Stabilis Solutions, Inc. - Annual Report: 2016 (Form 10-K)

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016

OR

For the transition period from                     to                    

Commission File No. 000-24575

AMERICAN ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

1250 Wood Branch Park Drive, Suite 600, Houston TX 77079

(Address of principal executive offices)

(713) 644-8182

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

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

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.    Yes  ☒    No   ☐

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

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

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $16,203,230 based on the closing sale price on June 30, 2016 as reported by the NASDAQ Stock Market.

The number of shares of common stock outstanding on March 14, 2017 was 8,337,448.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The Description of Business section and other parts of this Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Form 10-K”) contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Many of the forward-looking statements are located in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any current or historical fact. Forward-looking statements can also be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” and similar terms. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and the Company’s actual results may differ significantly from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the subsection entitled “Risk Factors” under Part I, Item 1A of this Form 10-K. The Company assumes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements for any reason, except as required by law. Examples of other forward-looking statements contained or incorporated by reference in this report include statements regarding:

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PART I

Company Background and Corporate Structure

American Electric Technologies, Inc. (the “Company”, “AETI”, “our”, “us” or “we”) was incorporated on October 21, 1996 as a Florida corporation. On May 15, 2007, we completed a business combination (the “M&I Merger”) with M&I Electric Industries, Inc. (“M&I” or “M&I Electric”), a Texas corporation, and changed our name to American Electric Technologies, Inc. Our principal executive offices are located at 1250 Wood Branch Park Drive, Suite 600, Houston Texas 77079 and our telephone number is 713-644-8182.

Our corporate structure currently consists of American Electric Technologies, Inc., which owns 100% of M&I Electric Industries, Inc., including its wholly-owned subsidiary, South Coast Electric Systems, LLC (“SCES”) and M&I Electric Brazil Sistemas e Servicios em Energia LTDA (“M&I Brazil”).

The Company is a leading provider of power delivery solutions to the global energy industry. The Company is positioned to be the “turn-key” supplier for power delivery projects for our customers by offering custom-designed power distribution and power conversion systems, automation and control software, Power Distribution Centers (PDCs), power services, and electrical and instrumentation construction.

Our business strategy is to grow organically in our current key energy markets, expand our solution set to our current markets, continue our international expansion, and accelerate those efforts with acquisitions, while at the same time increasing earnings and cash flow per share to enhance overall stockholder value.

The principal markets that we serve include:

A key component of our Company’s strategy is our international focus.

We have three primary models for conducting our international business.

First, in certain international markets, we sell through foreign sales agents that we have appointed in energy regions around the world. Many of these international partners also provide local service and support for our products in those overseas markets.

Second, where local market conditions dictate, we have expanded internationally by forming joint venture operations with local partners in key markets such as China and Singapore, where we can partner with the primary end-customer in that market, or there are local content requirements or a competitive advantage to using local manufacturing.

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Finally, we have expanded our international footprint by forming a wholly-owned foreign subsidiary to serve the Brazil electrical service market.

Products and Services

We have provided sophisticated custom-designed power distribution, power conversion, and automation and control systems for our customers since 1946. Our products are used to safely distribute and control the flow of electricity from a power generation source (e.g. a diesel generator, turbine or the utility grid) to whatever mechanical device utilizes the power (drilling machinery, motors, other process equipment, the utility grid, etc.) at low and medium voltages.

Our power distribution products include low and medium voltage switchgear that provides power distribution and protection for electrical systems from electrical faults. Our products include traditional low voltage and medium voltage switchgear, and our award winning IntelliSafe™ medium voltage arc-resistant switchgear designed to increase end-user safety in case of an arc-flash explosion. IntelliSafe™ is designed for the downstream sector, process industries and the power generation market, and was designed to be the safest arc-resistant product on the market, and meets key industry specifications and certifications. Our products are suitable for both American National Standards Institute (“ANSI”) and International Electrotechnical Commission (“IEC”) markets. Other power distribution products in our solution set include low voltage and medium voltage motor control centers, bus ducts, fuse and switch products, and other related power distribution equipment. We also bundle third party products per our customer specifications including items such as battery backup power systems and transformers.

Our power conversion solutions include sophisticated alternating current variable frequency drive (“AC VFD”) systems,  analog systems and digital silicon controlled rectifier (“SCR”) products , that are used to adjust the speed and torque of an electric motor to match various user applications, primarily in the land and offshore drilling and marine vessel markets.

Our power distribution and control products are generally custom-designed to our customers’ specific requirements, and we do not maintain an inventory of such products.

We have the technical expertise to provide our solutions in compliance with a number of applicable industry standards such as National Electrical Manufacturers Association (“NEMA”) and ANSI or IEC equipment to meet American Bureau of Shipping (“ABS”), United States Coast Guard (“USCG”), Lloyd’s Register, a provider of marine certification services, and Det Norske Veritas (a leading certification body/registrar for management systems certification services) standards.

Our automation and control solutions are designed for the management and control of power in a customers’ application. The DrillAssist™ is a control system that enables the management of an entire land and offshore drilling rig’s operations. DrillAssist™ includes auto-drill capabilities and a driller’s chair and cabin where the drilling rig operator manages the rig. The Company’s Vessel Management system is a packaged control platform for management of vessel operations.

Our Power Distribution Centers (“PDC”) are a critical element of our turnkey solution set and are used to house our power distribution and power conversion products. Our PDCs can be manufactured over 100 ft. long and 40 ft. wide. The Company also manufactures VFD and SCR houses for land drilling and driller’s cabins for land and offshore deployment.

We provide a variety of electrical services including the commissioning and maintenance of our customer’s full electrical power infrastructure. We provide low and medium voltage start-up/commissioning, preventative maintenance, emergency call out services, and breaker and switchgear refurbishment services.

We offer a full range of electrical and instrumentation construction and installation services to our markets. These services include new construction as well as electrical and instrumentation turnarounds, maintenance and renovation projects. Applications include installation of switchgear, AC and DC motors, drives, motor controls, lighting systems and high voltage cable. Much of this work is generated from the installation (“rig-up”) of our power delivery solutions into our packaged power control systems.

Foreign Joint Ventures

We use foreign joint ventures to accommodate business in China and South East Asia. We believe our foreign joint ventures provide a prudent way to diversify and reduce the risk of international expansion, capitalize on the strengths and the relationships of our foreign joint venture partners with potential customers, and achieve competitive advantages. Our interests in foreign joint ventures are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Sales made to the foreign joint ventures are made with terms and conditions similar to those of our other customers.

China. In March 2006, M&I Electric entered into a joint venture agreement with Baoji Oilfield Machinery Co., Ltd., (“BOMCO”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the China National Petroleum Corporation, and AA Energies, Inc. of Houston, Texas, which markets oilfield equipment, to form BOMAY Electric Industries Co., Ltd. (“BOMAY”), as an equity joint venture limited liability company organized in China. M&I is a 40% interest owner in BOMAY with 51% being owned by BOMCO and the remaining 9% owned by AA Energies, Inc. BOMAY manufactures power and control systems for land drilling rigs. M&I has invested 16 million Yuan (approximately $2 million) in this joint venture in which M&I provides technology and services to BOMAY. Each of the BOMAY investors may be required to guarantee the bank loans of BOMAY in proportion to their investment. No guarantees have been provided by AETI at this time. The joint venture has an initial 12 year term, and will expire in 2018. The term of the joint venture may be extended upon agreement of all parties. In such case, the joint venture shall apply for the extension to the relevant

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Chinese authority six months before expiry of the venture. The company is working with our Joint Venture partners on extending the joint venture. At this time, AETI has no indication that the joint venture will not be extended beyond the 2018 expiration date.

