TAT Technologies - 20-F annual report 2022

TAT Technologies Ltd. is a leading provider of solutions and services to the aerospace and defense industries, focused mainly on two product areas and services: Thermal Management and Power and Actuation. The Company operates four operational units: (i) original equipment manufacturing (“OEM”) of heat transfer solutions and aviation accessories through Kiryat Gat facility (TAT Israel); (ii) maintenance repair and overhaul (“MRO”) services for heat transfer components and OEM of heat transfer solutions through its Limco subsidiary; (iii) MRO services for aviation components through its Piedmont subsidiary (mainly APU and LG); and (iv) overhaul and coating of jet engine components through its Turbochrome subsidiary.

TAT targets the commercial aerospace (serving a wide range of types and sizes of commercial and business jets), military aerospace and ground defense sectors. TAT has a global presence with over 500 customers worldwide, including tier one players in their respective markets such as Boeing, Embraer, Lockheed Martin, Collins, Liebherr, Pratt & Whitney (a division of Collins), the U.S. Armed Forces, and service centers of airlines such as KLM, Lufthansa and others. TAT enjoys a strong reputation among its customers for quality and service-oriented approach.

As a leading provider in its market, TAT’s business is supported by an extensive number of certifications, including from the American, European, British and Chinese civil aviation authorities, as well as leading manufactures such as Boeing and Honeywell International.

TAT employed as of December 31, 2022 471 employees and operates in Three locations: its facility in Kiryat Gat, Israel (“TAT Israel” and “Turbochrome”); Limco Airepair Inc. (“Limco”) in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Piedmont Aviation Component Services LLC (“Piedmont”) in Greensboro, North Carolina; the Company's Headquarter in Netanya Israel and strategic sales office in Mooresville North Carolina.

Through TAT Israel, TAT is an OEM of a broad range of heat transfer solutions, air conditioning systems and other cooling systems used in mechanical and electronic systems on board military and commercial aircraft as well as in ground systems. TAT Israel is also an OEM for a wide range of aviation accessories and provides limited MRO services for military and commercial customers, mainly for aviation accessories. TAT Israel is a repair station certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”).

Through its Limco subsidiary, TAT provides MRO services for airlines, air cargo carriers, maintenance service centers and the military, primarily for heat transfer components. Limco is a repair station certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) and European Aviation Safety Agency ("EASA"). Limco is also an OEM of heat transfer solutions.

Through its Piedmont subsidiary, TAT provides MRO services for aviation components in the area of landing gears, APUs and Machining and Plating services (MPG). During 2021 Piedmont has engaged in leasing of APUs mainly for the B777 aircraft. Piedmont is an FAA-certified repair station and provides its services to airlines, air cargo carriers, maintenance service centers and, to a lesser extent, the military.

Through its Turbochrome subsidiary, TAT provides MRO services in the area of jet engine overhaul, which includes the overhaul and coating of jet engine components such as turbine vanes and blades, fan blades, variable inlet guide vanes and afterburner flaps. Turbochrome is certified by the FAA and EASA.

In addition, TAT, through its Piedmont subsidiary, holds approximately 5% of the equity securities of First Aviation Services Inc.(“FAvS”).

              During the years 2020 and 2021 the COVID-19 pandemic had an adverse effect on our industry and the markets in which we operate. The COVID-19 outbreak has significantly impacted the aviation market in which TAT’s customers operate and has resulted in a reduction of TAT’s business with some of these customers. Global supply shortages emerged for certain products, leading to delays in delivery schedule. Additionally, recent cost inflation stemming from the pandemic may lead to higher material and labor costs. We actively monitor and respond to the changing conditions created by the pandemic, with focus on prioritizing the health and safety of our employees, dedicating resources to support our communities, and innovating to address our customers’ needs. In order to mitigate the impact of the decline in business as a result of the pandemic, TAT implemented measures to reduce its expenses, including a reduction in its headcount as well as other cost savings measures. The potential long-term impact and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy and our business continue to be difficult to assess or predict. Related public health and safety measures have resulted in significant social disruption and have had an adverse effect on economic conditions and spending, inflation, interest rates, and business investment, all of which have affected our business. 

Macroeconomic conditions, including inflation, rising interest rates and recessionary concerns, as well as ongoing labor cost pressures, transportation and shipping cost pressures, and the COVID-19 pandemic, have had, and may continue to have, a negative impact on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows. For instance, we were negatively impacted in fiscal 2022 by persistent cost pressures, including supply chain and labor costs. We expect inflationary cost pressures to continue in 2023 and we continue to closely monitor macroeconomic conditions, including customer behavior, and the impact of these factors on customer demand. Continuing or worsening inflation, recessionary concerns and/or supply chain and labor challenges, as well as the current turmoil in the banking industry, may negatively impact our business, financial condition, profitability, and/or cash flows.

Geopolitical events, including the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the related economic sanctions by Western governments on Russia, has caused greater uncertainty in the global economy and exacerbated the inflation situation.

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

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

Statements made in this annual report concerning the contents of any contract, agreement or other document are summaries of such contracts, agreements or documents and are not complete descriptions of all of their terms.  If we filed any of these documents as an exhibit to this annual report or to any previous filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), you may read the document itself for a complete recitation of its terms.

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

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

The aerospace industry is highly regulated in the United States and elsewhere. To manufacture, sell and service parts used in aircrafts, TAT and its subsidiaries must be certified or accepted by the FAA, EASA, the United States Department of Defense and comparable agencies in other countries and by leading original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”). If any of our material certifications, authorizations or approvals are revoked or suspended, then the operations of TAT or its subsidiaries, as the case may be, will be significantly curtailed and TAT and its subsidiaries could be subjected to significant fines and penalties. In the future, new and more demanding government regulations may be adopted or industry oversight may be increased. TAT and its subsidiaries may have to incur significant additional costs to achieve compliance with new regulations or to reacquire a revoked or suspended license or approval, which could materially reduce profitability.

TAT’s major competitors in the area of OEM heat transfer solutions and aviation accessories, are other OEMs who manufacture heat transfer solutions. These include:

Many of TAT’s competitors are far larger, have substantially greater resources than TAT, including technical, financial, research and development, marketing and distribution capabilities, and enjoy greater market recognition. These competitors may be able to achieve greater economies of scale and may be less vulnerable to price competition than TAT.  In addition, some of those companies are considered to be tier one suppliers offering customers a wider range of systems and products, in addition to heat transfer solutions, as a bundle. TAT may not be able to offer its products as part of integrated systems to the same extent as its competitors or successfully develop or introduce new products that are more cost effective or offer better performance than those of its competitors. Failure to do so could adversely affect TAT’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

TAT’s major competitors in the area of MRO services for heat transfer components are the service divisions of OEMs, including Honeywell-Lori, Honeywell Secan, Honeywell Singapore, Hamilton Malaysia, Hamilton Maastricht, and Liebherr Aerospace Saline, in addition to the in-house maintenance services of various commercial airlines and other independent service providers, including Triumph Accessory Services, Drake Air – Ametek, American Cooler Service – Aviation Technical Services, Lufthansa Technik and Elite Aerospace, a division of  Meggitt.

TAT’s major competitors in the area of MRO services for aviation components, landing gears and APUs, are the service divisions of OEMs, the in-house maintenance services of various commercial airlines and other independent service providers, including Standard Aero Group Inc., Aerotech International Inc., Honeywell International, AAR Corp., Safran, Liebherr, Turbine Aero, Hawker Pacific and APRO.

Competition in the MRO market is based on price, quality, engineering solutions, breadth of services, and the ability to perform repairs and overhauls rapidly. A number of our competitors have inherent competitive advantages. For example, we compete with the service divisions of large OEMs which are able to derive significant brand recognition from their OEM manufacturing activities. We also compete with the in-house service divisions of large commercial airlines where there is a strong incentive for an airline to fully-utilize the services of its maintenance employees and facilities.

Further, TAT’s competitors may have additional competitive advantages, such as:

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The ability to adapt faster to changes in customer requirements and industry conditions or trends;

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Greater access to capital;

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Stronger relationships with customers and suppliers;

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Greater name recognition;

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Access to superior technology and greater marketing resources;

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The ability to offer complete systems in addition to components; and

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The ability to bundle heat transfer components and solutions and other aircraft components.

If TAT is unable to overcome these competitive disadvantages, then TAT’s business, financial condition and results of operations would be adversely affected.

Five customers accounted for approximately 26.4%, 27.8% and 24.6% of TAT’s revenues for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. TAT’s major customers may not maintain the same volume of business with TAT in the future. If TAT loses any of these customers or they reduce the amount of business they do with TAT, TAT’s revenues may be seriously affected.

A portion of the revenues of TAT and its subsidiaries are from contracts with the U.S. and Israeli governments. Sales to the U.S. and Israeli governments accounted for approximately 6.3%, 5.6% and 8.1% of TAT’s revenues on a consolidated basis for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Business with the U.S. and Israeli governments, as well as with the governments of other countries, is subject to unique risks which do not exist when doing business with other private parties. These risks include the ability of the governmental authorities to unilaterally:

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Suspend TAT or any of its subsidiaries from receiving new contracts pending resolution of alleged violations of procurement laws or regulations;

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Terminate existing contracts, with or without cause, at any time;

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Condition the receipt of new contracts on conditions which are beyond the control of TAT;

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Reduce the value of existing contracts;

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Audit the contract-related costs and fees of TAT and its subsidiaries, including allocated indirect costs; and

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Control or prohibit the export of products of TAT and its subsidiaries.

Also, military and defense budget cuts may result in reduced demand for the products and manufacturing services of TAT and its subsidiaries. Smaller budgets could result in reduction in the business revenues of TAT and its subsidiaries.

Under Israeli law, the export of certain products and know-how of TAT and its subsidiaries is subject to approval by the Israeli Ministry of Defense. Prior to initiating sales proposals for the export of these products and know-how and to the actual shipment of such products or know-how, TAT and its subsidiaries must obtain permits from the Ministry of Defense. TAT and its subsidiaries may not be able to receive in a timely manner, or at all, all the required permits for which they may apply in the future.

Similarly, many countries have laws according to which the export of certain military products, technical designs and spare parts require the prior approval of, or export license from, their governments. This process also applies to our partners and suppliers. If TAT and its subsidiaries or its partners and suppliers are unable to receive all the required permits and/or licenses in a timely manner, or at all, TAT’s revenues may decrease.

Suppliers of some of these components require TAT to place orders with significant lead time to assure supply in accordance with TAT’s requirements. A delay in the supply of these components can significantly delay the delivery of our products and services. If TAT were to engage in a commercial dispute with or be unable to obtain adequate supplies of parts from these suppliers at commercially reasonable prices or required lead time, TAT could experience delays in manufacturing and its financial results could be adversely affected. Increased costs associated with supplied materials or components could increase TAT’s costs and reduce TAT’s profitability if TAT is unable to pass these cost increases on to its customers.

