EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 824142
Filing Year: 2023
Filename: 824142_10-K_2023_0000824142-23-000019.json

---

ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. Business.
Overview
AAON, Inc., a Nevada corporation, (“AAON Nevada”) was incorporated on August 18, 1987. Our operating subsidiaries include AAON, Inc., an Oklahoma corporation ("AAON Oklahoma"), AAON Coil Products, Inc., a Texas corporation ("AAON Coil Products"), and BasX, Inc., an Oregon corporation ("BASX"). Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this Annual Report to “AAON”, the “Company”, “we”, “us”, “our”, or “ours” refer to AAON Nevada and our subsidiaries.
We are engaged in the engineering, manufacturing, marketing, and sale of premium air conditioning and heating equipment consisting of standard, semi-custom, and custom rooftop units, data center cooling solutions, cleanroom systems, packaged outdoor mechanical rooms, air handling units, makeup air units, energy recovery units, condensing units, geothermal/water-source heat pumps, coils, and controls.
Business Segments
The Company conducts its business through three business segments: AAON Oklahoma, AAON Coil Products, and BASX.
AAON Oklahoma: AAON Oklahoma designs, manufactures, sells, and services standard, semi-custom, and custom heating, ventilation, and air conditioning ("HVAC") systems, designs and produces controls solutions for all of our HVAC units, and sells retail parts to customers through our two retail part stores in Tulsa, Oklahoma as well as online. Through our Norman Asbjornson Innovation Center ("NAIC") research and development laboratory facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Company is able to test units under various environmental conditions. AAON Oklahoma includes the operations of our Tulsa, Oklahoma and Parkville, Missouri facilities, our NAIC research and development laboratory facility and two retail parts locations.
AAON Coil Products: AAON Coil Products designs and manufactures a selection of our standard, semi-custom, and custom HVAC systems. AAON Coil Products also designs and manufactures various heating and cooling coils to be used in HVAC systems, mostly for the benefit of AAON Oklahoma and AAON Coil Products. AAON Coil Products consists of operations at our Longview, Texas facilities.
BASX: BASX provides product development design and manufacturing of custom engineered air handling systems including high efficiency data center cooling solutions, cleanroom HVAC systems, commercial/industrial HVAC systems, and modular solutions. Additionally, BASX designs and manufactures cleanroom environmental control systems to support hospital surgical suites, pharmaceutical process facilities, semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, laboratory and isolation and modular cleanrooms for facility flexibility. BASX consists of operations at our Redmond, Oregon facility.
For more information on our business segments' financial position and results of operations, refer to Note 22, "Segments," of the notes to consolidated financial statements.
Business and Marketing Strategy
Our products serve the commercial, industrial, data center cooling solutions, and cleanroom new construction and replacement markets within the HVAC equipment industry. Our business strategy involves mass customization that uses flexible computer-aided manufacturing systems to produce standard, semi-custom, and custom equipment and combines the low unit costs of mass production processes with the flexibility of individual customization. Through a collaborative effort with our independent representative sales offices, we design and manufacture the precise semi-custom product offering that best serves the customer's needs.
Our marketing strategy focuses on customers and markets that demand HVAC equipment with higher performance, greater energy efficiency, and best indoor air quality. We manufacture equipment with more capabilities than the standard offerings found in the HVAC equipment industry. We further focus on developing a company culture focused upon customer satisfaction, reducing product delivery channel time and cost, and continuing with the goal of product and manufacturing technology leadership and innovation. Our product mix, with a heavy investment in research and development, has an emphasis on energy efficiency, environment, and indoor air quality.
We are committed to designing and manufacturing innovative HVAC products of the highest quality, efficiency, and performance. As such, we are committed to meeting certification standards of the relevant standard setting bodies, including the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (“AHRI”); the American National Standards Institute ("ANSI"); American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers ("ASHRAE"); the Air Movement and Control Association ("AMCA") and the International Organization for Standardization ("ISO").
To date, our sales have been primarily derived from the domestic market. Foreign sales accounted for approximately $27.6 million, $14.8 million, and $11.7 million of our net sales in 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively. As a percentage of net sales, foreign sales accounted for approximately 3.1%, 3.0%, and 2.0% of our net sales in each of those years, respectively.
Products - AAON Oklahoma and AAON Coil Products
Our rooftop and condensing unit markets primarily consist of units installed on commercial or industrial structures of generally less than ten stories in height. Our air handling units, self-contained units, geothermal/water-source heat pumps, and coils are suitable for all sizes of commercial and industrial buildings.
The size of these markets is determined primarily by the number of commercial and industrial building completions and replacement demand from existing buildings. The replacement market consists of products installed to replace existing units/components that are worn or damaged and products to upgrade certain components, such as low leakage dampers, high efficiency heat exchangers and modern controls components.
The commercial and industrial new construction markets are subject to cyclical fluctuations in that they generally lag behind the housing market. The housing market, in turn, is influenced by cyclical factors such as interest rates, inflation, consumer spending habits, employment rates, the state of the economy and other macroeconomic factors. When new construction is down, we emphasize the replacement market.
Based on our 2022 combined sales of $771.1 million at AAON Oklahoma and AAON Coil Products, we estimate that we have approximately a 12% share of the greater than five ton rooftop market and a 2% share of the less than five ton market. The ratio of sales for new construction versus replacement is related to various factors. Generally, the cyclicality of the new construction market impacts this ratio the most over an economic cycle.
We purchase certain components, fabricate sheet metal and tubing and then assemble and test the finished products. Our primary finished products consist of a single unit system containing heating and cooling in a self-contained cabinet, referred to in the industry as “unitary products”. Our other finished products are coils, air handling units, condensing units, makeup air units, energy recovery units, rooftop units, geothermal/water-source heat pumps, and controls.
We offer three groups of rooftop units: the RQ Series, consisting of five cooling sizes ranging from two to six tons; the RN Series, offered in 28 cooling sizes ranging from six to 140 tons; and the RZ Series, which is offered in 15 cooling sizes ranging from 45 to 261 tons.
The RQ series and RN Series, 2 to 50 tons, feature the option of our Zero Degree Cold Climate Air-Source Heat Pumps. Our Zero Degree Cold Climate Air-Source Heat Pumps are a critical solution to meet the increasing demand for building decarbonization in cold climates. With variable speed operation, these heat pumps provide energy efficient heating and cooling throughout the seasons and the heat pump heating performance has been tested in the NAIC down to an ambient temperature of 0oF.
We also offer the SA, SB and M2 Series as indoor packaged, water-cooled or geothermal/water-source heat pump self-contained units with cooling capacities of three to 70 tons.
Our condensing unit, the CF Series, is available from 2 to 70 tons.
Our air handling units consist of the indoor H3 and V3 Series and the modular M2 Series, as well as air handling unit configurations of the RQ, RN, RZ, and SA Series units.
Our energy recovery option applicable to our RQ, RN, RZ, and SB units, as well as our H3, V3, and M2 Series air handling units, responds to the U.S. Clean Air Act mandate to increase fresh air in commercial structures. Our products are designed to compete on the higher quality end of standardized products.
Our RN, RQ, M2, and SB Series, are AHRI certified in accordance with ANSI/AHRI/ASHRAE/ISO 13256.
Our unitary products (RQ and RN Series) are certified with AHRI and the US Department of Energy to ANSI/AHRI 210/240 up to 5 tons capacity and ANSI/AHRI 340/360 up to 63 tons capacity.
Performance characteristics of our products range in cooling capacity from 2 to 261 tons and in heating capacity from 7,200 to 4,500,000 British Thermal Units ("BTUs"). Many of our products far exceed these minimum standards and are among the highest efficiency products currently available in the market.
A typical commercial building installation requires one ton of air conditioning for every 300-400 square feet or, for a 100,000 square foot building, 250 tons of air conditioning, which can involve multiple units.
Our packaged rooftop units with two stage or variable speed compressors are optimized with high efficiency evaporator and condenser coils and variable speed fans, leading to an AHRI Certified performance up to 20.3 SEER and 22.5 IEER. AAON H3/V3 Series energy recovery wheel air handling units provide energy efficient 100% outside air ventilation by recovering energy that would otherwise be exhausted from a building.
We design and produce controls solutions for all of our HVAC units including rooftop units, air handlers and water-source heat pumps. We provide factory-developed and tested controls options for variable air volume systems associated with those units and other HVAC related equipment.
We offer several controls options: the Orion Controller, Pioneer Gold, Pioneer Silver, terminal block for field installed controls, and factory installed customer provided controls. Most of our controls are Underwriters Laboratories category ZPVI2 compliant and BACnet Testing Laboratories certified which ensures our products meet internationally recognized standards for safety, traceability, conformance, and production quality. Our economizer function is California Title 24 certified to minimize energy consumption. Our proven sequences of operation optimize the performance of our HVAC units.
Out of the box, our controls are user-friendly and configurable to provide a variety of HVAC unit application options, but we are also able to customize our controls to meet customers’ unique requirements. We have controls solutions that enhance our products unique features and capabilities.
Products - BASX
The products BASX manufactures are highly engineered and customized products, fully complementing our existing business. BASX data center cooling solutions are focused on providing highly configurable, purpose-built equipment with a focus on efficiency, speed of deployment, and quality. High-performance air-cooled chiller solutions are provided with indirect airside economization and optional adiabatic assisted cooling, and are designed to integrate with high performance computing systems requiring direct to chip cooling. White space process cooling solutions include fan coil walls, computer room air handling ("CRAH") units, overhead fan coils, in-row coolers, and chilled water air handlers. Packaged solutions include coupled economizing chillers with integrated air handling units, direct evaporative coolers, and packaged direct expansion ("DX") solutions with airside economizers.
BASX cleanroom products are built to provide environmental control serving critical processes and high-fidelity control for precise industry requirements. Process cooling solutions include recirculation air handling units and make up air handling units including integration of piping systems and controls. Environmental control solutions include modular cleanroom environments, fan filter units, filtered ceiling grids with integral flush mount lighting, pressurized plenums with integral ceiling grids, and hospital surgical suites.
BASX custom air handling products are primarily used in commercial, industrial, healthcare, and institutional facilities employing chilled water cooling, packaged direct expansion, heating hot water, indirect gas direct heat, humidification, dehumidification, filtration, and integrated controls. BASX manufactures plenum fans for
integration into air handling units as well as for replacement applications. BASX also offers integrated sound performance solutions.
Air Quality Products
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 ("COVID-19") pandemic fueled a great deal of concern over best practices in the design and operation of building HVAC systems. In order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, influenza, and other similar type respiratory diseases, we have performed significant research on what affects the transmission of these diseases and how AAON HVAC systems can be best designed. The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers ("ASHRAE"), a professional association with a goal of advancing HVAC systems designs and construction, established an Epidemic Task Force in 2020 and determined several recommendations to mitigate the spread of the virus, including humidity control, air filtration, increased outdoor air ventilation, and air disinfection.
Humidity control - We continue to lead the market in developing energy efficient humidity control with the use of variable capacity compressors and modulating hot gas reheat. Designing HVAC systems with superior humidity control allows building management to maintain ASHRAE’s recommended ambient relative humidity levels of 40%-60%, the ideal level to inactivate viruses in the air and on surfaces.
Air Filtration - We standardized a design that uses a backward curved fan wheel, which can accommodate higher airflow and static pressure required for the ASHRAE recommended MERV 13 filtration, the minimum filter level for virus mitigation, with very little reconfiguration. Prior to 2020, a vast majority of commercial buildings used filtration levels of MERV 4 to MERV 8, which has always been acceptable for filtering out typical particulates in the air stream.
Outdoor Air Ventilation - Our innovative use of energy recovery wheels and energy recovery plates combined with its superior humidity control design can help building management follow outdoor ventilation air recommendations while limiting an increase of energy usage and maintaining recommended humidity levels.
Air Disinfection - Our basic design characteristics allow for an easy installation of ultraviolet lighting equipment. In addition to this equipment offered as options in new units sold, our basic design characteristics allow for easy installation in units already used in the field.
Overall, we are well positioned to accommodate the heightened demand for features that can help mitigate virus transmission and improve indoor air quality. The features that ASHRAE recommends require premium designs and configurations that are standard in our units. As a result, we are able to incorporate air quality features into our units at a minimal price premium and with no delivery delay.
Representatives
As of December 31, 2022, we employ a sales staff of 69 individuals and utilize approximately 64 independent manufacturer representatives’ organizations (“Representatives”) having 127 offices to market our products primarily in the United States and Canada. Sales are made directly to the contractor or end user, with shipments being made from our Tulsa, Oklahoma, Longview, Texas, Parkville, Missouri, or Redmond, Oregon facilities to the job site.
Historically, our products and sales strategy focused on niche markets. However, market trends related to the COVID-19 pandemic and indoor air quality, decarbonization and energy efficiency, and higher energy prices, have positioned us to focus on a wider spectrum of the nonresidential HVAC equipment industry. The targeted markets for our equipment are customers seeking products of higher performance and better quality than those offered, and/or options not offered, by standardized manufacturers.
To support and service our customers and the ultimate consumer, we provide parts availability through our Representatives' sales offices, as well as our two Tulsa, Oklahoma operated retail parts stores, to serve the local markets. We also have factory service organizations at each of our facilities. Additionally, a number of the Representatives we utilize have their own service organizations, which, in connection with us, provide the necessary warranty work and/or normal service to customers.
We have a program focused on increasing service capabilities across our North America Representative network, by assisting Representatives with business plans, providing training, and creating a cohesive network of service organizations to better meet the operational and maintenance needs of our customer base.
Warranties
Our product warranty policy is the earlier of one year from the date of first use or 18 months from date of shipment for parts only, including controls; 18 months for data center cooling solutions and cleanroom systems; five years for compressors (if applicable); 15 years on aluminized steel gas-fired heat exchangers (if applicable); 25 years on stainless steel heat exchangers (if applicable); and ten years on gas-fired heat exchangers in our historical RL products (if applicable). Our warranty policy for the RQ series covers parts for two years from date of unit shipment. Our warranty policy for the WH and WV Series geothermal/water-source heat pumps covers parts for five years from the date of installation.
The Company also sells extended warranties on parts for various lengths of time ranging from six months to ten years. Revenue for these separately priced warranties is deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the separately priced warranty period.
Major Customers
One customer, Texas AirSystems LLC, accounted for 10% or more of our sales during 2022, 2021, and 2020. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of our sales during 2022, 2021, and 2020. One customer, Texas AirSystems LLC, accounted for more than 10% of our accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2022. No customers accounted for more than 10% of our accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2021.
Backlog
Our backlog as of February 1, 2023 was approximately $547.3 million, compared to approximately $347.6 million as of February 1, 2022. The current backlog consists of orders considered by management to be firm and our goal is to fill orders within approximately 25 weeks after an order is deemed to become firm; however, the orders are subject to cancellation by the customers in which case, cancellation charges apply up to the full price of the equipment.
Competition
Our AAON Oklahoma and AAON Coil Products product offerings primarily compete with Lennox (Lennox International, Inc.), Trane (Trane Technologies plc), York International (Johnson Controls International PLC), Carrier (Carrier Global Corporation), and Daikin (Daikin Industries). Our BASX product offerings primarily compete with Vertiv (Vertiv Holdings Co.), STULZ (STULZ Air Technology Systems, Inc.), Munters, Silent Aire (Johnson Controls International PLC), Nortek (Nortek Air Management), and Engineered Air.
All of our publicly traded competitors are substantially larger and have greater resources than we do. Our products compete on the basis of total value, quality, function, serviceability, efficiency, availability of product, reliability, product line recognition, and acceptability of sales outlets. Historically, our premium equipment was sold at a higher average price compared to most of the competition. In the replacement market and other owner-controlled purchases, we have been successful at taking market share due to the total value proposition and lower cost of ownership our products provide to building owners over the life span of the equipment. In the new construction market where the contractor is the purchasing decision maker, we were often at a competitive disadvantage because of the emphasis placed on initial cost. However, due to operational efficiency improvements we made over the last several years, the cost of our semi-custom equipment is more comparable to the standard equipment market. As a result, the value proposition of our higher quality equipment is now more attractive, making us more competitive in both the new construction and replacement markets.
Resources
Sources and Availability of Raw Materials
The most important materials we purchase are steel, copper, and aluminum. We also purchase from other manufacturers certain components, including coils, compressors, electric motors, and electrical controls used in our products. We attempt to obtain the lowest possible cost in our purchases of raw materials and components, consistent with meeting specified quality standards. We are not dependent upon any one source for raw materials or the major components of our manufactured products. By having multiple suppliers, we believe that we will have adequate sources of supplies to meet our manufacturing requirements for the foreseeable future.
We attempt to limit the impact of price fluctuations on these materials by entering into cancellable and non-cancellable contracts with our major suppliers for periods of six to 18 months. We expect to receive delivery of raw materials from our contracts for use in our manufacturing operations.
Working Capital Practices
Working capital practices in the industry center on inventories and accounts receivable. Our management regularly reviews our working capital with a view of maintaining the lowest level consistent with requirements of anticipated levels of operation and expected supply chain restraints. Our working capital requirements are generally met by cash flow from operations and a bank revolving credit facility, which currently permits borrowings up to $200.0 million and had a $71.0 million outstanding balance at December 31, 2022. Borrowings available under the revolving credit facility at December 31, 2022, were $128.2 million. We believe that we will have sufficient funds available to meet our working capital needs for the foreseeable future.
Research and Development
Our products are engineered for performance, flexibility, and serviceability. This has become a critical factor in competing in the HVAC equipment industry. We must continually develop new and improved products in order to compete effectively and to meet evolving regulatory standards in all of our major product lines.
We self-sponsor our Research and Development (“R&D”) activities, rather than needing to be customer-sponsored. R&D activities have involved the RQ, RN, and RZ (rooftop units), H3, SA, V3, and M2 (air handling units), CB (condensing unit), and the SA and SB (self-contained units), as well as component evaluation and refinement, development of control systems and new product development. R&D expenses incurred were approximately $46.8 million, $16.6 million, and $17.4 million in 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively. The significant increase for the year ended December 31, 2022 was related to the inclusion of a full year of operations of BASX (Note 4) as well as our commitment to product performance and innovation.
Our NAIC research and development laboratory facility includes many unique capabilities, which, to our knowledge, exist nowhere else in the world. A few features of the NAIC include supply, return, and outside sound testing at actual load conditions, testing of up to a 300 ton air conditioning system, up to a 540 ton chiller system, and 80 million BTU/hr of gas heating test capacity. Environmental application testing capabilities include -20 to 140°F testing conditions, up to 8 inches per hour rain testing, up to 2 inches per hour snow testing, and up to 50 mph wind testing. We believe we have the largest sound-testing chamber in the world for testing heating and air conditioning equipment and are not aware of any similar labs that can conduct this testing while putting the equipment under full environmental load. The unique capabilities of the NAIC will enable us to lead the industry in the development of quiet, energy efficient commercial and industrial heating and air conditioning equipment.
The NAIC currently houses twelve testing chambers. These testing chambers allow us to meet and maintain AHRI and U.S. Department of Energy ("DOE") certification and solidify the Company’s industry position as a technological leader in the manufacturing of HVAC equipment. Current voluntary industry certification programs and government regulations only go up to 63 tons of air conditioning as that is the largest environmental chamber currently available for testing outside of our facility. The NAIC contains both a 100 ton and a 540 ton chamber, allowing us to uniquely prove to customers our capacity and efficiency on these larger units.
The NAIC was designed to test products well beyond the standard AHRI rating points and allows us to offer testing services on our equipment throughout our range of product application. This capability is vital for critical facilities where the units must perform properly and allows our customers to verify the performance of our units in advance, rather than after installation. These same capabilities will enable AAON to develop a new extended range of operational products and prove their capabilities.
Our Parkville, Missouri location is home to our new Electronics Prototyping Lab ("Lab") featuring a fully functional SMD (Surface Mount Device) production line. The production line incorporates automated pick-and-place equipment able to quickly and accurately place devices as small as 0.1mm by 0.2mm, the same technology scale used in cell phones. The production line also includes a profiled reflow oven to assure reliability in the finished prototypes. The Lab has allowed us to increase our speed to market and incorporate cutting-edge technology into our control designs. In addition, it allows our Controls Engineering team to utilize their hardware and software skills to outpace our Competitors in responding to market changes and upsets.
Patents, Trademarks, Licenses, and Concessions
We do not consider any patents, trademarks, licenses, or concessions to be material to our business operations, other than those described below.
We hold several patents that relate to the design and use of our products. We consider these patents important, but no single patent is material to the overall conduct of our business. We proactively obtain patents to further our strategic intellectual property objectives. We own certain trademarks we consider important in the marketing of our products and services, and we protect our marks through national registrations and common law rights. Our patents have legal terms of 20 years with expiration dates ranging from 2023 to 2039.
The Company’s trademarks, certain of which are material to its business, are registered or otherwise legally protected in the U.S.
Seasonality
Historically, sales of our products were moderately seasonal with the peak period being May-October of each year due to timing of construction projects being directly related to warmer weather. However, in recent years, given the increase in demand of our products and increase in our backlog, sales has become more constant throughout the year.
Environmental & Regulatory Matters
Laws concerning the environment that affect or could affect our operations include, among others, the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, regulations promulgated under these Acts and any other federal, state or local laws or regulations governing environmental matters. We believe that we are in compliance with these laws and that future compliance will not materially affect our earnings or competitive position.
Since our founding in 1987, we have maintained a commitment to design, develop, manufacture, and deliver heating and cooling products to perform beyond all expectations and to demonstrate our quality and value to our customers. Our equipment is designed with energy efficiency in mind, without sacrificing premium features and options. In addition to our high standard of product performance, is a commitment to sustainability for our employees, our stockholders, and our customers. We strive to conduct our business in a socially responsible and ethical manner with a focus on environmental stewardship, team member safety and community engagement. We comply with industry regulations and requirements while pursuing responsible economic growth and profitability.
In 2022, we published our fourth annual environmental, social, and governance ("ESG") report sharing our approach in the material areas of stakeholder engagement, innovation and efficiency, environmental responsibility, climate change, occupational health and safety, talent attraction and retention, diversity and inclusion, community engagement and investment, corporate governance and ethics and compliance. The report also highlights achievements and long-term targets related to greenhouse gas emissions, hazardous waste recycling, and non-fossil fuel consuming products. We participate in a sustainability benchmarking initiative (The Sustainability Alliance Scor3card) through which we monitor and report in the material areas of energy, material management, water,
community stewardship, transportation, communication, and health. We achieved Platinum level in this program in 2022 and 2021. Our ESG committee provides oversight for ESG activities, ESG report development and an internal grassroots sustainability committee provides education opportunities, communications and recommendations to the Company on a regular basis.
We are committed to environmental responsibility and continue to make progress toward reducing greenhouse gas ("GHG") emissions, increasing hazardous waste recycling from our facilities and increasing the percentage of non-fossil fuel powered units we produce. Our approach toward emissions reduction and climate change includes product solutions for our customers and improvements to our own facilities. Approximately one-quarter of our energy portfolio is currently derived from renewable sources, and the Company's Scope 1 and 2 emissions (emissions that occur from sources that are controlled or owned by an organization and emissions associated with the purchase of electricity, steam, heat, or cooling) are being tracked. We opted into an additional percentage of renewable energy at our Tulsa, Oklahoma facilities in 2022, continued to invest and partner on projects that reduce GHG emissions globally and selected to begin the transition to the lower global warming potential R-454B refrigerant starting in 2023. We continue to develop and manufacture non-fossil fuel consuming units to provide the most sustainable commercial HVAC equipment in the market and announced the zero degree cold air-source heat pump in 2022 as a critical solution that meets the increasing demand for building decarbonization in cold climates.
In the area of energy efficiency and conservation, our Tulsa, Oklahoma and Longview, Texas facilities have transitioned to over 95% LED lighting in our facilities leading to considerable cost savings and reduced energy consumption. Our Redmond, Oregon facilities are installing LED lights into any new fixtures in their current facility and working towards retrofitting old fixtures to LED. We participate in an energy demand response program through the public utility provider to reduce demand during peak hours. Energy efficiency has been a priority not only in product development, but also in overall capital investments which include the acquisition of new, energy efficient equipment for the production floor, new high-speed overhead facility doors, the installation of new HVAC equipment, building control systems, the application of heat and light reflective material to production facilities, along with other behavioral-based energy efficiency changes. We are tracking our energy usage intensity before and after these updates.
In the area of material management, we focus on recycling, reducing, reusing and sourcing more environmentally-friendly materials into our processes. At our Tulsa, Oklahoma and Longview, Texas facilities, we recycled over 14,928 tons and 13,793 tons of metal in 2022 and 2021, respectively. Also, through our partnership with a waste to energy facility, we successfully diverted over 668 tons and 460 tons of waste from landfills in 2022 and 2021, respectively. We have identified hazardous waste recycling partners for paint products at both our Tulsa, Oklahoma and Longview, Texas facilities. We also recycle paper, wood, and cardboard where available. We continue to innovate ways to reduce and reuse shipping packaging between facilities and identify new opportunities to reduce or reuse items in our production and administrative areas.
Human Capital Resources
Our employees are not represented by unions or other collective bargaining agreements. Management considers its relations with our employees to be good. The following table represents the number of our direct employees and contract personnel we employed on each respective date:
As of As of As of
February 22, 2023 February 22, 2022 February 23, 2021
AAON Oklahoma 2,474 1,979 1,778
AAON Coil Products 681 574 490
BASX1
511 328 -
Total employees 3,666 2,881 2,268
1 BASX was acquired by the Company on December 10, 2021.
Our key human capital measures include employee safety, turnover, absenteeism, and production. We frequently benchmark our compensation practices and benefits programs against those of comparable industries and in the geographic areas where our facilities are located. We believe that our compensation and employee benefits are competitive and allow us to attract and retain skilled and unskilled labor throughout our organization. Some of our notable health, welfare, and retirement benefits include:
•Employee medical plan (with 175% employer health saving plan match)
•401(k) Plan (with 175% employer match)
•Profit sharing bonus plan
•Tuition assistance program
•Paid time off
•Paid parental leave
•Military pay
Available Information
Our Internet website address is http://www.aaon.com. Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, will be available free of charge through our Internet website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. The information on our website is not a part of, or incorporated by reference into, this annual report on Form 10-K.
Copies of any materials we file with the SEC can also be obtained free of charge through the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov, at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, or by calling the SEC at 1-800-732-0330.