Singapore. In 1994, the Company formed a joint venture in Singapore to provide sales, engineering, manufacturing and technical support for our products in Southeast Asia called M & I Electric Far East PTE Ltd. (“MIEFE”). The Company currently owns 41% of the joint venture with our joint venture partner, Sonepar, owning 51% and MIEFE’s general manager owning the remaining 8%. In 2016, due to market conditions, the business suspended current operations and the investment in MIEFE was written down to zero excluding foreign currency translation.

The following is selected financial information of the Company’s investment in foreign joint ventures as of and for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015:

During 2016 and 2015, the Company recognized approximately $0.25 million and $0.39 million respectively, for employee joint venture related expenses which are included in Foreign Joint Ventures Operation’s Related Expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

International Sales

During 2016, approximately 13% of the Company’s consolidated revenue was derived from systems sold or shipped into international markets. Sales from the United States are generally made in United States Dollars and settled prior to shipment or are collateralized by irrevocable letters of credit. M&I Brazil’s sales are generally made in Brazilian Reals.

Marketing  

We market our products and services in the United States through direct contact with potential customers by our internal sales organization, consisting of full-time sales and sales support employees. We have several sales agreements with agents and distributors in the United States and several foreign countries. We also exhibit at a variety of industry trade shows each year. M&I Brazil markets in Brazil and certain other South American countries.

Our business is generally obtained through a competitive bid process where the lowest bid from pre-qualified suppliers is awarded the project. Depending on the market segment, we either sell directly to the end user or owner, a shipyard or rig builder, or, sell to an EPC firm representing the end project owner.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing processes at our facilities include machining, fabrication, wiring, subassembly, system assembly and final testing. We have invested in automated and semi-automated equipment for the fabrication and machining of parts and assemblies that we incorporate into our products. Our quality assurance program includes quality control measures from inspection of raw material, purchased parts and assemblies through on-line inspection. We perform system design, assembly and testing in-house. The Company’s primary manufacturing facility is located in Beaumont, Texas and is ISO 9001:2008 certified.

Raw Materials and Suppliers

The principal raw materials for our products are copper, steel, aluminum and manufactured electrical components. We obtain these products from a number of domestic and foreign suppliers. The market for most of the raw materials and parts we use is comprised of numerous suppliers and we believe that we can obtain each of the raw materials we require from more than one supplier. We do not have any long-term contractual arrangements with the suppliers of our raw materials.

Competition

Our products and services are sold in highly competitive markets. We compete in all of our markets and regions with a number of companies, some of which have financial and other resources comparable to or greater than us. Due to the demanding operating conditions in the energy sector and the high costs associated with project delays and equipment failure, we believe customers in this industry prefer suppliers with a track record of proven, reliable performance in their specific energy related project type. We seek to build strong long-term relationships with our customers by providing high-quality, efficient and reliable products and services, developing new products and services and responding promptly to our customers’ needs.

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The principal competitive factors in our markets are product and service quality and reliability, lead time, price, technical expertise and reputation.

We believe our principal competitive strengths include the following:

Our power delivery, control and drive systems are custom-designed and are built to meet our customers’ specific requirements. We specialize in projects that are complex, require industry certification, have short lead times or other non-standard elements, such as systems that must be deployed in harsh environments or need to meet tight space or weight requirements. Our ability to provide custom-designed technical products, PDCs, electrical and instrumentation construction services, and electrical startup and preventative maintenance services enables us to provide customers total system responsibility for their electrical power control and distribution needs and is unusual in this industry.

Our commitment to providing quality products and services, fair pricing, innovation and customer service is the foundation to the long-standing customer relationships that we enjoy with an attractive customer base. Since 1946, we have provided over 10,000 power delivery systems to many of the leading companies involved in oil and gas exploration, drilling, production, pipelines, shipbuilding, oil refineries, petrochemicals, power generation, and steel industries in the United States.

We are led by an experienced management team with a proven track record. We believe the experience of our management team provides us with an in-depth understanding of our customers’ needs and enhances our ability to deliver customer-driven solutions. We believe our management has fostered a culture of loyalty, resulting in high employee retention rates for our professional and technical employees.

The Company has multiple competitive advantages for our products:

We have identified our largest competitors, by product line as follows:

Backlog

Backlog represents the dollar amount of net sales that we expect to realize in the future as a result of performing work under multi-month contracts. Backlog is not a measure defined by generally accepted accounting principles, and our methodology for determining backlog may not be comparable to the methodology used by other companies in determining their backlog. Backlog may not be indicative of future operating results. Not all of our potential net sales are recorded in backlog for a variety of reasons, including the fact that some contracts begin and end within a short-term period. Many contracts are subject to modification or termination by the customer. The termination or modification of any one or more sizeable contracts or the addition of other contracts may have a substantial and immediate effect on backlog. Our backlog does not include any backlog in place at our foreign joint ventures’ operations.

We generally include total expected net sales in backlog when a contract for a definitive amount of work is entered into. We generally expect our backlog to become net sales within a year from the signing of a contract. Backlog as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 totaled $13.5 million and $19.0 million, respectively.

Intellectual Property

We have a number of trademarks and trade names utilized with our products and services. While proprietary intellectual property is important to the Company, management believes the loss or expiration of any intellectual property right would not materially impact the Company. The Company has recently filed for several patents relating to its new IntelliSafe™ medium voltage arc-resistant switchgear product line.

Environmental Laws

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We are subject to various federal, state and local laws enacted for the protection of the environment. We believe we are in compliance with such laws. Our compliance has, to date, had no material effect on our capital expenditures, earnings, or competitive position.

Research and Development Costs

Total expenditures for research and development were $0.96 million and $0.77 million for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Research and development cost were incurred to develop new products for our energy-related markets including new power distribution, power conversion and automation and control products.

Employees

As of December 31, 2016, we had 232 employees. No employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement, and we consider our relations with our employees to be satisfactory.

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You should carefully consider each of the following risks associated with an investment in our common stock and all of the other information in this 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our business may also be adversely affected by risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial. If any of the events contemplated by the following discussion of risks should occur, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations may suffer.

Our indebtedness contains various covenants that impose restrictions that may affect our ability to operate our business and increase our interest expense.

In March 2017, we repaid and terminated our revolving credit facilities through the sale of a Senior Secured Term Note (the “Note”) in the amount of $7.00 million as described in Note 8 and Note 19 of the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein. The note sale provided us with approximately $1.00 million of additional funds for working capital. The Note’s governing documents contain various affirmative, negative and financial covenants customary for such financing, including various financial covenants which we must meet on a monthly basis. Our ability to comply with these provisions may be affected by events beyond our control. Failure to comply with these covenants could result in an event of default, which, if not cured or waived, could accelerate our repayment obligations.

Our indebtedness could have negative consequences to us, including:

Customers in the oil and gas industry account for a significant portion of our sales. Reduced expenditures by customers in this industry are likely to reduce demand for our products and services.