In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic may continue to negatively impact the global supply chain and we may experience negative impacts from supply chain pressures. We are working with our suppliers to mitigate delays in our receipt of necessary raw materials, components and other supplies and to reduce supply chain costs.

We are impacted by inflationary increases in wages and cost of raw materials. In all countries in which we operate, wage and benefit inflation, whether driven by competition for talent, or ordinary course pay increases and other inflationary pressure, may increase our cost of providing services and reduce our profitability. In addition, border closings, lockdowns and labor shortages resulting from COVID-19, as well as the continuing economic recovery, negatively impacted global supply and distribution capabilities. Decreases in the availability of supplies, increases in the cost of supplies, and delivery issues have caused shortages and delays, as well as increased costs for the procurement of raw materials, components and other supplies required for our performance. TAT may not be able to recoup future increases in the cost of labor and raw materials through price increases for its products and services. Our operating profits and margins under our contracts could be adversely affected by these factors, particularly if the current inflationary pressures are prolonged. If TAT is unable to obtain the raw materials required for its operation, TAT could experience delays or disruptions in the provision of its services and its financial results could be adversely affected.

We maintain an inventory of exchangeable units of heat transfer solutions, aviation accessories, aviation components, APUs, landing gears, engine blades and coating materials and other spare parts related to our products and services in various locations, including with third party logistics providers. Due to the long lead time of our suppliers and manufacturing cycles, we need to forecast demand and commit significant resources towards these inventories. As such, we are subject to significant risks in managing the inventory needs of our business, including estimates of the appropriate demand across our products. Should actual market conditions differ from our estimates, our future results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In the future, we may be required to record write-downs of finished products and materials on-hand as a result of future changes in our sales forecasts.

 In the years ending December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, approximately 92%, 89% and 91% of TAT’s sales, respectively, resulted from TAT’s operations out of Israel. This revenue concentration is subject to various risks, including:

Accordingly, TAT and its subsidiaries may encounter significant difficulties in connection with the sale of their products in international markets.

As a result of the current geopolitical tensions and conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and the recent invasion by Russia of Ukraine, the governments of the United States, EU, Japan and other jurisdictions have recently announced the imposition of sanctions on certain industry sectors and parties in Russia and certain impacted regions, as well as enhanced export controls on certain products and industries. Due to such sanctions, our subsidiary Limco, has ceased selling its products to customers in Russia. While our business in Russia is of limited in scope, these restrictions may cause a reduction of our sales and financial results.

During the years 2020 and 2021 the COVID-19 pandemic had an adverse effect on our industry and the markets in which we operate. The COVID-19 outbreak has significantly impacted the aviation market in which TAT’s customers operate and has resulted in a reduction of TAT’s business with some of these customers. In order to mitigate the impact of the decline in business as a result of the pandemic, TAT implemented measures to reduce its expenses, including the Company's restructuring plan announced in March 2021, reduction in its headcount as well as other cost savings measures. Please see Note 9 to the company financial statements.  The Company applied and received governmental assistance as part of the COVID-19 relief programs provided by the Israeli government and certain states in the United States in which the Company and its subsidiaries operate.  Please see Notes 10 and 11 to the company financial statements for long term loans, credit lines and grants received in connection with governmental assistance. The potential long-term impact and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy and our business continue to be difficult to assess or predict. Related public health and safety measures have resulted in significant social disruption and have had an adverse effect on economic conditions and spending, inflation, interest rates, and business investment, all of which have affected our business.

TAT has pursued, and will continue to pursue, growth opportunities through organic growth as well as acquisition of businesses, products and technologies.

TAT is unable to predict whether or when any prospective acquisition will be completed. TAT may not be able to successfully identify suitable acquisition candidates, complete acquisitions, integrate the acquired businesses into its operations, or expand into new markets. The process of integrating an acquired business may be prolonged due to unforeseen difficulties and may require a disproportionate amount of TAT’s resources, including management attention. Furthermore, once integrated, acquisitions may not achieve comparable levels of revenues, profitability or productivity as TAT’s existing business or otherwise perform as expected. The occurrence of any of these events could harm TAT’s business, financial condition or results of operations. Future acquisitions may require substantial capital resources, which may require TAT to seek additional debt or equity financing.

Future acquisitions by TAT could result in the following, any of which could materially harm TAT’s results of operations or the price of TAT’s ordinary shares:

We may participate in strategic partnerships and joint ventures in a number of countries. For example, in November 2015, we signed a joint venture agreement with Russian-based Engineering, to establish a new facility for the provision of MRO services for heat transfer components in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (“CIS”). The new company, TAT-Engineering LLC, is based in Novosibirsk’s Tolmachevo airport.

Our actions with respect to these affiliated companies may be restricted to some degree by shareholder agreements entered into with our strategic partners. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may be materially harmed if disagreements develop with our partners. Our ability to withdraw funds and dividends from these entities may depend on the consent of partners. If one of our strategic partners becomes subject to investigation, sanctions or liability, TAT might be adversely affected. Furthermore, strategic partnerships in emerging markets are accompanied by risks inherent to those markets, such as an increased probability of a partner defaulting on obligations or losing a partner with important insights in that region. Strategic partnerships in emerging markets are subject to greater risks than strategic partnerships in more developed markets, including significant political, legal and economic risks and risks related to fluctuations in currencies. As a result of the current geopolitical tensions and conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and the recent invasion by Russia of Ukraine, the governments of the United States, EU, Japan and other jurisdictions have recently announced the imposition of sanctions on certain industry sectors and parties in Russia and certain impacted regions, as well as enhanced export controls on certain products and industries. Due to such sanctions, during 2022 our joint venture in Russia ceased to purchase heat-exchange cores from Limco, our US subsidiary, and therefore the joint venture had to materially limit the extent of the MRO services it provides to its customers.

The aerospace and defense markets in which TAT competes are subject to technological changes, introduction of new products, changes in customer demands and evolving industry standards. For example, new materials, new structures and 3D printing – a technology based on the principle of joining thin layers of materials, in horizontal cross-section, to build up a real, three-dimensional object from a digital model – may enable the manufacturing of high-quality and new characterization heat exchangers in serial production with a better return of value. The future success of TAT will depend upon its ability to keep pace with technological developments and to timely address the increasingly sophisticated needs of its customers by supporting existing and new technologies and by developing enhancements to its current products and by introducing new ones.

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

TAT’s success depends to a large extent on the experience and expertise of its senior management. Any member of TAT’s senior management may choose to end his or her employment with TAT and seek employment with others for any reason. The loss of the expertise of TAT’s senior management through death, disability or an employee’s decision to end his or her employment could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. TAT is not the beneficiary of life or disability insurance covering any of its senior management, key employees or other personnel.

TAT’s results of operations depend in large part on its ability to provide prompt and efficient service to its customers upon receipt of orders, either the manufacture and delivery of OEM products or the provision of MRO services. As a result, any material disruption of TAT’s day-to-day operations could have a material adverse effect on its business, customer relations and profitability. TAT relies on its Kiryat Gat, Israel, Kernersville and Greensboro, North Carolina and Tulsa, Oklahoma facilities for the manufacture of its OEM products and provision of its MRO services. A war or terrorist act, fire, flood, earthquake or other disaster or condition that significantly damaged or destroyed any of these facilities would have a material adverse effect on the operations of TAT.

Many of TAT’s service and manufacturing processes are dependent on equipment that is not easily repaired or replaced. As a result, unexpected equipment failures could result in production delays or the manufacture of defective products. TAT’s ability to meet its customers’ expectations with respect to on-time delivery of repaired components or quality OEM products is critical. Failure by TAT to meet the quality or delivery expectations of its customers could lead to the loss of one or more of its significant customers.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 imposes certain duties on TAT and its executives and directors. TAT’s efforts to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“SOX”) governing internal controls and procedures for financial reporting have resulted in increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention. TAT expects these efforts to require the continued commitment of significant resources. TAT may identify material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in its assessments of its internal controls over financial reporting. Failure to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting could result in investigation or sanctions by regulatory authorities and could have a material adverse effect on TAT’s operating results, investor confidence in TAT’s reported financial information and the market price of TAT’s ordinary shares. Our independent registered public accounting firm is not required to performed audit of our internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022.

TAT’s business operations and facilities are subject to various federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to the environment, including, but not limited to, regulations that govern the discharge of pollutants and hazardous substances into the air and water and the handling, storage and disposal of such materials. Compliance with such laws as they relate to the handling, storage and disposal of hazardous substances is a significant obligation for TAT at each of its facilities. If it fails to comply with these and other environmental-related laws and regulations, TAT would be subject to serious consequences, including fines and other sanctions, and limitations on its operations due to changes to, or revocations of, the environmental permits applicable to its facilities. The adoption of new laws and regulations, stricter enforcement of existing laws and regulations, the discovery of previously unknown contamination or the imposition of new cleanup requirements could require TAT to incur costs and become subject to new or increased liabilities that could increase TAT’s operating costs and adversely affect the manner in which we conduct our business.

Under certain environmental laws, liability associated with an investigation or remediation of hazardous substances can arise from a broad range of properties, including properties currently or formerly operated by TAT or any of its predecessors, as well as properties to which TAT sent hazardous substances or wastes for treatment, storage, or disposal. Costs and other obligations can arise from claims for toxic torts, natural resource and other damages, as well as the investigation and clean-up of contamination at such properties. Under certain environmental laws, such liability may be imposed jointly and severally, so TAT may be responsible for more than its proportionate share and may even be responsible for the entire liability at issue. The extent of any such liability can be difficult to predict.

TAT is exposed to potential liabilities for personal injury or death as a result of the failure of an aircraft component that was designed, manufactured, serviced or supplied by TAT. TAT believes that, in an effort to improve operating margins, some customers have delayed the replacement of parts beyond their recommended lifetime, which may undermine aircraft safety and increase the risk of liability of TAT and its subsidiaries.

If any of our products are defective, we could be required to redesign or recall those products or pay substantial damages or warranty claims. Such an event could result in significant expenses, disrupt sales and damage our reputation and that of our products and services. There can be no assurance that TAT will not experience material product liability losses in the future, that it will not incur significant costs to defend such claims, that, although TAT maintains product liability insurance, its insurance coverage will be adequate if claims were to arise or that it would be able to maintain insurance coverage in the future at an acceptable cost. A successful claim brought against TAT or its subsidiaries in excess of its available insurance coverage may have a material adverse effect on TAT’s business.

In addition, contractual disputes over warranties can arise in the ordinary course of business. TAT may be subject to requests from customers for cost sharing or pricing adjustments as a part of their commercial relationships, even though the customers had previously agreed to bear these risks.