---

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
The following risks and uncertainties may affect our performance and results of operations. The discussion below contains “forward-looking statements” as outlined in the Forward-Looking Statements section above. Our ability to mitigate risks may cause our future results to materially differ from what we currently anticipate. Additionally, the ability of our competitors to react to material risks will affect our future results.
Risks Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Our business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, and stock price can be adversely affected by pandemics, epidemics, or other public health emergencies, such as COVID-19.
In March 2020, the World Health Organization characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic, and the President of the United States declared the COVID-19 outbreak a national emergency. The outbreak resulted in governments around the world implementing increasingly stringent measures to help control the spread of the virus, including quarantines, “shelter in place” and “stay at home” orders, travel restrictions, business curtailments, school closures, vaccination or testing mandates and other measures. In addition, governments and central banks in several parts of the world enacted fiscal and monetary stimulus measures to counteract the impacts of COVID-19.
We are considered a critical infrastructure industry, as defined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Although we have continued to operate our facilities to date consistent with federal guidelines and state and local orders, the outbreak of COVID-19 and any preventive or protective actions taken by governmental authorities may have a material adverse effect on our operations, supply chain, customers, and transportation networks, including business shutdowns or disruptions. During 2022 and 2021 we experienced price increases in our components and raw materials, especially copper and steel, which appear to be a result of COVID-19, as well supply chain challenges related to certain manufacturing parts.
Even though the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, we may experience materially adverse impacts to our business due to any resulting economic recession or depression. Additionally, concerns over the economic impact of COVID-19 have caused extreme volatility in financial and other capital markets which may adversely impact our stock price and our ability to access capital markets. To the extent the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affects our business and financial results, it may also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks described in this Annual Report, such as those relating to our products and financial performance.
Risks Related to Our Business
Our business can be hurt by economic conditions.
Our business is affected by a number of economic factors, including the level of economic activity in the markets in which we operate. Sales in the commercial and industrial new construction markets correlate to the number of new homes and buildings that are built, which in turn is influenced by cyclical factors such as interest rates, inflation, consumer spending habits, employment rates, and other macroeconomic factors over which we have no control. In the HVAC business, a decline in economic activity as a result of these cyclical or other factors typically results in a decline in new construction and replacement purchases which could impact our sales volume and profitability.
Our results of operations and financial condition could be negatively impacted by the loss of a major customer.
From time to time in the past we derived a significant portion of our sales from a limited number of customers, and such concentration may continue in the future. In 2022, 2021, and 2020, one customer, Texas AirSystems LLC accounted for more than 10% of our sales. The loss of, or significant reduction in sales to, a major customer could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flow. Further, the addition of new major customers in the future could increase our customer concentration risks as described above.
Our results of operations and financial condition could be negatively impacted by the loss of a major third-party representative.
We are dependent on our third-party representatives to market and sell our products. If such relationships were terminated for any reason, it could materially and adversely affect our ability to generate revenues and profits. Certain of our competitors with greater financial resources than us could target our third-party representatives for exclusive sales channels. We may not be able to secure additional third-party representatives who will effectively market our products in certain geographical areas. In addition, adding new representatives requires additional administrative efforts and costs. If we are unable to establish new representative relationships or continue current relationships, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
We may incur material costs as a result of warranty and product liability claims that would negatively affect our profitability.
The development, manufacture, sale and use of our products involve a risk of warranty and product liability claims. Our product liability insurance policies have limits that, if exceeded, may result in material costs that would have an adverse effect on our future profitability. An excess of or significant claim(s) could lead to the cancellation of our polices and the loss of and inability to find additional insurance carriers. In addition, warranty claims are not covered by our product liability insurance and there may be types of product liability claims that are also not covered by our product liability insurance.
We depend on our senior leadership team and the loss of our Chief Executive Officer or one or more key employees or an inability to attract and retain highly skilled employees could adversely affect our business.
Our success depends largely upon the continued services of our officers and senior leadership team. In particular, our Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), Gary D. Fields, is critical to our vision, strategic direction, culture, and overall business success. Furthermore, Mr. Fields' extensive industry knowledge and sales-channel experience would be difficult to replace. We also rely on our senior leadership team in the areas of research and development, marketing, production, sales, and general and administrative functions. From time to time, there may be changes in our senior leadership team resulting from the hiring or departure of senior leadership team members, which could disrupt our business. While we have a robust succession plan in place for each one of our officers and senior leadership team members, the loss of one or more could have a serious adverse effect on our business.
We do not maintain key-man insurance for Gary D. Fields or any other member of our senior leadership team. Other than the employment agreements negotiated with certain employees of BASX, we do not have employment agreements with our officers or senior leadership team members that require them to continue to work for us for any specified period and, therefore, they could terminate their employment with us at any time. The employment agreements with the employees of BASX guarantee certain compensation, such as salary and benefits, and employment terms. We do not believe the terms or conditions of these agreements are outside the standard expectation of another employee at a similar level.
Operations may be affected by natural disasters, especially since most of our operations are performed at a single location.
Natural disasters such as tornadoes, ice storms and fires, as well as accidents, acts of terror, infection, and other factors beyond our control could adversely affect our operations. Our facilities are in areas where tornadoes are likely to occur, and the majority of our operations are at our Tulsa, Oklahoma facilities. With the acquisition of BASX in 2021, we now have operations in an area that is, historically, effected by wild fires. The effects of natural disasters and other events could damage our facilities and equipment and force a temporary halt to manufacturing and other operations, and such events could consequently cause severe damage to our business. We maintain insurance against these sorts of events; however, this is not guaranteed to cover all the losses and damages incurred. Furthermore, we may experience increases in our insurance premium costs in relation to these matters that may have a material adverse effect upon our business, liquidity, financial condition, or results of operations.
If we are unable to hire, develop or retain employees, it could have an adverse effect on our business.
We compete to hire new employees and then seek to train them to develop their skills. We may not be able to successfully recruit, develop, and retain the personnel we need. Unplanned turnover or failure to hire and retain a diverse, skilled workforce, could increase our operating costs and adversely affect our results of operations.
Variability in self-insurance liability estimates could impact our results of operations.
We self-insure for certain employee health insurance and workers’ compensation insurance coverage up to a predetermined level, beyond which we maintain stop-loss insurance from a third-party insurer. Our aggregate exposure varies from year to year based upon the number of participants in our insurance plans. We estimate our self-insurance liabilities using an analysis provided by our claims administrator and our historical claims experience. Our accruals for insurance reserves reflect these estimates and other management judgments, which are subject to a high degree of variability. If the number or severity of claims for which we self-insure increases, it could cause a material and adverse change to our reserves for self-insurance liabilities, as well as to our earnings.
Risks Related to Our Brand and Product Offerings
We may not be able to compete favorably in the highly competitive HVAC business.
Competition in our various markets could cause us to reduce our prices or lose market share, which could have an adverse effect on our future financial results. Substantially all of the markets in which we participate are highly competitive. The most significant competitive factors we face are product reliability, product performance, service, manufacturing lead-times, and price, with the relative importance of these factors varying among our product line. Other factors that affect competition in the HVAC market include the development and application of new technologies and an increasing emphasis on the development of more efficient HVAC products. Moreover, new product introductions are an important factor in the market categories in which our products compete. Several of our competitors have greater financial and other resources than we have, allowing them to invest in more extensive research and development. We may not be able to compete successfully against current and future competition and current and future competitive pressures faced by us may materially adversely affect our business and results of operations.
We may not be able to successfully develop and market new products.
Our future success will depend upon our continued investment in research and new product development and our ability to continue to achieve new technological advances in the HVAC industry. Our inability to continue to successfully develop and market new products or our inability to implement technological advances on a pace consistent with that of our competitors could lead to a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Furthermore, our continued investment in new product development may render certain legacy products and components obsolete resulting in increased inventory obsolescence expense that may have a material adverse effect upon our financial condition or results of operations.
Risks Related to Material Sourcing and Supply
We may be adversely affected by problems in the availability, or increases in the prices, of raw materials and components.
Problems in the availability, or increases in the prices, of raw materials or components could depress our sales or increase the costs of our products. We are dependent upon components purchased from third parties, as well as raw materials such as steel, copper and aluminum. Occasionally, we enter into cancellable and non-cancellable contracts on terms from six to 18 months for raw materials and components. However, if a key supplier is unable or unwilling to meet our supply requirements, we could experience supply interruptions or cost increases, either of which could have an adverse effect on our gross profit.
We risk having losses resulting from the use of non-cancellable contracts.
Historically, we have attempted to limit the impact of price fluctuations on commodities by entering into non-cancellable contracts with our major suppliers for periods of six to 18 months. We expect to receive delivery of raw materials from our contracts for use in our manufacturing operations. These contracts are not accounted for using hedge accounting since they meet the normal purchases and sales exemption.
Risks Related to Electronic Data Processing and Digital Information
Our business is subject to the risks of interruptions by cybersecurity attacks.
We depend upon information technology infrastructure, including network, hardware and software systems to conduct our business. Despite our implementation of network and other cybersecurity measures, our information technology system and networks could be disrupted due to technological problems, a cyber-attack, acts of terrorism, severe weather, a solar event, an electromagnetic event, a natural disaster, the age and condition of information technology assets, human error, or other reasons. To date, we have not experienced a material impact to our business or operations resulting from cyber-security or other similar information attacks, but due to the ever-evolving attack methods, as well as the increased amount and level of sophistication of these attacks, our security measures may not be adequate to protect against highly targeted sophisticated cyber-attacks, or other improper disclosures of confidential and/or sensitive information. Additionally, we may have access to confidential or other sensitive information of our customers, which, despite our efforts to protect, may be vulnerable to security breaches, theft, or other improper disclosure. Any cyber-related attack or other improper disclosure of confidential information could have a material adverse effect on our business, as well as other negative consequences, including significant damage to our reputation, litigation, regulatory actions, and increased cost.
We are reliant on information technology.
We are reliant on information technology in all aspects of our business, operated and maintained by the Company as well as under control of third parties. If we do not invest sufficient capital in a timely manner to acquire, develop, or implement new information technologies or maintain or upgrade current information technologies, we could suffer outages as well as be at a competitive disadvantage within our industry which could have a material adverse effect upon our financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Related to Governmental Regulation and Policies
Exposure to environmental liabilities could adversely affect our results of operations.
Our future profitability could be adversely affected by current or future environmental laws. We are subject to extensive and changing Federal, state and local laws and regulations designed to protect the environment in the United States and in other parts of the world. These laws and regulations could impose liability for remediation costs and result in civil or criminal penalties in case of non-compliance. Compliance with environmental laws increases our costs of doing business. Because these laws are subject to frequent change, we are unable to predict the future costs resulting from environmental compliance.
We are subject to potentially extreme governmental regulations and policies.
We always face the possibility of new governmental regulations, policies and trade agreements which could have a substantial or even extreme negative effect on our operations and profitability. Several intrusive component part governmental regulations are in process. If these proposals become final rules, the effect would be the regulation of compressors and fans in products for which the Department of Energy does not have current authority. This could affect equipment we currently manufacture and could have an impact on our product design, operations, and profitability.
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act contains provisions to improve transparency and accountability concerning the supply of certain minerals, known as “conflict minerals”, originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries. As a result, in August 2012, the SEC adopted annual disclosure and reporting requirements for those companies who use conflict minerals in their products. Accordingly, we began our reasonable country of origin inquiries in fiscal year 2013, with initial disclosure requirements beginning in May 2014. There are costs associated with complying with these disclosure requirements, including for due diligence to determine the sources of conflict minerals used in our products and other potential changes to products, processes or sources of supply as a consequence of such verification activities. The implementation of these rules could adversely affect the sourcing, supply, and pricing of materials used in our products. As there may be only a limited number of suppliers offering “conflict free” conflict minerals, we cannot be sure that we will be able to obtain necessary conflict minerals from such suppliers in sufficient quantities or at competitive prices. Also, we may face reputational challenges if we determine that certain of our products contain minerals not determined to be conflict free or if we are unable to sufficiently verify the origins for all conflict minerals used in our products through the procedures we may implement.
Our operations could be negatively impacted by new legislation as well as changes in regulations and trade agreements, including tariffs and taxes. Unfavorable conditions resulting from such changes could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are subject to adverse changes in tax laws.
Our tax expense or benefits could be adversely affected by changes in tax provisions, unfavorable findings in tax examinations, or differing interpretations by tax authorities. We are unable to estimate the impact that current and future tax proposals and tax laws could have on our results of operations. We are currently subject to state and local tax examinations for which we do not expect any major assessments.
We are subject to international regulations that could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Due to our use of Representatives in foreign markets, we are subject to many laws governing international relations, including those that prohibit improper payments to government officials and commercial customers, and restrict
where we can do business, what information or products we can supply to certain countries and what information we can provide to a non-U.S. government, including but not limited to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, U.K. Bribery Act and the U.S. Export Administration Act. Violations of these laws, which are complex, may result in criminal penalties or sanctions that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Changes in legislation or government regulations or policies could adversely effect on our results of operations.
Our sales, gross margins and profitability could be directly impacted by changes in legislation or government regulations or policies. Specifically, changes in environmental and energy efficiency standards and regulations related to global climate change are being implemented to curtail the use of hydrofluorocarbons which are used in refrigerants that are essential to many of our products. Our inability or delay in developing or marketing products that match customer demand while also meeting applicable efficiency and environmental standards may negatively impact our results.
We are transitioning to a new refrigerant with lower global warming potential for our HVAC systems and must be fully compliant under current governmental regulations by 2025. We expect to incur costs associated with this transition related to the purchase of the new refrigerant as well as additional sensors and detectors on our HVAC systems. In addition, we expect to incur cost to our facilities, specifically costs to store and use the new refrigerant in production; however, we do not expect these costs to be significant. Due to the increased flammability of the new refrigerant, the insurance industry may require higher premiums for companies once the conversion begins. Furthermore, due to the expected increased demand of the newer refrigerants as well as the older hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants (as they are phased out), we expect to see increased manufacturing costs related to purchases of refrigerants and could see higher costs for future warranty claims.
Future legislation or regulations relating to environmental policies, product certification, product liability, taxes, amount and availability of tax incentives and other matters, may impact the results of each of our operating segments and our consolidated results.

