision maker, we are often at a competitive disadvantage because of the emphasis placed on initial cost. In the replacement market and other owner-controlled purchases, we have a better chance of getting the business since quality and long-term cost are generally taken into account.

Employees

As of February 19, 2016, we employed 1,676 permanent employees. Our employees are not represented by unions. Management considers its relations with our employees to be good.

Patents, Trademarks, Licenses and Concessions

We do not consider any patents, trademarks, licenses or concessions to be material to our business operations, other than patents issued regarding our energy recovery wheel option, blower, gas-fired heat exchanger, evaporative-cooled condenser de-superheater and low leakage damper which have terms of 20 years with expiration dates ranging from 2016 to 2033.

Environmental Matters

Laws concerning the environment that affect or could affect our operations include, among others, the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, regulations promulgated under these Acts, and any other federal, state or local laws or regulations governing environmental matters. We believe that we are in compliance with these laws and that future compliance will not materially affect our earnings or competitive position.

Available Information

Our Internet website address is http://www.aaon.com. Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, will be available free of charge through our Internet website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. The information on our website is not a part of, or incorporated by reference into, this annual report on Form 10-K.
Copies of any materials we file with the SEC can also be obtained free of charge through the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov, at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, or by calling the SEC at 1-800-732-0330.


4



Item 1A.  Risk Factors.

The following risks and uncertainties may affect our performance and results of operations.

Our business can be hurt by economic conditions.

Our business is affected by a number of economic factors, including the level of economic activity in the markets in which we operate. Sales in the commercial and industrial new construction markets correlate to the number of new homes and buildings that are built, which in turn is influenced by cyclical factors such as interest rates, inflation, consumer spending habits, employment rates and other macroeconomic factors over which we have no control. In the HVAC business, a decline in economic activity as a result of these cyclical or other factors typically results in a decline in new construction and replacement purchases which could impact our sales volume and profitability.

We may be adversely affected by problems in the availability, or increases in the prices, of raw materials and components.

Problems in the availability, or increases in the prices, of raw materials or components could depress our sales or increase the costs of our products. We are dependent upon components purchased from third parties, as well as raw materials such as steel, copper and aluminum. Occasionally, we enter into cancellable and noncancellable contracts on terms from six to 18 months for raw materials and components at fixed prices. However, if a key supplier is unable or unwilling to meet our supply requirements, we could experience supply interruptions or cost increases, either of which could have an adverse effect on our gross profit.

We risk having losses resulting from the use of non-cancellable fixed price contracts.

Historically, we have attempted to limit the impact of price fluctuations on commodities by entering into non-cancellable fixed price contracts with our major suppliers for periods of six to 18 months. We expect to receive delivery of raw materials from our fixed price contracts for use in our manufacturing operations. These fixed price contracts are not accounted for using hedge accounting since they meet the normal purchases and sales exemption.

We may not be able to successfully develop and market new products.

Our future success will depend upon our continued investment in research and new product development and our ability to continue to achieve new technological advances in the HVAC industry. Our inability to continue to successfully develop and market new products or our inability to implement technological advances on a pace consistent with that of our competitors could lead to a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

We may incur material costs as a result of warranty and product liability claims that would negatively affect our profitability.

The development, manufacture, sale and use of our products involve a risk of warranty and product liability claims. Our product liability insurance policies have limits that, if exceeded, may result in material costs that would have an adverse effect on our future profitability. In addition, warranty claims are not covered by our product liability insurance and there may be types of product liability claims that are also not covered by our product liability insurance.

We may not be able to compete favorably in the highly competitive HVAC business.

Competition in our various markets could cause us to reduce our prices or lose market share, which could have an adverse affect on our future financial results. Substantially all of the markets in which we participate are highly competitive. The most significant competitive factors we face are product reliability, product performance, service and price, with the relative importance of these factors varying among our product line. Other factors that affect competition in the HVAC market include the development and application of new technologies and an increasing emphasis on the development of more efficient HVAC products. Moreover, new product introductions are an important factor in the market categories in which our products compete. Several of our competitors have greater financial and other resources than we have, allowing them to invest in more extensive research and development. We may not be able to compete successfully against current and future competition and current and future competitive pressures faced by us may materially adversely affect our business and results of operations.


5



The loss of Norman H. Asbjornson could impair the growth of our business.

Norman H. Asbjornson, our founder, has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer from inception to date. He has provided the leadership and vision for our growth. Although important responsibilities and functions have been delegated to other highly experienced and capable management personnel, and our products are technologically advanced and well positioned for sales into the future, his death, disability or retirement could impair the growth of our business. We do not have an employment agreement with Mr. Asbjornson.
 
It should be noted, however, that the Board of Directors is in the process of evolving a succession plan relating to Mr. Asbjornson and the positions currently held by him.

Our business is subject to the risks of interruptions by problems such as computer viruses.

We depend upon information technology infrastructure, including network, hardware and software systems to conduct our business. Despite our implementation of network and other cyber security  measures, our information technology system and networks could be disrupted or experience a security breach from computer viruses, break-ins and similar disruptions from unauthorized tampering with our computer systems. Any such event could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Exposure to environmental liabilities could adversely affect our results of operations.

Our future profitability could be adversely affected by current or future environmental laws. We are subject to extensive and changing federal, state and local laws and regulations designed to protect the environment in the United States and in other parts of the world. These laws and regulations could impose liability for remediation costs and result in civil or criminal penalties in case of non-compliance. Compliance with environmental laws increases our costs of doing business. Because these laws are subject to frequent change, we are unable to predict the future costs resulting from environmental compliance.

We are subject to potentially extreme governmental regulations.

We always face the possibility of new governmental regulations which could have a substantial or even extreme negative effect on our operations and profitability. Negotiations during the summer of 2013 mitigated some of the negative effects of the Department of Energy Final Rule, Regulatory Identification No. 1904-AC23, published on March 7, 2011. However, some additional testing and listing requirements are still in place and will be phased in.

In addition, several other intrusive component part governmental regulations are in process. If these proposals become final rules, the effect would be the regulation of compressors and fans in products for which the DOE does not have current authority. This could affect equipment we currently manufacture and could have an impact on our product design, operations and profitability.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act contains provisions to improve transparency and accountability concerning the supply of certain minerals, known as "conflict minerals", originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries. As a result, in August 2012, the SEC adopted annual disclosure and reporting requirements for those companies who use conflict minerals in their products. Accordingly, we began our reasonable country of origin inquiries in fiscal year 2013, with initial disclosure requirements beginning in May 2014. There are costs associated with complying with these disclosure requirements, including for due diligence to determine the sources of conflict minerals used in our products and other potential changes to products, processes or sources of supply as a consequence of such verification activities. The implementation of these rules could adversely affect the sourcing, supply and pricing of materials used in our products. As there may be only a limited number of suppliers offering “conflict free” conflict minerals, we cannot be sure that we will be able to obtain necessary conflict minerals from such suppliers in sufficient quantities or at competitive prices. Also, we may face reputational challenges if we determine that certain of our products contain minerals not determined to be conflict free or if we are unable to sufficiently verify the origins for all conflict minerals used in our products through the procedures we may implement.


6



We are subject to adverse changes in tax laws.

Our tax expense or benefits could be adversely affected by changes in tax provisions, unfavorable findings in tax examinations or differing interpretations by tax authorities. We are unable to estimate the impact that current and future tax proposals and tax laws could have on our results of operations. We are currently subject to state and local tax examinations for which we do not expect any major assessments.