Our operations depend on the continued and secure functioning of our computer and communications systems and the protection of information stored in computer databases maintained by us, and in certain circumstances, by third parties. Such systems and databases are subject to breach, damage, disruption or failure from, among other things, cyber-attacks and other unauthorized intrusions. In particular, we may be targeted by experienced computer hackers who may attempt to penetrate our computer systems and misappropriate or compromise our confidential information or that of our customers. A significant invasion, interruption, destruction or breakdown of our information technology, or IT, systems and/or infrastructure by persons with authorized or unauthorized access could negatively impact our business and operations. We could also experience business interruption, information theft and/or reputational damage from cyber-attacks, which may compromise our systems and lead to data leakage either internally or at our third-party providers. Both data that has been inputted into our main IT platform, which covers records of transactions, financial data and other data reflected in our results of operations, as well as data related to our proprietary rights (such as research and development, and other intellectual property-related data), are subject to material cyber security risks. To date, we are not aware that we have experienced any loss of, or disruption to, material information as a result of any such malware or cyber-attack.

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

TAT’s ordinary shares have experienced significant market price and volume fluctuations in the past and may experience significant market price and volume fluctuations in the future, in response to factors such as the following, some of which are beyond TAT’s control:

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Quarterly variations in TAT’s operating results;

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Operating results that vary from the expectations of securities analysts and investors;

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Changes in expectations as to TAT’s future financial performance, including financial estimates by securities analysts and investors;

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Announcements of technological innovations or new products by TAT or TAT’s competitors;

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Announcements by TAT or TAT’s competitors of significant contracts, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments;

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Announcements by third parties of significant claims or proceedings against us;

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Additions or departures of key personnel;

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Future sales of TAT’s ordinary shares (by our controlling shareholders or others);

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De-listing of TAT’s shares from NASDAQ and/or from the TASE;

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Stock market price and volume fluctuation;

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Legal proceedings against TAT’s controlling shareholders; and

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Regulatory actions by securities authorities which impacts TAT’s interaction with securities analysts and institutional investors.

Equity stock markets can undergo extreme price and volume fluctuations. Market fluctuations, as well as political and economic conditions, such as a recession, interest rate or currency rate fluctuations and political events or hostilities in or surrounding Israel, could adversely affect the market price of TAT’s ordinary shares.

In the past, securities class action litigation has often been brought against companies following periods of volatility in the market price of their securities. TAT may be the target of similar litigation in the future. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and divert management’s attention and resources both of which could have a material adverse effect on TAT’s business and results of operations.

TAT’s principal shareholders, FIMI Israel Opportunity FIVE, Limited Partnership and FIMI Opportunity V, L.P. (“FIMI” or the “FIMI Funds”), beneficially own together 58.96% of TAT’s outstanding shares. If FIMI sells a substantial number of TAT’s ordinary shares or if the perception exists that FIMI may sell a substantial number of TAT’s ordinary shares, the market price of TAT’s ordinary shares may fall. Any substantial sales of TAT’s shares in the public market may also impede our ability to sell equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time, in a place and on terms TAT deems appropriate.

TAT is incorporated under the laws of the State of Israel. TAT’s executive offices, its research and development facilities and manufacturing plant are also located in Israel. As a result, political, economic and military conditions affecting Israel directly influence TAT. Any major hostilities involving Israel, a full or partial mobilization of reserve forces of the Israeli army, the interruption or curtailment of trade between Israel and its present trading partners, or a significant downturn in the economic or financial condition of Israel could have a material adverse effect on TAT’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Since its establishment in 1948, Israel and its Arab neighbors have engaged in a number of armed conflicts. A state of hostility, varying from time to time in intensity and degree, has led to security and economic challenges for Israel. Major hostilities between Israel and its neighbors may hinder Israel’s international trade and lead to economic downturn. This, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on TAT’s operations and business. In recent years, there has been an escalation in violence among Israel, Hamas (which controls the Gaza Strip), the Palestinian Authority (which controls in the West Bank) and other groups, as well as extensive hostilities along Israel’s border with the Gaza Strip such as the missiles fired from the Gaza Strip into Israel. Ongoing violence between Israel and the Palestinians as well as tension between Israel and its Arab neighbors and Iran may have a material adverse effect on TAT’s business, financial conditions and results of operations.

Furthermore, there are a number of countries, primarily Arab and Muslim countries, that restrict or frown upon business with Israel or Israeli companies, and TAT is precluded from marketing its products to these countries. Restrictive laws or policies directed towards Israel or Israeli companies may have an adverse impact on TAT’s operations, TAT’s financial results or the expansion of TAT’s business.

Additionally, Israel’s most recent general elections were held on November 1, 2022. These elections were the fifth round of elections since April 2019. As of February 2023, the current elected government in Israel is pursuing extensive reforms to Israel’s judicial system. Certain financial, legal and commercial organizations and entities have claimed that such changes, if adopted, could adversely affect the macroeconomic condition in which we operate. At this stage, the proposed legislation has not become effective, and its scope has not been fully determined; we cannot assess the potential impacts of these changes and their likelihood on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operation.

Many of TAT’s employees and some of TAT’s directors and senior management based in Israel are obligated to perform annual reserve duty in the Israel Defense Forces (“IDF”) and may be called for active duty under emergency circumstances at any time. If a military conflict or war arises, these individuals could be required to serve in the military for extended periods of time. TAT’s operations could be disrupted by the absence of one or more of its senior management, key employees or a significant number of other employees for a significant period due to military service. Any such disruption in TAT’s operations could adversely affect TAT’s business.

TAT is incorporated under Israeli law. The rights and responsibilities of holders of TAT’s ordinary shares are governed by TAT’s memorandum of association, articles of association and by Israeli law. These rights and responsibilities differ in some respects from the rights and responsibilities of shareholders in typical U.S. corporations. In particular, each shareholder of an Israeli company has a duty to act in good faith and in a customary manner in exercising his or her rights and fulfilling his or her obligations toward the company and other shareholders and to refrain from abusing his power in the company, including, among other things, in voting at the general meeting of shareholders on certain matters. Israeli law provides that these duties are applicable in shareholder votes on, among other things, amendments to a company’s articles of association, increases in a company’s authorized share capital, mergers and interested party transactions requiring shareholder approval. In addition, a controlling shareholder of an Israeli company, or a shareholder who knows that he or she possesses the power to determine the outcome of a shareholder vote or who has the power to appoint or prevent the appointment of a director or officer in the company, has a duty of fairness toward the company. However, Israeli law currently does not define the substance of this duty of fairness. Because Israeli corporate law has undergone extensive revision in recent years, there is relatively little case law available to assist in understanding the implications of these provisions that govern shareholder behavior.

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

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

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

TAT was incorporated under the laws of the State of Israel in April 1985 under the name Galaxy Graphics Ltd. TAT changed its name to Galagraph Ltd. in August 1986 and to TAT Technologies Ltd. in May 1992. TAT is a public limited liability company under the Israeli Companies Law 1999-5759, (“Israeli Companies Law”), and operates under this law and associated legislation. TAT’s registered offices and principal place of business are located at 5 Hamelacha St., Netanya 4250540 Israel, and its telephone number is +972-8-862-8500. TAT’s website is
 www.tat-technologies.com. The information on TAT’S website is not incorporated by reference into this annual report.

TAT was founded in 1985 to develop the computerized systems business of its then parent company, TAT Industries Ltd. (“TAT Industries”), a publicly-held Israeli corporation then engaged in the manufacture and sale of aeronautical equipment. In December 1991, TAT acquired the heat exchange operations of TAT Industries and in 2000, TAT purchased the remaining operations of TAT Industries relating to the manufacture and maintenance of aviation accessories and leased certain of its properties.

In March 1987, TAT completed the initial public offering of its securities in the United States. TAT was listed on the NASDAQ Global Market (then known as the NASDAQ National Market) from its initial public offering until July 1998 when the listing of TAT’s ordinary shares was transferred to the NASDAQ Capital Market. On June 24, 2009, TAT’s ordinary shares resumed trading on the NASDAQ Global Market. Since August 2005 TAT’s shares have been traded also on the TASE.

Today TAT is a provider of a variety of solutions and services to the commercial and military aerospace and ground defense industries through its Kiryat Gat facility, as well as through its subsidiaries, Limco and Piedmont in the U.S. (Limco and Piedmont are held by TAT through Limco-Piedmont, Inc. (“Limco-Piedmont”)) and Turbochrome in Kiryat Gat, Israel.

In 1993, TAT acquired Limco Airepair, Inc. (“Limco”). Located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Limco’s FAA-certified repair station provides MRO services for airlines, air cargo carriers, maintenance service centers and the military, especially for heat transfer components. In addition to its MRO services, Limco is an OEM of heat transfer solutions for aircraft and system manufacturers and other selected related products.

In 2005, Limco acquired Piedmont, a company certified by the FAA to perform MRO services of APUs and landing gears. Located in Greensboro, North Carolina, Piedmont’s FAA-certified repair station provides MRO services for airlines, air cargo carriers, maintenance service centers and the military, especially for landing gears and APUs.

In July 2007, Limco-Piedmont completed an initial public offering of its common stock and Limco-Piedmont’s shares were listed on the NASDAQ Global Market (symbol: LIMC) until July 2, 2009, when TAT acquired all of the publicly held shares of Limco-Piedmont (approximately 32% of Limco-Piedmont’s total shares) in a stock for stock merger. As a result of such merger, Limco-Piedmont again became a wholly-owned subsidiary of TAT.

Following a series of transactions occurring between March 2008 and March 2009, TAT acquired 70% control of Bental Industries Ltd. In February 2014, TAT sold its entire interest in Bental Industries Ltd to Bental Investments Agshah Ltd. for an aggregate consideration of $5 million.

On December 4, 2009, TAT, through its subsidiary Piedmont, signed an investment agreement with FAvS. According to the agreement, Piedmont was issued 288,334 shares of Class B common stock of FAvS, representing 37% of FAvS' then share capital (total number of shares acquired was subsequently adjusted as result of a 1 for 20 reverse stock split) and $750,000 of FAvS preferred shares (entitled to cash dividends at an annual rate of 12% payable quarterly or to additional preferred shares at an annual rate of 15%) in return for Piedmont's propeller and parts businesses.

 

On March 11, 2015, Piedmont sold 237,932 shares of Class B common stock of FAvS representing 23.18% of FAvS' share capital and its entire holdings (16,253) of FAvS' Series A preferred stock for an insignificant amount. As of December 31, 2018, TAT owns approximately 5% of FAvS’ issued and outstanding share capital.

In October 2015, TAT acquired Turbochrome, a company certified by the FAA and EASA to perform overhaul and coating of jet engine components, including turbine vanes and blades and fan blades.