Customers related to the upstream, midstream and downstream oil and gas industry accounted for approximately 47% and 81% of our net sales in 2016 and 2015, respectively. The oil and gas industry is a cyclical commodity business, with product demand and prices based on numerous factors such as general economic conditions and local, regional and global events and conditions that affect supply, demand and profits. Demand for our products and services benefits from strong oil and gas markets. The recent decline in the price for oil and its prolonged lower prices has caused a decrease in demand for our products and services resulting in a decline in our net sales, profit margins and cash flows.

Our products include complex systems for energy and industrial markets which are subject to operational and liability risks.

We are engaged in the manufacture and installation of complex power distribution and control systems for the energy and industrial markets. These systems are frequently complex and susceptible to unique engineering elements that are not tested in the actual operating environment until commissioned. As a result, we may incur unanticipated additional operating and warranty expenses that were not anticipated when the fixed-price contracts were estimated and executed resulting in reduced profit margins on such projects.

The industries in which we operate are highly competitive, which may result in a loss of market share or decrease in net sales or profit margin.

Our products and services are provided in a highly competitive environment and we are subject to competition from a number of similarly sized or larger businesses which may have greater financial and other resources than are available to us. Factors that affect competition include timely delivery of products and services, reputation, manufacturing capabilities, price, performance and dependability. Any failure to adapt to a changing competitive environment may result in a loss of market share and a decrease in net sales and profit margins.

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We often utilize fixed-price contracts which could adversely affect our financial results.

We currently generate, and expect to continue to generate, a significant portion of our net sales under fixed-price contracts. We must estimate the costs of completing a particular project to bid for such fixed-price contracts. The cost of labor and materials, however, may vary from the costs we originally estimated. These variations, along with other risks inherent in performing fixed-price contracts, may result in actual costs and gross profits for a project differing from those we originally estimated and could result in reduced profitability and losses on projects. Depending upon the size of fixed-price contracts, variations from estimated contract costs can have a significant impact on our operating results for any fiscal quarter or year.

Our use of percentage-of-completion accounting could result in a reduction or elimination of previously reported profit.

A portion of our net sales is recognized on the percentage-of-completion method of accounting. The percentage-of-completion method of accounting practice we use results in recognizing contract net sales and earnings ratably over the contract term in proportion to our incurrence of contract costs. The earnings or losses recognized on individual contracts are based on estimates of contract net sales, costs and profitability. Contract losses are recognized in full when determined, and contract profit estimates are adjusted based on ongoing reviews of contract profitability. Actual collection of contract amounts or change orders could differ from estimated amounts and could result in a reduction or elimination of previously recognized earnings in future periods. In certain circumstances, it is possible that such adjustments could be significant.

Inability to obtain performance bonding could prevent us from bidding on certain projects

A portion of the Company’s growth is focused on power generation projects and the EPC firms building them. Those bids typically require a form of surety which could be a letter of credit or a performance bond. Failure to obtain adequate bonding capacity could hinder our growth in this market.

We may not be able to fully realize the net sales value reported in our backlog.

Orders included in our backlog are represented by customer purchase orders and contracts. Backlog develops as a result of new business which represents the net sales value of new project commitments received by us during a given period. Backlog consists of projects which have either (1) not yet been started or (2) are in progress and are not yet complete. In the latter case, the net sales value reported in backlog is the remaining value associated with work that has not yet been completed. From time to time, projects that were recorded as new business are cancelled. In the event of a project cancellation, we may be reimbursed for certain costs but typically have no contractual right to the total net sales included in our backlog. In addition to being unable to recover certain direct costs, we may also incur additional costs resulting from underutilized assets if projects are cancelled.

We rely on a few key employees whose absence or loss could disrupt our operations or be adverse to our business.

Our continued success is dependent on the continuity of several key management, operating and technical personnel. The loss of these key employees would have a negative impact on our future growth and profitability. We have entered into written employment agreements with our Chief Executive Officer; Chief Financial Officer; Chief Operating Officer; and International Director, who is responsible for managing our BOMAY joint venture operations relationships and Brazil subsidiary.

Our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely impacted by economic uncertainty and global recession.

The consequences of a prolonged recession could include a lower level of economic activity and uncertainty regarding commodity and capital markets. The lack of a sustained economic recovery could have an adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

Our failure to attract and retain qualified personnel could lead to a loss of net sales or profitability.

Our ability to provide high-quality products and services on a timely basis requires that we employ an adequate number of skilled personnel. Accordingly, our ability to increase our productivity and profitability will be limited by our ability to employ, train and retain skilled personnel necessary to meet our requirements. We cannot be certain that we will be able to maintain an adequate skilled labor force necessary to operate efficiently and to support our growth strategy or that our labor expenses will not increase as a result of a shortage in the supply of skilled personnel.

Natural disasters, terrorism, acts of war, international conflicts or other disruptions could harm our business and operations.

Natural disasters, acts or threats of war or terrorism, international conflicts, and the actions taken by the United States and other governments in response to such events could cause damage to or disrupt our business operations or those of our customers, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business.

We manufacture products and operate plants in Texas and Brazil. Operations in the United States have been disrupted in the past due to hurricanes. Although we have not suffered any material losses as a result of these disruptions due to our insurance coverage and advance preparations, it is not possible to predict future similar events or their consequences, any of which could decrease demand for our products, make it difficult or impossible for us to deliver products, or disrupt our supply chain.

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We generate a significant portion of our net sales from international operations and are subject to the risks of doing business outside of the United States.

Approximately 13% of our net sales in 2016 were generated from projects and business operations outside of the United States, primarily provided to the oil and gas drilling and marine industries in the following countries: Mexico, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Indonesia and Brazil. This percentage was approximately 15% in 2015. The oil and gas industry operates in both remote and potentially politically unstable locations, and numerous risks and uncertainties affect our non-United States operations. These risks and uncertainties include changes in political, economic and social environments, local labor conditions, changes in laws, regulations and policies of foreign governments, as well as United States laws affecting activities of United States companies abroad, including tax laws and enforcement of contract and intellectual property rights. In addition, the costs of providing our services can be adversely and/or unexpectedly impacted by the remoteness of the locations and other logistical factors.

The marketplace may not accept and utilize our newly developed products and services, the effect of which would prevent us from successfully commercializing our proposed products or services and may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Our ability to market and commercialize our new products and services depends on the acceptance of such products and services by the industry.

Joint Venture limited life risk

The joint venture, BOMAY was formed in 2006 in China. It was formed with a term of 12 years. The joint venture may be terminated earlier for valid business reasons including Force Majeure. In the event the joint venture is to be terminated, either party may acquire the other parties’ interests and continue the operations of the joint venture. Additionally, the term of the joint venture may be extended upon agreement of all parties. In such case, the joint venture shall apply for the extension to the relevant Chinese authority six months before expiry of the venture. At this time, AETI has no indication that the joint venture will not be extended beyond 12 years.

Risk related to our Chinese Joint Venture

We maintain a significant investment in a joint venture with a Chinese energy company. We may encounter risks pertaining to a weakening Chinese economic environment. We may encounter unforeseen or unexpected operating, financial, political or cultural factors that could impact its business plans and the expected profitability from such investment. We will face risks if China loses normal trade relations with the United States and it may be adversely affected by the diplomatic and political relationships between the United States and China. As a result of the relatively weak Chinese legal system, in general, and the intellectual property regime, in particular, we may face additional risk with respect to the protection of our intellectual property in China. Changes in China’s political and economic policies could adversely affect our investment and business opportunities in China.