We are subject to international regulations that could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Due to our use of representatives in foreign markets, we are subject to many laws governing international relations, including those that prohibit improper payments to government officials and commercial customers, and restrict where we can do business, what information or products we can supply to certain countries and what information we can provide to a non-U.S. government, including but not limited to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, U.K. Bribery Act and the U.S. Export Administration Act. Violations of these laws, which are complex, may result in criminal penalties or sanctions that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Operations may be affected by natural disasters, especially since most of our operations are performed at a single location.

Natural disasters such as tornadoes and ice storms, as well as accidents, acts of terror, infection and other factors beyond our control could adversely affect our operations. Especially, as our facilities are in areas where tornadoes are likely to occur, and the majority of our operations are at our Tulsa facilities, the effects of natural disasters and other events could damage our facilities and equipment and force a temporary halt to manufacturing and other operations, and such events could consequently cause severe damage to our business. We maintain insurance against these sorts of events; however, this is not guaranteed to cover all the losses and damages incurred.

If we are unable to hire, develop or retain employees, it could have an adverse effect on our business.

We compete to hire new employees and then seek to train them to develop their skills. We may not be able to successfully recruit, develop and retain the personnel we need. Unplanned turnover or failure to hire and retain a diverse, skilled workforce, could increase our operating costs and adversely affect our results of operations.

Variability in self-insurance liability estimates could impact our results of operations.

We self-insure for employee health insurance and workers’ compensation insurance coverage up to a predetermined level, beyond which we maintain stop-loss insurance from a third-party insurer for claims over $200,000 and $750,000 for employee health insurance claims and workers' compensation insurance claims, respectively. Our aggregate exposure varies from year to year based upon the number of participants in our insurance plans. We estimate our self-insurance liabilities using an analysis provided by our claims administrator and our historical claims experience. Our accruals for insurance reserves reflect these estimates and other management judgments, which are subject to a high degree of variability. If the number or severity of claims for which we self-insure increases, it could cause a material and adverse change to our reserves for self-insurance liabilities, as well as to our earnings.

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.

Item 2.  Properties.

As of December 31, 2015, we own all of our facilities, consisting of approximately 1.55 million square feet of space for office, manufacturing, warehouse, assembly operations and parts sales in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Longview, Texas. We believe that our facilities are well maintained and are in good condition and suitable for the conduct of our business.

Our plant and office facilities in Tulsa, Oklahoma, consist of a 342,000 sq. ft. building (327,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing/warehouse space and 15,000 sq. ft. of office space) located on a 12-acre tract of land at 2425 South Yukon Avenue, and a 940,000 sq. ft. manufacturing/warehouse building and a 70,000 sq. ft. office building located on an approximately 78-acre tract of land across the street from the original facility (2440 South Yukon Avenue) (the "Tulsa facilities").


7



Our manufacturing area is in heavy industrial type buildings, with some coverage by overhead cranes, containing manufacturing equipment designed for sheet metal fabrication and metal stamping. The manufacturing equipment contained in the facilities consists primarily of automated sheet metal fabrication equipment, supplemented by presses. Assembly lines consist of seven cart-type conveyor lines with variable line speed adjustment, which are motor driven. Subassembly areas and production line manning are based upon line speed.

Our operations in Longview, Texas, are conducted in a plant/office building at 203-207 Gum Springs Road, containing 263,000 sq. ft. on 33.0 acres. The manufacturing area (approximately 256,000 sq. ft.) is located in three 120-foot wide sheet metal buildings connected by an adjoining structure. The remaining 7,000 square feet are utilized as office space. The facility is built for light industrial manufacturing.
 
Item 3.  Legal Proceedings.

We are not a party to any pending legal proceeding which management believes is likely to result in a material liability and no such action has been threatened against us, or, to the best of our knowledge, is contemplated.

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosure.

Not applicable.

PART II

Item 5.  Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

Our common stock is quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "AAON". The table below summarizes the intraday high and low reported sale prices for our common stock for the past two fiscal years. As of the close of business on February 19, 2016, there were 1,120 holders of record of our common stock.

Quarter Ended
 
High
 
Low
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2014
 
$18.87
 
$18.30
June 30, 2014
 
$22.43
 
$21.82
September 30, 2014
 
$17.58
 
$17.00
December 31, 2014
 
$22.75
 
$22.35
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2015
 
$24.71
 
$20.85
June 30, 2015
 
$24.95
 
$22.39
September 30, 2015
 
$23.23
 
$19.12
December 31, 2015
 
$25.15
 
$19.19

At the discretion of the Board of Directors we pay semi-annual cash dividends. Board approval is required to determine the date of declaration and amount for each semi-annual dividend payment. Future cash dividends will be dependent on cash flows and results of operations.

On May 21, 2013, we declared a three-for-two stock split of the Company's common stock to be paid in the form of a stock dividend on July 2, 2013. Stockholders of record at the close of business on June 13, 2013 received one additional share for every two shares they held as of that date. In addition, on May 21, 2013, we approved a semi-annual cash dividend of $0.06 per share, to the holders of our outstanding Common Stock as of the close of business on June 13, 2013, the record date. Those dividends were paid on July 2, 2013.

We declared a regular semi-annual cash dividend of $0.07 per share on November 6, 2013. The dividends were payable to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 2, 2013, the record date, and were paid on December 23, 2013.


8



On May 2, 2014, we declared a regular semi-annual cash dividend of $0.09 per share, to stockholders of record at the close of business on June 12, 2014, the record date. Those dividends were paid on July 1, 2014.

On June 5, 2014, we declared a three-for-two stock split of the Company's common stock to be paid in the form of a stock dividend on July 16, 2014. Stockholders of record at the close of business on June 27, 2014 received one additional share for every two shares they held as of that date.

At a meeting of the Board of Directors on November 4, 2014, the Board declared a regular semi-annual cash dividend of $0.09 per share. The dividends were payable to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 2, 2014, the record date, and were paid on December 23, 2014.

On May 19, 2015, the Board of Directors declared a regular semi-annual cash dividend of $0.11 per share, to stockholders of record at the close of business on June 12, 2015, the record date. The dividends were paid on July 1, 2015.

On October 29, 2015, the Board of Directors declared a regular semi-annual cash dividend of $0.11 per share, to stockholders of record at the close of business on December 2, 2015, the record date. The dividends were paid on December 23, 2015.

The following is a summary of our share-based compensation plans as of December 31, 2015:

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
Plan category
 
(a)
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights
 
(b)
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights
 
(c)
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The 1992 stock option plan
 
29,482

 
$
4.43

 

The 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan
 
418,889

 
$
7.76

 
439,702



Repurchases during the fourth quarter of 2015 were as follows:
 
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
 
 
(a)
Total
Number
of Shares
(or Units
 
(b)
Average
Price
Paid
(Per Share
 
(c)
Total Number
of Shares (or
Units) Purchased
as part of
Publicly Announced
 
(d)
Maximum Number (or
Approximate Dollar
Value) of Shares (or
Units) that may yet be
Purchased under the
Period
 
Purchased)
 
or Unit)
 
Plans or Programs
 
Plans or Programs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
October 2015
 
51,780

 
$
20.92

 
51,780

 

November 2015
 
635,058

 
24.30

 
635,058

 

December 2015
 
470,340

 
23.80

 
470,340

 

Total     
 
1,157,178

 
$
23.94

 
1,157,178

 


9




Comparative Stock Performance Graph

The following performance graph compares our cumulative total shareholder return, the NASDAQ Composite and a peer group of U.S. industrial manufacturing companies in the air conditioning, ventilation, and heating exchange equipment markets from December 31, 2010 through December 31, 2015. The graph assumes that $100 was invested at the close of trading December 31, 2010, with reinvestment of dividends. Our peer group includes Lennox International, Inc., Ingersoll Rand Limited, Johnson Controls Inc., and United Technologies Corporation. This table is not intended to forecast future performance of our Common Stock.
  