In November 2015, TAT entered into an agreement with Engineering to establish a new MRO facility in Russia. The new company, TAT-Engineering LLC, is based in Novosibirsk’s Tolmachevo airport and is providing services of minor repair, overhaul and recore for heat transfer components in Russia and the CIS. According to the joint venture agreement, TAT owns 51% of TAT-Engineering's shares and the remaining 49% are held by Engineering.

TAT Technologies Ltd. is a leading provider of solutions and services to the commercial and military aerospace and ground defense industries focused mainly on two product areas and services: Thermal Management and Power and Actuation. TAT operates under four business unit: (i) OEM of heat transfer solutions and aviation accessories through its Kiryat Gat facility (TAT Israel); (ii) MRO services for heat transfer components and OEM of heat transfer solutions through its Limco subsidiary; (iii) MRO services for aviation components through its Piedmont subsidiary; and (iv) overhaul and coating of jet engine components through its Turbochrome subsidiary.

TAT’s activities in the area of OEM of heat transfer solutions and aviation accessories through its TAT Israel primarily include the design, development and manufacture of (i) a broad range of heat transfer solutions, such as pre-coolers heat exchangers and oil/fuel hydraulic heat exchangers, used in mechanical and electronic systems on board commercial, military and business aircraft; (ii) environmental control and power electronics cooling systems installed on board aircraft and ground applications; and (iii) a variety of other mechanical aircraft accessories and systems such as pumps, valves, and turbine power units.

TAT’s activities in the area of MRO and OEM of heat transfer solutions include the MRO of heat transfer components and to a lesser extent, the manufacturing of certain heat transfer solutions. TAT’s Limco subsidiary operates an FAA-certified repair station, which provides heat transfer MRO services for airlines, air cargo carriers, maintenance service centers and the military.

TAT’s activities in the area of MRO services for aviation components include the MRO of APUs, landing gears and other aircraft components. TAT’s Piedmont subsidiary operates an FAA-certified repair station, which provides aircraft component MRO services for airlines, air cargo carriers, maintenance service centers and the military.

TAT’s activities in the area of jet engine overhaul through its Turbochrome facility includes the overhaul and coating of jet engine components, including turbine vanes and blades, fan blades, variable inlet guide vanes and afterburner flaps.

TAT is an OEM of heat transfer solutions and aviation accessories to the commercial and military aerospace and ground defense industries, primarily through its TAT Israel. The main OEM activity at TAT Israel is the design and manufacture of a comprehensive line of heat exchangers and cold plates. Heat transfer solutions facilitate removal and dissipation of heat generated during the operation of mechanical and electronic systems. TAT Israel's heat transfer solutions are generally integrated into complete cooling systems. Using proprietary technological expertise, we design each heat transfer product to meet the specific space, power, performance and other needs of our customers. TAT Israel's heat transfer solutions are marketed worldwide for applications in commercial and military aircraft and electronic systems, the primary users of such equipment. TAT Israel's customers include, Liebherr-Aerospace Toulouse S.A. (“Liebherr”), Boeing Aircraft Company (“Boeing”), Israel Aerospace Industries, (“IAI”), Textron Aviation (“Cessna”), Pilatus Aircraft Ltd (“Pilatus”), Embraer Empresa Brasileira de Aeronáutica S.A. (“Embraer”), Eaton Aerospace LLC (“Eaton”), Parker Hannifin Corporation (“Parker”), Bell Helicopter, as well as the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and U.S. Navy and other air forces from around the world. Such supply contracts are generally long-term engagements that may have terms of ten years or more.

As part of its OEM activities, TAT Israel is also engaged in the design, development and manufacture of complete cooling systems. This product line principally includes cooling systems for electronic systems (used in airborne military platforms) and ground cooling systems (used in military facilities, tents, vehicles and other military applications).

In addition, TAT Israel designs, develops and manufactures aviation flow control accessories. These accessories include components, such as valves and pumps. Customers for TAT Israel aviation accessories include Lockheed Martin Corporation (“Lockheed Martin”), Boeing, Continental Motors (“Continental”), the Israel Air Force (“IAF”), IAI, Elbit Systems (“Elbit”), Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (“Rafael”), as well as the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy and other air forces from around the world.

TAT Israel's also provides limited MRO services to military customers, mainly for aviation accessories as well as for certain heat transfer solutions. TAT Israel's currently overhauls emergency power units, hydrazine tanks, jet fuel starters, cooling turbines and various valves for the F-16 fighter aircraft. The customers for TAT Israel MRO services include the IAF, IAI, various NATO countries, as well as the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army and U.S. Navy.

TAT Israel relies on highly qualified personnel and strong engineering, development and manufacturing capabilities that enable it to support its customers from the early program development phase to prototype delivery.

TAT estimates the size of the markets in which TAT Israel operates to be significant based on the scope of development projects and purchasing processes of its customers. Many of the projects TAT Israel is engaged in are lengthy and complex, which account for its long-term supplier relationships and the customer loyalty it enjoys. TAT plans to expand its TAT Israel operations in the OEM segment, among other things, by increasing the scope of work with its existing strategic customers, establishing relationships with new customers, increasing its capabilities in complete systems/subsystems manufacturing, and by targeting strategic territories with high commercial potential.

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Through its Limco subsidiary TAT provides MRO services and OEM services to the aerospace and ground defense industries in the field of heat transfer. Limco’s FAA-certified repair station provides aircraft component MRO services for airlines, OEMs, air cargo carriers, maintenance service centers and the military. Limco is also certified by the EASA, the Civil Aviation Administration of Thailand (“DCA”), the Civil Aviation Administration of Indonesia (“DGCA”), and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (“CAAC”). Limco has also recently attained NADCAP certification for dye penetrant testing, welding and heat treating. Limco specializes in MRO services for components of aircraft, such as heat transfer components and ozone converters. Generally, manufacturer specifications, government regulations and military maintenance regimens require that aircraft components undergo MRO servicing at regular intervals or as necessary. Aircraft heat transfer components typically require MRO services, including repairs and installation of replacement units, after two to five years of service or sooner if required. Aircraft manufacturers typically provide warranties on new aircraft and their components and subsystems, which may range from one to five years depending on the bargaining power of the purchaser. Warranty claims are generally the responsibility of the OEM during the warranty period. Limco’s business opportunity usually begins upon the conclusion of the warranty period for these components and subsystems. Limco’s customers include major U.S. domestic and international airlines, air cargo carriers, maintenance service centers, OEMs such as commercial and military aircraft manufacturers and defense contractors, and the U.S. Armed Forces (Army, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard). MRO contracts with these types of customers are generally long-term engagements and may have terms of one to five years or more.

Limco enjoys a strong reputation among customers for its competitive pricing and fast turnaround time. It is recognized by leading OEMs of aerospace products to provide MRO services for their heat transfer solutions. For example, Limco is a well-recognized Collins Aerospace (Hamilton Sundstrand) repair center, providing MRO services for many of its heat transfer solutions.

In addition to its MRO services, Limco also manufactures, on an OEM basis, heat transfer solutions used in commercial, regional, business and military aviation platforms. Customers for Limco’s heat transfer solutions include Boeing, the Defense Supply Center, Parker Hannifin, Raytheon Company (“Raytheon”), BAE Systems, Bell Helicopter, Triumph Aerostructures, Northrop Grumman Corporation and Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation.

TAT estimates the size of the markets in which Limco operates to be significant based on the number of aircraft requiring MRO services provided by Limco along with the customer loyalty Limco enjoys. TAT plans to expand its Limco operations, among other things, by developing OEM and MRO capabilities for additional types of heat transfer products with significant commercial potential.

Through its subsidiary Piedmont, TAT provides MRO services for aviation components to the aerospace industry. Piedmont’s FAA- and EASA-certified repair station provides aircraft component MRO services for commercial airlines, business jets, air cargo carriers, maintenance service providers as well as governments and military forces worldwide. Piedmont specializes in MRO services for aircraft components, including APUs, landing gears and Machining and Plating services (MPG). Generally, manufacturer specifications, government regulations and military maintenance regimens require that aircraft components undergo MRO servicing at regular intervals or as necessary. Aircraft components typically require MRO services, including repairs and installation of replacement units, after three to ten years of service or sooner if required. Aircraft manufacturers typically provide warranties on new aircraft and their components and subsystems, which may range from one to five years. Warranty claims are generally the responsibility of the OEM during the warranty period.  Piedmont’s business opportunity usually begins upon the conclusion of the warranty period for these components and subsystems. Piedmont’s customers include U.S. domestic and international airlines, air cargo carriers and maintenance service providers. MRO contracts with these types of customers are generally long-term engagements that may have terms of one to ten years or more.

Piedmont is licensed by Honeywell as an authorized repair center to provide MRO services for several types of its APU models. Piedmont has excellent working relationships with the major landing gear manufacturers as well.

In 2021 Piedmont began providing its customers with APU engine leasing services with respect to the APU 331-250 and 331-500 models.

TAT estimates the size of the markets in which Piedmont operates to be significant based on the number of aircraft requiring MRO services provided by Piedmont. TAT plans to expand its Piedmont operations in the MRO segment by using Piedmont’s experience and reputation to develop MRO capabilities for additional types of APU and landing gears applications as well as other aircraft systems/components with significant commercial potential and by offering additional supplementary services such as machining, plating, and grinding (“MPG”).

Through its subsidiary Turbochrome, TAT provides MRO services for jet engine components to the aerospace industry. Turbochrome’s FAA- and EASA-certified repair station provides its services mainly to maintenance service centers, airlines and the military. Turbochrome specializes in MRO services for engine components such as turbine vanes and blades, compressor vanes and blades, fan blades and after burner flaps. Generally, manufacturer specifications, government regulations and military maintenance regimens require that engine components undergo MRO servicing at regular intervals or as necessary. Commercial engine components typically require MRO services after three to five years of service or sooner if required. Engine manufacturers typically provide warranties on new engines and their components and subsystems, which may range from one to five years depending on the bargaining power of the purchaser. Warranty claims are generally the responsibility of the OEM during the warranty period.  Turbochrome’s business opportunity usually begins upon the conclusion of the warranty period for these components. Turbochrome’s customers include domestic and international airlines, maintenance service centers and the military.

Turbochrome also specializes in the manufacturing of coating powders (for pack cementation aluminide coatings) and masking materials (for the prevention of coating in defined areas) used in the aviation industry. Turbochrome provides these materials to OEMs and to maintenance service centers.

TAT estimates the size of the markets in which Turbochrome operates to be significant based on the number of jet engines requiring MRO services. Turbochrome plans to expand its operations in the MRO segment by using Turbochrome’s experience and reputation to develop MRO capabilities for additional types of jet engine components with significant commercial potential.