Risk from Restricted U.S. Government Access to Audit Documents in China

The audit of BOMAY for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was conducted in China by a Chinese audit firm not registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) under the direction of the Company’s independent auditor.  The Company’s independent auditor has directed additional procedures to comply with auditing standards prescribed by the PCAOB.  

Under the laws of the United States, auditors of public companies are to undergo regular inspections by the PCAOB and to make all requested work papers available for the SEC and the PCAOB inspection. However, due to laws of the People’s Republic of China applicable to auditors, the SEC and the PCAOB are currently unable to conduct such inspections on work papers prepared in China without the approval of the Chinese government authorities.

As a result, the SEC or PCAOB may be unable to conduct inspections of the BOMAY audit work papers.  The Company’s stockholders may be deprived of the benefits of PCAOB inspections, and may lose confidence in our reported financial information and procedures and the quality of portions of our financial statements.

Joint Venture Centralized Government Risks

Since the centralized government of China controls most of the petroleum industry and related manufacturing through annual planning and budgets, the financial results realized by the Company’s joint venture, BOMAY, will reflect the government’s decisions on production levels for oil and gas equipment. The Company further understands that the value of BOMAY’s assets, including inventory, may not be fully realized if demand for these products is reduced significantly because of economic policy decisions or other organizational changes in the Chinese petroleum industry.

Market Risk

The markets in which we participate are capital intensive and cyclical in nature. The volatility in customer demand is greatly driven by the change in the price of oil and gas. These factors influence the release of new capital projects by our customers, which are traditionally awarded in competitive bid situations. Coordination of project start dates is matched to the customer requirements and projects may take a number of months to complete; schedules also may change during the course of any particular project.

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Foreign Currency Transaction Risk

The Company operates a subsidiary in Brazil and maintains equity method investments in its Chinese and Singapore joint ventures, BOMAY and MIEFE. The functional currencies of the Brazilian subsidiary and the joint ventures are the Brazilian Real, Chinese Yuan and Singapore Dollar, respectively. Investments are translated into United States Dollars at the exchange rate in effect at the end of each quarterly reporting period. The resulting translation adjustment is recorded as accumulated other comprehensive income in our consolidated balance sheets. The translation adjustment decreased from $0.31 million at December 31, 2015 to $0.00 million at December 31, 2016 due principally to the weakening of the Brazilian Real and strengthening of the Chinese Yuan versus the United States Dollar.

Other than the aforementioned items, we do not believe we are exposed to significant foreign currency exchange risk because most of our net sales and purchases are denominated in United States Dollars.

Commodity Price Risk

We are subject to commodity price risk from fluctuating market prices of certain raw materials. While such materials are typically available from numerous suppliers, commodity raw materials are subject to price fluctuations. We endeavor to recoup these price increases from our customers on an individual contract basis to avoid operating margin erosion. Although historically we have not entered into any contracts to hedge commodity risk, we may do so in the future. Commodity price changes can have a material impact on our prospective earnings and cash flows. Copper, steel and aluminum represent a significant element of our material cost. Significant increases in the prices of these materials could reduce our estimated operating margins if we are unable to recover such increases from our customers.

Interest Rate Risk

Our interest rate sensitive items do not subject us to material risk exposures. Our revolving credit facility remains available through December 29, 2017. The revolving promissory note has a similar interest rate exposure, with semi-annual payments of $0.15 million. The outstanding balance is due December 2020. At December 31, 2016, the Company had $5.70 million of variable-rate term debt outstanding. At this borrowing level, a hypothetical relative increase of 10% in interest rates would have an unfavorable but insignificant impact on the Company’s pre-tax earnings and cash flows. The primary interest rate exposure on variable-rate debt is based on the three month LIBOR rate (0.98% at December 31, 2016) plus 4.00% per year. The loan agreements are collateralized by real estate, trade accounts receivable, equipment, inventory and work-in-process, and guaranteed by our operating subsidiaries. In March 2017, the Company refinanced our outstanding debt at a fixed rate. Refer to Note 8 and Note 19 in the accompany Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

None.

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The following table describes the material facilities of AETI and its subsidiaries, including foreign joint ventures, as of December 31, 2016:

The Company becomes involved in various legal proceedings and claims in the normal course of business. In management’s opinion, the ultimate resolution of these matters is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Not applicable.

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PART II

The Company’s common stock trades on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol “AETI”.

The following table sets forth quotations for the high and low sales prices for the Company’s common stock, as reported by NASDAQ, for the periods indicated below:

As of March 16, 2017, there were 44 shareholders of record of our common stock.  

The Company did not declare or pay cash dividends on common shares in either fiscal year 2016 or 2015. Dividends were paid on our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. The Company anticipates that, for the foreseeable future, it will retain any earnings for use in the operations of its business. Our amended bank loan agreement prohibits the payment of cash dividends on our common stock.

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

The following table summarizes information about outstanding equity plans as of December 31, 2016. The 2007 Employee Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, has been approved to issue up to 1,700,000 shares of the Company’s common stock.

(1) Includes shares of common stock issuable upon vesting of outstanding restricted stock units (RSUs).

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The following table summarizes our consolidated financial data for continuing operations for the periods presented. This data excludes the results of American Access Technologies, Inc., a former subsidiary of the Company which was sold in 2014. You should read the following selected consolidated financial data in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section of this annual report. The information set forth below is not necessarily indicative of results of future operations. Amounts are in thousands of dollars except share and per share data.

CONTINUING OPERATIONS

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The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements, based on current expectations related to future events and AETI’s future financial performance that involves risks and uncertainties. AETI’s actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many important factors, including those set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in this Form 10-K.

Overview  

Our corporate structure currently consists of American Electric Technologies, Inc., which owns 100% of  M&I Electric Industries, Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiary, South Coast Electric Systems, LLC and M&I Electric Brazil Sistemas e Servicios em Energia LTDA (“M&I Brazil”).

The Company is a leading provider of power delivery solutions to the global energy industry.

The principal markets that we serve include:

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Business Sectors Disclosures

Our financial results are captured in three major market sectors. These sectors are: Oil and Gas; Power Generation and Distribution; and Marine and Other Industrial. The products we manufacture are consistent in application within all the sectors. This information is supplemental and provided to allow investors to follow our future trends in marketing to various customer groups.

Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measures

A non-U.S. GAAP financial measure is generally defined as one that purports to measure historical or future financial performance, financial position or cash flows, but excludes or includes amounts that would not be so adjusted in the most comparable U.S. GAAP measure. In this report, we define and use the non-U.S. GAAP financial measure EBITDA as set forth below.

EBITDA

Definition of EBITDA

We define EBITDA as follows:

Net income (loss) before:

Management’s Use of EBITDA

We use EBITDA to assess our overall financial and operating performance.  We believe this non-U.S. GAAP measure, as we have defined it, is helpful in identifying trends in our day-to-day performance because the items excluded have little or no significance on our day-to-day operations.  This measure provides an assessment of controllable expenses and affords management the ability to make decisions which are expected to facilitate meeting current financial goals as well as achieving optimal financial performance.  It provides an indicator for management to determine if adjustments to current spending decisions are needed.