 
This stock performance Graph is not deemed to be “soliciting material” or otherwise be considered to be “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act) or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, and should not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates it by reference into such a filing.

10



Item 6.  Selected Financial Data.

The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included under Item 8 of this report and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contained in Item 7.

 
Years Ended December 31,
Results of Operations:
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
Net sales
$
358,632

 
$
356,322

 
$
321,140

 
$
303,114

 
$
266,220

Net income
$
45,728

 
$
44,158

 
$
37,547

 
$
27,449

 
$
13,986

Earnings per share:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
$
0.85

 
$
0.81

 
$
0.68

 
$
0.50

 
$
0.25

Diluted
$
0.84

 
$
0.80

 
$
0.68

 
$
0.49

 
$
0.25

Cash dividends declared per common share:
$
0.22

 
$
0.18

 
$
0.13

 
$
0.16

(1)
$
0.11

(1) Includes special dividend of $0.05 per common share paid on December 24, 2012.

 
December 31,
Financial Position at End of Fiscal Year:
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
(in thousands)
Working capital
$
80,800

 
$
82,227

 
$
72,515

 
$
47,428

 
$
41,177

Total assets
232,854

 
226,974

 
210,665

 
189,000

 
174,458

Long-term and current debt

 

 

 

 
4,575

Total stockholders’ equity
178,918

 
174,059

 
164,106

 
138,136

 
122,504


Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measure
To supplement the Company’s consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), an additional non-GAAP financial measure is provided and reconciled in the following table. The Company believes that this non-GAAP financial measure, when considered together with the GAAP financial measures, provide information that is useful to investors in understanding period-over-period operating results. The Company believes that this non-GAAP financial measure enhances the ability of investors to analyze the Company’s business trends and operating performance.

EBITDAX
EBITDAX (as defined below) is presented herein and reconciled from the GAAP measure of net income because of its wide acceptance by the investment community as a financial indicator of a company's ability to internally fund operations.
The Company defines EBITDAX as net income, plus (1) depreciation, (2) amortization of bond premiums, (3) share-based compensation, (4) interest (income) expense and (5) income tax expense. EBITDAX is not a measure of net income or cash flows as determined by GAAP.
The Company’s EBITDAX measure provides additional information which may be used to better understand the Company’s operations. EBITDAX is one of several metrics that the Company uses as a supplemental financial measurement in the evaluation of its business and should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income, as an indicator of operating performance. Certain items excluded from EBITDAX are significant components in understanding and assessing a company's financial performance. EBITDAX, as used by the Company, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. The Company believes that EBITDAX is a widely followed measure of operating performance and is one of many metrics used by the Company’s management team, and by other users of the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

11



The following table provides a reconciliation of net income (GAAP) to EBITDAX (non-GAAP) for the periods indicated:
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
(in thousands)
Net Income, a GAAP measure
$
45,728

 
$
44,158

 
$
37,547

 
$
27,449

 
$
13,986

Depreciation
11,741

 
11,553

 
12,312

 
13,407

 
11,397

Amortization of bond premiums
266

 
688

 
790

 
155

 
156

Share-based compensation
2,891

 
2,178

 
1,763

 
1,294

 
680

Interest (income) expense
(427
)
 
(964
)
 
(1,011
)
 
(197
)
 
23

Income tax expense
25,611

 
24,088

 
18,747

 
16,868

 
7,527

EBITDAX, a non-GAAP measure
$
85,810

 
$
81,701

 
$
70,148

 
$
58,976

 
$
33,769








12



Item 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Overview

We engineer, manufacture and market air conditioning and heating equipment consisting of rooftop units, chillers, packaged outdoor mechanical rooms, air handling units, makeup air units, energy recovery units, condensing units, geothermal heat pumps, self-contained units and coils. These products are marketed and sold to retail, manufacturing, educational, lodging, supermarket, medical and other commercial industries. We market our products to all 50 states in the United States and certain provinces in Canada.  

Our business can be affected by a number of economic factors, including the level of economic activity in the markets in which we operate. The recent uncertainty of the economy has negatively impacted the commercial and industrial new construction markets. A further decline in economic activity could result in a decrease in our sales volume and profitability. Sales in the commercial and industrial new construction markets correlate closely to the number of new homes and buildings that are built, which in turn is influenced by cyclical factors such as interest rates, inflation, consumer spending habits, employment rates and other macroeconomic factors over which we have no control.

We sell our products to property owners and contractors through a network of manufacturers’ representatives and our internal sales force. The demand for our products is influenced by national and regional economic and demographic factors. The commercial and industrial new construction market is subject to cyclical fluctuations in that it is generally tied to housing starts, but has a lag factor of six to 18 months. Housing starts, in turn, are affected by such factors as interest rates, the state of the economy, population growth and the relative age of the population. When new construction is down, we emphasize the replacement market. The new construction market in 2015 continued to be unpredictable and uneven. Thus, throughout the year, we emphasized promotion of the benefits of AAON equipment to property owners in the replacement market.

The principal components of cost of goods sold are labor, raw materials, component costs, factory overhead, freight out and engineering expense. The principal high volume raw materials used in our manufacturing processes are steel, copper and aluminum and are obtained from domestic suppliers. We also purchase from domestic manufacturers certain components, including compressors, motors and electrical controls.

The price levels of our raw materials have remained relatively consistent the past few years, but the market continues to be volatile and unpredictable as a result of the uncertainty related to the U.S. economy and global economy. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the prices for copper, galvanized steel and stainless steel decreased approximately 13.0%, 10.6% and 13.9%, respectively, from a year ago, while the price for aluminum increased 1.8% from a year ago. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the price for copper decreased approximately 5.1%, while the prices for galvanized steel, stainless steel, and aluminum increased 2.2%, 3.4% and 8.6%, respectively, from 2013.

In 2011, we began using an all aluminum microchannel condenser coil on our small rooftop unit product line, and in 2013, we began using this condenser coil in our new large rooftop product line as well. The condenser coil is the outdoor coil of a conventional air conditioning system. We expect to be using this type of condenser coil throughout the complete rooftop unit product line. This will reduce our copper tube usage in this component of the product, however, copper will remain a high volume raw material because of its use throughout the equipment.

We attempt to limit the impact of price fluctuations on these materials by entering into cancellable and non-cancellable fixed price contracts with our major suppliers for periods of six to 18 months. We expect to receive delivery of raw materials from our fixed price contracts for use in our manufacturing operations.

The following are highlights of our results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition:

We spent $21.0 million in capital expenditures in 2015, an increase of $4.9 million from the $16.1 million spent in 2014, to increase our production capacity and efficiency.