In November 2015, we signed an agreement with Russian-based Engineering Holdings Ltd of Moscow (“Engineering”), to establish a new facility for the provision of MRO services for heat transfer components. The new company, TAT-Engineering LLC, is based in Novosibirsk’s Tolmachevo airport. The new entity was established in January 2016 and is currently operating under FAA certifications and obtained FAA high-level repair approvals.  Current efforts are focused on marketing initiatives targeting the major Russian and CIS airlines and maintenance stations.

TAT Israel manufactures a wide range of heat transfer solutions used on board aircraft, air conditioning systems, environmental control systems and cooling systems for electronics for military use. These solutions are manufactured in compliance with all of the stringent quality assurance standards that apply to the manufacture of aircraft parts. TAT Israel's quality system complies with ISO 9001, AS9100, Boeing quality systems approval D6-82479 and FAR 21.303 (the FAA standard for Parts Manufacturer Approval) and NADCAP for non-destructive testing and welding.

TAT Israel specializes in the design and manufacture of highly efficient, compact and reliable heat transfer solutions that are designed to meet stringent constraints such as size, weight and environmental conditions. Heat transfer solutions, such as heat exchangers and cold plates, are integral components of a wide variety of environmental control, mechanical and engine systems, as well as a wide range of electronic systems. These systems generate heat during operation that must be removed and dissipated. Heat transfer solutions facilitate the exchange of heat created through the operation of these systems by transmitting the heat from a hot medium (air, oil or other fluids) to a cold medium for disposal.

In the aerospace industry, there is a constant need for improvements in performance, weight, cost and reliability. In addition, as electronic systems become smaller and more densely packed, the need for sophisticated and efficient heat transfer components used to provide the cooling functions becomes more critical. Using TAT Israel's technological expertise, TAT believes it is well positioned to respond to these industry demands through continued new product development and product improvements.

TAT Israel's principal heat transfer solutions include heat exchangers and cold plates. Typically, air-to-air heat exchangers cool a jet engine’s bleed air which, when cooled, is then used in the aircraft’s air conditioning, pressurization and pneumatic systems. The liquid-to-air heat exchangers cool liquids such as engine oil, hydraulic oil and others used in other systems.

TAT Israel provides a one-stop-shop for all types of heat transfer solutions. TAT Israel's heat exchangers are generally priced between approximately $2,000 and $45,000 per unit. A significant portion of TAT Israel's heat transfer solutions is sold to customers in connection with the original manufacture or retrofitting of particular aircraft equipment. TAT Israel generally enters into long-term supply contracts with its customers, which require TAT Israel to supply heat transfer products as part of a larger project.

TAT Israel also manufactures other heat transfer solutions, such as cooling chassis, heat sinks and cold plates (which may be air-to-air, liquid-to-air or liquid-to-liquid), to control and dispose heat emitted by the operation of various electronic systems. Such products are currently utilized mainly in radar systems, avionics, electronic warfare systems and various pods for targeting, navigation and night vision.

As a result of the specialized nature of the systems in which TAT Israel's parts are included, spare and replacement parts for the original heat transfer solutions are also usually provided by TAT Israel.

During 2021, as part of a strategic plan by TAT’s management, TAT started transferring the heat exchangers activity from its Gedera facility to Limco in the US. The transfer was accomplished according to TAT’s management strategic plan in 2022. Such transfer is expected to create a unified independent MRO\OEM center for heat exchangers, and as part of such transfer TAT will build its strategic R&D center for heat exchangers in the US.

TAT Israel is also engaged in the design, development, manufacture and MRO services for aviation flow control accessories. These accessories include components such as valves and pumps.

TAT Israel is also engaged in the design, development and manufacture of complete environmental control systems and cooling systems. This product line includes ground cooling systems mainly for military applications such as mobile command and control units, command and control vehicles, armored vehicles, mobile broadcast units, mobile hospitals, etc. In addition, TAT Israel designs, develops and manufactures power electronics cooling systems based on customer specifications, while providing a complete engineering solution in compliance with strict civil aviation standards. TAT Israel's systems are used globally and are tested under strict standards.

Through its Limco subsidiary in the U.S., TAT provides MRO services for heat transfer components. The demand for MRO services is driven by the size and age of the aircraft fleet (including new aircrafts entering into service), aircraft utilization and regulations set OR promulgated by the FAA and other governmental authorities.

Due to the increased maintenance costs of their aging fleets many carriers are seeking ways to reduce costs, minimize down-time, increase aircraft reliability and extend time between overhauls. One way to accomplish this goal is through the outsourcing of more of their maintenance and support functions to reliable third parties. Furthermore, we believe that commercial carriers making the decision to outsource their MRO requirements are searching for MRO service providers with a wide-range of service capabilities. Such MRO service providers allow the carriers to concentrate their outsourcing of MRO services to a select group of third-party providers. The global military aircraft fleet also presents similar opportunities for MRO service providers. We believe that an aging military fleet and the increased use of upgrade programs aimed at extending the useful life of military aircraft will provide continued MRO growth opportunities.

Limco specializes in the repair and overhaul of heat transfer components. These components include heat exchangers, oil coolers, pre-coolers, reheaters, condensers, water separators, fuel heaters, evaporators and ozone converters.

Limco is continually expanding its MRO capabilities based on market need and/or customer request. Limco’s capabilities include heat transfer components used in aircraft and systems manufactured by Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Cessna, Embraer, Lockheed Martin, Fokker, Liebherr-Aerospace, Collins Aerospace, Honeywell Aerospace and others.

As part of the TAT's strategic plan announced in March 2021, the Company will enhance Limco's Heat exchange cores manufacturing capabilities by, among other things, strengthening Limco’s employees’ engineering knowledge, recruitment and training of employees and investment in new machines and infrastructures.

Limco performs MRO services at its repair station in Tulsa, Oklahoma which has ISO9001, AS9110 and AS9100 certification, NADCAP certification for dye penetrant testing, welding and heat treating, and is licensed to provide MRO services by the FAA and EASA, as well as by the civil aviation Administrations of Thailand, Indonesia and China.

Limco offers different or various MRO services for heat transfer components. If the damage is significant, Limco will remanufacture the unit, which generally entails replacing the core matrix of the damaged or old heat transfer component in lieu of replacing the entire unit with a new one. Limco designs and develops these customized remanufactured units as a cost-effective alternative to new part replacement. In the event of less severe damage, Limco will either overhaul or repair the unit as necessary. Re-manufactured units carry warranties which are often equal or better than those provided to new units.

Limco believes that establishing and maintaining relationships with OEMs of aircraft systems and components is an important factor in achieving sustainable success as an independent MRO service provider. OEMs grant independent MRO service providers authorization to perform repair and overhaul services on their behalf. OEMs generally grant very few authorizations and maintain tight controls over their authorized MRO service providers in order to maintain high quality of service to their customers. Obtaining OEM authorization requires sophisticated technological capabilities, experience-based industry knowledge and substantial capital investment. Furthermore, Limco believes that service providers that have OEM authorization gain a competitive advantage as they typically receive discounts on parts, technical information and OEM warranty support. Limco is an independent MRO service provider that is a well-recognized repair center of Collins Aerospace (Hamilton Sundstrand), one of the largest heat transfer solutions manufacturers in North America or in the United States.

In addition to its MRO services, Limco also acts as an OEM manufacturer of heat transfer solutions used mainly in military aircraft and other ground applications and to a lesser extent, in commercial, regional and business aircraft. Limco specializes in the design and manufacture of highly efficient heat transfer solutions, which are designed to meet stringent constraints such as size, weight and applicable environmental conditions. These units include heat exchangers, oil coolers, precoolers, reheaters, condensers, fuel heaters and evaporators.

Limco also manufactures demineralizer systems for U.S. Navy vessels, including ships and nuclear submarines. Limco currently offers tens of OEM parts to the aerospace and ground defense industries. These parts are manufactured in compliance with the stringent quality assurance standards that apply to the manufacture of aircraft and military parts.

Limco’s quality systems are ISO9001, AS9110, AS9100 and NADCAP for non-destructive testing, welding and heat treating and FAR 21.303 (the FAA standard for Parts Manufacturer Approval).

Through its Piedmont subsidiary, TAT provides MRO services for aviation components, including APUs and landing gear. As previously mentioned, the demand for MRO services is driven by the size and age of the aircraft fleet, aircraft utilization and regulations by the FAA and other governmental authorities.

Due to increased maintenance costs of their aging fleets many carriers are seeking ways to reduce costs, minimize down-time, increase aircraft reliability and extend time between overhauls. One way to accomplish this goal is through the outsourcing of more of their maintenance and support functions to reliable third parties. Furthermore, we also believe that commercial carriers making the decision to outsource their MRO requirements are searching for MRO service providers that offer a wide-range of service capabilities. These MRO service providers allow the carriers to concentrate their outsourcing of MRO services to a select group of third-party providers. The global military aircraft fleet also presents similar opportunities for MRO service providers. We believe that an aging military fleet and the increased use of upgrade programs aimed at extending the useful life of aircrafts will provide continued MRO growth opportunities.

Piedmont specializes in the repair and overhaul of APUs and landing gears. APUs are relatively small, self-contained generators used to start jet engines, usually with compressed air, and to provide electricity, hydraulic pressure and air conditioning while an aircraft is on the ground. In many aircraft, an APU can also provide electrical power during in-flight emergency situations. Landing gears are the structure that support an aircraft on the ground and allow it to taxi, takeoff and land.

Piedmont performs MRO services at its repair station in Greensboro, North Carolina, which is licensed by the FAA and EASA. Piedmont specializes in providing comprehensive repair and overhaul services for APU models manufactured by both Honeywell and Hamilton Sundstrand, two leading OEMs in the United States. In addition, Piedmont provides full repair, overhaul, machining, plating and grinding services for landing gear systems for commercial and military aircraft. Piedmont has a long history in providing landing gear MRO services for regional airliners, including aircraft manufactured by Bombardier (CRJ 100/200/Dash8), the French-Italian ATR (42/72), Gulfstream (G4), Lockheed Martin (P3/C130) and the Brazilian Embraer (E170/E190). During 2020 Piedmont stopped providing services to the CRJ platform.  At the end of 2020 Piedmont signed a new exclusive contract with Honeywell as Honeywell's exclusive rental bank provider for the APU 331-500 (used in the Boeing 777 platform). By signing this agreement with Honeywell and purchasing 18 APU331-500 engines Piedmont entered a new segment of APU leasing. Piedmont also signed a contract to be an authorized repair station for the 331-500 APU (serving the Boeing 777 platform) as well as the APU 131 serving the Boeing 737 platform and Airbus 319-320-321 platform.