---

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.

---

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. Properties.
Our manufacturing areas are heavy industrial type buildings, with some coverage by overhead cranes, containing manufacturing equipment designed for sheet metal fabrication, metal stamping and tube forming. The manufacturing equipment contained in the facilities consists primarily of automated sheet metal fabrication equipment, supplemented by presses and tube bending equipment. Assembly lines consist of cart-type and roller-type conveyor lines with variable line speed adjustment. Subassembly areas and production line manning are based upon line rates set by production management.
We own and lease our properties and facilities, as further described below. We believe that all of our facilities are well maintained and are in good condition and suitable for the conduct of our business.
AAON Oklahoma
Our plant and office facilities in Tulsa, Oklahoma, consist of a 342,000 square foot building (327,000 square feet of manufacturing/warehouse space and 15,000 square feet of office space) located on a 12-acre tract of land at 2425 South Yukon Avenue; a 940,000 square foot manufacturing/warehouse building and a 70,000 square foot office building located on an approximately 79-acre tract of land across the street from the original facility (2440 South Yukon Avenue); and a 40,000 square foot building used as warehouse space located on a 6-acre tract. We also lease a 198,000 square foot warehouse space which is used for additional inventory storage.
In addition to a retail parts store location at our Tulsa facilities, we also own a 13,500 square foot stand alone building (7,500 square foot warehouse and 6,000 square foot office) which is utilized as an additional retail parts store to provide our customers more accessibility to our products. The stand alone parts store building is on approximately one acre and is located at 9528 E 51st St in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Our Tulsa location is also home to our engineering research and development laboratory, the Norman Asbjornson Innovation Center ("NAIC"). The three-story, 134,000 square foot stand alone facility is both an acoustical and a performance measuring laboratory. This facility currently consists of twelve test chambers, allowing AAON to meet and maintain industry certifications. This facility is located west of the 940,000 square foot manufacturing/warehouse building at 2440 South Yukon Avenue.
In 2023, our Exploration Center will open at our Tulsa location. The Exploration Center is a 28,000 square foot facility located adjacent to the NAIC. The Exploration Center will provide an immersive and educational experience of our products, solutions and our people and also serve as an event hub for our stakeholders, including our customers, employees, Representatives and investors. The Exploration Center will add a dimension of customer engagement that doesn't currently exist, showcasing our products and our competitors products and allowing our customers to interact with our employees.
Our operations in Parkville, Missouri, are conducted in a leased plant/office at 8500 NW River Park Drive, containing approximately 51,000 square feet. This location is home to our Controls design and manufacturing facilities. In October 2022, we modified the existing lease to expand to approximately 86,000 square feet and expect to be able to utilize the additional space beginning in the second quarter of 2023.
AAON Coil Products
Our plant and office facilities in Longview, Texas, consist of a 263,000 square foot building (256,000 square feet of manufacturing/warehouse space and 7,000 square feet of office space) located on a 13-acre tract of land, a 222,000 square foot building (210,000 square feet of manufacturing/warehouse space and 12,000 square feet of office space) located on an approximately 22-acre tract of land, and a 5,000 square foot building utilized as a retail parts store which we lease to a Representative of the Company. All of these facilities are located on Gum Springs Road.
In January 2023, we purchased additional real property and improvements consisting of 64,000 square feet of warehouse space located on a 10-acre tract of land at 115 Kodak Boulevard in Longview, Texas.
BASX
Our operations in Redmond, Oregon, are conducted in a plant/office at 3500 SW 21st Place, containing approximately 194,000 square feet (169,000 square feet of manufacturing/warehouse space and 25,000 square feet of office space) on a 13-acre tract of land and a leased manufacturing/warehouse building containing approximately 15,000 square feet at 2895 SW 13th Street. Additionally, we lease an office of approximately 4,000 square feet located at 1725 Blankenship Road, West Linn, Oregon.
In August 2022, we purchased additional real property of approximately one-acre adjacent to the plant/office at 3500 SW 21st Place, to facilitate future growth of our operations at BASX.

---

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
See Note 18 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

---

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure.
Not applicable.
PART II

---

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Market Information - Our common stock is quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “AAON”. As of the close of business on February 22, 2023, there were 955 holders of record of our common stock.
Dividends - At the discretion of the Board of Directors, we pay cash dividends. Board approval is required to determine the date of declaration and amount for each cash dividend payment.
Our cash dividends for the three years ended December 31, 2022 are as follows:
Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date Dividend per Share
May 15, 2020 June 3, 2020 July 1, 2020 $0.19
November 10, 2020 November 27, 2020 December 18, 2020 $0.19
May 17, 2021 June 3, 2021 July 1, 2021 $0.19
November 9, 2021 November 26, 2021 December 17, 2021 $0.19
May 18, 2022 June 3, 2022 July 1, 2022 $0.19
November 8, 2022 November 28, 2022 December 16, 2022 $0.24
The following is a summary of our share-based compensation plans as of December 31, 2022:
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
Plan category (a)
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights
(b)
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights
(c)
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
The 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan 119,208 $ 22.62 -
The 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan 1,257,805 $ 42.31 3,599,896
Repurchases during the fourth quarter of 2022, which include repurchases from our open market, 401(k) and employee repurchase programs, were as follows:
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
(a)
Total
Number
of Shares
(or Units
(b)
Average
Price
Paid
(Per Share
(c)
Total Number
of Shares (or
Units) Purchased
as part of
Publicly Announced
(d)
Maximum Number (or
Approximate Dollar
Value) of Shares (or
Units) that may yet be
Purchased under the
Period Purchased) or Unit) Plans or Programs Plans or Programs
October 2022 87,049 $ 55.33 87,049 -
November 2022 23 65.00 23 -
December 2022 196 76.66 196 -
Total 87,268 $ 55.38 87,268 -
Comparative Stock Performance Graph
The following performance graph compares our cumulative total shareholder return for the Company’s common stock for the five-year period ending on December 31, 2022, compared to an overall stock market index (the NASDAQ Composite Index) and the Company’s peer group index (S&P 600 Capital Goods Industry Group Index). We believe the S&P 600 Capital Goods Industry Group Index best represents our relative peer group based on our current business and market capitalization. The graph assumes that $100 was invested at the close of trading December 31, 2017, with the reinvestment of dividends since that date. This table is not intended to forecast future performance of our Common Stock.
This stock performance graph is not deemed to be “soliciting material” or otherwise be considered to be “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act) or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, and should not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates it by reference into such a filing.

---

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. Reserved.