We paid cash dividends of $11.9 million in 2015 compared to $9.7 million in 2014

We reinstated open market repurchases of our stock, repurchasing slightly more than 1.0 million shares for nearly $25.0 million from the open market in the last two months of 2015.


13



Results of Operations

Units sold for years ended December 31:

 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rooftop Units
 
15,134

 
14,587

 
13,969

Split Systems
 
3,385

 
2,622

 
2,604

Outdoor Mechanical Rooms
 
57

 
114

 
93

Total Units
 
18,576

 
17,323

 
16,666



Year Ended December 31, 2015 vs. Year Ended December 31, 2014

Net Sales

 
 
Years Ending December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
$ Change
% Change
 
 
(in thousands, except unit data)
Net sales
 
$
358,632

 
$
356,322

 
$
2,310

0.6
%
Total units
 
18,576

 
17,323

 
1,253

7.2
%

Net sales remained relatively stable while we saw an increase in our total units sold. Most of the increase in our units sold came from our Longview facility which have a lower average price per unit.

Cost of Sales

 
 
Years Ending December 31,
 
Percent of Sales
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales
 
$
249,951

 
$
248,059

 
69.7
%
 
69.6
%
Gross Profit
 
108,681

 
108,263

 
30.3
%
 
30.4
%

The principal components of cost of sales are labor, raw materials, component costs, factory overhead, freight out and engineering expense. The principal high volume raw materials used in our manufacturing processes are steel, copper and aluminum, which are obtained from domestic suppliers.

Twelve month average raw material cost per pound as of December 31:

 
 
Years Ending December 31,
 
 
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
% Change
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Copper
 
$
3.54

 
$
4.07

 
(13.0
)%
Galvanized Steel
 
$
0.42

 
$
0.47

 
(10.6
)%
Stainless Steel
 
$
1.30

 
$
1.51

 
(13.9
)%
Aluminum
 
$
1.67

 
$
1.64

 
1.8
 %

14




Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 
 
Years Ending December 31,
 
Percent of Sales
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Warranty
 
$
4,317

 
$
4,874

 
1.2
%
 
1.4
%
Profit Sharing
 
8,037

 
7,781

 
2.2
%
 
2.2
%
Salaries & Benefits
 
11,078

 
11,638

 
3.1
%
 
3.3
%
Stock Compensation
 
2,082

 
1,520

 
0.6
%
 
0.4
%
Advertising
 
1,191

 
1,015

 
0.3
%
 
0.3
%
Depreciation
 
930

 
878

 
0.3
%
 
0.2
%
Insurance
 
1,153

 
1,160

 
0.3
%
 
0.3
%
Professional Fees
 
1,794

 
1,986

 
0.5
%
 
0.6
%
Donations
 
452

 
4,202

 
0.1
%
 
1.2
%
Other
 
6,404

 
5,508

 
1.8
%
 
1.5
%
Total SG&A
 
$
37,438

 
$
40,562

 
10.4
%
 
11.4
%

The decrease in SG&A is primarily due to the non-recurring donations in 2014, along with a decrease in warranty expense as a result of continued improvements in quality control, offset by an increase in other expense. In 2015, other expense increased due to sales taxes to certain states.

Income Taxes

 
 
Years Ending December 31,
 
Effective Tax Rate
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Income tax provision
 
$
25,611

 
$
24,088

 
35.9
%
 
35.3
%

Year Ended December 31, 2014 vs. Year Ended December 31, 2013

Net Sales

 
 
Years Ending December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
$ Change
% Change
 
 
(in thousands, except unit data)
Net sales
 
$
356,322

 
$
321,140

 
$
35,182

11.0
%
Total units
 
17,323

 
16,666

 
657

3.9
%

The increase in net sales was the result of the favorable reception to our new products and increased market share. Because of our wide product mix and flexibility of features within each product, overall net sales increased approximately 11.0%. We estimate that approximately 5.5% of the net sales increase was related to increases in the average sales price due to changes in product mix and price increases and the other 3.9% was related to increased unit sales.


15



Cost of Sales

 
 
Years Ending December 31,
 
Percent of Sales
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales
 
$
248,059

 
$
231,348

 
69.6
%
 
72.0
%
Gross Profit
 
108,263

 
89,792

 
30.4
%
 
28.0
%

The principal components of cost of sales are labor, raw materials, component costs, factory overhead, freight out and engineering expense. The principal high volume raw materials used in our manufacturing processes are steel, copper and aluminum, which are obtained from domestic suppliers. The improvement in gross profit is primarily due to efficiencies gained from our investment in equipment.

Twelve month average raw material cost per pound as of December 31:

 
 
Years Ending December 31,
 
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
% Change
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Copper
 
$
4.07

 
$
4.29

 
(5.1
)%
Galvanized Steel
 
$
0.47

 
$
0.46

 
2.2
 %
Stainless Steel
 
$
1.51

 
$
1.46

 
3.4
 %
Aluminum
 
$
1.64

 
$
1.51

 
8.6
 %


Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 
 
Years Ending December 31,
 
Percent of Sales
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Warranty
 
$
4,874

 
$
6,024

 
1.4
%
 
1.9
%
Profit Sharing
 
7,781

 
6,397

 
2.2
%
 
2.0
%
Salaries & Benefits
 
11,638

 
10,287

 
3.3
%
 
3.2
%
Stock Compensation
 
1,520

 
1,086

 
0.4
%
 
0.3
%
Advertising
 
1,015

 
946

 
0.3
%
 
0.3
%
Depreciation
 
878

 
861

 
0.2
%
 
0.3
%
Insurance
 
1,160

 
1,072

 
0.3
%
 
0.3
%
Professional Fees
 
1,986

 
2,108

 
0.6
%
 
0.7
%
Donations
 
4,202

 
231

 
1.2
%
 
0.1
%
Other
 
5,508

 
4,977

 
1.5
%
 
1.5
%
Total SG&A
 
$
40,562

 
$
33,989

 
11.4
%
 
10.6
%

The increase in SG&A is primarily due to an additional $4.0 million in charitable donations, higher profit sharing expense as a result of higher operating income before income taxes and increased compensation costs in 2014. these increases were offset by a decrease in warranty expense as a result of improvement in quality control.


16



Income Taxes

 
 
Years Ending December 31,
 
Effective Tax Rate
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Income tax provision
 
$
24,088

 
$
18,747

 
35.3
%
 
33.3
%

The income tax provision for 2013 reflected benefits related to the R&D Credit and the Indian Employment Credit of approximately $0.9 million for tax years 2013 and 2012. These federal credits were retroactively reinstated on January 2, 2013, with the enactment of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 ("ATRA").

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our working capital and capital expenditure requirements are generally met through net cash provided by operations and the occasional use of the revolving bank line of credit based on our current liquidity at the time.

Our cash and cash equivalents decreased $14.0 million from December 31, 2014 to December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2015, we had $7.9 million in cash and cash equivalents.

As of December 31, 2015, we had certificates of deposit of $12.0 million and investments held to maturity at amortized cost of $17.5 million. These certificates of deposit had maturity dates of less than one month to approximately 15 months. The investments held to maturity at amortized cost had maturity dates of less than one month to approximately 15 months.