EBITDA provides us with a measure of financial performance, independent of items that are beyond the control of management in the short-term, such as dividends required on preferred stock, depreciation and amortization, taxation and interest expense associated with our capital structure.  This metric measures our financial performance based on operational factors that management can impact in the short-term, namely the cost structure or expenses of the organization. EBITDA is one of the metrics used by senior management and the board of directors to review the financial performance of the business on a regular basis. EBITDA is also used by research analysts and investors to evaluate the performance and value of companies in our industry.

Limitations of EBITDA

EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool.  It should not be viewed in isolation or as a substitute for U.S. GAAP measures of earnings.  Material limitations in making the adjustments to our earnings to calculate EBITDA, and using this non-U.S. GAAP financial measure as compared to U.S. GAAP net income (loss), include:

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An investor or potential investor may find this item important in evaluating our performance, results of operations and financial position.  We use non-U.S. GAAP financial measures to supplement our U.S. GAAP results in order to provide a more complete understanding of the factors and trends affecting our business.

EBITDA is not an alternative to net income, income from operations or cash flows provided by or used in operations as calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  You should not rely on EBITDA as a substitute for any such U.S. GAAP financial measure.  We strongly urge you to review the reconciliation of EBITDA to U.S. GAAP net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders, along with our consolidated financial statements included herein.

We also strongly urge you to not rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business.  In addition, because EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under U.S. GAAP and is susceptible to varying calculations, the EBITDA measure, as presented in this report, may differ from and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.

The table below shows the reconciliation of net loss attributable to common stockholders to EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 (dollars in thousands):

Backlog

Backlog is another non-U.S.GAAP indicator management uses to measure the level of outstanding orders.

The order backlog at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was $13.50 million and $19.03 million, respectively.

Foreign Joint Ventures:

Summary financial information of BOMAY and MIEFE in U.S. dollars was as follows at December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):

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The Company’s investments in and advances to its foreign joint ventures’ operations were as follows as of December 31, 2016 and 2015:

The Company accounts for its investments in foreign joint ventures’ operations using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method, the Company’s share of the joint ventures’ operations’ earnings or loss is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations as equity income (loss) from foreign joint ventures’ operations. Joint venture income increases the carrying value of the joint ventures and joint venture losses reduce the carrying value. Dividends received from the joint ventures reduce the carrying value.

The equity income for the Company’s interest in the two joint ventures for 2016 and 2015 was: BOMAY $0.80 million vs. $0.97 million and MIEFE ($0.27) million vs. ($0.23) million. During 2016, the Company’s share of accumulated losses from its investment in MIEFE exceeded the Company’s initial investment balance. The Company applied the losses to the investment balance  to the extent of the Company’s initial investment, with the remaining $0.27 million accrued in other current liabilities to reflect the Company’s intention to fund their share of losses. Due to market conditions, the business suspended current operations and the investment in MIEFE was written down to zero excluding foreign currency translation in the first quarter of 2016. These results reflect the lower market demand in China and in Southeast Asia attribute to global energy prices.

Historically, the operating results of BOMAY have appeared almost seasonal as budgets were established for new years in March and the company worked to complete production to meet targets. Most of BOMAY’s production is for BOMCO for the Chinese National Petroleum Corporation, (“CNPC”), for land drilling in China and in other international markets where BOMCO or CNPC have relationships.

At December 31, 2016, there were inventories and work in progress at BOMAY of approximately $22.22 million compared to approximately $29.66 million at December 31, 2015. We expect much of this will be invoiced in 2017 after new budgets are established and products accepted. Additionally, new international orders will be completed and recognized. BOMAY has addressed the recent downturn in the Chinese market, including the decrease in the oil price, with reduced staff and other cost cutting measures.

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Results of Operations

The table below summarizes our consolidated net sales and profitability for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 (dollars in thousands):

OPERATIONS

Year ended December 31, 2016 compared to year ended December 31, 2015

Revenue and Gross Profit

Revenue decreased 23%, or $11.27 million, to $37.81 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the year ended December 31, 2015, primarily due to the general decline in market demand including  significant project cancellations and postponements in the United States.

Gross profit decreased 85%, or $5.55 million, to $1.02 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. Gross profit as a percentage of revenues decreased to 3% for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to 13% for the year ended December 31, 2015. The decrease in profitability was primarily attributable to competitive pricing pressure and overall lower revenue levels, along with $1.20 million of cost overruns associated with a large power generation project.

Research and Development costs

Research and development costs increased 25%, or $0.19 million, to $0.96 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the year ended December 31, 2015 as the Company completed its work on the IntelliSafe medium voltage arc resistant switchgear program.

Selling and Marketing expenses

Selling and marketing expenses decreased 8%, or $0.20 million, to $2.18 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the year ended December 31, 2015, due to expense management for advertising and marketing programs. Selling and marketing expenses, as a percentage of revenues, increased approximately 1% to 6% for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the year ended December 31, 2015.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses decreased by 9%, or $0.54 million, to $5.24 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the year ended December 31, 2015, primarily due to lower operating cost including reduction in force. General and administrative expenses, as a percentage of revenues, increased approximately 2% to 14% for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the year ended December 31, 2015.

Foreign Joint Venture Equity

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Net equity income from foreign joint ventures decreased 18%, or $0.06 million, to $0.28 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the year ended December 31, 2015, primarily due to lower market demand in China and in Southeast Asia attribute to global energy prices.

Other Income (Expense), Net

Interest expense and other income increased 140% or $0.24 million to $0.07 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the year ended December 31, 2015, primarily due to the gain on sale of South Coast Electric Systems manufacturing operations and the BP settlement from the 2010 gulf oil spill. Interest expense and other income, as a percentage of revenues, increased to 0.18% for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to (0.35%) for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Income Tax Provisions

The provision for income taxes for 2016 was $0.04 million compared to $0.43 million in 2015. These amounts reflect the valuation allowance related to the Company’s net deferred tax assets related to its U.S. operation.  See Note 7 Income Taxes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report for further details.  The 2016 and 2015 tax accruals represent U.S. taxes on the foreign joint ventures equity income less dividends and proceeds received.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

AETI’s long-term debt as of December 31, 2016 was $3.90 million on which payments were current.  

See Note 8 Notes Payable to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report for discussion of recent financial activity.

Notes Payable

On December 29, 2015, the Company entered into a Loan Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with Frost Bank (“Frost”). The Loan Agreement provided two separate revolving credit facilities to the Company. These facilities were repaid and terminated on March 23, 2017 at which time we sold a $7.00 million Senior-Secured Term Note (the “Note”) to a third-party lender. The proceeds of the note sale were used to pay off all remaining balances on the credit facilities with Frost in addition to providing approximately $1.00 million of working capital. Note is payable in monthly interest only payments, in arrears, with $0.50 million of principal payable by June 30, 2017 and the balance due March 23, 2021. The Note is secured by all assets of the Company, with few exceptions, and bears interest at a fixed rate of 11.50%.

