MESA AIR GROUP INC - Quarter Report: 2008 March (Form 10-Q)
Table of Contents
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
þ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008
or
o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Commission File Number 0-15495
Mesa Air Group, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada | 85-0302351 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer | |
incorporation or organization) | Identification No.) | |
410 North 44th Street, Suite 100, | 85008 | |
Phoenix, Arizona | (Zip code) | |
(Address of principal executive offices) |
Registrants telephone number, including area code:
(602) 685-4000
(602) 685-4000
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 last 90 days. Yes þ No o
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. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer o | Accelerated filer þ | Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
Smaller reporting company o |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of
the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
On June 25, 2008, the registrant had outstanding 26,846,331 shares of Common Stock.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INDEX
INDEX
Page No. | ||||||||
Item 1. | ||||||||
3 | ||||||||
4 | ||||||||
5 | ||||||||
6 | ||||||||
Item 2. | 15 | |||||||
Item 3. | 28 | |||||||
Item 4. | 29 | |||||||
Item 1. | 29 | |||||||
Item 1A. | 30 | |||||||
Item 2. | 33 | |||||||
Item 3. | 34 | |||||||
Item 4. | 35 | |||||||
Item 5. | 35 | |||||||
Item 6. | 35 | |||||||
Signatures | 36 | |||||||
EX-31.1 | ||||||||
EX-31.2 | ||||||||
EX-32.1 | ||||||||
EX-32.2 |
2
Table of Contents
PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
MESA AIR GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended March 31, | Six Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||
(In thousands, except per share data) | ||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues: |
||||||||||||||||
Passenger |
$ | 316,840 | $ | 319,183 | $ | 640,043 | $ | 650,153 | ||||||||
Freight and other |
3,489 | 2,456 | 6,878 | 5,018 | ||||||||||||
Total gross operating revenues |
320,329 | 321,639 | 646,921 | 655,171 | ||||||||||||
Impairment of contract incentives |
| (25,324 | ) | | (25,324 | ) | ||||||||||
Net operating revenues |
320,329 | 296,315 | 646,921 | 629,847 | ||||||||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||||||
Flight operations |
89,207 | 95,515 | 182,778 | 190,698 | ||||||||||||
Fuel |
118,759 | 100,987 | 234,678 | 215,226 | ||||||||||||
Maintenance |
66,884 | 64,647 | 138,894 | 122,548 | ||||||||||||
Aircraft and traffic servicing |
20,255 | 21,551 | 39,910 | 40,783 | ||||||||||||
Promotion and sales |
922 | 973 | 1,703 | 1,786 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative |
20,984 | 15,386 | 35,976 | 32,046 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
9,769 | 9,846 | 19,356 | 20,155 | ||||||||||||
Settlement of lawsuit |
(34,100 | ) | | (34,100 | ) | | ||||||||||
Bankruptcy settlement |
(27 | ) | (1,473 | ) | (27 | ) | (2,093 | ) | ||||||||
Impairment of long-lived assets |
| 12,367 | | 12,367 | ||||||||||||
Total operating expenses |
292,653 | 319,799 | 619,168 | 633,516 | ||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
27,676 | (23,484 | ) | 27,753 | (3,669 | ) | ||||||||||
Other income (expense): |
||||||||||||||||
Interest expense |
(9,719 | ) | (8,689 | ) | (19,400 | ) | (18,533 | ) | ||||||||
Interest income |
1,919 | 3,893 | 4,519 | 8,426 | ||||||||||||
Loss from equity method investments |
(506 | ) | (3,517 | ) | (1,558 | ) | (3,587 | ) | ||||||||
Other income (expense) |
9,650 | (4,591 | ) | 13,553 | (4,386 | ) | ||||||||||
Total other income (expense) |
1,344 | (12,904 | ) | (2,886 | ) | (18,080 | ) | |||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes |
29,020 | (36,388 | ) | 24,867 | (21,749 | ) | ||||||||||
Income tax provision (benefit) |
11,557 | (13,754 | ) | 10,162 | (8,001 | ) | ||||||||||
Net income (loss) from continuing operations |
17,463 | (22,634 | ) | 14,705 | (13,748 | ) | ||||||||||
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes |
(8,043 | ) | (1,352 | ) | (9,492 | ) | (2,225 | ) | ||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | 9,420 | $ | (23,986 | ) | $ | 5,213 | $ | (15,973 | ) | ||||||
Basic income (loss) per common share: |
||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations |
$ | 0.65 | $ | (0.71 | ) | $ | 0.53 | $ | (0.42 | ) | ||||||
Loss from discontinued operations |
(0.30 | ) | (0.04 | ) | (0.34 | ) | (0.07 | ) | ||||||||
Net income (loss) per share |
$ | 0.35 | $ | (0.75 | ) | $ | 0.19 | $ | (0.49 | ) | ||||||
Diluted income (loss) per common share: |
||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations |
$ | 0.51 | $ | (0.71 | ) | $ | 0.45 | $ | (0.42 | ) | ||||||
Loss from discontinued operations |
(0.22 | ) | (0.04 | ) | (0.26 | ) | (0.07 | ) | ||||||||
Net income (loss) per share |
$ | 0.29 | $ | (0.75 | ) | $ | 0.19 | $ | (0.49 | ) | ||||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
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MESA AIR GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
September 30, | ||||||||
March 31, 2008 | 2007 | |||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
(In thousands, except share amounts) | ||||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||
Current assets: |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 41,387 | $ | 72,377 | ||||
Marketable securities |
13,948 | 124,016 | ||||||
Restricted cash |
102,789 | 12,195 | ||||||
Receivables, net |
49,261 | 49,366 | ||||||
Income tax receivable |
723 | 877 | ||||||
Expendable parts and supplies, net |
33,540 | 35,893 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
165,649 | 150,028 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes |
46,123 | 46,123 | ||||||
Assets of discontinued operations |
30,772 | 41,374 | ||||||
Total current assets |
484,192 | 532,249 | ||||||
Property and equipment, net |
611,495 | 627,136 | ||||||
Lease and equipment deposits |
15,567 | 17,887 | ||||||
Equity method investments |
17,586 | 16,364 | ||||||
Other assets |
29,696 | 32,660 | ||||||
Total assets |
$ | 1,158,536 | $ | 1,226,296 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
||||||||
Current liabilities: |
||||||||
Current portion of long-term debt |
$ | 149,043 | $ | 70,179 | ||||
Accounts payable |
78,134 | 61,007 | ||||||
Air traffic liability |
4,497 | 4,211 | ||||||
Accrued compensation |
5,710 | 7,353 | ||||||
Income taxes payable |
4,518 | 1,235 | ||||||
Other accrued expenses |
103,732 | 143,836 | ||||||
Liabilities of discontinued operations |
47,497 | 51,512 | ||||||
Total current liabilities |
393,131 | 339,333 | ||||||
Long-term debt, excluding current portion |
445,037 | 561,946 | ||||||
Deferred credits |
117,495 | 118,578 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes |
39,782 | 42,318 | ||||||
Other noncurrent liabilities |
19,098 | 19,021 | ||||||
Total liabilities |
1,014,543 | 1,081,196 | ||||||
Common stock of no par value and additional
paid-in capital, 75,000,000 shares
authorized; 26,842,081 and 28,740,686
shares issued and outstanding, respectively |
105,832 | 112,152 | ||||||
Retained earnings |
38,161 | 32,948 | ||||||
Total stockholders equity |
143,993 | 145,100 | ||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
$ | 1,158,536 | $ | 1,226,296 | ||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
Table of Contents
MESA AIR GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Six Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities (1) |
$ | 106,172 | $ | 60,729 | ||||
Cash Flows from Investing Activities: |
||||||||
Capital expenditures |
(12,910 | ) | (13,468 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from sale of flight equipment and
expendable inventory |
5,760 | 24 | ||||||
Change in restricted cash |
(90,594 | ) | (554 | ) | ||||
Equity method investment |
| (1,310 | ) | |||||
Change in other assets |
468 | 4,694 | ||||||
Net returns of lease and equipment deposits |
2,329 | 4,520 | ||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(94,947 | ) | (6,094 | ) | ||||
Cash Flows from Financing Activities: |
||||||||
Principal payments on short and long-term debt |
(39,930 | ) | (27,444 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and
issuance of warrants |
| 148 | ||||||
Common stock purchased and retired |
(6,812 | ) | (24,831 | ) | ||||
Change in deferred compensation |
496 | | ||||||
Proceeds from receipt of deferred credits |
4,031 | 5,989 | ||||||
Net cash used in financing activities |
(42,215 | ) | (46,138 | ) | ||||
Net change in cash and cash equivalents |
(30,990 | ) | 8,497 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
72,377 | 35,559 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
$ | 41,387 | $ | 44,056 | ||||
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION: |
||||||||
Cash paid for interest |
$ | 19,999 | $ | 20,087 | ||||
Cash paid for income taxes, net |
(1,565 | ) | 1,000 | |||||
SUPPLEMENTAL NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||
Aircraft delivered under interim financing provided
by manufacturer |
$ | | $ | 23,644 | ||||
Short-term debt permanently financed as long-term debt |
| 135,378 | ||||||
Inventory and other credits received in conjunction
with aircraft financing |
1,000 | |||||||
Receivable for credits related to aircraft financing |
(3,912 | ) | |