On July 25, 2014 we renewed our line of credit with BOKF, NA dba Bank of Oklahoma, formerly known as Bank of Oklahoma, N.A. ("Bank of Oklahoma"). The revolving line of credit matures on July 27, 2016. We expect to renew our line of credit in July 2016 with favorable terms. Under the line of credit, there was one standby letter of credit of $0.8 million as of December 31, 2015. At December 31, 2015 we have $29.2 million of borrowings available under the revolving credit facility. No fees are associated with the unused portion of the committed amount.

As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, there were no outstanding balances under the revolving credit facility. Interest on borrowings is payable monthly at LIBOR plus 2.5%. The weighted average interest rate was 2.6% and 2.7% for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

At December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with all of the covenants under the revolving credit facility. We are obligated to comply with certain financial covenants under the revolving credit facility. These covenants require that we meet certain parameters related to our tangible net worth, total liabilities to tangible net worth ratio and working capital. At December 31, 2015, our tangible net worth was $178.9 million, which meets the requirement of being at or above $95.0 million. Our total liabilities to tangible net worth ratio was 0.3 to 1.0 which meets the requirement of not being above 2 to 1. Our working capital was $80.8 million, which meets the requirement of being at or above $40.0 million.

We repurchased shares of stock from the open market, from employees’ 401(k) savings investment plan, option exercises of our directors and officers and vested restricted stock from employees, directors and officers in the amount of $37.1 million for 1.6 million shares, $29.3 million for 1.5 million shares and $8.2 million for 0.6 million shares in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We repurchased the shares at current market prices.

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 we paid cash dividends of $11.9 million, $9.7 million and $7.4 million, respectively.

Based on historical performance and current expectations, we believe our cash and cash equivalents balance, the projected cash flows generated from our operations, our existing committed revolving credit facility (or comparable financing) and our expected ability to access capital markets will satisfy our working capital needs, capital expenditures and other liquidity requirements associated with our operations in 2016 and the foreseeable future.

17




Statement of Cash Flows

The table below reflects a summary of our net cash flows provided by operating activities, net cash flows used in investing activities, and net cash flows used in financing activities for the years indicated.
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(in thousands)
Operating Activities
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income
$
45,728

 
$
44,158

 
$
37,547

Income statement adjustments, net
13,805

 
10,915

 
12,892

Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
(5,884
)
 
(5,007
)
 
4,662

Income tax receivable
312

 
(257
)
 
464

Inventories
(1,059
)
 
(5,613
)
 
231

Prepaid expenses and other
76

 
(305
)
 
436

Accounts payable
(5,109
)
 
3,512

 
(5,197
)
Deferred revenue
189

 
782

 
615

Accrued liabilities
4,852

 
4,094

 
1,942

Net cash provided by operating activities
52,910

 
52,279

 
53,592

Investing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(20,967
)
 
(16,127
)
 
(9,041
)
Purchases of investments
(20,863
)
 
(16,820
)
 
(31,383
)
Maturities of investments and proceeds from called investments
18,519

 
26,536

 
8,937

Other
117

 
382

 
161

Net cash used in investing activities
(23,194
)
 
(6,029
)
 
(31,326
)
Financing Activities
 
 
 
 
 
(Payments) borrowings under revolving credit facility, net

 

 

Stock options exercised and excess tax benefits from stock options exercised and restricted stock awards vested
5,240

 
2,557

 
2,310

Repurchase of stock
(37,143
)
 
(29,284
)
 
(8,222
)
Cash dividends paid to stockholders
(11,857
)
 
(9,656
)
 
(7,428
)
Net cash used in financing activities
$
(43,760
)
 
$
(36,383
)
 
$
(13,340
)

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Cash flows from operating activities have remained relatively consistent in 2015 with 2014 and 2013.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Capital expenditures increased in 2015 as compared to 2014 and were primarily related to investments in additional manufacturing and production equipment to support our growth and improve efficiencies.

The capital expenditure program for 2016 is estimated to be approximately $32.7 million. The increase in capital expenditures is primarily due to construction projects related to our new research and development lab. Many of these projects are subject to review and cancellation at the discretion of our CEO and Board of Directors without incurring substantial charges.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

We continued to increase our buyback activity in 2015 compared to prior years, resulting in approximately $25.0 million in open market repurchases of our stock in 2015.


18



Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We are not party to any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues, expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

Commitments and Contractual Agreements

We had no material contractual purchase agreements as of December 31, 2015.

Contingencies

We are subject to various claims and legal actions that arise in the ordinary course of business. We closely monitor these claims and legal actions and frequently consult with our legal counsel to determine whether they may, when resolved, have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows and we accrue and/or disclose loss contingencies as appropriate. We have concluded that the likelihood is remote that the ultimate resolution of any pending litigation or claims will be material or have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events, and apply judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses in our consolidated financial statements and related notes. We base our estimates, assumptions and judgments on historical experience, current trends and other factors believed to be relevant at the time our consolidated financial statements are prepared. However, because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our estimates and assumptions, and such differences could be material. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant estimates, assumptions and judgments used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

Inventory Reserves – We establish a reserve for inventories based on the change in inventory requirements due to product line changes, the feasibility of using obsolete parts for upgraded part substitutions, the required parts needed for part supply sales, replacement parts and for estimated shrinkage.

Warranty – A provision is made for estimated warranty costs at the time the product is shipped and revenue is recognized. The warranty period is:  the earlier of one year from the date of first use or 18 months from date of shipment for parts only; an additional four years on compressors (if applicable); 15 years on aluminized steel gas-fired heat exchangers (if applicable); 25 years on stainless steel heat exchangers (if applicable); and 10 years on gas-fired heat exchangers in RL products (if applicable). With the introduction of the RQ product line in 2010, our warranty policy for the RQ series was implemented to cover parts for two years from date of unit shipment and labor for one year from date of unit shipment. Warranty expense is estimated based on the warranty period, historical warranty trends and associated costs, and any known identifiable warranty issue.

Due to the absence of warranty history on new products, an additional provision may be made for such products. Our estimated future warranty cost is subject to adjustment from time to time depending on changes in actual warranty trends and cost experience. Should actual claim rates differ from our estimates, revisions to the estimated product warranty liability would be required.

Stock Compensation – We measure and recognize compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to our employees and directors, including stock options and restricted stock awards, based on their fair values at the time of grant. Compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, is recognized on a straight-line basis during the service period of the related share-based compensation award. Forfeitures are estimated based on the Company's historical experience. The fair value of each option award and restricted stock award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. The use of the Black-Scholes-Merton option valuation model requires the input of subjective assumptions such as: the expected volatility, the expected term of the options granted, expected dividend yield, and the risk-free rate.


19



New Accounting Pronouncements

Changes to U.S. GAAP are established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") in the form of accounting standards updates ("ASUs") to the FASB's Accounting Standards Codification.

We consider the applicability and impact of all ASUs. ASUs not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or are expected to have minimal impact on our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. In August 2015, with the issuance of ASU 2015-14, the FASB amended the effective date for us to January 1, 2018. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We do not expect ASU 2014-09 will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Taxes, which requires presentation of deferred tax assets and liabilities as non-current in a classified balance sheet. The ASU becomes effective in the annual reporting period beginning after December 31, 2016, including interim reporting periods. Early adoption is allowed as of the beginning of any interim or annual reporting period. The standard permits the use of the retrospective or prospective transition method. We have early adopted the standard effective October 1, 2015, for the interim and annual reporting periods ending December 31, 2015 and have applied the retrospective transition method. The following table displays the prior period quantitative effects on the consolidated balance sheets:
December 31, 2014
 
As Reported
 
As Restated
 
 
(in thousands)
Deferred tax assets
 
$
6,143

 
$

Total current assets
 
131,083

 
124,940

Total assets
 
233,117

 
226,974

Deferred tax liabilities
 
13,677

 
7,534

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
233,117

 
226,974


There are no prior period quantitative effects on the consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity or cash flows.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which will address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. The ASU becomes effective in the annual reporting period beginning after December 31, 2017, including interim reporting periods. We do not expect ASU 2016-01 will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Commodity Price Risk

We are exposed to volatility in the prices of commodities used in some of our products and, occasionally, we use fixed price cancellable and non-cancellable contracts with our major suppliers for periods of six to 18 months to manage this exposure.