Sources and Use of Cash

We derive the majority of our operating cash inflow from receipts from the sale of goods and services and cash outflow is used for the procurement of materials and labor. Accordingly, cash flow is subject to market fluctuations and conditions. A substantial portion of our business allows for progress billings that provide us with cash receipts as costs are incurred throughout the project, rather than upon contract completion, thereby reducing working capital requirements.

Operating Activities

During the twelve months ended December 31, 2016, the Company’s operating activities used cash of $6.60 million as compared to providing $2.37 million during 2015. This was primarily the result of the net loss from operations and a net increase in cost in excess of billings along with an increase in accounts payable of $4.3 million.

Investing Activities

During the twelve months ended December 31, 2016, the Company’s investing activities provided $0.17 million in cash as compared to providing $0.80 million for the comparable period in 2015. The decrease in 2016 is mainly attributed to a lower dividend received from our joint venture, partially offset by proceeds from the sale of SCES assets.

Financing Activities

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During the twelve months ended December 31, 2016, the Company’s financing activities provided $0.03 million in cash as compared to providing $1.43 million in the comparable period in 2015 which included $1.50 million in net proceeds from the issuance of debt.

Liquidity

We periodically evaluate our liquidity requirements, capital needs and availability of resources in view of debt requirements and operating cash needs. To meet our short and long-term liquidity requirements, we rely primarily on cash from operations. Beyond cash generated from operations, the Company has a shelf registration filed with the SEC which permits us to issue an unspecified amount of debt or equity securities. Refer to Note 8 - Notes Payable and Note 19 - Subsequent Event to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report.

Operating Lease Commitments

The following is a schedule of future minimum rental payments required under operating leases that have initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2016:

Contractual Obligations

Payments due under contractual obligations other than leases at December 31, 2016 are as follows:

Interest is estimated based on the current rate of approximately 4.98% and do not reflect financing in 2017. Please refer to Note 19 Subsequent event.  

Other Commercial Commitments

We are contingently liable for secured letters of credit of $1.25 million as of December 31, 2016 in relation to performance guarantees on certain customer contracts. These guarantees assure that we will perform under the terms of our contract.

The following table reflects potential cash outflows that may result in the event that we are unable to perform under our contracts as of December 31, 2016:

Outlook for Fiscal 2017

Although the market experienced significant losses in 2015 and 2016 due to reduced oil and gas price-based demand, the Company believes it has several promising areas of opportunity in 2017.

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The Company believes there is an increased level of opportunities in the power generation and distribution markets with the availability of low cost natural gas. This fact, coupled with political pressures on coal-fired power generation plants, creates an increased market opportunity for the Company.

The Company is also strongly pursuing opportunities it sees in the midstream and downstream niches in the oil & gas market including storage terminals, LNG projects, refineries and petrochemical facilities.  

The Company also sees continued growth opportunities for its IntelliSafe™ medium voltage arc-resistant switchgear primarily in the downstream and power generation and distribution sectors in 2017 and beyond.

The Company believes that an increase in the price of oil above 2016 levels will create growth opportunities for its services business as drilling companies need to get their assets up and running again.

Internationally, the Company believes our global energy markets in China will remain flat at 2016 levels throughout 2017. We anticipate an increase in market opportunities in Brazil in 2017 as the political and economic challenges facing Brazil stabilize.

The Company enters the 2017 fiscal year with backlog of $13.50 million, which is up approximately $2.5 million from the end of the third quarter based on orders received in the fourth quarter for the Company’s products. We closely monitor our backlog and order activity and continue to adjust our cost structure and expenditures as conditions require.

The Company continues to review growth opportunities and depending on cash needs may raise cash in the form of debt, equity, or a combination of both.

Effects of Inflation

We experienced minimal increases in our material prices in 2016. The Company has been generally successful in recovering these increases from its customers in the form of increased prices. Future inflationary pressures will likely be largely dependent on the worldwide demand for these basic materials which cannot be predicted at this time.

Commitments and Contingencies

The Company maintains a group medical and hospitalization minimum premium insurance program. For the policy year ended August 2016 and the subsequent policy year, the Company is liable for all claims each year up to $70,000 per insured, or $1.7 million in the aggregate. An outside insurance company insures any claims in excess of these amounts. The Company’s annual expense for this minimum premium insurance program totaled $1.07 million and $1.16 million during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Insurance reserves included in accrued payroll and benefits in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets were approximately $0.02 million and $0.00 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company is a party to a number of legal proceedings in the normal course of business for which appropriate provisions have been made if it is believed an ultimate loss is probable.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

We have adopted various critical accounting policies that govern the application of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Although these estimates are based on management’s knowledge of current events and actions it may undertake in the future, they may ultimately differ from actual results.

Certain accounting policies involve significant estimates and assumptions by us that have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition or operating performance. Management believes the following critical accounting policies reflect its most significant estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. We do not have off-balance sheet arrangements, financings, or other relationships with unconsolidated entities or other persons, also known as “special purpose entities”, nor do we have any “variable interest entities”.

Inventories – Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with material value determined using an average cost method. Inventory costs for finished goods and work-in-process include direct material, direct labor, production overhead and outside services. Indirect overhead is apportioned to work-in-process based on direct labor incurred.

Allowance for Obsolete and Slow-Moving Inventory – The Company regularly reviews the value of inventory on hand using specific aging categories, and records a provision for obsolete and slow-moving inventory based on historical usage and estimated future usage. As actual future demand or market conditions may vary from those projected, adjustments to our inventory reserve may be required. Based on this assessment, management believes the inventory reserve is adequate.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts – The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of customers to make required payments. The estimate is based on management’s assessment of the collectability of specific customer accounts and includes consideration for credit worthiness and financial condition of those specific customers. The Company also reviews historical experience with the customer, the general economic environment and the aging of receivables. The

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Company records an allowance to reduce receivables to the amount that is reasonably believed to be collectible. Based on this assessment, management believes the allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate.

Revenue Recognition – The Company reports earnings from fixed-price and modified fixed-price long-term contracts on the percentage-of-completion method.  Earnings are accrued based on the ratio of costs incurred to total estimated costs. Costs include direct material, direct labor, and job related overhead.  However, for our manufacturing activities, we have determined that labor incurred, rather than total costs incurred, provides an improved measure of percentage-of-completion. For contracts with anticipated losses, estimated losses are charged to operations in the period such losses are determined. A contract is considered complete when all costs, except insignificant items, have been incurred and the project has been accepted by the customer. Revenue from non-time and material jobs of a short-term nature (typically less than one month) is recognized on the completed-contract method after considering the attributes of such contracts. This method is used because these contracts are typically completed in a short period of time and the financial position and results of operations do not vary materially from those which would result from use of the percentage-of-completion method. The asset, “Work-in-process,” which is included in inventories, represents the cost of labor, material, and overhead on jobs accounted for under the completed-contract method. For contracts accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method, the asset, “Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts,” represents revenue recognized in excess of amounts billed and the liability, “Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts,” represents billings in excess of revenue recognized.

Foreign Currency Gains and Losses – Foreign currency translations are included as a separate component of comprehensive income. The Company has determined the local currency of its foreign subsidiary and its foreign joint ventures to be the functional currency. In accordance with ASC 830, the assets and liabilities of the foreign equity investees and M&I Brazil, denominated in foreign currency, are translated into United States dollars at exchange rates in effect at the consolidated balance sheet date and net sales and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the period. Related translation adjustments are reported as comprehensive income, net of deferred income taxes, which is a separate component of stockholders’ equity, whereas gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in results of operations.