---

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Overview
The following discussion summarizes the significant factors affecting the consolidated operating results, financial condition and liquidity of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2022. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the other sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. A detailed discussion of the year to year changes for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 is not included herein and can be found in Part II, Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Description of the Company
We engineer, manufacture, market, and sell premium air conditioning and heating equipment consisting of standard, semi-custom, and custom rooftop units, data center cooling solutions, cleanroom systems, packaged outdoor mechanical rooms, air handling units, makeup air units, energy recovery units, condensing units, geothermal/water-source heat pump, coils, and controls. These products are marketed and sold to retail, manufacturing, educational, lodging, supermarket, data centers, medical and pharmaceutical, and other commercial industries. We market our products to all 50 states in the United States and certain provinces in Canada.
Our business can be affected by a number of economic factors, including the level of economic activity in the markets in which we operate. The uncertainty of the economy negatively impacted the commercial and industrial new construction markets in 2020 and the first half of 2021. Since August 2021, however, nonresidential construction has been recovering. In the third quarter of 2022, the market returned to pre-pandemic levels. Currently, architectural billings and nonresidential construction starts are at historically high levels, signaling the nonresidential construction market will continue to be strong over the next nine to 12 months. Furthermore, although some economic indicators are suggesting the general economy is slowing, the replacement market remains strong. Nevertheless, both the new construction and replacement markets are cyclical. If the domestic economy were to slow or enter a recession, this could result in a decrease in our sales volume and profitability. Sales in the commercial and industrial new construction markets generally lag the housing market, which in turn is influenced by cyclical factors such as interest rates, inflation, consumer spending habits, employment rates, the state of the economy and other macroeconomic factors over which we have no control. Sales in the replacement markets are driven by various factors, including general economic growth, the Company's new product introductions, fluctuations in the average age of existing equipment in the market, government regulations and stimulus, change in market demand between more customized, higher performing HVAC equipment and lower priced standard equipment, as well as many other factors. When new construction is down, we emphasize the replacement market.
We sell our products to property owners and contractors mainly through a network of independent manufacturers’ Representatives. This go-to-market strategy is unique compared to most of our larger competitors in that most control their sales channel. We value the independent sales channel as we think it is a more effective way of increasing market share. Although we concede full control of the sales process with this strategy, the entrepreneurial aspect of the independent sales channel attracts the most talent and provides greater financial incentives for its salespeople. Furthermore, the independent sales channel sells different types of equipment from various manufacturers, allowing it to operate with more of a solutions-based mindset, as opposed to an internal sales department of a manufacturing company that is incentivized to only sell its equipment regardless if it is the best solution for the end customer. We also have a small internal sales force that supports the relationships between the Company and our sales channel partners. BASX sells highly customized products for unique applications for a more concentrated customer base and an internal sales force is more effective for such products.
The principal components of cost of sales are labor, raw materials, component costs, factory overhead, freight out, and engineering expense. The principal high volume raw materials used in our manufacturing processes are steel, copper, and aluminum, and are obtained from domestic suppliers. We also purchase from domestic manufacturers certain components, including coils, compressors, motors, and electrical controls.
The price levels of our raw materials fluctuate given that the market continues to be volatile and unpredictable as a result of the uncertainty related to the U.S. economy and global economy. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the prices for copper, galvanized steel, stainless steel and aluminum increased approximately 13.4%, 14.5%, 61.0%, and 14.0%, respectively, from 2021.
We attempt to limit the impact of price fluctuations on these materials by entering into cancellable and non-cancellable contracts with our major suppliers for periods of six to 18 months. We expect to receive delivery of raw materials from our contracts for use in our manufacturing operations.
We occasionally increase the price of our products to help offset any inflationary headwinds. In 2021, we implemented three price increases. In 2022, we implemented two significant price increases as well as a recurring 1% monthly price increase effective June 1, 2022.
Additionally, we continue to experience challenges in a tight labor market, especially the hiring of both skilled and unskilled production labor. We have implemented the following wage increases to remain competitive and to attract and retain employees:
•In March 2021, we awarded annual merit raises for an overall 5.0% increase to wages.
•In July 2021, we increased starting wages for our production workforce by 7.0%.
•In October 2021, we implemented a cost of living increase of 3.5% in place for all employees
below our Senior Leadership Team ("SLT") which consists of officers and key members of management.
•In March 2022, we awarded annual merit raises for an overall 3.0% increase to wages.
•In October 2022, we implemented a cost of living increase of 3.5% in place for all employees
below the SLT level.
We will continue to implement human resource initiatives to retain and attract labor to further improve productivity and production efficiencies.
Backlog
The following table shows our historical backlog levels:
December 31, 2022 December 31, 2021
(in thousands)
$ 548,022 $ 260,164
The Company has increased our backlog both through the acquisition of BASX and organic growth due primarily to favorable lead times and increased overall demand.
Consolidated Results of Operations
Years Ended December 31,
2022 2021
(in thousands)
Net Sales $ 888,788 $ 534,517
Cost of Sales 651,216 396,687
Gross Profit 237,572 137,830
Selling, general and administrative expenses 110,823 68,598
Gain on disposal of assets (12) (21)
Income from operations $ 126,761 $ 69,253
The following are highlights of our results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition:
•Our backlog has been at record levels during all of 2022. New bookings from BASX were a record for that business as it benefited from a strong pipeline of projects in the data center and semiconductor markets. Revenue synergies from the BASX acquisition has increased bookings for AAON Coil Products as well. Bookings continue to be strong primarily due to our favorable lead times and strong end-market demand.
•Net sales for 2022 grew 66.3% to $888.8 million due to organic growth, the addition of BASX revenues and price increases realized during the year.
•Overall gross margin increased 90 basis points in 2022, as the increased costs of material and labor were offset by increased efficiencies of operations as well as price increases.
•We continue to invest in the future growth of the Company as evidenced by our $54.0 million in capital expenditures and $22.0 million for the purchase of the BASX building.
We report our financial results based on three reportable segments: AAON Oklahoma, AAON Coil Products, and BASX, which are further described in Item 1 and Item 8. The Company's chief decision maker ("CODM"), our CEO, allocates resources and assesses the performance of each operating segment using information about the operating segment's net sales and income from operations. The CODM does not evaluate operating segments using asset or liability information.
Segment Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
For the years ended December 31,
2022 Percent of Sales2
2021 Percent of Sales2
$ Change % Change
(in thousands)
Net Sales3
AAON Oklahoma $ 663,845 74.7 % $ 463,845 86.8 % $ 200,000 43.1 %
AAON Coil Products 107,290 12.1 % 66,589 12.5 % 40,701 61.1 %
BASX1
117,653 13.2 % 4,083 0.8 % 113,570 2781.5 %
Net sales $ 888,788 $ 534,517 $ 354,271 66.3 %
Cost of Sales3
AAON Oklahoma $ 490,862 73.9 % 336,977 72.6 % $ 153,885 45.7 %
AAON Coil Products 73,979 69.0 % 56,514 84.9 % 17,465 30.9 %
BASX1
86,375 73.4 % 3,196 78.3 % 83,179 2602.6 %
Cost of sales $ 651,216 73.3 % $ 396,687 74.2 % $ 254,529 64.2 %
Gross Profit3
AAON Oklahoma $ 172,983 26.1 % $ 126,868 27.4 % $ 46,115 36.3 %
AAON Coil Products 33,311 31.0 % 10,075 15.1 % 23,236 230.6 %
BASX1
31,278 26.6 % 887 21.7 % 30,391 3426.3 %
Gross profit $ 237,572 26.7 % $ 137,830 25.8 % $ 99,742 72.4 %
1 BASX was acquired on December 10, 2021. We have included the results of BASX's operations in our consolidated financial statements as of December 11, 2021.
2 Cost of sales and gross profit for each segment are calculated as a percentage of the respective segment's net sales. Total cost of sales and total gross profit are calculated as a percentage of total net sales.
3 Presented after intercompany eliminations.
Total net sales increased $354.3 million, or 66.3%, with the addition of inorganic sales from the acquisition of BASX contributing to 19.5% of our growth. Net sales also grew through price increases of $100.0 million and organic sales volumes, product mix and other of $149.8 million.
AAON Coil Products gross profit increased significantly to 31.0%. Price increases were realized more quickly for AAON Coil Products given their smaller backlog, which is the primary driver of the increase in gross margin for this segment. Additionally, the new manufacturing building for AAON Coil Products was completed in early 2021, resulting in increased capacity and operational efficiencies during 2022 as compared to 2021.
As shown in the table below, we've experienced increases in the cost of our raw materials. We have implemented multiple price increases during 2021 and 2022 to counteract the increased cost of material. Some of the 2022 price increases have yet to be realized. Additionally, in order to attract new employees and remain competitive in tight labor markets, we implemented several wage increases in late 2021 and throughout 2022.
Raw Material Costs
Twelve month average raw material cost per pound as of December 31:
2022 2021 % Change
Copper $ 5.60 $ 4.94 13.4 %
Galvanized Steel $ 0.95 $ 0.83 14.5 %
Stainless Steel $ 3.30 $ 2.05 61.0 %
Aluminum $ 2.20 $ 1.93 14.0 %
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Years Ended December 31, Percent of Sales
2022 2021 2022 2021
(in thousands)
Warranty $ 8,497 $ 6,351 1.0 % 1.2 %
Profit Sharing 14,009 8,526 1.6 % 1.6 %
Salaries & Benefits 41,351 23,458 4.7 % 4.4 %
Stock Compensation 7,025 5,543 0.8 % 1.0 %
Advertising 2,353 1,616 0.3 % 0.3 %
Depreciation & Amortization 8,050 2,924 0.9 % 0.5 %
Insurance 3,755 3,010 0.4 % 0.6 %
Professional Fees 5,754 7,245 0.6 % 1.4 %
Donations 1,134 738 0.1 % 0.1 %
Other 18,895 9,187 2.1 % 1.7 %
Total SG&A $ 110,823 $ 68,598 12.5 % 12.8 %
Warranty expense increased consistent with our increase in net sales but decreased as a percentage of sales, as we continue to focus on our commitment to reliability and quality.
Salaries and benefits increased $17.9 million, with a full year of BASX included accounting for $10.5 million of the increase. The remaining increase was primarily attributable to overall increased headcount and the impact of employee pay increases that went into effect during 2021 and in 2022.
Depreciation and amortization expense at BASX was $4.5 million, accounting for the majority of the change period over period. Profit sharing increased for AAON Oklahoma and AAON Coil Products by $4.8 million due to increased operating results, while profit sharing at BASX increased by $0.7 million as a result of a full year of BASX's employee incentive program.
Professional fees decreased mostly due to the transaction costs associated with the acquisition of BASX (Note 4) of $4.4 million included in 2021. Excluding $3.8 million of other SG&A at BASX, other SG&A increased $5.9 million attributable mainly to consulting services and increased travel expenses due to lighter COVID-19 restrictions in 2022.
Income Taxes
Years Ended December 31, Effective Tax Rate
2022 2021 2022 2021
(in thousands)
Income tax provision $ 24,157 $ 10,424 19.4 % 15.1 %
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded an excess tax benefit of $3.0 million as compared to $5.4 million in 2021, a decrease of 45.3%. The decrease was primarily due to timing of stock option exercises and restricted stock vesting and our high stock price during the first and second quarter of 2021.
The decrease in excess tax benefits was partially offset by an increase of $1.8 million in research and development tax credits as defined under Section 41 of the Internal Revenue Code. To qualify for the research and development tax credits, we perform annual studies that identifies, documents, and supports eligible expenses related to qualified research and development activities. Eligible expenses include but are not limited to supplies, material and internal wages. With the addition of BASX in December 2021 (Note 4), we identified additional eligible expenses related to qualified research and development activities.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our working capital and capital expenditure requirements are generally met through net cash provided by operations and the use of the revolving bank line of credit based on our current liquidity at the time.
Working Capital - Our unrestricted cash and cash equivalents increased $2.6 million from December 31, 2021 to December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2022, we had $5.9 million in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash.
Revolving Line of Credit - Our revolving credit facility ("Revolver"), as amended and restated, provides for maximum borrowings of $200.0 million. As of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, we had an outstanding balance under the Revolver of $71.0 million and $40.0 million, respectively. We had one standby letter of credit totaling $0.8 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Borrowings available under the Revolver at December 31, 2022, were $128.2 million. The Revolver expires on May 27, 2027.
Any outstanding loans under the Revolver bear interest at the daily compounded secured overnight financing rate ("SOFR") plus the applicable margin. Applicable margin, ranging from 1.25% - 1.75%, is determined quarterly based on the Company's leverage ratio. The Company is also subject to letter of credit fees, ranging from 1.25% - 1.75%, and a commitment fee, ranging from 0.10% - 0.20%. The applicable fee percentage is determined quarterly based on the Company's leverage ratio. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the weighted average interest rate of our Revolver was 3.0% and 1.3%, respectively. Fees associated with the unused portion of the committed amount are included in interest expense on our consolidated statements of income and were not material for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
If SOFR cannot be determined pursuant to the definition, as defined by the Revolver agreement, any outstanding effected loans will be deemed to have been converted into alternative base rate ("ABR") loans. ABR loans would bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the highest of (a) the Prime Rate in effect on such day, (b) the Federal Funds Rate in effect on such day plus 0.50%, or (c) daily simple SOFR for a one-month tenor in effect on such day plus 1.00%.
At December 31, 2022, we were in compliance with our financial covenants, as defined by the Revolver. These covenants require that we meet certain parameters related to our leverage ratio. At December 31, 2022, our leverage ratio was 0.46 to 1.0, which meets the requirement of not being above 3 to 1.
New Market Tax Credit Obligation - On October 24, 2019, the Company entered into a transaction with a subsidiary of an unrelated third-party financial institution (the “Investor”) and a certified Community Development Entity under a qualified New Markets Tax Credit (“NMTC”) program pursuant to Section 45D of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, related to an investment in plant and equipment to facilitate the expansion of our Longview, Texas manufacturing operations (the “Project”). In connection with the NMTC transaction, the Company received a $23.0 million NMTC allocation for the Project and secured low interest financing and the potential for future debt forgiveness related to the Project.
Upon closing of the NMTC transaction, the Company provided an aggregate of approximately $15.9 million to the Investor, in the form of a loan receivable, with a term of twenty-five years, bearing an interest rate of 1.0%. This $15.9 million in proceeds plus capital contributed from the Investor was used to make an aggregate $22.5 million loan to a subsidiary of the Company. This financing arrangement is secured by equipment at the Company's Longview, Texas facilities and a guarantee from the Company, including an unconditional guarantee of NMTCs.
Stock Repurchase - The Board has authorized stock repurchase programs for the Company. The Company may purchase shares on the open market from time to time. The Board must authorize the timing and amount of these purchases and all repurchases are in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC allowing the Company to repurchase shares from the open market.
Our open market repurchase programs are as follows:
Agreement Execution Date Authorized Repurchase $ Expiration Date
March 13, 2020 $20 million November 9, 2022
November 3, 2022 $50 million **1
1 Expiration Date is at Board's discretion. The Company is authorized to effectuate repurchases of the Company's common stock on terms and conditions approved in advance by the Board.
The Company also had a stock repurchase arrangement by which employee-participants in our 401(k) Plan were entitled to have shares in AAON, Inc. stock in their accounts sold to the Company. The 401(k) Plan was amended in June 2022 to discontinue this program. No additional shares have been purchased by the Company under this arrangement since June 2022.
Lastly, the Company repurchases shares of AAON, Inc. stock from certain of its directors and employees for payment of statutory tax withholdings on stock transactions. All other repurchases from directors or employees are contingent upon Board approval. All repurchases are done at current market prices.
Our repurchase activity is as follows:
2022 2021
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Program Shares Total $ $ per share Shares Total $ $ per share
Open market 122,112 $ 6,823 $ 55.87 - $ - $ -
401(k) 103,936 5,913 56.89 297,772 20,876 70.11
Directors and employees 17,228 1,019 59.15 22,526 1,590 70.59
Total 243,276 $ 13,755 $ 56.54 320,298 $ 22,466 $ 70.14
Inception to Date
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Program Shares Total $ $ per share
Open market 4,327,367 $ 81,616 $ 18.86
401(k) 8,308,368 171,789 20.68
Directors and employees 2,044,955 23,360 11.42
Total 14,680,690 $ 276,765 $ 18.85
Dividends - At the discretion of the Board of Directors, we pay cash dividends. Board approval is required to determine the date of declaration and amount for each cash dividend payment.
Our recent dividends are as follows:
Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date Dividend per Share
May 17, 2021 June 3, 2021 July 1, 2021 $0.19
November 9, 2021 November 26, 2021 December 17, 2021 $0.19
May 18, 2022 June 3, 2022 July 1, 2022 $0.19
November 8, 2022 November 28, 2022 December 16, 2022 $0.24
Based on historical performance and current expectations, we believe our cash and cash equivalents balance, the projected cash flows generated from our operations, our existing committed revolving credit facility (or comparable financing), and our expected ability to access capital markets will satisfy our working capital needs, capital expenditures and other liquidity requirements associated with our operations in 2023 and the foreseeable future.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements - We are not party to any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues, expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, or capital resources.
Statement of Cash Flows
The table below reflects a summary of our net cash flows provided by operating activities, net cash flows used in investing activities, and net cash flows provided by financing activities for the years indicated.
2022 2021
(in thousands)
Operating Activities
Net Income $ 100,376 $ 58,758
Income statement adjustments, net 38,516 46,566
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable (56,306) (9,737)
Income taxes 18,195 (1,136)
Inventories (71,409) (45,955)
Contract assets (9,402) 1,886
Prepaid expenses and other long-term assets (2,367) 1,374
Accounts payable 11,574 10,899
Contract liabilities 13,882 (229)
Extended warranties 1,314 447
Accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities 16,945 (1,690)
Net cash provided by operating activities 61,318 61,183
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures (54,024) (55,362)
Cash paid for building (Note 4) (22,000) -
Cash paid in business combination, net of cash acquired (249) (103,430)
Other 60 73
Net cash used in investing activities (76,213) (158,719)
Financing Activities
Borrowings under revolving credit facility 225,758 40,000
Payments under revolving credit facility (194,754) -
Principal payments on financing lease (115) -
Stock options exercised 23,140 21,148
Repurchase of stock (12,737) (20,876)
Employee taxes paid by withholding shares (1,018) (1,590)
Cash dividends paid to stockholders (22,917) (19,947)
Net cash provided by financing activities $ 17,357 $ 18,735
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
The Company currently manages cash needs through working capital as well as drawing on its line of credit as needed. Collections and payments cycles are on a normal pattern and fluctuate due to timing of receipts and payments.
The decrease in cash flows from receivables was a result of a larger volume of sales in the fourth quarter of 2022 in addition to higher priced receivables at the end of 2022. The Company has also increased the purchase of inventory to take advantage of favorable pricing opportunities and also to mitigate the impact of future supply chain disruptions on our operations. Payment terms for BASX jobs typically require upfront cash to fund the job resulting in cash inflows related to our contract liabilities.
The increase in cash flows from income taxes is primarily due to the 2017 Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, which requires research and development expenses incurred after December 31, 2021 to be capitalized and amortized over 5 years. This defers our current period income tax deduction which increased our income tax payments for 2022.
The increase in cash flows from accrued and other long-term liabilities is primarily related to the increase in amounts due to Representatives (timing of receipts and payments), employee profit sharing, and increases in accrued payroll and employee benefits.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Net cash outflows from investing activities decreased in 2022 as compared to 2021 primarily due to the cash paid for the acquisition of BASX (Note 4) in December 2021. The cash paid for building is related to the purchase of the BASX office and manufacturing facility in May 2022 (Note 4).
Our capital expenditure program for 2023 is estimated to be approximately $135.0 million. Many of these projects are subject to review and cancellation at the discretion of our CEO and Board of Directors without incurring substantial charges.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
The change in cash from financing activities in 2022 is primarily related to borrowings under our revolving credit facility to manage our working capital needs, especially strategic purchases of inventory to avoid supply chain delays and the funding of the BASX building in May 2022, offset by repayments we were able to make due to our increased operating results and financial condition.
Cash flow changes related to stock option exercised is affected by the timing of stock options exercised by our employees. The decrease in our repurchase of stock was the result of the discontinuance of the 401(k) buyback program in June 2022. Cash dividends paid to stock holders increased to $22.9 million both due to the increase in number of shares outstanding and the increase in dividend per share from $0.19 to $0.24 for the December 2022 dividend payment. We expect to continue paying cash dividends.
Commitments and Contractual Agreements
We are occasionally party to short-term, cancellable and occasionally non-cancellable, contracts with major suppliers for the purchase of raw material and component parts. We expect to receive delivery of raw materials for use in our manufacturing operations. These contracts are not accounted for as derivative instruments because they meet the normal purchase and normal sales exemption. We had no material contractual purchase obligations as of December 31, 2022, except as noted below.
On April 27, 2022, the Company entered into a purchase and sale agreement with a third party manufacturer to purchase certain assets to design and manufacture fan wheels for the purchase price of $6.5 million. As of December 31, 2022, we have paid approximately $3.5 million related to this agreement, which is included in other long-term assets and property, plant and equipment with the remaining $3.0 million included in accounts payable and other long-term assets on our consolidated balance sheets. The final payment will be made in 2023.
Contingencies
We are subject to various claims and legal actions that arise in the ordinary course of business. We closely monitor these claims and legal actions and frequently consult with our legal counsel to determine whether they may, when resolved, have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows and we accrue and/or disclose loss contingencies as appropriate. See Note 18 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information with respect to specific legal proceedings.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) and the Company's discussion and analysis of its financial condition and operating results require management to make estimates and assumptions about future events, and apply judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses in our consolidated financial statements and related notes. We base our estimates, assumptions, and judgments on historical experience, current trends, and other factors believed to be relevant at the time our consolidated financial statements are prepared. However, because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our estimates and assumptions, and such differences could be material. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant estimates, assumptions and judgments used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. We discuss these estimates with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors periodically.
Inventory - Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. Raw material or component inventory typically transfers from one stage of manufacturing to another at a standard cost. The standard cost is set by management to reflect the actual costs incurred. We continually monitor standard costs to ensure that standard costs reasonably reflect the FIFO value of the inventory produced and make manual adjusts the value of inventory accordingly. Our manual adjustments from standards to actual inventory costs require applying judgment regarding a number of factors, including changes in inventory quantities during the period and recent versus historical inventory purchase costs.
Raw material or component inventory typically transfers from one stage of manufacturing to another where it accumulates additional costs directly incurred with the production of finished goods, including estimated standard labor and overhead costs. Labor and overhead costs associated with the manufacturing of our products are capitalized into inventory on an estimated standard basis. These include certain direct and indirect costs such as compensation, manufacturing, and facility costs associated with manufacturing support functions. We continually monitor our labor and overhead standard costs to ensure that standard costs reasonably reflects our actual costs and make manual adjusts the value of inventory accordingly. Our manual adjustments from standard to actual labor and overhead costs contain uncertainties that require management to make assumptions and to apply judgment regarding a number of factors, including inventory turns, supply usage, manufacturing efficiencies, and historical production costs.
Inventory Reserves - We establish a reserve for inventories based on the change in inventory requirements due to product line changes, the feasibility of using obsolete parts for upgraded part substitutions, the required parts needed for part supply sales and replacement parts, and for estimated shrinkage. Assumptions used to estimate inventory reserves include future manufacturing requirements and industry trends. Evolving technology and changes in product mix or customer demand can significantly affect the outcome of this analysis.
Warranty Accrual - A provision is made for estimated warranty costs at the time the product is shipped and revenue is recognized. Our product warranty policy is the earlier of one year from the date of first use or 18 months from date of shipment for parts only; 18 months for data center cooling solutions and cleanroom systems; an additional four years for compressors (if applicable); 15 years on aluminized steel gas-fired heat exchangers (if applicable); 25 years on stainless steel heat exchangers (if applicable); and ten years on gas-fired heat exchangers in our historical RL products (if applicable). Our warranty policy for the RQ series covers parts for two years from date of unit shipment. Our warranty policy for the WH and WV Series geothermal/water-source heat pumps covers parts for five years from the date of installation. Warranty expense is estimated based on the warranty period, historical warranty trends and associated costs, and any known identifiable warranty issue.
Due to the absence of warranty history on new products, an additional provision may be made for such products. Our estimated future warranty cost is subject to adjustment from time to time depending on changes in actual warranty trends and cost experience. Should actual claim rates differ from our estimates, revisions to the estimated product warranty liability would be required.
Share-Based Compensation - We measure and recognize compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to our employees and directors, including stock options, restricted stock awards, performance stock units ("PSUs"), and key employee awards ("Key Employee Awards") based on their fair values at the time of grant. Compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the service period of stock options, restricted stock awards, and PSUs. Compensation expense is recognized for the Key Employee Awards on a straight line basis over the service period when the performance condition is determined to be probable. Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur. The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. The fair value of the PSUs is estimated on the date of grant using the Monte Carlo Model. The use of the Black-Scholes-Merton option valuation model and the Monte Carlo Model requires the input of subjective assumptions such as: the expected volatility, the expected term of the grant, forward-looking market conditions, risk-free rate, and expected dividend yield for stock options. The fair value of restricted stock awards and Key Employee Awards is based on the fair market value of AAON common stock on the respective grant dates. The fair value of restricted stock awards is reduced for the present value of dividends.
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets - Definite-lived intangible assets include various customer relationships and intellectual property acquired in business combinations. The fair value of customer relationships and intellectual property is estimated based on management’s judgments and assumptions or third party valuation models. These models requires the use of subjective inputs and assumptions such as expected useful lives, growth of existing customers, attrition of customers, future margins and expenses, discount rates, and future revenue growth. These inputs and assumptions can be inherently uncertain and can significantly affect the outcome of the estimates and analysis. We amortize our definite-lived intangible assets on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Our definite-lived intangible assets have estimated used lives of between 14 and 30 years. We evaluate the carrying value of our amortizable intangible assets for potential impairment when events and circumstances warrant such a review.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets - Goodwill represents the excess of the consideration paid for the acquired businesses over the fair value of the individual assets acquired, net of liabilities assumed. Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of trademarks and trade names. The fair value of trademarks and trade names is estimated based on management’s judgments and assumptions or third party valuations. These models require the use of subjective inputs such as royalty rate, discount rate, and terminal value.
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but instead are evaluated for impairment at least annually. We perform our annual assessment of impairment during the fourth quarter of our fiscal year, and more frequently if circumstances warrant.
To perform this assessment, we first consider qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit and indefinite-lived intangible assets exceeds their carrying amount. If we conclude that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit and indefinite-lived assets does not exceed their carrying amount, we calculate the fair value for the reporting unit and indefinite-lived assets and compare the amount to their carrying amount. If the fair value of a reporting unit and indefinite-lived asset exceeds their carrying amount, the reporting unit and indefinite-lived assets are not considered impaired. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit and indefinite-lived assets exceeds their fair value, the reporting unit and indefinite-lived assets are considered to be impaired and the balance is reduced by the difference between the fair value and carrying amount of the reporting unit and indefinite-lived assets.
We performed a qualitative assessment as of December 31, 2022 to determine whether it was more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit and indefinite-lived assets was greater than the carrying value of the reporting unit and indefinite-lived assets. Based on these qualitative assessments, we determined that the fair value of the reporting unit and indefinite-lived assets was more likely than not greater than the carrying value of the reporting unit and indefinite-lived assets.
Estimates and assumptions used to perform the impairment evaluation are inherently uncertain and can significantly affect the outcome of the analysis. The estimates and assumptions we use in the annual impairment assessment
included macro-industry trends, market participant considerations, historical profitability, including free cash flows, and forecasted multi-year operating results. Changes in operating results and other assumptions could materially affect these estimates. A considerable amount of management judgment and assumptions are required in performing the impairment tests.
Contingent Consideration - As part of a business combination, we agreed to issue shares of the Company's common stock based on certain milestones in accordance with the acquisition agreement. This contingent consideration is valued at fair value on the acquisition date and is included in goodwill and additional paid-in capital on the consolidated balance sheets.
The fair value of the contingent consideration was determined using the Option Pricing Method through a Monte Carlo simulation, as this model is appropriate for contingent considerations for which the payoff structure is nonlinear. The use of this model requires the input of subjective inputs and assumptions such as: future earnings, the expected volatility of future earnings, risk-free rate, discount rate, and future stock performance. These inputs and assumptions can be inherently uncertain and can significantly affect the outcome of the estimates and analysis.
New Accounting Pronouncements
Changes to U.S. GAAP are established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) in the form of accounting standards updates (“ASUs”) to the FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification.
We consider the applicability and impact of all ASUs. ASUs not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or are expected to have minimal impact on our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

---

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Commodity Price Risk
We are exposed to volatility in the prices of commodities used in some of our products and, occasionally, we use cancellable and non-cancellable contracts with our major suppliers for periods of six to 18 months to manage this exposure.
Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to changes in interest rates related to our outstanding debt. As of December 31, 2022, we had an outstanding balance of $71.0 million. For each one percentage point increase in the interest rate applicable to our outstanding debt, our annual income before taxes would decrease by approximately $0.7 million.