20



Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.


INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
 
Page
 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Income 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 


21



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Stockholders
AAON, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of AAON, Inc. (a Nevada corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of AAON, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As discussed in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted new accounting guidance in 2015 and 2014, related to the presentation of deferred income taxes.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control–Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 25, 2016, expressed an unqualified opinion.


/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
Tulsa, Oklahoma
February 25, 2016


22




AAON, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Assets
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
7,908

 
$
21,952

Certificates of deposit
10,080

 
6,098

Investments held to maturity at amortized cost
12,444

 
11,972

Accounts receivable, net
50,024

 
44,092

Income tax receivable
4,702

 
2,569

Note receivable
23

 
30

Inventories, net
38,499

 
37,618

Prepaid expenses and other
533

 
609

Total current assets
124,213

 
124,940

Property, plant and equipment:
 

 
 

Land
2,233

 
2,233

Buildings
68,806

 
64,938

Machinery and equipment
143,100

 
127,968

Furniture and fixtures
11,270

 
10,388

Total property, plant and equipment
225,409

 
205,527

Less:  Accumulated depreciation
124,348

 
113,605

Property, plant and equipment, net
101,061

 
91,922

Certificates of deposit
1,880

 
5,280

Investments held to maturity at amortized cost
5,039

 
4,015

Note receivable, long-term
661

 
817

Total assets
$
232,854

 
$
226,974

 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 

 
 

Current liabilities:
 

 
 

Revolving credit facility
$

 
$

Accounts payable
6,178

 
11,370

Accrued liabilities
37,235

 
31,343

Total current liabilities
43,413

 
42,713

Deferred revenue
698

 
1,006

Deferred tax liabilities
8,706

 
7,534

Donations
1,119

 
1,662

Commitments and contingencies


 


Stockholders' equity:
 

 
 

Preferred stock, $.001 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued


 


Common stock, $.004 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 53,012,363 and 54,041,829 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively
212

 
216

Additional paid-in capital

 

Retained earnings
178,706

 
173,843

Total stockholders' equity
178,918

 
174,059

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
232,854

 
$
226,974


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

23




AAON, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income
 
Years Ending December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
Net sales
$
358,632

 
$
356,322

 
$
321,140

Cost of sales
249,951

 
248,059

 
231,348

Gross profit
108,681

 
108,263

 
89,792

Selling, general and administrative expenses
37,438

 
40,562

 
33,989

Gain on disposal of assets
(59
)
 
(305
)
 
(22
)
Income from operations
71,302

 
68,006

 
55,825

Interest income, net
161

 
276

 
221

Other (expense) income, net
(124
)
 
(36
)
 
248

Income before taxes
71,339

 
68,246

 
56,294

Income tax provision
25,611

 
24,088

 
18,747

Net income
$
45,728

 
$
44,158

 
$
37,547

Earnings per share:
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
$
0.85

 
$
0.81

 
$
0.68

Diluted
$
0.84

 
$
0.80

 
$
0.68

Cash dividends declared per common share:
$
0.22

 
$
0.18

 
$
0.13

Weighted average shares outstanding:
 

 
 

 
 
Basic
54,045,841

 
54,809,319

 
55,119,150

Diluted
54,481,484

 
55,369,016

 
55,587,381


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


24




AAON, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Stock
 
Paid-in
 
Retained
 
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Capital
 
Earnings
 
Total
 
(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2012
55,166

 
$
221

 
$

 
$
137,915

 
$
138,136

Net income

 

 

 
37,547

 
37,547

Stock options exercised and restricted
435

 
2

 
2,308

 

 
2,310

stock awards granted, including tax benefits
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Share-based compensation

 

 
1,763

 

 
1,763

Stock repurchased and retired
(534
)
 
(2
)
 
(4,071
)
 
(4,149
)
 
(8,222
)
Dividends

 

 

 
(7,428
)
 
(7,428
)
Balance at December 31, 2013
55,067

 
221

 

 
163,885

 
164,106

Net income

 

 

 
44,158

 
44,158

Stock options exercised and restricted
463

 
1

 
2,556

 

 
2,557

stock awards granted, including tax benefits
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Share-based compensation

 

 
2,178

 

 
2,178

Stock repurchased and retired
(1,488
)
 
(6
)
 
(4,734
)
 
(24,544
)
 
(29,284
)
Dividends

 

 

 
(9,656
)
 
(9,656
)
Balance at December 31, 2014
54,042

 
216

 

 
173,843

 
174,059

Net income

 

 

 
45,728

 
45,728

Stock options exercised and restricted
546

 
2

 
5,238

 

 
5,240

stock awards granted, including tax benefits
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Share-based compensation

 

 
2,891

 

 
2,891

Stock repurchased and retired
(1,576
)
 
(6
)
 
(8,129
)
 
(29,008
)
 
(37,143
)
Dividends

 

 

 
(11,857
)
 
(11,857
)
Balance at December 31, 2015
53,012

 
$
212

 
$

 
$
178,706

 
$
178,918


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


25



AAON, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
Years Ending December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Operating Activities
(in thousands)
Net income
$
45,728

 
$
44,158

 
$
37,547

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 

 
 

 
 

Depreciation
11,741

 
11,553

 
12,312

Amortization of bond premiums
266

 
688

 
790

Provision for losses on accounts receivable, net of adjustments
(48
)
 
(22
)
 
141

Provision for excess and obsolete inventories
178

 
135

 
243

Share-based compensation
2,891

 
2,178

 
1,763

Excess tax benefits from stock options exercised and restricted stock awards vested
(2,445
)
 
(1,239
)
 
(843
)
Gain on disposition of assets
(59
)
 
(305
)
 
(22
)
Foreign currency transaction loss
139

 
74

 
67

Interest income on note receivable
(30
)
 
(36
)
 
(40
)
Deferred income taxes
1,172

 
(2,111
)
 
(1,594
)
Write-off of note receivable

 

 
75

Changes in assets and liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

Accounts receivable
(5,884
)
 
(5,007
)
 
4,662

Income tax receivable
312

 
(257
)
 
464

Inventories
(1,059
)
 
(5,613
)
 
231

Prepaid expenses and other
76

 
(305
)
 
436

Accounts payable
(5,109
)
 
3,512

 
(5,197
)
Deferred revenue
189

 
782

 
615

Accrued liabilities
4,852

 
4,094

 
1,942

Net cash provided by operating activities
52,910

 
52,279

 
53,592

Investing Activities
 

 
 

 
 

Capital expenditures
(20,967
)
 
(16,127
)
 
(9,041
)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
63

 
319

 
92

Investment in certificates of deposits
(6,680
)
 
(9,940
)
 