Federal Income Taxes – The liability method is used in accounting for federal income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. The realizability of deferred tax assets are evaluated annually and a valuation allowance is provided if it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not give rise to future benefits in the Company’s tax returns.

Contingencies – The Company records an estimated loss from a loss contingency when information indicates that it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Contingencies are often resolved over long time periods, are based on unique facts and circumstances, and are inherently uncertain. The Company regularly evaluates the current information that is available to determine whether such accruals should be adjusted or other disclosures related to contingencies are required. The Company is a party to a number of legal proceedings in the normal course of business for which appropriate provisions have been made if it is believed an ultimate loss is probable. The ultimate resolution of these matters, individually or in the aggregate, is not likely to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Equity Income from Foreign Joint Ventures’ Operations – The Company accounts for its investments in foreign joint ventures’ using the equity method. Under the equity method, the Company records its pro-rata share of foreign joint ventures’ income or losses and adjusts the basis of its investment accordingly. Dividends received from the joint ventures, if any, are recorded as reductions to the investment balance.

Carrying Value of Joint Venture Investments – The Company evaluates the carrying value of equity method investments as to whether an impairment adjustment may be necessary. In making this evaluation, a variety of quantitative and qualitative factors are considered including international, national and local economic, political and market conditions, industry trends and prospects, liquidity and capital resources and other pertinent factors. Based on the most recent review at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, management believes the carrying value of investments in foreign joint ventures is recoverable.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The core principle of ASU No. 2014-09 is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled for those goods or services. ASU No. 2014-09 defines a five step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, more judgment and estimates may be required under existing U.S. GAAP. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods therein, using either of the following transition methods: (i) a full retrospective approach reflecting the application of the standard in each prior reporting period with the option to elect certain practical expedients, or (ii) a retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of initially adopting ASU No. 2014-09 recognized at the date of adoption (which includes additional footnote disclosures). In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14 which delayed the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 by one year (effective for annual periods

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beginning after December 15, 2017). We are currently evaluating the future impact of our pending adoption of ASU No. 2014-09 on our consolidated financial statements and have not yet determined the method with which we will adopt the standard in 2018.  

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. The amendments in this ASU require that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. A reporting entity should apply existing guidance in Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, as it relates to awards with performance conditions that affect vesting to account for such awards. The performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. Compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered. If the performance target becomes probable of being achieved before the end of the requisite service period, the remaining unrecognized compensation cost should be recognized prospectively over the remaining requisite service period. The total amount of compensation cost recognized during and after the requisite service period should reflect the number of awards that are expected to vest and should be adjusted to reflect those awards that ultimately vest. The requisite service period ends when the employee can cease rendering service and still be eligible to vest in the award if the performance target is achieved. The amendments in ASU No. 2014-12 are effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU No. 2014-12 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and disclosures.

In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, Income Statement – Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20): Simplified Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items. This ASU eliminates from U.S. GAAP the concept of extraordinary items. Subtopic 225-20, Income Statement – Extraordinary and Unusual Items, requires that an entity separately classify, present and disclose extraordinary events and transactions. Presently, an event or transaction is presumed to be ordinary and usual activity of the reporting entity unless evidence clearly supports its classification as an extraordinary item. If an event or transaction meets the criteria for extraordinary classification, an entity is required to segregate the extraordinary item from the results of ordinary operations and show the item separately in the income statement, net of tax, after income from continuing operations. The entity also is required to disclose applicable income taxes and either present or disclose earnings-per-share data applicable to the extraordinary item. ASU No. 2015-01 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The amendments of ASU No. 2015-01 can be applied prospectively or retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU No. 2015-01 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or disclosures.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, which is intended to improve targeted areas of consolidation guidance for legal entities such as limited partnerships, limited liability corporations, and securitization structures. ASU No. 2015-02 focuses on the consolidation evaluation for reporting organizations that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. In addition to reducing the number of consolidation models from four to two, the new standard simplifies the FASB Accounting Standards Codification ^TM and improves current U.S. GAAP by: (1) Placing more emphasis on risk of loss when determining a controlling financial interest. A reporting organization may no longer have to consolidate a legal entity in certain circumstances based solely on its fee arrangement, when certain criteria are met; (2) Reducing the frequency of the application of related-party guidance when determining a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity; and (3) Changing consolidation conclusions for public and private companies in several industries that typically make use of limited partnerships or variable interest entities. ASU No. 2015-02 is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of ASU No. 2015-02 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and disclosures.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11 Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, which is intended to converge U.S. GAAP on this topic with IFRS. ASU No. 2015-11 focuses on the premeasurement of inventory measured using any method other than LIFO, for example, average cost. Inventory within the scope of ASU No. 2015-11 is required to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. When evidence exists that the net realizable value of inventory is lower than its cost, the difference shall be recognized as a loss in earnings in the period in which it occurs. That loss may be required, for example, due to damage, physical deterioration, obsolescence, changes in price levels, or other causes. For public business entities, the amendments in ASU No. 2015-11 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Management is currently evaluating the future impact of ASU No. 2015-11 on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and disclosures.

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16 Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments, ASU No. 2015-16 requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to estimated amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. ASU No. 2015-16 requires that the acquirer record, in the same period’s financial statements, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. ASU No. 2015-16 also requires an entity to present separately on the face of the income

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statement or disclose in the notes the portion of the amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. ASU No. 2015-16 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. ASU No. 2015-16 should be applied retrospectively and early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU No. 2015-16 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and disclosures.

In November, 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. The new guidance requires that all deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance, be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. As a result, each jurisdiction will now only have one net noncurrent deferred tax asset or liability. The new guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted.  The Company has elected to early adopt this pronouncement and has reflected the change on the consolidated balance sheets for all periods presented.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. ASU No. 2016-01 requires (1) an entity to measure equity instruments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting, or those that result in consolidation of the investee) at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income; (2) entities to use the exit price notation when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes; (3) separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset; and (4) elimination of the requirement to disclose the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost. ASU No. 2016-01 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the future impact of ASU No. 2016-01 on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, which requires lessees to  recognize the following for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date: (1) a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and (2) a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. Under ASU No. 2016-02, lessor accounting is largely unchanged. ASU No. 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 with early application permitted. Lessees and lessors must apply a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The modified retrospective approach would not require any transition accounted for leases expired before the earliest comparative period presented. Lessees and lessors may not apply a full retrospective transition approach. Management is currently evaluating the future impact of ASU No. 2016-02 on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and disclosures.

In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No.2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, to clarify two aspects of Topic 606: (i) identifying performance obligations; and (ii) the licensing implementation guidance. The amendments do not change the core principle of the guidance in Topic 606. The effective date and transition requirements for ASU No. 2016-10 are the same as the effective date and transition requirements for ASU No. 2014-09. Management is currently evaluating the future impact of ASU No. 2016-10 on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and disclosures.