---

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID Number 248)
Consolidated Balance Sheets 34
Consolidated Statements of Income 35
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity 36
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 37
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 38
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors and Stockholders
AAON, Inc.
Opinion on the financial statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of AAON, Inc. (a Nevada corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”), and our report dated February 27, 2023 expressed an unqualified opinion.
Basis for opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical audit matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Inventory - manual inventory adjustments
As described in Note 2 to the financial statements, the Company reports inventory using the first in, first out (“FIFO”) method, which involves manual adjustments recorded to the general ledger such as inventory variance, inventory allowance and labor and overhead adjustments, which had the potential to be larger or require more judgment during the year ended December 31, 2022, where the Company experienced changes in the prices of certain raw materials due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as supply chain challenges. These manual adjustments have been identified as a critical audit matter.
The principal considerations for our determination such manual inventory adjustments are a critical audit matter are these manual adjustments require substantial use of management estimates and require the Company to have effective inventory valuation processes. Significant management judgments and estimates utilized to determine manual inventory adjustments are subject to estimation uncertainty and require significant auditor subjectivity in evaluating the reasonableness of those judgments and estimates.
Our audit procedures related to the manual inventory adjustments included the following, among others.
•We tested the design and operating effectiveness of controls over inventory valuation, including the standard cost updates in the accounting system and the completeness and accuracy of the inputs to the inventory variance calculation and any related adjustments.
•We recalculated the Company’s standard costing of inventory which approximated FIFO by obtaining FIFO buildups and inspected underlying documents for a sample of raw materials.
•We assessed the reasonableness of management’s inventory reserve by recalculating the reserve using management’s inputs.
•We tested labor and overhead rate changes by recalculating the rates used and tested any adjustments recorded to the general ledger.
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2004.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
February 27, 2023
AAON, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31,
2022 2021
Assets (in thousands, except share and per share data)
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,451 $ 2,859
Restricted cash 498 628
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $477 and $549, respectively
127,158 70,780
Income tax receivable - 5,723
Inventories, net 198,939 130,270
Contract assets 15,151 5,749
Prepaid expenses and other 1,919 2,071
Total current assets 349,116 218,080
Property, plant and equipment:
Land 8,537 5,016
Buildings 169,156 135,861
Machinery and equipment 342,045 318,259
Furniture and fixtures 30,033 23,072
Total property, plant and equipment 549,771 482,208
Less: Accumulated depreciation 245,026 224,146
Property, plant and equipment, net 304,745 258,062
Intangible assets, net 64,606 70,121
Goodwill 81,892 85,727
Right of use assets 7,123 16,974
Other long-term assets 6,421 1,216
Total assets $ 813,903 $ 650,180
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 45,513 $ 29,020
Accrued liabilities 78,630 50,206
Contract liabilities 21,424 7,542
Total current liabilities 145,567 86,768
Revolving credit facility, long-term 71,004 40,000
Deferred tax liabilities 18,661 31,993
Other long-term liabilities 11,508 18,843
New market tax credit obligation (a) 6,449 6,406
Commitments and contingencies (Note 18)
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $.001 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued
- -
Common stock, $.004 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 53,425,184 and 52,527,985 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively
214 210
Additional paid-in capital 98,735 81,654
Retained earnings 461,765 384,306
Total stockholders’ equity 560,714 466,170
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 813,903 $ 650,180
(a) Held by variable interest entities (Note 17)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
AAON, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income
Years Ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Net sales $ 888,788 $ 534,517 $ 514,551
Cost of sales 651,216 396,687 358,702
Gross profit 237,572 137,830 155,849
Selling, general and administrative expenses 110,823 68,598 60,491
Gain on disposal of assets and insurance recoveries (12) (21) (6,478)
Income from operations 126,761 69,253 101,836
Interest (expense) income, net (2,627) (132) 88
Other income, net 399 61 51
Income before taxes 124,533 69,182 101,975
Income tax provision 24,157 10,424 22,966
Net income $ 100,376 $ 58,758 $ 79,009
Earnings per share:
Basic $ 1.89 $ 1.12 $ 1.51
Diluted $ 1.86 $ 1.09 $ 1.49
Cash dividends declared per common share: $ 0.43 $ 0.38 $ 0.38
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic 53,054,986 52,404,199 52,168,679
Diluted 54,097,072 53,728,989 53,061,169
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
AAON, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
Common Stock Paid-in Retained
Shares Amount Capital Earnings Total
(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2019 52,079 $ 208 $ 3,631 $ 286,301 $ 290,140
Net income - - - 79,009 79,009
Stock options exercised and restricted 712 3 21,415 - 21,418
stock awards granted
Share-based compensation - - 11,342 - 11,342
Stock repurchased and retired (566) (2) (31,227) - (31,229)
Dividends - - - (19,815) (19,815)
Balance at December 31, 2020 52,225 209 5,161 345,495 350,865
Net income - - - 58,758 58,758
Stock options exercised and restricted 623 2 21,146 - 21,148
stock awards granted
Share-based compensation - - 11,812 - 11,812
Stock repurchased and retired (320) (1) (22,465) - (22,466)
Contingent consideration (Note 4)
- - 66,000 - 66,000
Dividends - - - (19,947) (19,947)
Balance at December 31, 2021 52,528 210 81,654 384,306 466,170
Net income - - - 100,376 100,376
Stock options exercised and restricted 1,140 5 23,135 - 23,140
stock awards granted
Share-based compensation - - 13,700 - 13,700
Stock repurchased and retired (243) (1) (13,754) - (13,755)
Contingent consideration (Note 4)
- - (6,000) - (6,000)
Dividends - - - (22,917) (22,917)
Balance at December 31, 2022 53,425 $ 214 $ 98,735 $ 461,765 $ 560,714
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
AAON, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years Ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
Operating Activities (in thousands)
Net income $ 100,376 $ 58,758 $ 79,009
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 35,106 30,343 25,634
Amortization of debt issuance costs 43 43 43
Amortization of right of use assets 324 73 -
Provision for credit losses on accounts receivable, net of adjustments (72) 43 153
Provision for excess and obsolete inventories 2,740 629 1,108
Share-based compensation 13,700 11,812 11,342
Gain on disposition of assets and insurance recoveries (12) (21) (6,478)
Foreign currency transaction loss (gain) 41 (1) (12)
Interest income on note receivable (22) (24) (24)
Deferred income taxes (13,332) 3,669 13,027
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable (56,306) (9,737) 19,859
Income taxes 18,195 (1,136) (3,815)
Inventories (71,409) (45,955) (9,726)
Contract assets (9,402) 1,886 -
Prepaid expenses and other long-term assets (2,367) 1,374 (2,364)
Accounts payable 11,574 10,899 (2,155)
Contract liabilities 13,882 (229) -
Extended warranties 1,314 447 1,010
Accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities 16,945 (1,690) 2,203
Net cash provided by operating activities 61,318 61,183 128,814
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures (54,024) (55,362) (67,802)
Cash paid for building (Note 4)
(22,000) - -
Cash paid in business combination, net of cash acquired (249) (103,430) -
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 12 19 60
Insurance proceeds - - 6,417
Principal payments from note receivable 48 54 52
Net cash used in investing activities (76,213) (158,719) (61,273)
Financing Activities
Borrowings under revolving credit facility 225,758 40,000 -
Payments under revolving credit facility (194,754) - -
Principal payments on financing lease (115) - -
Stock options exercised 23,140 21,148 21,418
Repurchase of stock (12,737) (20,876) (30,060)
Employee taxes paid by withholding shares (1,018) (1,590) (1,169)
Dividends paid to stockholders (22,917) (19,947) (19,815)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 17,357 18,735 (29,626)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 2,462 (78,801) 37,915
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year 3,487 82,288 44,373
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year $ 5,949 $ 3,487 $ 82,288
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
AAON, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2022
1. Business Description
AAON, Inc. is a Nevada corporation which was incorporated on August 18, 1987. Our operating subsidiaries include AAON, Inc., an Oklahoma corporation, AAON Coil Products, Inc., a Texas corporation, and BasX, Inc., an Oregon corporation (collectively, the “Company”). The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our subsidiaries.
We are engaged in the engineering, manufacturing, marketing, and sale of premium air conditioning and heating equipment consisting of standard, semi-custom, and custom rooftop units, data centers cooling solutions, cleanroom systems, packaged outdoor mechanical rooms, air handling units, makeup air units, energy recovery units, condensing units, geothermal/water-source heat pumps, coils, and controls.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic
The magnitude of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic remains unpredictable and could unfavorably impact our business. However, the direct effects of the COVID-19 pandemic has had no significant impact on our planned cash outflows for raw materials, dividend payments, or capital expenditures.
Although future disruptions and costs are expected to be temporary, there is still significant uncertainty around the duration and overall impacts to our business operations. We are continually monitoring the progression of the pandemic, including new COVID-19 variants, and their potential effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Inflation and Labor Market
In late 2021 and throughout 2022, we have witnessed increases in our raw material and component prices. Due to our favorable liquidity position, we continue to make strategic purchases of materials when we see opportunities. We continue to manage the increase in the cost of raw materials through price increases for our products. We have also experienced supply chain challenges related to specific manufacturing parts, which we have managed through our strong vendor relationships as well as expanding our list of vendors.
Additionally, we continue to experience challenges in a tight labor market, especially the hiring of both skilled and unskilled production labor. We have implemented the following wage increases to remain competitive and to attract and retain employees:
•In March 2021, we awarded annual merit raises for an overall 5.0% increase to wages.
•In July 2021, we increased starting wages for our production workforce by 7.0%.
•In October 2021, we implemented a cost of living increase of 3.5% in place for all employees
below our Senior Leadership Team ("SLT") which consists of officers and key members of management.
•In March 2022, we awarded annual merit raises for an overall 3.0% increase to wages.
•In October 2022, we implemented a cost of living increase of 3.5% in place for all employees
below the SLT level.
We will continue to implement human resource initiatives to retain and attract labor to further improve productivity and production efficiencies.
Despite efforts to mitigate the impact of inflation, supply chain issues and the tight labor market, future disruptions, while temporary, could negatively impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
First Quarter 2021 Planned Maintenance and Adverse Weather
During the fourth quarter of 2020, we made the strategic decision to shut down our Tulsa, OK and Longview, TX manufacturing facilities to perform planned and necessary maintenance during the last week of December 2020 as well several days in early January 2021.
In February 2021, record-breaking winter storms affected Oklahoma and Texas, causing sustained below freezing temperatures, hazardous driving conditions, rolling blackouts, water main breaks, and a host of other weather related issues. In addition to significant absenteeism as a result of employees being unable to travel to and from work due to inadequate transportation and/or hazardous road conditions, the Company made the decision to shut down the Tulsa, OK and Longview, TX plants for several days. This decision was based on the expected employee absenteeism as well as the expected rolling blackouts caused by the increased demand on the electrical and natural gas power grids.
WH Series and WV Series Water Source Heat Pump Units
As part of the normal course of business, management is continually monitoring the profitability of the Company's various product series offerings. During the third quarter of 2022, management made the decision to no longer produce our small packaged geothermal/water-source heat pump units consisting of the WH Series horizontal configuration and WV Series vertical configuration, from one-half to 12 1/2 tons ("WH/WV"). These WH/WV units are produced solely out of the AAON Oklahoma facility. Production of the remaining WH/WV backlog is expected to continue through the first quarter of 2023.
A majority of the long-lived assets used in the production of these units will be immediately reallocated to other product production, providing us additional manufacturing capacity with minimal costs. The workforce from the these production lines will also be reallocated to other product production lines. Management has identified some related components and parts that cannot be used in other products or sold through our parts business; therefore, we have increased our provision for excess and obsolete inventory (Note 7), within cost of sales on our consolidated statements of income, by approximately $1.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Change in Estimate
During the first quarter of 2022, a review of the Company's useful lives for certain sheet metal manufacturing equipment at our Longview, Texas facilities resulted in a change in estimate that increased the useful lives from between ten and twelve years to fifteen years. This determination was based on recent and estimated future production levels as well as management's knowledge of the equipment and historical and future use of the equipment. The change in estimate was made prospectively and resulted in a decrease to depreciation expense within cost of sales on our consolidated statements of income of $1.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2022.
We do not believe the impact of these events had a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
These financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Our financial statements consolidate all of our affiliated entities in which we have a controlling financial interest. Because we hold certain rights that give us the power to direct the activities of two variable interest entities ("VIEs") (Note 17) that most significantly impact the VIEs economic performance, combined with a variable interest that gives us the right to receive potentially significant benefits or the obligation to absorb potentially significant losses, we have a controlling financial interest in those VIEs.
On December 10, 2021, we closed on the acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding equity ownership of BasX, LLC, doing business as BASX Solutions. (Note 4). On December 29, 2021, BasX, LLC converted to a C-Corporation, BasX, Inc. ("BASX"), and is subject to income tax. We have included the results of BASX’s operations in our consolidated financial statements beginning December 11, 2021.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We consider all highly liquid temporary investments with original maturity dates of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents consist of bank deposits and highly liquid, interest-bearing money market funds.
The Company’s cash and cash equivalents are held in a few financial institutions in amounts that exceed the insurance limits of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. However, management believes that the Company’s counterparty risks are minimal based on the reputation and history of the institutions selected.
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash held at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 consists of bank deposits and highly liquid, interest-bearing money market funds held for the purpose of the Company's qualified New Markets Tax Credit program (Note 17) to benefit an investment in plant and equipment to facilitate the expansion of our Longview, Texas manufacturing operations.
The Company’s restricted cash is held in a financial institutions in amounts that exceed the insurance limits of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. However, management believes that the Company’s counterparty risks are minimal based on the reputation and history of the institutions selected.
Accounts and Note Receivable
Accounts and note receivable are stated at amounts due from customers, net of an allowance for credit losses. We generally do not require that our customers provide collateral; however, our billings and customer payment terms can vary based on product type as a way to manage collections risk. The Company determines its allowance for credit losses by considering a number of factors, including the credit risk of specific customers, the customer’s ability to pay current obligations, historical trends, economic and market conditions, and the age of the receivable. Accounts are considered past due when the balance has been outstanding for ninety days past negotiated credit terms. Past due accounts are generally written-off against the allowance for credit losses only after all collection attempts have been exhausted.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Our customers are concentrated primarily in the domestic commercial and industrial new construction and replacement markets. To date, our sales have been primarily to the domestic market, with foreign sales accounting for approximately 3.1%, 3.0%, and 2.0% of revenues for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively.
One customer, Texas AirSystems LLC, accounted for more than 10.0% of our sales during 2022, 2021, and 2020. No other customer accounted for more than 10.0% of our sales during 2022, 2021, and 2020. One customer, Texas AirSystems LLC, accounted for more than 10.0% of our accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2022. No customers accounted for more than 10.0% of our accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2021.
Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) or average cost method. Cost in inventory includes purchased parts and materials, direct labor and applied manufacturing overhead. We establish an allowance for excess and obsolete inventories based on product line changes, the feasibility of substituting parts and the need for supply and replacement parts.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant, and equipment, including significant improvements, are recorded at cost, net of accumulated depreciation; except for property, plant, and equipment acquired in a business combination which is recorded at fair value. Repairs and maintenance and any gains or losses on disposition are included in operations.
Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
Buildings and leasehold improvements 3 - 40 years
Machinery and equipment 3 - 20 years
Furniture and fixtures 3 - 15 years
On April 22, 2020, our plant and office facilities in Tulsa, Oklahoma experienced hail related weather damage and we filed a property insurance claim which carried a $500,000 deductible. We did not experience any significant structural damage or any operational interruption as a result of this weather event. In November 2020, we reached a final settlement with our insurance carrier, resulting in a net cumulative gain of $6.4 million, which is included in the consolidated statements of income. The received proceeds were used to make improvements to the current roof at our plant and office facilities in Tulsa, Oklahoma to extend the overall useful life.
In January 2023, we purchased additional real property and improvements for our AAON Coil Products operations in Longview, Texas for $3.6 million. This additional property consists of 64,000 square feet of warehouse space that will enable the continued growth of our AAON Coil Products operations.
Business Combinations
The Company applies the acquisition method of accounting for business acquisitions. The results of operations of the businesses acquired by the Company are included as of the respective acquisition date. The acquisition date fair value of the consideration transferred, including the fair value of any contingent consideration, is allocated to the underlying assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. To the extent the acquisition date fair value of the consideration transferred exceeds the fair value of the identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, such excess is allocated to goodwill. The Company may adjust the preliminary purchase price allocation, as necessary, as it obtains more information regarding asset valuations and liabilities assumed that existed but were not available at the acquisition date, which is generally up to one year after the acquisition closing date. Acquisition related expenses are recognized separately from the business combination and are expensed as incurred.
Fair Value Financial Instruments and Measurements
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities approximate fair value because of the short-term maturity of the items. The carrying amount of the Company’s revolving line of credit, and other payables, approximate their fair values either due to their short term nature, the variable rates associated with the debt or based on current rates offered to the Company for debt with similar characteristics.
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value is based upon assumptions that market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability. We use the following fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes valuation technique inputs used to measure fair value into three broad levels:
•Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities that we have the ability to access at the measurement date.
•Level 2: Inputs (other than quoted prices included within Level 1) that are either directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability, including (i) quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, (ii) quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, (iii) inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, and (iv) inputs that are derived from observable market data by correlation or other means.
•Level 3: Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability including situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. Items categorized in Level 3 include the estimated fair values of
property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, contingent consideration, and goodwill acquired in a business combination.
The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). In some cases, the inputs used to measure fair value might fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. The lowest level input that is significant to a fair value measurement determines the applicable level in the fair value hierarchy. Assessing the significance of a particular input to a fair value measurement requires judgment, considering factors specific to the asset or liability.
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets
Our definite-lived intangible assets include various trademarks, service marks, and technical knowledge acquired in business combinations (Note 4). We amortize our definite-lived intangible assets on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. We evaluate the carrying value of our amortizable intangible assets for potential impairment when events and circumstances warrant such a review.
Amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
Intellectual property 30 years
Customer relationships 14 years
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of the consideration paid for the acquired businesses over the fair value of the individual assets acquired, net of liabilities assumed. Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of trademarks and trade names and are also subject to at least annual impairment testing. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but instead are evaluated for impairment at least annually. We perform our annual assessment of impairment during the fourth quarter of our fiscal year, and more frequently if circumstances warrant.
To perform this assessment, we first consider qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit and indefinite-lived intangible assets exceeds their carrying amount. If we conclude that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit and indefinite-lived assets does not exceed their carrying amount, we calculate the fair value for the reporting unit and indefinite-lived assets and compare the amount to their carrying amount. If the fair value of a reporting unit and indefinite-lived asset exceeds their carrying amount, the reporting unit and indefinite-lived assets are not considered impaired. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit and indefinite-lived assets exceeds their fair value, the reporting unit and indefinite-lived assets are considered to be impaired and the balance is reduced by the difference between the fair value and carrying amount of the reporting unit and indefinite-lived assets.
We performed a qualitative assessment as of December 31, 2022 to determine whether it was more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit and indefinite-lived assets was greater than the carrying value of the reporting unit and indefinite-lived assets. Based on these qualitative assessments, we determined that the fair value of the reporting unit and indefinite-lived assets was more likely than not greater than the carrying value of the reporting unit and indefinite-lived assets.
Estimates and assumptions used to perform the impairment evaluation are inherently uncertain and can significantly affect the outcome of the analysis. The estimates and assumptions we use in the annual impairment assessment included market participant considerations and future forecasted operating results. Changes in operating results and other assumptions could materially affect these estimates. A considerable amount of management judgment and assumptions are required in performing the impairment tests.
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill were as follows:
Years Ended December 31,
2022 2021
(in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period
$ 85,727 $ 3,229
Additions due to acquisitions (Note 4)
- 82,498
Decreases due to acquisition adjustments (Note 4)
(3,835) -
Balance, end of period 81,892 85,727
Contingent Consideration
As part of a business combination, we agreed to issue shares of the Company's common stock based on certain milestones in accordance with the acquisition agreement. This contingent consideration is valued at fair value on the acquisition date and is included in additional paid-in capital on the consolidated balance sheets.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
We review long-lived assets for possible impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate, in management’s judgment, that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset or asset group to its estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset or asset group. If the undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset or asset group, an impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset or asset group exceeds its fair value.
Research and Development
The costs associated with research and development for the purpose of developing and improving new products are expensed as incurred. For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 research and development costs amounted to approximately $46.8 million, $16.6 million, and $17.4 million, respectively. The significant increase for the year ended December 31, 2022 was related to the inclusion of a full year of operations of BASX (Note 4), as well as our commitment to product performance and innovation.
Advertising
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 was approximately $2.4 million, $1.6 million, and $0.8 million, respectively.
Shipping and Handling
We incur shipping and handling costs in the distribution of products sold that are recorded in cost of sales. Shipping charges that are billed to the customer are recorded in revenues and as an expense in cost of sales. For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 shipping and handling fees amounted to approximately $24.4 million, $14.4 million, and $14.3 million, respectively.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the book carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. Excess tax benefits and deficiencies are reported as an income tax benefit or expense on the statement of income and are treated as discrete items to the income tax provision in the reporting period in which they occur. We establish accruals for unrecognized tax positions when it is more likely than not that our tax return positions may not be fully sustained. The Company records a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Share-Based Compensation
The Company recognizes expense for its share-based compensation based on the fair value of the awards that are granted. The Company’s share-based compensation plans provide for the granting of stock options, restricted stock, and performance stock units ("PSUs"). In conjunction with the acquisition of BASX (Note 4), we awarded performance awards to key employees ("Key Employee Awards") of BASX.
The fair values of stock options are estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option valuation model. The fair value of the PSUs is estimated on the date of grant using the Monte Carlo Model. The use of the Black-Scholes-Merton option valuation model and the Monte Carlo Model requires the input of subjective assumptions such as: the expected volatility, the expected term of the grant, expected market performance, risk-free rate, and expected dividend yield for stock options. The fair value of restricted stock awards and Key Employee Awards is based on the fair market value of AAON common stock on the respective grant dates. The fair value of restricted stock awards is reduced for the present value of dividends. The Key Employee Awards do not accrue dividends.