(1) | Includes $113.2 million and $40.5 million in net proceeds from the sale of marketable securities classified as trading securities for the six months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. |
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
Table of Contents
MESA AIR GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
1. Business and Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited, condensed consolidated financial statements of Mesa Air Group,
Inc. have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and
Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes
required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for a complete
set of financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for
a fair presentation of the results for the periods presented have been made. Operating results for
the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results
that may be expected for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008. These condensed consolidated
financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Companys consolidated financial
statements and notes thereto included in the Companys annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended September 30, 2007.
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Mesa Air
Group, Inc. and its wholly-owned operating subsidiaries (collectively Mesa or the Company):
Mesa Airlines, Inc. (Mesa Airlines), a Nevada corporation and certificated air carrier; Freedom
Airlines, Inc. (Freedom), a Nevada corporation and certificated air carrier; Air Midwest, Inc.
(Air Midwest), a Kansas corporation and certificated air carrier; Air Midwest, LLC, a Nevada
limited liability company, MPD, Inc., a Nevada corporation, doing business as Mesa Pilot
Development; Regional Aircraft Services, Inc. (RAS), a California corporation; Mesa Air Group
Airline Inventory Management, LLC (MAG-AIM), an Arizona limited liability company; Ritz Hotel
Management Corp., a Nevada corporation; Nilchii, Inc. (Nilchii), a Nevada corporation, MAGI
Insurance, Ltd. (MAGI), a Barbados, West Indies based captive insurance company; and Ping Shan
SRL (Ping Shan), a Barbados company with restricted liability. Air Midwest LLC was formed for the
purpose of a contemplated conversion of Air Midwest from a corporation to a limited liability
company (which has not yet occurred). MPD, Inc. provides pilot training in coordination with a
community college in Farmington, New Mexico and with Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona.
RAS performs ground handling services. MAG-AIM purchases, distributes and manages the Companys
inventory of rotable and expendable spare parts. Ritz Hotel Management is a Phoenix area hotel
property that is used for crew-in-training accommodations. MAGI is a captive insurance company
established for the purpose of obtaining more favorable aircraft liability insurance rates. Nilchii
was established to invest in certain airline related businesses. All significant intercompany
accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation
No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109
(FIN 48). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes by prescribing a
recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and
measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The interpretation
also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in
interim periods, and disclosure. In adopting FIN 48, we changed our methodology for estimating our
potential liability for income tax positions for which we are uncertain regardless of whether
taxing authorities will challenge our interpretation of the income tax laws. Previously, we
recorded a liability computed at the statutory income tax rate if we determined that (i) we did not
believe that we are more likely than not to prevail on an uncertainty related to the timing of
recognition for an item, or (ii) we did not believe that it is probable that we would prevail and
the uncertainty is not related to the timing of recognition. However, under FIN 48 we do not
recognize any benefit in our financial statements for any uncertain income tax position if we
believe the position in the aggregate has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained. If we
believe that there is a greater than 50% likelihood that the position will be sustained, we
recognize a benefit in our financial statements equal to the largest amount that we believe is more
likely than not to be sustained upon audit. As a result of implementing FIN 48 the only effect on
the Company was to reclassify a $2.9 million tax reserve from long-term deferred income tax
liability to other noncurrent liabilities at December 31, 2007 under FIN 48. No other changes
resulting from implementing FIN 48 were necessary.