(9,108
)
Maturities of certificates of deposits
6,098

 
9,310

 
3,600

Purchases of investments held to maturity
(14,183
)
 
(6,880
)
 
(22,275
)
Maturities of investments
11,408

 
14,197

 
2,005

Proceeds from called investments
1,013

 
3,029

 
3,332

Principal payments from note receivable
54

 
63

 
69

Net cash used in investing activities
(23,194
)
 
(6,029
)
 
(31,326
)
Financing Activities
 

 
 

 
 

Borrowings under revolving credit facility

 

 
8,325

Payments under revolving credit facility

 

 
(8,325
)
Stock options exercised
2,795

 
1,318

 
1,467

Excess tax benefits from stock options exercised and restricted stock awards vested
2,445

 
1,239

 
843

Repurchase of stock
(37,143
)
 
(29,284
)
 
(8,222
)
Cash dividends paid to stockholders
(11,857
)
 
(9,656
)
 
(7,428
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(43,760
)
 
(36,383
)
 
(13,340
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(14,044
)
 
9,867

 
8,926

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
21,952

 
12,085

 
3,159

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
$
7,908

 
$
21,952

 
$
12,085

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

26



AAON, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2015
 
1.  Business Description

AAON, Inc. is a Nevada corporation which was incorporated on August 18, 1987. Our operating subsidiaries include AAON, Inc., an Oklahoma corporation and AAON Coil Products, Inc., a Texas corporation (collectively, the "Company"). The Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts and the accounts of our subsidiaries.  

We are engaged in the manufacture and sale of air conditioning and heating equipment consisting of rooftop units, chillers, packaged outdoor mechanical rooms, air handling units, makeup air units, energy recovery units, condensing units, geothermal heat pumps, self-contained units and coils.

2.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

These financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid temporary investments with original maturity dates of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents consist of bank deposits and highly liquid, interest-bearing money market funds. The Company's cash and cash equivalents are held in a few financial institutions in amounts that exceed the insurance limits of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. However, management believes that the Company's counterparty risks are minimal based on the reputation and history of the institutions selected.
 
Investments

Certificates of Deposit

We held $12.0 million and $11.4 million in certificates of deposit at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. At December 31, 2015, the certificates of deposit bear interest ranging from 0.25% to 0.90% per annum and have various maturities ranging from less than one month to approximately 15 months.

Investments Held to Maturity

At December 31, 2015, our investments held to maturity were comprised of $17.5 million of corporate notes and bonds with various maturities ranging from less than one month to approximately 15 months. The investments have moderate risk with S&P ratings ranging from AA+ to BBB-.  

We record the amortized cost basis and accrued interest of the corporate notes and bonds in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We record the interest and amortization of bond premium to interest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.  

27




The following summarizes the amortized cost and estimated fair value of our investments held to maturity at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
 
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gain
 
Gross
Unrealized
(Loss)
 
Fair
Value
December 31, 2015:
(in thousands)
Current assets:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 Investments held to maturity
$
12,444

 
$

 
$
(16
)
 
$
12,428

Non current assets:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Investments held to maturity
5,039

 

 
(17
)
 
5,022

Total
$
17,483

 
$

 
$
(33
)
 
$
17,450

December 31, 2014:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Current assets:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Investments held to maturity
$
11,972

 
$

 
$
(7
)
 
$
11,965

Non current assets:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Investments held to maturity
4,015

 

 
(16
)
 
3,999

Total
$
15,987

 
$

 
$
(23
)
 
$
15,964

 
We evaluate these investments for other-than-temporary impairments on a quarterly basis. We do not believe there was an other-than-temporary impairment for our investments at December 31, 2015 or 2014.
 
Accounts and Note Receivable

Accounts and note receivable are stated at amounts due from customers, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. We generally do not require that our customers provide collateral. The Company determines its allowance for doubtful accounts by considering a number of factors, including the credit risk of specific customers, the customer’s ability to pay current obligations, historical trends, economic and market conditions and the age of the receivable. Accounts are considered past due when the balance has been outstanding for ninety days past negotiated credit terms. Past due accounts are generally written-off against the allowance for doubtful accounts only after all collection attempts have been exhausted.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Our customers are concentrated primarily in the domestic commercial and industrial new construction and replacement markets. To date, our sales have been primarily to the domestic market, with foreign sales accounting for approximately 4%, 6% and 5% of revenues for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. One customer accounted for 10% or more of our sales during 2015No customer accounted for 10% or more of our sales during 2014 or 2013No customer accounted for 5% or more of our accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2015 or 2014.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value because of the short-term maturity of the items. The carrying amount of the Company's revolving line of credit, and other payables, approximate their fair values either due to their short term nature, the variable rates associated with the debt or based on current rates offered to the Company for debt with similar characteristics.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. Cost in inventory includes purchased parts and materials, direct labor and applied manufacturing overhead. We establish an allowance for excess and obsolete inventories based on product line changes, the feasibility of substituting parts and the need for supply and replacement parts.


28



Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment, including significant improvements, are recorded at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Repairs and maintenance and any gains or losses on disposition are included in operations.

Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

Buildings
3-40 years
Machinery and equipment
3-15 years
Furniture and fixtures
3-7 years

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

We review long-lived assets for possible impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate, in management’s judgment, that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset or asset group to its estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or asset group. If the undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset or asset group, an impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset or asset group exceeds its fair value.

Research and Development

The costs associated with research and development for the purpose of developing and improving new products are expensed as incurred. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 research and development costs amounted to approximately $7.5 million, $6.3 million, and $5.2 million, respectively.

Advertising

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 was approximately $1.2 million, $1.0 million, and $0.9 million, respectively.

Shipping and Handling

We incur shipping and handling costs in the distribution of products sold that are recorded in cost of sales. Shipping charges that are billed to the customer are recorded in revenues and as an expense in cost of sales. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 shipping and handling fees amounted to approximately $9.6 million, $8.5 million, and $7.9 million, respectively.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the book carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. We establish accruals for unrecognized tax positions when it is more likely than not that our tax return positions may not be fully sustained. The Company records a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized.

Share-Based Compensation

The Company recognizes expense for its share-based compensation based on the fair value of the awards that are granted. The Company’s share-based compensation plans provide for the granting of stock options and restricted stock. The fair values of stock options are estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option valuation model. The use of the Black-Scholes-Merton option valuation model requires the input of subjective assumptions. Measured compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, is recognized ratably over the vesting period of the related share-based compensation award. Forfeitures are estimated based on the Company's historical experience. The fair value of restricted stock awards is determined based on the market value of the Company’s shares on the grant date and the compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis during the service period of the respective grant.


29



Derivative Instruments

In the course of normal operations, the Company occasionally enters into contracts such as forward priced physical contracts for the purchase of raw materials that qualify for and are designated as normal purchase or normal sale contracts. Such contracts are exempted from the fair value accounting requirements and are accounted for at the time product is purchased or sold under the related contract. The Company does not engage in speculative transactions, nor does the Company hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenues from sales of products when title and risk of ownership pass to the customer. Final sales prices are fixed and based on purchase orders. Sales allowances and customer incentives are treated as reductions to sales and are provided for based on historical experiences and current estimates. Sales of our products are moderately seasonal with the peak period being July - November of each year.