Share-based compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the service period of the related share-based compensation award. Historically, stock options and restricted stock awards, granted to employees, vested at a rate of 20% per year. Restricted stock awards granted to directors historically vest over the shorter of directors' remaining elected term or one-third each year. Beginning March 2021, all new grants of stock options and restricted stock awards granted to employees, vest at a rate of 33.3% per year. Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur.
Historically, if the employee or director is retirement eligible (as defined by the Long Term Incentive Plans) or becomes retirement eligible during service period of the related share-based compensation award, the service period is the lesser of 1) the grant date, if retirement eligible on grant date, or 2) the period between grant date and retirement eligible date. All share-based compensation awards granted on or after March 1, 2020 to retirement eligible employees or directors contain a one-year employment requirement (minimum service period) or the entire award is forfeited. Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur.
The PSUs cliff vest at the end of their respective service period. Share-based compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the service period of PSUs. The PSUs are subject to several service and market conditions, as defined by the PSU agreement, which allows the holder to retain a pro-rata amount of awards as a result of certain termination conditions, retirement, change in common control, or death. Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur.
The Key Employee Awards cliff vest on December 31, 2023. Share-based compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the service period of the Key Employee Awards when it is probable that the performance conditions will be satisfied. The Key Employee Awards are subject to several service and performance conditions, as defined by the Key Employee Award agreement, which allows the holder to retain an amount of the awards as a result of certain termination conditions or change in common control. Forfeitures are accounted for as they occur.
Derivative Instruments
In the course of normal operations, the Company occasionally enters into contracts such as forward priced physical contracts for the purchase of raw materials that qualify for and are designated as normal purchase or normal sale contracts. Such contracts are exempted from the fair value accounting requirements and are accounted for at the time product is purchased or sold under the related contract. The Company does not engage in speculative transactions, nor does the Company hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes.
Revenue Recognition
Due to the highly customized nature of many of the Company’s products and each product not having an alternative use to the Company without significant costs to the Company, the Company recognizes revenue over time as progress is made toward satisfying the performance obligations of each contract. The Company has formal cancellation policies and generally does not accept returns on these units. As a result, many of the Company’s products do not have an alternative use and therefore, for these products we recognize revenue over the time it takes to produce the unit.
Contract costs include direct materials, direct labor, installation, freight and delivery, commissions and royalties. Other costs not related to contract performance, such as indirect labor and materials, small tools and supplies,
operating expenses, field rework and back charges are charged to expense as incurred. Provisions for estimated losses on contracts in progress are made in the period in which such losses are determined. Changes in job performance, job conditions, and estimated profitability, including those arising from contract penalty provisions and final contract settlements, may result in revisions to costs and income, and are estimated and recognized by the Company throughout the life of the contract. The aggregate of costs incurred and income recognized on uncompleted contracts in excess of billings is shown as a contract asset within our consolidated balance sheets, and the aggregate of billings on uncompleted contracts in excess of related costs incurred and income recognized is shown as a contract liability within out consolidated balance sheets.
For all other products that are part sales or standardized units, the Company recognizes revenue, presented net of sales tax, when it satisfies the performance obligation in its contracts. As the primary performance obligation in such a contract is delivery of the requested manufactured equipment, we satisfy the performance obligation when the control is passed to the customer, generally at time of shipment. Final sales prices are fixed based on purchase orders.
Sales allowances and customer incentives are treated as reductions to sales and are provided for based on historical experiences and current estimates.
Historically, sales of our products were moderately seasonal with the peak period being May-October of each year due to timing of construction projects being directly related to warmer weather. However, in recent years, given the increases in demand of our product and increases in our backlog, sales has become more constant throughout the year.
Product Warranties
A provision is made for the estimated cost of maintaining product warranties to customers at the time the product is sold based upon historical claims experience by product line. The Company records a liability and an expense for estimated future warranty claims based upon historical experience and management’s estimate of the level of future claims. Changes in the estimated amounts recognized in prior years are recorded as an adjustment to the liability and expense in the current year.
The Company also sells extended warranties on parts for various lengths of time ranging from six months to 10 years. Revenue for these separately priced warranties is deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the separately priced warranty period.
Representatives and Third Party Products
We are responsible for billings and collections resulting from all sales transactions, including those initiated by our independent manufacturer representatives (“Representatives”). Representatives are national companies that are in the business of providing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) units and other related products and services to customers. The end user customer orders a bundled group of products and services from the Representative and expects the Representative to fulfill the order. These other related products and services may include controls purchased from another manufacturer to operate the unit, start-up services, and curbs for supporting the unit (“Third Party Products”). All are associated with the purchase of a HVAC unit but may be provided by the Representative or another third party. Only after the specifications are agreed to by the Representative and the customer, and the decision is made to use an AAON HVAC unit, will we receive notice of the order. We establish the amount we must receive for our HVAC unit (“minimum sales price”), but do not control the total order price that is negotiated by the Representative with the end user customer. The Representatives submit the total order price to us for invoicing and collection. The total order price includes our minimum sales price and an additional amount which may include both the Representatives’ fee and amounts due for additional products and services required by the customer. The Company is considered the principal for the equipment we design and manufacture and records that revenue gross. The Company has no control over the Third Party Products to the end customer and the Company is under no obligation related to the Third Party Products. Amounts related to Third Party Products are not recognized as revenue but are recorded as a liability and are included in accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.
The Representatives’ fee and Third Party Products amounts (“Due to Representatives”) are paid only after all amounts associated with the order are collected from the customer. The amount of payments to our Representatives was $39.1 million, $43.9 million, and $50.0 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively.
Insurance Reserves
Under the Company’s insurance programs, coverage is obtained for significant liability limits as well as those risks required to be insured by law or contract. It is the policy of the Company to self-insure a portion of certain expected losses related primarily to workers’ compensation and medical liability. Provisions for losses expected under these programs are recorded based on the Company’s estimates of the aggregate liabilities for the claims incurred.
Leases
New leases entered into by the Company are assessed at lease inception for proper lease classification. At December 31, 2022, all of our leases are classified as operating leases.
We have entered into various short-term operating leases with an initial term of twelve months or less. These leases are not recorded on our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the rent expense for these short-term leases is not significant.
As our leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Our incremental borrowing rate represents the interest rate which we would pay to borrow, on a collateralized basis, an amount equal to the lease payments over a similar term in a similar economic environment.
Expense related to these leases is recognized on straight-line basis over the lease term. Certain of our leases contain escalating lease payments based on predefined increases. Most leases contain options to renew or terminate. Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities reflect only the options which the Company is reasonably certain to exercise.
The Company’s leases generally require us to pay for insurance, taxes, utilities, and other operating costs. These payments are not included in the right-of-use asset or lease liability and are expensed as incurred.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Because these estimates and assumptions require significant judgment, actual results could differ from those estimates and could have a significant impact on our results of operations, financial position, and cash flows. We reevaluate our estimates and assumptions as needed, but at a minimum on a quarterly basis. The most significant estimates include, but are not limited to, inventory valuation, inventory reserves, warranty accrual, workers' compensation accrual, medical insurance accrual, income taxes, useful lives of property, plant, and equipment, estimated future use of leased property, share-based compensation, business combinations, revenue percentage of completion and estimated costs to complete. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
3. Revenue Recognition
The following tables show disaggregated net sales by reportable segment (Note 22) by major source, net of intercompany sales eliminations.
Year Ended December 31, 2022
AAON Oklahoma AAON Coil Products BASX1
Total
(in thousands)
Rooftop Units $ 579,363 $ - $ - $ 579,363
Condensing Units 302 46,287 - 46,589
Air Handlers - 47,442 14,434 61,876
Outdoor Mechanical Rooms 612 855 - 1,467
Cleanroom Systems - - 47,020 47,020
Data Center Cooling Solutions - - 53,522 53,522
Water-Source Heat Pumps 11,529 8,797 - 20,326
Part Sales 52,927 - 671 53,598
Other 19,112 3,909 2,006 25,027
$ 663,845 $ 107,290 $ 117,653 $ 888,788
Year Ended December 31, 2021
AAON Oklahoma AAON Coil Products BASX1
Total
(in thousands)
Rooftop Units $ 398,461 $ - - $ 398,461
Condensing Units 762 25,989 - 26,751
Air Handlers - 26,589 95 26,684
Outdoor Mechanical Rooms 820 464 - 1,284
Cleanroom Systems - - 2,288 2,288
Data Center Cooling Solutions - - 1,688 1,688
Water-Source Heat Pumps 10,831 10,343 - 21,174
Part Sales 41,127 1 - 41,128
Other 11,844 3,203 12 15,059
$ 463,845 $ 66,589 $ 4,083 $ 534,517
Year Ended December 31, 2020
AAON Oklahoma AAON Coil Products BASX1
Total
(in thousands)
Rooftop Units $ 400,946 $ - - $ 400,946
Condensing Units 900 20,249 - 21,149
Air Handlers - 23,931 - 23,931
Outdoor Mechanical Rooms 2,355 487 - 2,842
Water-Source Heat Pumps 10,663 8,390 - 19,053
Part Sales 32,561 - - 32,561
Other 11,532 2,537 - 14,069
$ 458,957 $ 55,594 - $ 514,551
1 BASX was acquired by the Company on December 10, 2021, as such, the only applicable periods presented for BASX is the year ended December 31, 2022 and December 11, 2021 through December 31, 2021.
Other sales include freight, extended warranties and miscellaneous revenue.
4. Business Combination
On November 18, 2021, the Company entered into a membership interest purchase agreement (the “MIPA Agreement”) to acquire of all of the issued and outstanding equity ownership of BasX, LLC, an Oregon limited liability company, doing business as BASX Solutions. We closed this transaction on December 10, 2021 for a purchase price of (i) $100.0 million payable in cash (not including working capital adjustments), and (ii) up to $80.0 million in the aggregate of contingent consideration payable in shares of the Company's stock, par value $0.004 per share (the "Shares").
The $80.0 million of contingent consideration payable consists of $78.0 million payable to the former owners of BasX, LLC and $2.0 million payable to key employees of BasX, LLC whom are now employed by the Company. The potential future issuance of the Shares is contingent upon BASX meeting certain post-closing earn-out milestones during each of 2021, 2022, and 2023 under the terms of the MIPA Agreement (Note 16). The Company funded the acquisition cash portion of the purchase price and related transaction costs with cash on hand.
Additionally, as a condition to closing, the Company entered into a real estate purchase agreement with BasX Properties, LLC, an affiliate of BasX, LLC, to acquire the principal real property and improvements utilized by BASX for an additional $22.0 million, subject to customary closing conditions and adjustments. The Company closed this real estate transaction on May 31, 2022, which terminated the related lease (Note 5).
We incurred $4.4 million in transaction fees related to the acquisition which are included in selling, general, and administrative expenses on our consolidated statement of income for the year ended December 31, 2021. We have included the results of BASX’s operations in our consolidated financial statements beginning December 11, 2021.
We applied pushdown accounting, allowable under ASC 805 "Business Combinations," to "pushdown" our stepped-up basis in the assets acquired and liabilities assumed to BASX's subsidiary financial statements. The decision to apply pushdown accounting is irrevocable. Goodwill was calculated and recognized consistent with acquisition accounting, resulting in the pushdown of $78.7 million in goodwill as of December 31, 2022.
The following table presents the allocation of the consideration paid to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition described above, which was still preliminary at December 31, 2021. The revisions indicated below were recorded during the first quarter of 2022. The revisions were the result of updates to our preliminary estimates and third party valuation models. The impact of such revisions on consolidated net income were not significant.
Final Allocation Estimated Allocation as of December 31, 2021 Revisions
(in thousands)
Accounts receivable 13,699 $ 13,699 $ -
Inventories 2,725 2,725 -
Contract assets 7,635 7,635 -
Prepaid expenses and other 341 341 -
Property, plant and equipment 15,611 15,611 -
Right of use assets 13,169 13,169 -
Intangible assets 68,413 70,329 (1,916)
Goodwill 78,663 82,498 (3,835)
Accounts payable (9,388) (9,388) -
Accrued liabilities (3,807) (3,807) -
Contract liabilities (7,771) (7,771) -
Lease liabilities (15,611) (15,611) -
Contingent Consideration - shares of AAON (60,000) (66,000) 6,000
Consideration paid $ 103,679 $ 103,430 $ 249
The Company recognized the following definite and indefinite-lived intangible assets as part of the acquisition:
Final Allocation Estimated Allocation as of December 31, 2021 Revisions
(in thousands)
Definite-lived intangible assets
Intellectual property $ 6,295 $ 6,479 $ (184)
Customer relationships 47,547 48,684 (1,137)
53,842 55,163 (1,321)
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
Trademarks 14,571 15,166 (595)
Total intangible assets acquired $ 68,413 $ 70,329 $ (1,916)
Goodwill is the excess of the consideration paid for the acquired businesses over the fair value of the individual assets acquired, net of liabilities assumed. Goodwill represents a premium paid to acquire the skilled workforce and expanded market opportunities. Goodwill of $47.1 million was tax deductible upon completion of the final allocation of consideration paid to the assets acquired and liabilities acquired. Future additional amounts of goodwill related to the contingent consideration may become tax deductible in the future if the earn out provisions of the MIPA are achieved.
Pro Forma Results of Operations (unaudited)
The operations of BASX have been included in our consolidated statements of income since the closing date on December 10, 2021. The following unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 are presented as if the combination had been made on January 1, 2020.
(unaudited)
Years ended December 31,
2021 2020
(in thousands, except per share data)
Revenues $ 611,158 $ 562,563
Net income 63,491 80,507
Earnings per share:
Basic $ 1.21 $ 1.54
Dilutive $ 1.18 $ 1.52
These unaudited pro forma results include adjustments necessary in connection with the acquisition.
The unaudited consolidated pro forma financial information was prepared in accordance with GAAP and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have occurred if the acquisition had been completed on the date indicated, nor is it indicative of the future operating results of the Company.
The unaudited pro forma results do not reflect events that either have occurred or may occur after the acquisition date, including, but not limited to, the anticipated realization of operating synergies in subsequent periods. These results also do not give effect to certain charges that the Company expects to incur in connection with the acquisition, including, but not limited to, additional professional fees and employee integration.
5. Leases
The Company has lease arrangements for certain administrative, manufacturing and warehousing facilities and equipment. Currently, all leases are classified as operating leases.
December 31,
Balance Sheet Classification 2022 2021
(in thousands)
Right-of-use assets Right of use assets $ 7,123 $ 16,974
Current lease liability Accrued liabilities 1,254 1,580
Noncurrent lease liability Other long-term liabilities 5,993 15,467
Through the acquisition of BASX (Note 4), we acquired various leases for plant/office space and equipment, which were classified as operating leases. Through May 2022, BASX's manufacturing and office facility in Redmond, Oregon was leased from a related party (Note 21). On May 31, 2022, we completed the real estate transaction discussed in Note 4 and the associated operating lease was terminated.
Since 2018, the Company has leased the manufacturing, engineering and office space used by our operations in Parkville, Missouri. In October 2022, the Parkville, Missouri lease was amended to expand our manufacturing and office space from 51,000 square feet to 86,000 square feet. The amended lease will provide for 31,000 square feet of additional manufacturing and engineering space and for 4,000 square feet of additional office space. The amended lease extends the lease term through December 31, 2032.
In November 2022, the Company entered into a lease arrangement for additional storage facilities in Tulsa, Oklahoma to support our operations. The lease will add an additional 198,000 square feet to our operations. The lease term will expire October 31, 2025.
In June 2022, the Company entered into a lease agreement for land and facilities in Tulsa, Oklahoma to support our manufacturing operations. This lease was classified as a finance lease as the Company had the option to and was reasonably certain to purchase the underlying assets in 2023. However, during the third quarter of 2022, it was determined that the Company would no longer purchase the land or facility and terminate the lease due to unforeseen facility structural issues. We vacated the property and cancelled the lease at the end of 2022.
6. Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable and the related allowance for credit losses are as follows:
December 31,
2022 2021
(in thousands)
Accounts receivable $ 127,635 $ 71,329
Less: Allowance for credit losses (477) (549)
Total, net $ 127,158 $ 70,780
Years Ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
Allowance for credit losses: (in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period
$ 549 $ 506 $ 353
Provisions for expected credit losses, net of adjustments
359 43 153
Accounts receivable written off, net of recoveries
(431) - -
Balance, end of period $ 477 $ 549 $ 506
7. Inventories
The components of inventories and the related changes in the allowance for excess and obsolete inventories are as follows:
December 31,
2022 2021
(in thousands)
Raw materials $ 194,159 $ 124,480
Work in process 3,501 3,049
Finished goods 5,806 4,528
203,466 132,057
Less: Allowance for excess and obsolete inventories (4,527) (1,787)
Total, net $ 198,939 $ 130,270
Years Ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
Allowance for excess and obsolete inventories: (in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period $ 1,787 $ 3,261 $ 2,644
Provisions for excess and obsolete inventories 2,852 629 1,108
Inventories written off (112) (2,103) (491)
Balance, end of period $ 4,527 $ 1,787 $ 3,261
During the third quarter of 2022, we made the decision to no longer produce our small packaged geothermal/water-source heat pump units consisting of the WH Series horizontal configuration and WV Series vertical configuration (Note 1). Some related components and parts cannot be used in other products or sold through our parts business. As a result, we increased our provision for excess and obsolete inventory, within cost of sales on our consolidated statements of income, by approximately $1.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2022.
8. Intangible Assets
Our intangible assets consist of the following:
December 31,
2022 2021
Definite-lived intangible assets (in thousands)
Intellectual property $ 6,295 $ 6,479
Customer relationships 47,547 48,684
Less: Accumulated amortization (3,807) (208)
Total, net 50,035 54,955
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
Trademarks 14,571 15,166
Total intangible assets, net $ 64,606 $ 70,121
Amortization expense recorded in cost of sales is as follows:
Years Ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
(in thousands)
Amortization expense $ 3,599 $ 246 $ 234
Excluding the impact of any future acquisitions, the Company anticipates amortization expense to be approximately $3.6 million for each of the years ended 2023 through 2027.
9. Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Years Ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
Supplemental disclosures: (in thousands)
Interest paid $ 2,412 $ - $ -
Income taxes paid, net 19,293 7,891 13,754
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Non-cash capital expenditures 1,919 (3,714) 2,843
10. Warranties
The Company has product warranties with various terms from one year from the date of first use or 18 months for parts, data center cooling solutions, and cleanroom systems to 25 years for certain heat exchangers. The Company has an obligation to replace parts if conditions under the warranty are met. A provision is made for estimated warranty costs at the time the related products are sold based upon the warranty period, historical trends, new products, and any known identifiable warranty issues.
Changes in the warranty accrual are as follows:
Years Ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
Warranty accrual: (in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period $ 13,769 $ 13,522 $ 12,652
Payments made (6,584) (6,734) (5,751)
Provisions 8,497 6,351 6,621
Assumed in business combination (Note 4)
- 630 -
Balance, end of period $ 15,682 $ 13,769 $ 13,522
Warranty expense: $ 8,497 $ 6,351 $ 6,621
11. Accrued Liabilities and Other Long-Term Liabilities
Accrued liabilities were comprised of the following:
December 31,
2022 2021
(in thousands)
Warranty $ 15,682 $ 13,769
Due to representatives 15,545 7,995
Payroll 11,901 8,423
Profit sharing 5,451 1,489
Workers' compensation 367 308
Medical self-insurance 1,178 1,943
Customer prepayments 3,750 5,931
Donations, short-term 637 438
Accrued income taxes 12,472 -
Employee vacation time 6,329 4,362
Extended warranties, short-term 1,330 1,593
Lease liability, short-term 1,254 1,580
Other 2,734 2,375
Total $ 78,630 $ 50,206
Other long-term liabilities were comprised of the following:
December 31,
2022 2021
(in thousands)
Lease liability $ 5,993 $ 15,467
Extended warranties 4,539 3,042
Donations and other 976 334
Total $ 11,508 $ 18,843
12. Revolving Credit Facility
On November 24, 2021, we amended our revolving credit facility to provide for maximum borrowings of $100.0 million, with an option to increase to $200.0 million. On May 27, 2022, we amended our $100.0 million Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated November 24, 2021 ("Revolver"), to provide for maximum borrowings of $200.0 million. As of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, we had an outstanding balance under the Revolver of $71.0 million and $40.0 million, respectively. We had one standby letter of credit totaling $0.8 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Borrowings available under the Revolver at December 31, 2022, were $128.2 million. The Revolver expires on May 27, 2027.
Any outstanding loans under the Revolver bear interest at the daily compounded secured overnight financing rate ("SOFR") plus the applicable margin. Applicable margin, ranging from 1.25% - 1.75%, is determined quarterly based on the Company's leverage ratio. The Company is also subject to letter of credit fees, ranging from 1.25% - 1.75%, and a commitment fee, ranging from 0.10% - 0.20%. The applicable fee percentage is determined quarterly based on the Company's leverage ratio. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the weighted average interest rate of our Revolver was 3.0% and 1.3%, respectively. Fees associated with the unused portion of the committed amount are included in interest expense on our consolidated statements of income and were not material for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
If SOFR cannot be determined pursuant to the definition, as defined by the Revolver agreement, any outstanding effected loans will be deemed to have been converted into alternative base rate ("ABR") loans. ABR loans would bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the highest of (a) the Prime Rate in effect on such day, (b) the Federal Funds Rate in effect on such day plus 0.50%, or (c) daily simple SOFR for a one-month tenor in effect on such day plus 1.00%.
At December 31, 2022, we were in compliance with our financial covenants, as defined by the Revolver. These covenants require that we meet certain parameters related to our leverage ratio. At December 31, 2022, our leverage ratio was 0.46 to 1.0, which meets the requirement of not being above 3 to 1.
The previous revolving credit facility, prior to November 24, 2021, allowed for maximum borrowings of $30.0 million with an interest rate of LIBOR plus 2.0%. There were no fees associated with the unused portion of committed amounts under the previous revolving credit facility.
13. Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes consists of the following:
Years Ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
(in thousands)
Current $ 37,489 $ 6,755 $ 9,939
Deferred (13,332) 3,669 13,027
Income tax provision $ 24,157 $ 10,424 $ 22,966
The provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory Federal income tax rate before the provision for income taxes.
The reconciliation of the Federal statutory income tax rate to the effective income tax rate is as follows:
Years Ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
Federal statutory rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 21.0 %
State income taxes, net of Federal benefit 4.1 % 1.8 % 5.3 %
Change in valuation allowance - % 1.0 % - %
Excess tax benefits related to share-based compensation (Note 14)
(2.4) % (7.8) % (3.2) %
Return to provision (0.3) % - % 0.1 %
Research and development tax credits (2.1) % (1.1) % (0.9) %
Other (0.9) % 0.2 % 0.2 %
Effective tax rate 19.4 % 15.1 % 22.5 %
On May 21, 2021, the State of Oklahoma enacted House Bill 2960, effectively reducing the corporate income tax rate in Oklahoma from 6% to 4%. This resulted in a benefit of $0.8 million included in the table above under State income taxes, net of Federal benefit, for the year ending December 31, 2021.
We earn investment tax credits from the state of Oklahoma’s investment tax credit program. We use the flow-through method of accounting for the investment tax credits earned on eligible tangible asset expenditures. Under this method, the investment tax credits are recognized as a reduction to our Oklahoma income tax expense in the year they are used. As of December 31, 2022, we have credit carryforwards totaling $3.1 million that have estimated expirations starting in 2035.
We also earn research and development tax credits as defined under Section 41 of the Internal Revenue Code. To qualify for the research and development tax credits, we perform annual studies that identifies, documents, and
supports eligible expenses related to qualified research and development activities. Eligible expenses include but are not limited to supplies, material and internal wages. With the addition of BASX in December 2021 (Note 4), we identified additional eligible expenses related to qualified research and development activities.
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amount used for income tax purposes.
The significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
December 31,
2022 2021
(in thousands)
Deferred income tax assets (liabilities):
Allowance for credit losses and inventory reserves $ 1,337 $ 625
Warranty accrual 4,184 3,675
Other accruals 4,814 1,406
Share-based compensation 7,440 7,568
Research & development expenses 11,265 -
Oklahoma investment credit carryforward 3,115 3,404
Other, net 2,339 4,112
34,494 20,790
Valuation allowance (3,115) (3,404)
Net deferred income tax assets 31,379 17,386
Property & equipment (50,040) (49,379)
Total deferred income tax liabilities (50,040) (49,379)
Net deferred income tax liabilities $ (18,661) $ (31,993)