Piedmont believes that establishing and maintaining relationships with OEMs of aircraft systems and components is an important factor in achieving sustainable success as an independent MRO service provider. OEMs grant independent MRO service providers authorizations or licenses to perform repair and overhaul services on the equipment they manufacture. OEMs generally grant few authorizations or licenses and maintain tight controls over their authorized and licensed MRO service providers, in order to maintain high quality of service to their customers. Obtaining OEM authorizations requires sophisticated technological capabilities, experience-based industry knowledge and substantial capital investment. Piedmont believes that service providers that have OEM authorizations and licenses gain a competitive advantage as they typically receive discounts on parts, technical information, OEM warranty support and use of the OEM name in marketing. Piedmont is an authorized repair station licensed by Honeywell, the largest manufacturer of APUs, for several of its APU models.

Piedmont has extended its services to include the provision of MPG services, either as supplementary to its traditional MRO services or as stand-alone services. We believe that establishing and maintaining customer relationships with our MPG shop is an important factor in achieving sustainable success as an independent MRO service provider and creates a competitive advantage.

Through its subsidiary, Turbochrome, TAT provides MRO services for jet engine components to the aerospace industry. Turbochrome’s FAA- and EASA-certified repair station provides its services mainly to maintenance service centers, airlines and the military. Turbochrome specializes in MRO services for engine components such as turbine vanes and blades, compressor vanes and blades, fan blades and after burner flaps. Generally, manufacturer specifications, government regulations and military maintenance regimens require that engine components undergo MRO servicing at regular intervals or as necessary. Commercial engine components typically require MRO services after three to five years of service or sooner if required. Engine manufacturers typically provide warranties on new engines and their components and subsystems, which may range from one to five years depending on the bargaining power of the purchaser. Engine manufacturers may also offer extended warranty agreements for 10 to 15 years for the engines. Warranty claims are generally the responsibility of the OEM during the warranty period.  Turbochrome’s business opportunity usually begins upon the conclusion of the warranty period for these components. Turbochrome offers its customers DER (Designated Engineering Representatives) and DOA (Design Organization Approval) repairs approved by the FAA and EASA. Turbochrome’s customers include U.S. domestic and international airlines, maintenance service centers and the military.

TAT estimates the size of the markets in which Turbochrome operates to be significant based on the number of jet engines requiring MRO services provided by Turbochrome. Turbochrome plans to expand its operations in the MRO segment by using Turbochrome’s experience and reputation to develop MRO capabilities for additional types of jet engine components with significant commercial potential.

Turbochrome’s quality system complies with ISO 9001 and AS9100, and with EASA part 145, FAA FAR 145 for the civil parts, the Israel Laboratory Accreditation Authority under ISO/IEC 17025:20 and NADCAP for 3 manufacturing procedures.

Through its Turbochrome facility, TAT manufactures a wide range of masking and coating materials for the aviation industry. These products are manufactured in compliance with all of the stringent quality assurance standards that apply to the maintenance of aircraft engine components.

TAT targets a broad range of customers within the commercial and military aerospace and ground defense industries. Our customers include commercial manufacturers of military equipment, commercial airlines, aircraft manufacturers, military forces, the defense industry, and other manufacturers of electronic systems, aviation units and machinery in the United States, Europe, CIS, Asia, Latin America and Israel. During 2022, TAT had revenues generated by more than 500 customers worldwide.

TAT, primarily through TAT Israel, sells its OEM solutions and systems to commercial and military aircraft manufacturers and defense contractors and to the U.S. and Israeli governments.

Partial lists of OEM customers are set in the following table:

The development projects and purchasing processes of many of TAT’s OEM customers are lengthy and complex and accordingly, with some customers, TAT enters into frame agreements that determine certain legal conditions, but under which the customer is not obligated to purchase any quantity of products. Typically, customers issue purchase orders with the required supply quantity, price, lead times and other related terms.

TAT services MRO customers primarily through Limco, Piedmont and Turbochrome, including major U.S. domestic and international airlines, air cargo carriers, maintenance service centers, the U.S. Armed Forces and other air forces from around the world.

TAT’s partial list of MRO customers is set forth in the following table:

Direct sales to the U.S. government, our largest government customer, accounted for approximately 5.2% of TAT’s revenues for the year ended December 31, 2022, approximately 5.6% of our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2021 and approximately 6.1% of our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Many of TAT’s military contracts are awarded on a competitive basis based on technical merit, personnel qualifications, experience and price. TAT also receives some contract awards involving special technical capabilities on a negotiated, noncompetitive basis due to TAT’s technical capabilities.

TAT provides products under government contracts that usually require performance over a period of several months to several years. Long-term contracts for the U.S. military may be conditioned upon continued availability of congressional appropriations. Variances between anticipated budget and congressional appropriations may result in a delay, modification of scope or termination of these contracts.

The vast majority of the governmental contracts to which TAT is party to are fixed-price contracts, some of which contain fixed-price escalation mechanism. Under these contracts, TAT agrees to perform specific work for a fixed price and, accordingly, realizes the benefit or detriment to the extent that the actual cost of performing the work differs from the contract price. The allowable government contract costs and fees of TAT are subject to audit and may result in non-reimbursement of some contract costs and fees. While governments reserve the right to conduct further audits, audits conducted for periods through fiscal year 2021 and 2022 have resulted in no material cost recovery disallowances for TAT.

TAT’s eligibility to perform under its government contracts requires us to maintain adequate security measures. TAT has implemented security procedures that it believes adequately satisfies the requirements of its current government contracts.

TAT provides warranties for its products and services ranging from one to three years, depending on the nature of the specific product. To date, TAT’s warranty costs have not been substantial. As of December 31, 2022, the combined warranty reserve for TAT was $0.2 million.

The aerospace and defense OEM industries in general and specifically, the commercial and military aviation markets, are characterized by intense competition and the need to constantly be in the forefront of technological innovations in order to be able to offer technologically-advanced and attractive products. Competition in these OEM markets is also based on price, quality and on time delivery. TAT estimates the market size of heat transfer solutions to be significant based on the scope of development projects and purchasing processes of the potential customers. TAT estimates that there is a small number of competing suppliers in the aerospace and defense OEM markets due to the high barriers to entry to these markets, which include the need for highly qualified and trained personnel, technologically advanced facilities and the need to obtain appropriate governmental approvals. The nature of the projects in the commercial and military aviation OEM industry, which are often time consuming and complex, also require long-term supplier relationships and customer loyalty in order to succeed.

The major competitors of TAT in the area of OEM of heat transfer solutions and aviation accessories include manufacturers in the United States such as the Hughes-Treitler division of Ametek, Lytron, Niagara Thermal, Hamilton Sundstrand, Honeywell International and Triumph Thermal Systems; manufacturers based in Europe such as I.M.I. Marston, a subsidiary of Hamilton Sundstrand, Safran and Liebherr; and manufacturers based in Asia such as Sumitomo Precision Products from Japan. These competitors may enjoy competitive advantages over Gedera, such as:

The market for MRO services in the field of heat transfer components is highly competitive. Competition in this market is based on price, turnaround time, quality and breadth of services. TAT’s global competitors in the field of servicing heat transfer components can be divided into two main groups:

The market for MRO services in which Piedmont operates is highly competitive. Competition in this market is based on quality, price, turnaround time and breadth of services. Piedmont’s primary MRO services competitors are the service divisions of OEMs, the in-house maintenance services of various commercial airlines and other independent service providers, such as TAT or Piedmont. For APU and landing gear MRO services Piedmont’s major competitors are Standard Aero Group., Aerotech International, Honeywell International, Chase Aerospace, Professional Aviation, Messier-Dowty Aerospace (MD), AAR, Hawker Pacific, APRO and others.

A number of Piedmont’s competitors have inherent competitive advantages. For example, Piedmont competes with the service divisions of large OEMs which in some cases have design authority with respect to their OEM products and are able to derive significant brand recognition from their OEM manufacturing activities. Piedmont also competes with the in-house service divisions of large commercial airlines where there is a strong incentive for an airline to fully utilize the services of its maintenance employees and facilities. Further, Piedmont’s competitors may have additional competitive advantages, such as:

The market for MRO services in which Turbochrome operates is highly competitive. Competition in this market is based on quality, price, level of service and turnaround time. Turbochrome’s primary MRO services competitors are the service divisions of OEMs, the in-house maintenance services of various commercial airlines and other independent service providers, including Safran (Snecma), General Electric, GKN, PAS, Chromalloy Southwest, MCT Japan and others. With respect to coating and masking materials, Turbochrome's competitor is APV Coatings.

A number of Turbochrome’s competitors have inherent competitive advantages. For example, Turbochrome competes with the service divisions of large OEMs which may have design authority with respect to their OEM products and are able to derive significant brand recognition from their OEM manufacturing activities. Turbochrome also competes with the in-house service divisions of large commercial airlines and there is a strong incentive for an airline to fully utilize the services of its maintenance employees and facilities. Further, Turbochrome’s competitors may have additional competitive advantages, such as:

We believe that our engineering capabilities is a strategic core competency and key competitive advantage, which allows us to effectively compete in the market with companies which, in many cases, have better name recognition and greater resources than we do. Our strong engineering capabilities enable us to meet our customers’ increasingly complex demands to deliver high-quality and cost-effective solutions while maintaining efficient development cycles. These capabilities are based on proprietary technological expertise and know-how developed by highly-experienced multi-disciplinary teams over the years. We believe that this proprietary knowledge coupled with our innovative and problem-solving approach allows us to provide our customers with an overall superior solution – in both manufacturing and MRO services – in terms of quality, cost and turnaround time. Our strong engineering capabilities are a key factor in preserving customer loyalty as well as supporting our efforts to expand our services to new areas of growth.

TAT Israel's engineering staff has extensive knowledge and experience in designing heat transfer solutions. In general, TAT Israel has manufacturing capabilities for most heat transfer solutions. TAT Israel manufactures the necessary tools, fixtures, test equipment and special jigs which are required to manufacture, assemble and test these products. TAT Israel developed proprietary design and analysis techniques which assist in the mechanical and thermal design of its products. All of TAT Israel's products are inspected and tested by trained inspectors using highly sophisticated test equipment in accordance with its customer requirements.

Limco’s engineering department enhances its ability to provide its customers with high-end top-quality MRO services, supports the development of MRO services for new products with commercial potential and supports its OEM activity. Limco’s engineering department employs certified mechanical and aerospace engineers. Limco’s multi-disciplinary team of engineers specializes in, among others, heat transfer solutions and components and supports all processes of thermal and structural analysis, mechanical and metallurgical research and development for manufacturing design. Limco’s engineers have direct experience with aerospace component repair and with obtaining supplemental type certificates from the FAA. Limco’s engineering department supports the development of new repairs capabilities that extend beyond the limits of the component maintenance manual and utilizes DER to obtain the necessary FAA approvals.