In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients. ASU No. 2016-12 provides narrow-scope improvements to the guidance on collectability, noncash consideration, and completed contracts at transition. The amendment also provides a practical expedient for contract modifications at transition and an accounting policy election related to the presentation of sales taxes and other similar taxes collected from customers and are expected to reduce the judgment necessary to comply with Topic 606. The effective date and transition requirements for ASU No. 2016-12 are the same as the effective date and transition requirements for ASU No. 2014-09. Management is currently evaluating the future impact of ASU No. 2016-12 on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and disclosures.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. ASU No. 2016-13 eliminates the probable initial recognition threshold in current generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and, instead, requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. In addition, ASU No. 2016-13 amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. ASU No. 2016-13 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020, with early application permitted in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The amendments of ASU No. 2016-13 should be applied through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. Management is currently evaluating the future impact of ASU No. 2016-13 on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and disclosures.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. ASU No. 2016-15 addresses eight specific cash flow issues and is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-15

25

is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. Management is currently evaluating the future impact of ASU No. 2016-15 on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and disclosures.

In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU No. 2016-20 allows entities not to make quantitative disclosures about remaining performance obligations in certain cases and require entities that use any of the new or previously existing optional exemptions to expand their qualitative disclosures. The amendment also clarifies narrow aspects of ASC 606, including contract modifications, contract costs, and the balance sheet classification of items as contract assets versus receivables, or corrects unintended application of the guidance. The effective date and transition requirements for ASU No. 2016-20 are the same as the effective date and transition requirements for ASU No. 2014-09. Management is currently evaluating the future impact of ASU No. 2016-20 on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and disclosures.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. ASU No. 2017-01 clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of a business or as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets. ASU No. 2017-01 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted under certain circumstances. The amendments of ASU No. 2017-01 should be applied prospectively as of the beginning of the period of adoption. Management is currently evaluating the future impact of ASU No. 2017-01 on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and disclosures.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-03, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (Topic 250) and Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the September 22, 2016 and November 17, 2016 EITF Meetings. The amendments in this update relate to disclosures of the impact of recently issued accounting standards. The SEC staff’s view that a registrant should evaluate ASC updates that have not yet been adopted to determine the appropriate financial disclosures about the potential material effects of the updates on the financial statements when adopted. If a registrant does not know or cannot reasonably estimate the impact of an update, then in addition to making a statement to that effect, the registrant should consider additional qualitative financial statement disclosures to assist the reader in assessing the significance of the impact. The staff expects the additional qualitative disclosures to include a description of the effect of the accounting policies expected to be applied compared to current accounting policies. Also, the registrant should describe the status of its process to implement the new standards and the significant implementation matters yet to be addressed. The amendments specifically addressed recent ASC amendments to ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, and ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, although, the amendments apply to any subsequent amendments to guidance in the ASC. ASU No. 2017-03 is effective upon issuance and did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and disclosures.

Market Risk

The markets in which we participate are capital intensive and cyclical in nature. The volatility in customer demand is greatly driven by the change in the price of oil and gas. These factors influence the release of new capital projects by our customers, which are traditionally awarded in competitive bid situations. Coordination of project start dates is matched to the customer requirements and projects may take a number of months to complete; schedules also may change during the course of any particular project. For more information please see Outlook for Fiscal 2017, contained within Item 7, Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Liquidity Risk

Our inability to borrow additional funds under our existing credit facility could negatively impact future working capital, capital expenditures, and acquisitions in addition to fulfilling our obligations and our ability to continue operations of business. While we would seek alternative funding sources through both debt and equity raises, there is no assurance that additional capital can be obtained or that it can be obtained at terms that are favorable to us and our existing stockholders.

As of December 31, 2016, we had cash and cash equivalents of $1.62 million and total outstanding debt of $5.70 million and no availability for additional borrowings under our revolving credit facilities. Under the original terms of the credit facilities, the lender is committed to $7.90 million, however, failure to comply with certain financial covenants has resulted in a cap on Facility A until such time that we are compliant with the financial covenant.

26

Interest Rates

Our interest rate sensitive items do not subject us to material risk exposures. Our Loan closed on March 23, 2017 has a fixed interest rate of 11.5%, with monthly interest only payments of $0.07 million.

Foreign Currency Transaction Risk

AETI operates a subsidiary in Brazil and maintains equity method investments in its Singapore and Chinese joint ventures, MIEFE and BOMAY respectively. The functional currencies of the Brazilian subsidiary and the joint ventures are the Brazilian Real, Singapore Dollar and Chinese Yuan, respectively. Investments are translated into United States Dollars at the exchange rate in effect at the end of each quarterly reporting period. The resulting translation adjustment is recorded as accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes, in our consolidated balance sheets. This item decreased from $0.31 million at December 31, 2015 to $0.00 million at December 31, 2016 due principally to the strengthening of the United States Dollar against the Chinese Yuan and weakening versus the Brazilian Real.

Other than the aforementioned items, we do not believe we are exposed to foreign currency exchange risk because most of our net sales and purchases are denominated in United States Dollars.

Commodity Price Risk

We are subject to market risk from fluctuating market prices of certain raw materials. While such materials are typically available from numerous suppliers, commodity raw materials are subject to price fluctuations. We endeavor to recoup these price increases from our customers on an individual contract basis to avoid operating margin erosion. Although historically we have not entered into any contracts to hedge commodity risk, we may do so in the future. Commodity price changes can have a material impact on our prospective earnings and cash flows. Copper, steel and aluminum represent a significant element of our material cost. Significant increases in the prices of these materials could reduce our estimated operating margins if we are unable to recover such increases from our customers.

Reference is made to the Table of Contents on page F-2 of our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto contained herein.

None.

Disclosure controls and procedures

Under the direction of our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, we evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2016. Our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2016.

Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission on Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Our management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2016 based on these criteria. This annual report does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to section 404(c) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, that permits the Company, as a smaller reporting company, to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

Changes in internal control over financial reporting

There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

None.

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PART III

Directors

Information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the information contained in the Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed within 120 days after our December 31, 2016 fiscal year end.

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

The additional information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the “Director Independence” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” sections of our Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

PART IV

(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:

1. Consolidated Financial Statements and Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

See Index on page F-2.

2. Financial Statement Schedules

All financial statement schedules have been omitted, since the required information is not applicable or is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the information required is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto.

3. Exhibits

A list of exhibits filed or furnished with this report on Form 10-K (or incorporated by reference to exhibits previously filed or furnished by us) is provided in the Exhibit Index immediately following the signature pages of this report. We will furnish copies of exhibits for a reasonable fee (covering the expense of furnishing copies) upon request. Stockholders may request exhibit copies by contacting: Rachel Acree, Assistant Corporate Secretary, American Electric Technologies, Inc., 1250 Wood Branch Park Drive, Suite 600, Houston, Texas 77079.

ITEM 16.  FORM 10-K SUMMARY

None

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

29

EXHIBIT INDEX

30

31

AMERICAN ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Financial Statements

With Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

December 31, 2016 and 2015

F-1

American Electric Technologies, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2016 and 2015

Table of Contents

F-2

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders

American Electric Technologies, Inc. and Subsidiaries:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of American Electric Technologies, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We were not engaged to examine management’s assertion about the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016 and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion thereon.

/s/ Ham, Langston & Brezina, L.L.P.

Houston, Texas

March 28, 2017

F-3

American Electric Technologies, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

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

F-4

American Electric Technologies, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

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

F-5

American Electric Technologies, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(in thousands)

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

F-6

American Electric Technologies, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

(in thousands, except share data)

F-7

American Electric Technologies, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)