In accordance with the 2017 Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, under Internal Revenue Code Section 174, research and development expenses incurred after December 31, 2021 are required to be capitalized and amortized over 5 years. The amortization requirements for tax purposes is a mid-year convention, meaning that the tax amortization is 10% in the year of acquisition, 20% in the following 4 years, and 10% in the final year. Estimated Section 174 research and developments costs for the year ended December 31, 2022 were $46.8 million. This resulted in a reduction of our deferred tax liability of approximately $11.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Realization of deferred tax assets, including the associated credit carryforwards, is dependent upon generating sufficient taxable income in the appropriate tax jurisdiction. We believe that it is more likely than not that we may not realize the benefit of our Oklahoma investment tax credit carryforward and, accordingly, have established a valuation allowance against this deferred tax asset.
The amount of income tax that we pay annually is dependent on various factors, including the timing of certain deductions. These deductions can vary from year to year and, consequently, the amount of income taxes paid in future years will vary from the amounts paid in prior years.
We file income tax returns in the U.S., state and foreign income tax jurisdictions. We are subject to U.S. income tax examinations for the tax years 2018 to present, and to non-U.S. income tax examinations for the tax years 2017 to present. In addition, we are subject to state and local income tax examinations for tax years 2017 to present. The Company continues to evaluate its need to file returns in various state jurisdictions. Any interest or penalties would be recognized as a component of income tax expense.
14. Share-Based Compensation
On May 22, 2007, our stockholders adopted a Long-Term Incentive Plan (as amended, “LTIP”) which provided an additional 3.3 million shares that could be granted in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, performance units, and performance awards. Under the LTIP, the exercise price of shares granted may not be less than 100% of the fair market value at the date of the grant.
On May 24, 2016, our stockholders adopted the 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“2016 Plan”) which provides for approximately 8.9 million shares, comprised of 3.4 million new shares provided for under the 2016 Plan, approximately 0.4 million shares that were available for issuance under the previous LTIP that are now authorized for issuance under the 2016 Plan, approximately 2.6 million shares that were approved by the stockholders on May 15, 2018, and an additional 2.5 million shares that were approved by the stockholders on May 12, 2020.
Under the 2016 Plan, shares can be granted in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, performance awards, dividend equivalent rights, and other awards. Under the 2016 Plan, the exercise price of shares granted may not be less than 100% of the fair market value at the date of the grant. The 2016 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors or such other committee of the Board of Directors as is designated by the Board of Directors (the “Committee”). Membership on the Committee is limited to independent directors. The Committee may delegate certain duties to one or more officers of the Company as provided in the 2016 Plan. The Committee determines the persons to whom awards are to be made, determines the type, size and terms of awards, interprets the 2016 Plan, establishes and revises rules and regulations relating to the 2016 Plan and makes any other determinations that it believes necessary for the administration of the 2016 Plan.
Options
The following weighted average assumptions were used to determine the fair value of the stock options granted on the original grant date for expense recognition purposes for options granted during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 using a Black Scholes-Merton Model:
2022 2021 2020
Directors and SLT1:
Expected dividend yield $ 0.38 $ 0.38 $ 0.33
Expected volatility 36.07 % 35.78 % 31.63 %
Risk-free interest rate 2.31 % 0.51 % 0.64 %
Expected life (in years) 4.0 4.0 5.0
Employees:
Expected dividend yield $ 0.39 $ 0.38 $ 0.32
Expected volatility 37.49 % 38.67 % 31.39 %
Risk-free interest rate 2.35 % 0.32 % 0.67 %
Expected life (in years) 3.0 3.0 5.0
1 Senior Leadership Team ("SLT") consists of officers and key members of management.
The expected term of the options is based on evaluations of historical and expected future employee exercise behavior. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rates at the date of grant with maturity dates approximately equal to the expected life at the grant date. Volatility is based on historical volatility of our stock over time periods equal to the expected life at grant date.
The following is a summary of stock options vested and exercisable as of December 31, 2022:
Weighted
Average Weighted
Range of Number Remaining Average
Exercise of Contractual Exercise Intrinsic
Prices Shares Life Price Value
(in thousands)
$20.92 - 41.37
1,031,134 5.14 $ 36.60 $ 39,926
$42.42 - 54.20
247,535 7.03 44.68 7,583
$54.29 - 79.92
98,344 8.10 72.38 294
Total 1,377,013 5.69 $ 40.61 $ 47,803
A summary of option activity under the plans is as follows:
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Options Shares Price
Outstanding at December 31, 2021 3,365,469 $ 42.88
Granted 465,515 55.40
Exercised (597,761) 38.71
Forfeited or Expired (192,876) 49.56
Outstanding at December 31, 2022 3,040,347 $ 45.20
Exercisable at December 31, 2022 1,377,013 $ 40.61
The total pre-tax compensation cost related to unvested stock options not yet recognized as of December 31, 2022 is $12.9 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years.
The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 was $16.0 million, $22.6 million, and $15.5 million, respectively. The cash received from options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 was $23.1 million, $21.1 million, and $21.4 million, respectively. The impact of these cash receipts is included in financing activities in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows.
Restricted Stock
The fair value of restricted stock awards is based on the fair market value of AAON common stock on the respective grant dates, reduced for the present value of dividends. At December 31, 2022, unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock awards was approximately $4.4 million which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.6 years.
A summary of the unvested restricted stock awards is as follows:
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Restricted stock Shares Fair Value
Unvested at December 31, 2021 161,225 $ 46.08
Granted 68,020 53.97
Vested (72,936) 45.31
Forfeited (11,483) 48.23
Unvested at December 31, 2022 144,826 $ 50.00
PSUs
We have awarded performance restricted stock units ("PSUs") to certain officers and employees under our 2016 Plan. Unlike our restricted stock awards, these PSUs are not considered legally outstanding and do not accrue dividends during the vesting period. These PSUs vest based on the level of achievement with respect to the Company's total shareholder return ("TSR") benchmarked against similar companies included in the capital goods sector of the S&P Smallcap 600 Index. The TSR measurement period is three years. At the end of the measurement period, each award will be converted into AAON common stock at 0% to 200% of the PSUs held, depending on overall TSR as compared to the S&P SmallCap 600 Index benchmark companies.
The total pre-tax compensation cost related to unvested PSUs not yet recognized as of December 31, 2022 is $2.0 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.0 years.
The following weighted average assumptions were used to determine the fair value of the PSUs granted on the original grant date for expense recognition purposes for PSUs granted during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, using a Monte Carlo Model:
2022 2021
Expected dividend rate $ 0.38 $ 0.38
Expected volatility 37.60 % 39.10 %
Risk-free interest rate 2.00 % 0.28 %
Expected life (in years) 2.80 2.80
The expected term of the PSUs is based on their remaining performance period. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rates at the date of grant with maturity dates approximately equal to the expected life at the grant date. Volatility is based on historical volatility of our stock over time periods equal to the expected life at grant date.
A summary of the unvested PSUs is as follows:
Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at December 31, 2021 16,851 $ 87.78
Granted 50,839 44.74
Vested - -
Forfeited (5,031) 62.14
Unvested at December 31, 20221
62,659 $ 54.92
1 Consists of 14,817 PSUs cliff vesting December 31, 2024 and 47,842 PSUs cliff vesting December 31, 2025.
Key Employee Awards
Subject to the MIPA Agreement (Note 4), the Company granted awards to key employees of BASX ("Key Employee Awards"). Unlike our restricted stock awards under the 2016 Plan, the Key Employee Awards are not considered legally outstanding and do not accrue dividends during the vesting period. The potential future issuance of the Key Employee Awards is contingent upon BASX meeting certain post-closing earn-out milestones during each of the years ending 2021, 2022, and 2023 as defined by the MIPA Agreement and continued employment with the Company. At the end of the earn-out period, ending December 31, 2023, each eligible Key Employee Award will vest and be converted into AAON common stock. The fair value of Key Employee Awards was based on the fair market value of AAON common stock on the grant date.
The total pre-tax compensation cost related to unvested Key Employee Awards not yet recognized as of December 31, 2022 is $1.0 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.0 year.
A summary of the unvested Key Employee Awards is as follows:
Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at December 31, 2021 26,599 $ 80.18
Granted - -
Vested - -
Forfeited - -
Unvested at December 31, 2022 26,599 $ 80.18
Summary of Share-based Compensation
A summary of share-based compensation is as follows for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020:
2022 2021 2020
Grant date fair value of awards during the period: (in thousands)
Options $ 6,522 $ 7,010 $ 12,615
Restricted stock 3,671 2,517 3,316
PSUs 2,275 1,622 -
Key employee awards - 1,572 -
Total $ 12,468 $ 12,721 $ 15,931
2022 2021 2020
Share-based compensation expense: (in thousands)
Options $ 8,585 $ 8,724 $ 8,312
Restricted stock 3,105 2,519 3,030
PSUs 958 525 -
Key employee awards 1,052 44 -
Total $ 13,700 $ 11,812 $ 11,342
`
2022 2021 2020
Income tax benefit related to share-based compensation: (in thousands)
Options $ 2,715 $ 4,571 $ 2,698
Restricted stock 241 837 519
Total $ 2,956 $ 5,408 $ 3,217
15. Employee Benefits
Defined Contribution Plan - 401(k)
We sponsor a defined contribution plan (the “Plan”). Eligible employees may make contributions in accordance with the Plan and IRS guidelines. In addition to the traditional 401(k), eligible employees are given the option of making an after-tax contribution to a Roth 401(k) or a combination of both. The Plan provides for automatic enrollment and for an automatic increase to the deferral percentage at January 1st of each year and each year thereafter. Eligible employees are automatically enrolled in the Plan at a 6.0% deferral rate and currently contributing employees deferral rates will be increased to 6.0% unless their current rate is above 6.0% or the employee elects to decline the automatic enrollment or increase. Administrative expenses are paid for by Plan participants. The Company paid no administrative expenses for the years ended 2022, 2021, and 2020.
The Company matches 175.0% up to 6.0% of employee contributions of eligible compensation. Additionally, Plan participant forfeitures are used to reduce the cost of the Company contributions.
Years Ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
(in thousands)
Contributions, net of forfeitures, made to the defined contribution plan $ 15,475 $ 9,724 $ 9,091
Profit Sharing Bonus Plans
We maintain a discretionary profit sharing bonus plan under which approximately 10.0% of pre-tax profit from AAON Oklahoma and AAON Coil Products is paid to eligible employees on a quarterly basis in order to reward employee productivity. Eligible employees are regular full-time employees of AAON Oklahoma or AAON Coil Products who are actively employed and working on the first and last days of the calendar quarter and who were employed full-time for at least three full months prior to the beginning of the calendar quarter, excluding the Company's senior leadership team.
BASX has a separate employee incentive program (EIP), under which 5.0% of BASX's pre-tax profit, plus certain add backs, is paid ratably to eligible employees based on days-of-pay during the fiscal year. Eligible employees are regular full-time and part-time employees who have worked during the year and are still employed when the EIP payment is made following the end of the fiscal year, excluding members of BASX's senior leadership team and any employee paid commissions or royalties.
Years Ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
(in thousands)
Profit sharing bonus plan and employee incentive plan expense $ 14,009 $ 8,526 $ 11,593
Employee Medical Plan
At AAON Oklahoma and AAON Coil Products, we self-insure for our employees' health insurance, and make medical claim payments up to certain stop-loss amounts. We estimate our self-insurance liabilities using an analysis provided by our claims administrator and our historical claims experience. Eligible employees are regular full-time employees who are actively employed and working. Participants are expected to pay a portion of the premium costs for coverage of the benefits provided under the Plan. In addition, the Company matches 175.0% of a participating AAON Oklahoma and AAON Coil Products employee's allowed contributions to a qualified health saving account to assist employees with our heath insurance plan deductibles.
BASX is insured for healthcare coverage through a third party. Eligible employees are regular full-time employees who are actively employed and working. Participants are expected to pay a portion of the premium costs for coverage of the benefits provided under the Plans. In addition, the Company contributes certain amounts for BASX's employees enrolled in a high deductible plan to a qualified health savings account to assist employees with health insurance plan deductibles.
Years Ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
(in thousands)
Medical claim payments $ 10,459 $ 9,640 $ 9,060
Health saving account contributions 3,862 3,482 3,476
16. Stockholders’ Equity
Stock Repurchase
The Board has authorized two active stock repurchase programs for the Company. The Company may purchase shares on the open market from time to time. The Board must authorize the timing and amount of these purchases and all repurchases are in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC allowing the Company to repurchase shares from the open market.
Our open market repurchase programs are as follows:
Agreement Execution Date Authorized Repurchase $ Expiration Date
March 5, 2019 1
$20 million March 4, 2020
March 13, 2020 $20 million November 9, 2022
November 3, 2022 $50 million **2
1 The 2018 and 2019 purchase authorizations were executed under 10b5-1 programs.
2 Expiration Date is at Board's discretion. The Company is authorized to effectuate repurchases of the Company's common stock on terms and conditions approved in advance by the Board.
The Company repurchases shares of AAON stock from employees for payment of statutory tax withholdings on stock transactions. All other repurchases from directors or employees are contingent upon Board approval. All repurchases are done at current market prices.
Lastly, the Company also had a stock repurchase arrangement by which employee-participants in our 401(k) Plan were entitled to have shares of AAON stock in their accounts sold to the Company. The 401(k) Plan was amended in June 2022 to discontinue this program. No additional shares have been purchased by the Company under this arrangement since June 2022.
Our repurchase activity is as follows:
2022 2021 2020
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Program Shares Total $ $ per share Shares Total $ $ per share Shares Total $ $ per share
Open market 122,112 $ 6,823 $ 55.87 - $ - $ - 103,689 $ 4,987 $ 48.10
401(k) 103,936 5,913 56.89 297,772 20,876 70.11 438,921 25,073 57.12
Directors & employees 17,228 1,019 59.15 22,526 1,590 70.59 23,272 1,169 50.23
Total 243,276 $ 13,755 $ 56.54 320,298 $ 22,466 $ 70.14 565,882 $ 31,229 $ 55.19
Our repurchase activity since Company inception, including our current authorized stock repurchase programs are as follows:
Inception to Date
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Program Shares Total $ $ per share
Open market 4,327,367 $ 81,616 $ 18.86
401(k) 8,308,368 171,789 20.68
Directors & employees 2,044,955 23,360 11.42
Total 14,680,690 $ 276,765 $ 18.85
Dividends
At the discretion of the Board of Directors, we pay cash dividends. Board approval is required to determine the date of declaration and amount for each cash dividend payment.
Our cash dividends for the three years ended December 31, 2022 are as follows:
Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date Dividend per Share
May 15, 2020 June 3, 2020 July 1, 2020 $0.19
November 10, 2020 November 27, 2020 December 18, 2020 $0.19
May 17, 2021 June 3, 2021 July 1, 2021 $0.19
November 9, 2021 November 26, 2021 December 17, 2021 $0.19
May 18, 2022 June 3, 2022 July 1, 2022 $0.19
November 8, 2022 November 28, 2022 December 16, 2022 $0.24
We paid cash dividends of $22.9 million, $19.9 million, and $19.8 million in 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively.
Contingent Shares Issued in BASX Acquisition
On December 10, 2021, we closed on the acquisition of BASX (Note 4). Under the MIPA Agreement, we committed to $78.0 million in the aggregate of contingent consideration to the former owners of BASX, which is payable in approximately 1,037,000 shares of AAON stock, par value $0.004 per share. The shares do not accrue dividends.
Under the MIPA Agreement, the potential future issuance of the shares is contingent upon BASX meeting certain post-closing earn-out milestones during each of the years ended 2021, 2022, and 2023. We estimated the fair value of contingent consideration related to these shares to be approximately $60.0 million, which is included in additional paid-in capital on the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2022, 486,286 shares related to the 2021 earn-out milestone have been issued to the former owners of BASX as part of a private placement exempt from registration with the SEC under Rule 506(b), which are included in common stock on the consolidated statements of stockholders' equity. No additional shares have been issued as of February 22, 2023.
17. New Markets Tax Credit
On October 24, 2019, the Company entered into a transaction with a subsidiary of an unrelated third-party financial institution (the “Investor”) and a certified Community Development Entity under a qualified New Markets Tax Credit (“NMTC”) program pursuant to Section 45D of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, related to an investment in plant and equipment to facilitate the expansion of our Longview, Texas manufacturing operations (the “Project”). In connection with the NMTC transaction, the Company received a $23.0 million NMTC allocation for the Project and secured low interest financing and the potential for future debt forgiveness related to the Project.
Upon closing of the NMTC transaction, the Company provided an aggregate of approximately $15.9 million to the Investor, in the form of a loan receivable, with a term of twenty-five years, bearing an interest rate of 1.0%. This $15.9 million in proceeds plus capital contributed from the Investor was used to make an aggregate $22.5 million loan to a subsidiary of the Company. This financing arrangement is secured by equipment at the Company's Longview, Texas facilities and a guarantee from the Company, including an unconditional guarantee of NMTCs.
This transaction also includes a put/call feature that either of which can be exercised at the end of the seven-year compliance period. The Investor may exercise its put option or the Company can exercise the call, both of which could serve to trigger forgiveness of a portion of the debt. The value attributable to the put/call is nominal. The Investor's interest of $6.4 million is recorded in New market tax credit obligation on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company incurred approximately $0.3 million of debt issuance costs related to the above transactions, which are being amortized over the life of the transaction.
The Investor is subject to 100 percent recapture of the NMTC it receives for a period of seven years, as provided in the Internal Revenue Code and applicable U.S. Treasury regulations in the event that the financing facility of the Borrower under the transaction (AAON Coil Products, Inc.) becomes ineligible for NMTC treatment per the Internal Revenue Code requirements. The Company is required to be in compliance with various regulations and contractual provisions that apply to the NMTC arrangement. Noncompliance with applicable requirements could result in the Investor’s projected tax benefits not being realized and, therefore, require the Company to indemnify the Investor for any loss or recapture of the NMTC related to the financing until such time as the recapture provisions have expired
under the applicable statute of limitations. The Company does not anticipate any credit recapture will be required in connection with this financing arrangement.
The Investor and its majority owned community development entity are considered VIEs and the Company is the primary beneficiary of the VIEs. This conclusion was reached based on the following:
•the ongoing activities of the VIEs, collecting and remitting interest and fees and NMTC compliance, were all considered in the initial design and are not expected to significantly affect performance throughout the life of the VIE;
•contractual arrangements obligate the Company to comply with NMTC rules and regulations and provide various other guarantees to the Investor and community development entity;
•the Investor lacks a material interest in the underling economics of the project; and
•the Company is obligated to absorb losses of the VIEs.
Because the Company is the primary beneficiary of the VIEs, they have been included in the consolidated financial statements. There are no other assets, liabilities or transaction in these VIEs outside of the financing transactions executed as part of the NMTC arrangement.
18. Commitments and Contingencies
Havtech Litigation
On January 24, 2022, one of the Company’s former independent sales representative firms, Havtech, LLC (and its affiliate, Havtech Parts Division, LLC, collectively “Plaintiffs”), filed a complaint (the “Complaint”) in the Circuit Court for Howard County, Maryland (Havtech, LLC, et al., v. AAON, Inc., et al.). The Complaint challenged the Company’s termination of its business relationship with Plaintiffs. The Company removed the action to the United States District Court for the District of Maryland (Northern Division) and moved to dismiss the Complaint. Plaintiffs’ First Amended Complaint (“First Amended Complaint”) was entered by the court on July 28, 2022. The First Amended Complaint asserts that the Company improperly terminated Plaintiffs and seeks damages alleged to be no less than $48.6 million, plus fees and costs. The Company filed its Answer to First Amended Complaint on January 31, 2023. The Company believes that Plaintiffs’ claims are without merit and intends to vigorously defend itself.
Other Matters
The Company is involved from time to time in claims and lawsuits incidental to our business arising from various matters, including alleged violations of contract, product liability, warranty, environmental, regulatory, personal injury, intellectual property, employment, tax and other laws. We closely monitor these claims and legal actions and frequently consult with our legal counsel to determine whether they may, when resolved, have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows and we accrue and/or disclose loss contingencies as appropriate. We do not believe these matters will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
We are occasionally party to short-term, cancellable and occasionally non-cancellable, fixed price contracts with major suppliers for the purchase of raw material and component parts. We expect to receive delivery of raw materials for use in our manufacturing operations. These contracts are not accounted for as derivative instruments because they meet the normal purchase and normal sales exemption. We had no material contractual purchase obligations as of December 31, 2022, except as noted below.
On April 27, 2022, the Company entered into a purchase and sale agreement with a third-party manufacturer to purchase certain assets to design and manufacture fan wheels for the purchase price of $6.5 million. As of December 31, 2022, we have paid approximately $3.5 million related to this agreement, which is included in other long-term assets and property, plant and equipment, with the remaining $3.0 million included in accounts payable and other long-term assets on our consolidated balance sheets. The final payment will be made in 2023.
19. New Accounting Pronouncements
Changes to U.S. GAAP are established by the FASB in the form of accounting standards updates (“ASUs”) to the FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification. We consider the applicability and impact of all ASUs. ASUs not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or are expected to have minimal impact on our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.
20. Earnings Per Share
Basic net income per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share assumes the conversion of all potentially dilutive securities and is calculated by dividing net income by the sum of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding plus all potentially dilutive securities. Dilutive common shares consist primarily of stock options and restricted stock awards.
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
2022 2021 2020
Numerator: (in thousands, except share and per share data)
Net income $ 100,376 $ 58,758 $ 79,009
Denominator:
Basic weighted average shares 53,054,986 52,404,199 52,168,679
Effect of dilutive shares related to stock based compensation1
842,783 1,301,698 892,490
Effect of dilutive shares related contingent consideration2
199,303 23,092 -
Diluted weighted average shares 54,097,072 53,728,989 53,061,169
Earnings per share:
Basic $ 1.89 $ 1.12 $ 1.51
Dilutive $ 1.86 $ 1.09 $ 1.49
Anti-dilutive shares:
Shares 605,480 304,029 364,787
1 Dilutive shares related to stock options, restricted stock, PSUs and Key Employee Awards (Note 14)
2 Dilutive shares related to contingent shares issued to former owners of BASX (Note 4)
21. Related Parties
The Company sells units to an entity owned by a member of the CEO/President's immediate family. This entity is also one of the Company’s Representatives and as such, the Company makes payments to the entity for third party products. Additionally, the Company purchases some supplies from entities controlled by two of the Company’s board members and a member of the Company's executive management team. The Company also periodically makes sales to a board member for parts. From December 10, 2021 through May 31, 2022 (Note 4), the Company leased a manufacturing and office facility in Redmond, Oregon from an entity in which certain members of BASX management have an ownership interest. This facility was purchased 100% by the Company on May 31, 2022.
Following is a summary of transactions and balances with affiliates:
Years Ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
(in thousands)
Sales to affiliates $ 5,789 $ 3,752 $ 3,475
Payments to affiliates 1,318 185 256
December 31,
2022 2021
(in thousands)
Due from affiliates $ 432 $ 547
22. Segments
The Company has determined that it has three reportable segments for financial reporting purposes. Management evaluates the performance of its business segments primarily on gross profit. The Company's chief decision maker ("CODM"), our CEO, allocates resources and assesses the performance of each operating segment using information about the operating segment's net sales and income from operations. The CODM does not evaluate operating segments using asset or liability information.
AAON Oklahoma: AAON Oklahoma designs, manufactures, sells, and services standard, semi-custom, and custom heating, ventilation, and air conditioning ("HVAC") systems, designs and produces controls solutions for all of our HVAC units, and sells retail parts to customers through our two retail part stores in Tulsa, Oklahoma as well as online. Through our Norman Asbjornson Innovation Center ("NAIC") research and development laboratory facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Company is able to test units under various environmental conditions. AAON Oklahoma includes the operations of our Tulsa, Oklahoma and Parkville, Missouri facilities, our NAIC research and development laboratory facility and two retail parts locations.
AAON Coil Products: AAON Coil Products designs and manufactures a selection of our standard, semi-custom, and custom HVAC systems. AAON Coil Products also designs and manufactures various heating and cooling coils to be used in HVAC systems, mostly for the benefit of AAON Oklahoma and AAON Coil Products. AAON Coil Products consists of operations at our Longview, Texas facilities.
BASX: BASX provides product development design and manufacturing of custom engineered air handling systems including high efficiency data center cooling solutions, cleanroom HVAC systems, commercial/industrial HVAC systems, and modular solutions. Additionally, BASX designs and manufactures cleanroom environmental control systems to support hospital surgical suites, pharmaceutical process facilities, semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, laboratory and isolation and modular cleanrooms for facility flexibility. BASX consists of operations at our Redmond, Oregon facility.
The following table summarizes certain financial data related to our segments. Transactions between segments are recorded based on prices negotiated between the segments. The Gross Profit amounts shown below are presented after elimination entries.
Years Ended December 31,
2022 2021 2020
(in thousands)
Net Sales
AAON Oklahoma
External sales $ 663,845 $ 463,845 $ 458,957
Inter-segment sales 3,251 2,504 2,683
AAON Coil Products
External sales 107,290 66,589 55,594
Inter-segment sales 30,932 24,250 21,552
BASX1
External sales 117,653 4,083 -
Inter-segment sales 79 - -
Eliminations (34,262) (26,754) (24,235)
Net sales $ 888,788 $ 534,517 $ 514,551
Gross Profit
AAON Oklahoma $ 172,983 $ 126,868 $ 140,099
AAON Coil Products 33,311 10,075 15,750
BASX1
31,278 887 -
Gross profit $ 237,572 $ 137,830 $ 155,849
December 31,
2022 2021
(in thousands)
Long-lived assets
AAON Oklahoma $ 213,731 $ 183,840
AAON Coil Products 68,013 62,534
BASX 35,578 28,662
Total long-lived assets $ 317,322 $ 275,036
Intangible assets and goodwill
AAON Oklahoma $ 3,229 $ 3,229
AAON Coil Products - -
BASX 143,269 152,619
Total intangible assets and goodwill $ 146,498 $ 155,848
1 BASX was acquired on December 10, 2021. We have included the results of BASX's operations in our consolidated financial statements beginning December 11, 2021.