Piedmont’s engineering department employs experienced mechanical and aerospace engineers with repair station and manufacturing experience in both engineering and quality. Piedmont also has an FAA-certified DER on staff with delegations in Power plant (APUs) & Mechanical Systems and with special delegation to manage and approve repair specifications.  In addition to developing quality major repairs, Piedmont’s engineers have experience in obtaining supplemental type certificates and parts manufacturer approvals while working directly with the FAA Aircraft Certification Office.

Turbochrome’s engineering department enhances its ability to provide its customers with high-end top-quality MRO services. Turbochrome’s engineering department employs several certified mechanical and metallurgical engineers. Turbochrome’s multi-disciplinary team of engineers specializes in, among other things, turbine components and supports all processes of thermal and structural analysis and mechanical and metallurgical research and development. Turbochrome’s engineers have substantial experience with aerospace component repair and with obtaining DER and DOA certificates from the FAA and EASA.

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

TAT and its subsidiaries acquire most of the components for the manufacture of their products and provision of their services from a limited number of suppliers and subcontractors, the majority located in Israel and the United States. Some of these suppliers are currently the sole source of one or more components upon which TAT and its subsidiaries are dependent. Since many of TAT's and its subsidiaries’ purchases require long lead times, a delay in the supply of an item can significantly delay the delivery of a product. Generally, TAT and its subsidiaries have not experienced significant difficulty in obtaining timely deliveries of necessary components; however, if they are unable to obtain these components when needed, they would experience delays in manufacturing their products and their financial results could be adversely affected.

The raw materials used in manufacturing programs are generally readily available metals and alloys. TAT and its subsidiaries have not had any significant difficulty in obtaining such materials in the past.

TAT and its subsidiaries select their suppliers primarily based on their ability to ensure that their parts are serviceable and traceable to OEM-approved sources, their delivery performance and their ability to help reduce the total cost of procuring those parts. For quality control, cost and efficiency reasons, TAT and its subsidiaries generally purchase supplies only from vendors with who they have ongoing relationships or who their customers have previously approved.

Authorizations from OEMs often require that TAT purchase component parts that are needed for its MRO services from the OEM or its designated distributors.

Wherever possible, TAT and its subsidiaries have made and continue to make an effort to qualify second sources or have identified alternate sources for many of their parts needs.

Exports of military related products are subject to the military export policy of the State of Israel. Currently the Israeli government encourages exports to approved customers, provided that such exports do not run counter to Israeli policy or national security considerations. TAT Israel must obtain a permit prior to initiating a sales proposal and ultimately an export license for the transaction is required. Israeli law also regulates the export of “dual use” items (items that are typically sold for civilian uses or purposes but that may also have military purposes).

While we have been successful in obtaining export permits in the past, we may not be able to obtain the necessary export permits or licenses in the future. In addition, governmental policy with respect to military exports (or dual use items) may be altered.

Export of defense products, military technical data and technical services by our U.S. subsidiaries to Israel and other countries is subject to applicable approvals by the U.S. government under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”). Such approvals are typically in the form of an export license or a technical assistance agreement (“TAA”). Other U.S. companies wishing to export defense products or military-related services and technology to our Israeli and other non-U.S. entities are also required to obtain such export licenses and TAAs. An application for an export license or a TAA requires disclosure of the intended end user and the use of the technology. Pursuant to recent export control reform initiatives in the United States, a greater part of our U.S. subsidiaries’ and our U.S. suppliers' activities are becoming subject to control under the Export Administration Act "dual use" regulations. The U.S. government may deny an export authorization if it determines that a transaction is counter to U.S. policy or national security.

At the present time, TAT and its subsidiaries do not own any patents. TAT and its subsidiaries rely on laws protecting trade secrets, and consider such items proprietary; however, we believe that our success depends less on the ownership of such proprietary rights than on our innovative skills, technical competences, marketing and engineering abilities. TAT and its subsidiaries have no material registered trademarks.

The commercial aerospace industry is highly regulated by the FAA in the United States, EASA in Europe, and other governmental authorities elsewhere in the world, while the military aerospace industry is governed by military quality specifications established by the U.S. Department of Defense for the manufacturing and repair industries and ISO-9000. TAT is required to be certified by one or more of these entities and, in some cases, by individual OEMs. TAT must also satisfy the requirements of its customers, including OEMs and airlines that are subject to FAA regulations and to evolving industry standards, and provide these customers with products that comply with the government regulations applicable to commercial flight operations. TAT believes it currently satisfies or exceeds these FAA maintenance standards in its repair and overhaul activities. Our active or operating repair stations in Israel and the United States are approved by the FAA (while TAT-Engineering, our joint venture in Russia, is currently pursuing such certification or is currently in process of pursuing such certification). TAT also believes it currently satisfies all industry standards in its facilities.

TAT’s operations are also subject to a variety of worker and community safety laws including the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, known as OSHA, which mandates general requirements for safe workplaces for all U.S. employees. In addition, OSHA provides special procedures and measures for the handling of certain hazardous and toxic substances. TAT believes that its operations are in compliance with OSHA’s requirements.

TAT believes that it is in material compliance with U.S., European and other governmental regulations affecting the aerospace and defense industries.

TAT’s operations in Israel are subject to supervision by the Israeli Ministry of Defense and Civil Aviation Administration of Israel. TAT Israel is certified by the IAF and the Israeli Ministry of Defense for both manufacturing and maintenance. TAT Israel is also licensed as a repair station for certain components by the Civil Aviation Administration of Israel. In addition, TAT Israel export of certain products and/or know-how is subject to approval by the Defense Export Controls Agency (“DECA”) of the Israeli Ministry of Defense. DECA permits are required prior to submitting sales proposals with regard to such exports, as well as for the actual export of such products.

TAT’s operations are subject to a number of stringent federal, state and local environmental laws in the United States and Israel, as well as to regulation set or promulgated by government agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Among other matters, these regulatory authorities impose requirements that regulate the emission, discharge, generation, management, transportation and disposal of pollutants and hazardous substances. These authorities may require TAT to initiate actions to remediate the effects of hazardous substances which may be or have been released into the environment and require TAT to obtain and maintain permits in connection with TAT’s operations. This extensive regulatory framework imposes significant compliance burdens and risks. During the years 2020-2021, the Israeli Water Authority requested that TAT perform sampling of certain groundwater wells in TAT’s facility in Gedera. During March 2022 TAT has terminated its lease agreement in Gedera facility and has no further requests from the water authority.

Although TAT seeks to maintain its operations and facilities in compliance with applicable environmental laws, there can be no assurance that TAT has no violations, or that change in such laws, regulations or interpretations of such laws, will not require TAT to make significant additional expenditures to ensure compliance in the future.

During 2022 TAT completed the strategic plan announced in March 2021, which includes transferring TAT’s activity from the leased facility in Gedera to a facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma (see information regarding such facility below) and to a facility in Kiryat Gat, Israel which is leased by our wholly owned subsidiary Turbochrome. The facility in Kiryat Gat is approximately 138,000 square feet, and the land on which the facility is located is leased from the ILA. The leasehold rights are for a period ending in 2045 and are recorded in Turbochrome's name. Turbochrome paid the entire lease payments due until 2045 in a one-time payment (discounted to present value).

Limco owns and operates a 55,000 square feet manufacturing plant in Tulsa, Oklahoma which has historically supported all its business, including its aftermarket heat transfer component repair station. This facility also has housed Limco’s administration, engineering, quality control and support services.

Limco also leases building #2, building #3, building #4, building #5, and building #6.  Building #2 lease is effective from June 1, 2017 to November 30, 2026. The lessee or lessor may terminate the lease by giving lessee or lessor six months advance written notice.  The rent for building #2 is $4,000 per month plus the annual percentage increase in the CPI-W. Building #3 lease expired on January 31, 2014, however, the lease has renewed automatically from year to year since that date.  Either party has the right to cancel the lease with 30 days’ advance notice prior to the annual expiration of the term.  The rent for building #3 is $1,505 per month plus the annual percentage increase in the CPI-W.  Building #4 lease is effective from April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2029. The lessee or lessor may terminate the lease by giving the lessee or lessor 6 months advance written notice.  The rent for building #4 is $3,200 per month plus the annual percentage increase in the CPI-W.  The lease on building #5 expires on March 31, 2025.  The lessee or lessor may terminate the lease by giving the lessee or lessor 6 months advance written notice. The rent for building #5  is $4,100 per month plus the annual percentage increase in the CPI-W.  The lease on building #6 expires on March 31, 2032.  The lessee or lessor may terminate the lease by giving the lessee or lessor 6 months advance written notice. The rent for building #6 is $9,364 per month plus the annual percentage increase in the CPI-W.

 In 2022, 2021 and 2020, the rental expense for this property was $271, $158 and $149 thousand, respectively, for each one of these years.

In the second half of 2015, Piedmont leased approximately 82,000 square feet in Greensboro, North Carolina, for its new landing gear component and overhaul repair station as well as the MPG operation. The lease expires on June 30, 2025. In 2022, 2021 and 2020 the rental expense was $357 thousand, respectively, for each one of these years. In addition, Piedmont leases approximately 56,000 square feet space for its facility in Kernersville, North Carolina to support its APU component and overhaul repair station. During 2018, Piedmont vacated the first floor of the facility while continuing to lease the second-floor space, approximately 28,000 square feet.   In 2022, 2021 and 2020, the rental expense for this property was $48 thousand for each year respectively. The lease expired on October 31, 2016 and is now extended until May 2025.

The following discussion of our results of operations should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes, which appear elsewhere in this annual report.  The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our current plans, estimates and beliefs and involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include those discussed below and elsewhere in this annual report.

TAT is reliant on the robustness of the commercial and military aerospace and ground defense industries. Any downturn in these industries could weaken demand for its solutions and services and negatively impact its financial results. The commercial airline industry is cyclical and has historically been subject to fluctuations due to general economic and political conditions, such as fuel and labor costs, price competition, downturns in the global economy and national and international events.

TAT’s cost of revenues for OEM operations and MRO services consists of component and material costs, direct labor costs, quality assurance costs, shipping expenses, royalties, overhead related to manufacturing and depreciation of manufacturing equipment. TAT’s gross margin is affected by the proportion of its revenues generated from each of its operational segments.

The principal factors that affect the operating income of TAT’s four segments, in addition to their gross profit, is the expenditure on selling and marketing expenses and general and administrative expenses. While TAT closely monitors its operating expenses to prevent unnecessary spending, we believe that these operating expenses may increase in the future in accordance with our plans to grow the business.

TAT’s research and development expenses are related to new products and technologies or significant improvement of existing products and technologies.

TAT’s selling and marketing expenses are related to commission payments, compensation and related expenses of TAT’s sales teams, participation in trade shows, travel expenses, advertising expenses and related costs for facilities and equipment.