In addition, the Company presents revenues net of sales tax and net of certain payments to our independent manufacturer representatives (“Representatives”). Representatives are national companies that are in the business of providing HVAC units and other related products and services to customers. The end user customer orders a bundled group of products and services from the Representative and expects the Representative to fulfill the order. Only after the specifications are agreed to by the Representative and the customer, and the decision is made to use an AAON HVAC unit, will we receive notice of the order. We establish the amount we must receive for our HVAC unit (“minimum sales price”), but do not control the total order price which is negotiated by the Representative with the end user customer.

We are responsible for billings and collections resulting from all sales transactions, including those initiated by our Representatives. The Representatives submit the total order price to us for invoicing and collection. The total order price includes our minimum sales price and could contain an additional amount which may include both the Representatives’ fee and amounts due for additional products and services required by the customer. These additional products and services may include controls purchased from another manufacturer to operate the unit, start-up services, and curbs for supporting the unit (“Third Party Products”). All are associated with the purchase of a HVAC unit but may be provided by the Representative or another third party. The Company is under no obligation related to Third Party Products.
 
The Representatives’ fee and Third Party Products amounts (“Due to Representatives”) are paid only after all amounts associated with the order are collected from the customer. The Due to Representatives amount is paid only after all amounts associated with the order are collected from the customer. The amount of payments to our representatives was $55.4 million, $59.7 million, and $63.0 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

The Company also sells extended warranties on parts for various lengths of time ranging from six months to 10 years. Revenue for these separately priced warranties is deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the separately priced warranty period.

Insurance Reserves

Under the Company’s insurance programs, coverage is obtained for significant liability limits as well as those risks required to be insured by law or contract. It is the policy of the Company to self-insure a portion of certain expected losses related primarily to workers’ compensation and medical liability. Provisions for losses expected under these programs are recorded based on the Company’s estimates of the aggregate liabilities for the claims incurred.

Product Warranties

A provision is made for the estimated cost of maintaining product warranties to customers at the time the product is sold based upon historical claims experience by product line. The Company records a liability and an expense for estimated future warranty claims based upon historical experience and management's estimate of the level of future claims. Changes in the estimated amounts recognized in prior years are recorded as an adjustment to the liability and expense in the current year.


30



Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Because these estimates and assumptions require significant judgment, actual results could differ from those estimates and could have a significant impact on our results of operations, financial position and cash flows. We reevaluate our estimates and assumptions as needed, but at a minimum on a quarterly basis. The most significant estimates include, but are not limited to, the allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory reserves, warranty accrual, workers compensation accrual, medical insurance accrual, share-based compensation and income taxes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
 
3. Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable and the related allowance for doubtful accounts are as follows:
 
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(in thousands)
Accounts receivable
$
50,139

 
$
44,263

Less:  Allowance for doubtful accounts
(115
)
 
(171
)
Total, net
$
50,024

 
$
44,092

 
 
 
Years Ending December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Allowance for doubtful accounts:
(in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period
$
171

 
$
193

 
$
52

Provisions for losses on accounts receivables, net of adjustments
(48
)
 

 
141

Accounts receivable written off, net of recoveries
(8
)
 
(22
)
 

Balance, end of period
$
115

 
$
171

 
$
193


4. Inventories

The components of inventories and the related changes in the allowance for excess and obsolete inventories are as follows:
 
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(in thousands)
Raw materials
$
33,853

 
$
34,153

Work in process
2,522

 
2,262

Finished goods
2,881

 
1,917

 
39,256

 
38,332

Less:  Allowance for excess and obsolete inventories
(757
)
 
(714
)
Total, net
$
38,499

 
$
37,618

  

31



 
Years Ending December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Allowance for excess and obsolete inventories:
(in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period
$
714

 
$
579

 
$
363

Provisions for excess and obsolete inventories
178

 
135

 
243

Inventories written off
(135
)
 

 
(27
)
Balance, end of period
$
757

 
$
714

 
$
579


5.  Note Receivable

In connection with the closure of our Canadian facility on May 18, 2009, we sold land and a building in September 2010 and assumed a note receivable from the borrower secured by the property. The $1.1 million, 15 year note has an interest rate of 4.0% and is payable to us monthly, and has a $0.6 million balloon payment due in October 2025. Interest payments are recognized in interest income.

We evaluate the note for impairment on a quarterly basis. We determine the note receivable to be impaired if we are uncertain of its collectability based on the contractual terms. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, there was no impairment.

6.  Supplemental Cash Flow Information
 
 
Years Ending December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Supplemental disclosures:
(in thousands)
Interest paid
$

 
$

 
$
1

Income taxes paid, net
24,125

 
26,456

 
19,884

Non-cash investing and financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Non-cash capital expenditures
83

 
(79
)
 
71

Trade-in of equipment

 

 
315

 
7. Warranties

The Company has warranties with various terms from 18 months for parts to 25 years for certain heat exchangers. The Company has an obligation to replace parts or service its products if conditions under the warranty are met. A provision is made for estimated warranty costs at the time the related products are sold based upon the warranty period, historical trends, new products and any known identifiable warranty issues.  

Changes in the warranty accrual are as follows:

 
Years Ending December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Warranty accrual:
(in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period
$
8,130

 
$
7,352

 
$
5,776

Payments made
(3,978
)
 
(4,096
)
 
(4,448
)
Provisions
4,317

 
4,874

 
6,005

Adjustments related to changes in estimates

 

 
19

Balance, end of period
$
8,469

 
$
8,130

 
$
7,352

 
 
 
 
 
 
Warranty expense:
$
4,317

 
$
4,874

 
$
6,024



32



8. Accrued Liabilities

At December 31, accrued liabilities were comprised of the following:
 
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(in thousands)
Warranty
$
8,469

 
$
8,130

Due to representatives
10,597

 
10,188

Payroll
3,954

 
3,153

401(k) Contributions
3,054

 
104

Profit sharing
2,220

 
2,016

Workers' compensation
366

 
535

Medical self-insurance
676

 
532

Customer prepayments
2,895

 
1,639

Donations
600

 
1,600

Employee benefits and other
4,404

 
3,446

Total
$
37,235

 
$
31,343


9. Revolving Credit Facility

Our revolving credit facility provides for maximum borrowings of $30.0 million which is provided by BOKF, NA dba Bank of Oklahoma, formerly known as Bank of Oklahoma, N.A. ("Bank of Oklahoma"). Under the line of credit, there was one standby letter of credit totaling $0.8 million as of December 31, 2015. Borrowings available under the revolving credit facility at December 31, 2015, were $29.2 million. Interest on borrowings is payable monthly at LIBOR plus 2.5%No fees are associated with the unused portion of the committed amount. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had no balance outstanding under our revolving credit facility. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the weighted average interest rate was 2.6% and 2.7%, respectively.

At December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with our financial covenants. These covenants require that we meet certain parameters related to our tangible net worth, total liabilities to tangible net worth ratio and working capital. At December 31, 2015 our tangible net worth was $178.9 million, which meets the requirement of being at or above $95.0 million. Our total liabilities to tangible net worth ratio was 0.3 to 1.0, which meets the requirement of not being above 2 to 1. Our working capital was $80.8 million which meets the requirement of being at or above $40.0 million.

Effective July 25, 2014, the Company amended its revolving credit facility with the Bank of Oklahoma. The amendment extends the termination date of the revolving credit facility to July 27, 2016.

10.  Income Taxes

The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following:

 
Years Ending December 31,
 
2015
 
2014