---

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.

---

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2022.
Based upon the evaluation, our principal executive and principal financial officers have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at December 31, 2022 to ensure the information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC.
(b) Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over our financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive and principal financial officers, and effected by our board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In making our assessment of internal control over financial reporting, management has used the criteria issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on our assessment, our management concluded that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022.
The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022 has been audited by Grant Thornton LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included in this Item 9A of this report on Form 10-K.
(c) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fourth quarter of 2022 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors and Stockholders
AAON, Inc.
Opinion on internal control over financial reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of AAON, Inc. (a Nevada corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by COSO.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022, and our report dated February 27, 2023 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
Basis for opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting (“Management’s Report”). Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and limitations of internal control over financial reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
Tulsa, Oklahoma
February 27, 2023

---

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. Other Information.
None.
PART III

---

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
The information required by Items 401, 405, 406 and 407(c)(3), (d)(4) and (d)(5) of Regulation S-K is incorporated by reference to the information contained in our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with our annual meeting of stockholders scheduled to be held on May 16, 2023.
Code of Ethics
We adopted a code of ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer or persons performing similar functions, as well as other employees and directors. Our code of ethics can be found on our website at www.aaon.com. We will also provide any person without charge, upon request, a copy of such code of ethics. Requests may be directed to AAON, Inc., 2425 South Yukon Avenue, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74107, attention Rebecca A. Thompson, or by calling (918) 382-6216.

---

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
The information required by Items 402 and 407(e)(4) and (e)(5) of Regulation S-K is incorporated by reference to the information contained in our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with our annual meeting of stockholders scheduled to be held on May 16, 2023.

---

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
The information required by Item 403 and Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K is incorporated by reference to the information contained in our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with our annual meeting of stockholders scheduled to be held May 16, 2023.

---

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
The information required to be reported pursuant to Item 404 of Regulation S-K and paragraph (a) of Item 407 of Regulation S-K is incorporated by reference in our definitive proxy statement relating to our annual meeting of stockholders scheduled to be held May 16, 2023.
Our Code of Conduct guides the Board of Directors in its actions and deliberations with respect to related party transactions. Under the Code, conflicts of interest, including any involving the directors or any Named Officers, are prohibited except under any guidelines approved by the Board of Directors. Only the Board of Directors may waive a provision of the Code of Conduct for a director or a Named Officer, and only then in compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations. We have not entered into any new material related party transactions and have no preexisting material related party transactions in 2022, 2021, or 2020.

---

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
This information is incorporated by reference in our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with our annual meeting of stockholders scheduled to be held May 16, 2023.
PART IV

---

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
(a) Financial statements.
(1) The consolidated financial statements and the report of independent registered public accounting firm are included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
(2) The consolidated financial statements other than those listed at item (a)(1) above have been omitted because they are not required under the related instructions or are not applicable.
(3) The exhibits listed at item (b) below are filed as part of, or incorporated by reference into, this Form 10-K.
(b) Exhibits:
(3) (A) Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (ii)
(B) Amended and Restated Bylaws (i)
(4.1) Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (dated November 24, 2021) and related documents (iii)
(4.2) First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (dated May 27, 2022) and related documents (viii)
(4.16)
Description of Securities
(10.1) AAON, Inc. 1992 Stock Option Plan, as amended (v)
(10.2) AAON, Inc. 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended (vi)
(10.3) AAON, Inc. 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan (iv)
(21)
List of Subsidiaries
(23)
Consent of Grant Thornton LLP
(31.1)
Certification of CEO
(31.2)
Certification of CFO
(32.1)
Section 1350 Certification - CEO
(32.2)
Section 1350 Certification - CFO
(99.1)
Membership Interest Purchase Agreement - Acquisition of BASX, LLC (dated November 18, 2021) (vii)
(101) (INS) Inline XBRL Instance Document
(101) (SCH) Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
(101) (CAL) Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
(101) (DEF) Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
(101) (LAB) Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
(101) (PRE) Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
(104) Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL Document and included in Exhibit 101)
(i) Incorporated herein by reference to the exhibits to our Form 8-K dated May 15, 2020.
(ii) Incorporated herein by reference to exhibits to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.
(iii) Incorporated herein by reference to exhibit to our Form 8-K dated November 24, 2021.
(iv) Incorporated herein by reference to our Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-212863 dated August 2, 2016, our Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-226512 dated August 2, 2018, and our Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-241538 dated August 6, 2020.
(v) Incorporated herein by reference to exhibits to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1991, and to our Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-52824.
(vi) Incorporated herein by reference to our Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-151915, Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 333-207737.
(vii) Incorporated herein by reference to exhibits to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.
(viii) Incorporated herein by reference to the exhibits to our Form 8-K dated May 27, 2022.