TAT’s general and administrative expenses are related to compensation and related expenses for executive, finance and administrative personnel, professional fees such as legal, audit, SOX, internal audit, insurance premiums and general corporate expenses and related costs for facilities and equipment.

TAT, directly and through its subsidiaries, provides a variety of solutions and services to the commercial and military aerospace and ground defense industries, including:

The following table reflects the geographic breakdown of TAT’s revenues for each of the three years ended December 31, 2022:

Cost of revenues.TAT’s cost of revenues for OEM operations and MRO services consists of component and material costs, direct labor costs, quality assurance costs, royalties, shipping expenses, overhead related to manufacturing and depreciation of manufacturing equipment.

TAT’s gross margin was affected by the proportion of TAT’s revenues generated from OEM operations and MRO services in each of the reported years.

Research and development expenses, net. Research and development expenses, net are related to new products and technologies or to a significant improvement of products and technologies, net of grants and participations received.

Selling and marketing expenses. Selling and marketing expenses consist primarily of commission payments, compensation and related expenses of TAT’s sales teams, participation in trade shows, travel expenses, advertising expenses and related costs for facilities and equipment.

General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses consist of compensation and related expenses for executive, finance and administrative personnel, professional fees such as legal, audit, SOX, internal audit, other general corporate expenses and related costs for facilities and equipment.

Other income (expense). Other income (expense) results from capital gain on sale of property and equipment and onetime expenses.

Financial income (expense), net. Financial income (expense), net consists of exchange rate and interest income or expense. Interest income or expense relates to the interest received from or paid to banks and changes in the rate of the NIS or other currencies against the U.S. dollar.

Tax expense (income). Tax expense consists of Israeli and U.S. federal and state taxes on the income of TAT’s business and changes in deferred tax assets or liabilities.

TAT’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These accounting principles require management to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions based upon information available at the time that they are made, historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates, judgments and assumptions can affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. While all the accounting policies impact the financial statements, certain policies may be viewed to be critical. These policies are those that are both most important to the portrayal of TAT’s financial condition and results of operations and require management’s most difficult, subjective and complex judgments and estimates. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by U.S. GAAP and does not require management’s judgment in its application. There are also areas in which management’s judgment in selecting among available alternatives would not produce a materially different result. Management has reviewed these critical accounting policies and related disclosures with TAT’s audit committee.

TAT’s management believes the significant accounting policies which affect management’s more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of TAT’s consolidated financial statements and which are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating the reported financial results include the following:

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

TAT operates within multiple tax jurisdictions and is subject to audits in these jurisdictions. These audits can involve complex issues, which may require an extended period of time to resolve. In management’s opinion, adequate provisions for income taxes have been made for all years. Although management believes that its estimates are reasonable, no assurance can be given that the final tax outcome of these issues will not be different than those reflected in its historical income tax provisions.

TAT uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities and net operating loss and credit carry forwards using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. To the extent that TAT’s decisions and assumptions and historical reporting are determined not to be compliant with applicable tax laws, TAT may be subject to adjustments in its reported income for tax purposes as well as interest and penalties.

According to an acceptable interpretation that prescribes a minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. The interpretation also provides guidance on de-recognition of tax positions, classification on the balance sheet, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. In addition, the interpretation requires significant judgment with respect to determining what constitutes an individual tax position as well as assessing the outcome of each tax position. Changes in judgment as to recognition or measurement of tax positions can materially affect the estimate of the effective tax rate and consequently, affect our operating results.

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

TAT’s management evaluates its performance by focusing on key performance indicators, which are revenues, sources of revenues, gross profit and operating income. These key performance indicators are primarily affected by the competitive landscape in which TAT operates and its ability to meet the challenges posed.

The following table presents, for the periods indicated, information concerning TAT’s results of operations:

TAT is incorporated under the laws of the State of Israel, and its principal executive offices and manufacturing and research and development facilities are located in Israel. See “RISK FACTORS” for a description of governmental, economic, fiscal, monetary or political policies or factors that have materially affected or could materially affect TAT’s operations.

Israel is a member of the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the International Finance Corporation. Israel is a member of the World Trade Organization and is a signatory to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. In addition, Israel has been granted preferences under the Generalized System of Preferences from the United States, Australia, Canada and Japan. These preferences allow Israel to export the products covered by such programs either duty-free or at reduced tariffs.

Israel and the European Union Community, known now as the “European Union,” concluded a Free Trade Agreement in July 1975 that confers some advantages with respect to Israeli exports to most European countries and obligates Israel to lower its tariffs with respect to imports from these countries over a number of years. In 1985, Israel and the United States entered into an agreement to establish a Free Trade Area. The Free Trade Area has eliminated all tariff and some non-tariff barriers on most trade between the two countries. On January 1, 1993, an agreement between Israel and the European Free Trade Association, known as the “EFTA,” established a free-trade zone between Israel and the EFTA nations. In November 1995, Israel entered into a new agreement with the European Union, which includes a redefinition of rules of origin and other improvements, such as allowing Israel to become a member of the Research and Technology programs of the European Union. In recent years, Israel has established commercial and trade relations with a number of other nations, including Russia, China, India, Turkey and other nations in Eastern Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

TAT reports its financial results in dollars and receives payment primarily in dollars or dollar-linked NIS for all of its sales while it incurs a portion of its expenses, principally salaries and related personnel expenses in Israel, in NIS. Additionally, certain assets, as well as a portion of its liabilities, are denominated in NIS. Therefore, the dollar cost of its operations is influenced by the extent to which any inflation in Israel is offset on a lagging basis or is not offset by the devaluation of the NIS in relation to the U.S. dollar. When the rate of inflation in Israel exceeds the rate of devaluation of the NIS against the U.S. dollar, the dollar cost of operations in Israel increases. If the dollar cost of operations in Israel increases, its dollar-measured results of operations will be adversely affected. It is uncertain whether TAT will be materially and adversely affected in the future if inflation in Israel exceeds the devaluation of the NIS against the dollar or if the timing of the devaluation lags behind inflation in Israel.

Because exchange rates between the NIS and the dollar fluctuate continuously, exchange rate fluctuations and especially larger periodic devaluations will have an impact on TAT’s profitability and period-to-period comparisons of its results. The effects of foreign currency re-measurements are reported in TAT’s consolidated financial statements in current operations. Although TAT hedges a portion of its exchange rate risk through the use of forward contracts and other derivative instruments, there is no certainty that future results of operations may not be materially adversely affected by currency fluctuations.

Certain of TAT’s subsidiaries operate in and are subject to the tax laws of various other jurisdictions, primarily the United States. TAT’s U.S. subsidiaries are taxed based on federal and state tax laws.  The U.S. federal statutory flat tax rate for tax years 2021 and 2022 is 21%.

During 2022, TAT received a loan from a commercial bank in the amount of $3.7 million.  The loan bears annual interest rate of 6.65% (Prime Rate +0.9%) and is repaid in equal monthly installment as of April 2022 through March 2029.

During 2022, TAT received loans from a commercial bank in the US in an aggregate amount of $7.9 million. These loans are secured with a first degree lien on TAT’s US subsidiaries equipment. The loans bear annual interest of 3.75% and 4.2% and are repaid in equal monthly installments until 2029 and 2031.

In March 2022 TAT received a short-term credit line of $5 million from a commercial bank in the US. The loan bears an annual fixed interest rate of 2.9% with a maturity date in March 2024.

Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2022, amounted to approximately $4.9 million, compared to net cash used in operating activities of $2.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 and net cash provided by operating activities of $5.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2022 was impacted by the company's restructuring plan costs with an amount of $1.7 million.

Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2022 was principally derived from the following adjustments of non-cash line items: an upward adjustment of $3.7 million for depreciation and amortization; a upward adjustment of $1.1 million for an increase in trade accounts payable; an upward adjustment of $2.7 million for accrued expenses. This was offset by a loss of $4 million; a downward adjustment of $5 million for increase in inventory; a downward adjustment of $2.6 million for increase in trade accounts receivable; and a downward adjustment of $1.5 million for increase in other current assets and prepaid expenses.

Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2021 was impacted by the company's restructuring plan cost with a total amount of $0.58 million.

Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2021 was principally derived from the following adjustments of non-cash line items: an upward adjustment of $4.8 million for depreciation and amortization; a upward adjustment of $2.6 million for increase in trade accounts payable; an upward adjustment of $1.8 million for impairment of fixed assets. This was offset by $3.5 million loss; a downward adjustment of $2.9 million for increase in trade accounts receivable; a downward adjustment of $1.4 million for government loan forgiveness; a downward adjustment of $1.3 million due to change in lease right of use and lease liability; and a downward adjustment of $1 million for increase in other current assets and prepaid expenses.

Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2020 was principally derived from the following adjustments of non-cash line items: an upward adjustment of $4.1 million for depreciation and amortization; an upward adjustment of $9.5 million for decrease in trade accounts receivable; an upward adjustment of $1.9 million for decrease in inventory; an upward adjustment of $0.6 million for increase in non-cash finance expenses. This was offset by $5 million loss; a downward adjustment of $5.3 million for decrease in trade accounts payables; and a downward adjustment of $1.4 million for decrease in deferred income taxes, net and a downward adjustment of $0.3 million in accrued expenses.

In the year ended December 31, 2022, net cash used by investing activities was $16.1 million, out of which approximately $10 million was attributed to investment in new machinery and buildings due to the company's restructuring plan.

In the year ended December 31, 2021, net cash used by investing activities was $15.6 million, out of which approximately $5.8 million was attributed to investment in machinery and buildings due to the Company's restructuring plan.

In the year ended December 31, 2020, net cash used by investing activities was primarily attributable to $3.9 million purchase of property and equipment and $1.5 million purchase of intangible assets.

In the year ended December 31, 2022, net cash provided by financing activities was primarily attributable to an amount of $16.7 million  in commercial loans and lines of credit extended to the company during 2022. See Note 10 in the company's financial statements.

In the year ended December 31, 2021, net cash provided by financing activities was primarily attributable to a $3 million short-term line of credit received from a commercial bank and to loans of $3 million received in connection with a loan guaranteed by Israeli government due to Covid-19 government support.

In the year ended December 31, 2020, net cash provided by financing activities was primarily attributable to a $3.0 million short term line of credit received from a commercial bank and to loans of $4.6 million received in connection with the PPP loan program from the US SBA and in connection with a loan guaranteed by Israeli government due to Covid-19 government support.

             

In recent years, the aerospace industry in which we operate has been impacted by the increase in number of commercial and defense aircraft, increase in commercial passenger traffic and a corresponding increase in airlines’ revenue. The Covid-19 pandemic did, however, result in a slow-down in commercial aviation markets and there is no assurance that these trends will continue in the future. Commercial carriers remain committed to their efforts to reduce cost of MRO activities and increase efficiencies.

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