The tax law is subject to varied interpretations, and we have taken positions related to
certain matters where the law is subject to interpretation and where substantial amounts of income
tax benefits have been recorded in our financial statements. As we become aware of new
interpretations of the relevant tax laws and as we discuss our interpretations with taxing
authorities, we may in the future change our assessments of the likelihood of sustainability or of
the amounts that may or may not be sustained upon audit. And as our assessments change, the impact
to our financial statements could be material. We believe that the estimates, judgments and
assumptions made when accounting for these matters are reasonable, based on information available
at the time they are made. However, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ
from those estimates.
6
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In September, 2006, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) No. AUG AIR-1 Accounting for
Planned Major Maintenance Activities. This position amends the existing major maintenance
accounting guidance contained within the AICPA Industry Audit Guide Audits of Airlines and
prohibits the use of the accrue in advance method of accounting for planned major maintenance
activities for owned aircraft. The provisions of the pronouncement are applicable for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 2006. Mesa currently uses the direct expense method of accounting
for planned major maintenance; therefore, the adoption of FSP No. AUG AIR-1 on October 1, 2007 did
not have an impact on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS)
No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. This standard defines fair value, establishes a framework for
measuring fair value in accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America,
and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. This pronouncement applies to other
accounting standards that require or permit fair value measurements. Accordingly, this statement
does not require any new fair value measurement. This statement is effective for fiscal years
beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company will
be required to adopt SFAS No. 157 in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. Management has not yet
determined the impact of adopting this statement.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets
and Financial Liabilities Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (SFAS 159). Under
SFAS 159, companies have an opportunity to use fair value measurements in financial reporting and
permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair
value. SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company will
be required to adopt SFAS 159 in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. Management has not yet
determined the impact SFAS 159 will have on the Companys financial condition and results of
operations.
2. Discontinued Operations
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company committed to a plan to sell Air Midwest or
certain assets thereof. Air Midwest consists of Beechcraft 1900D turboprop operations, which
includes our independent Mesa operations and Midwest Airlines and US Airways code-share operations.
In connection with this decision, the Company began soliciting bids for the sale of the twenty
Beechcraft 1900D aircraft in operation and began to take the necessary steps to exit the Essential
Air Service (EAS) markets that it serves, and expects to be out of all EAS markets by June 30,
2008. All assets and liabilities, results of operations, and other financial and operational data
associated with these assets have been presented in the accompanying consolidated financial
statements as discontinued operations separate from continuing operations, unless otherwise noted.
For all periods presented, we reclassified operating results of the Air Midwest turboprop operation
to loss from discontinued operations.
Revenues, loss before taxes, income tax benefit and net losses generated by discontinued
operations were as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31, | Six Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Revenue |
$ | 9,015 | $ | 14,792 | $ | 19,485 | $ | 28,872 | ||||||||
Loss before income taxes |
$ | (12,252 | ) | $ | (2,173 | ) | $ | (14,603 | ) | $ | (3,612 | ) | ||||
Income tax benefit |
(4,209 | ) | (821 | ) | (5,111 | ) | (1,387 | ) | ||||||||
Net loss from discontinued operations |
$ | (8,043 | ) | $ | (1,352 | ) | $ | (9,492 | ) | $ | (2,225 | ) | ||||
Assets, including assets held for sale, and liabilities associated with the Air Midwest
turboprop operation have been segregated from continuing operations and presented as assets and
liabilities of discontinued operations in the consolidated balance sheets for all periods
presented. In accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of
Long-Lived Assets (SFAS 144), depreciation and amortization related to assets held for sale
ceased as of September 30, 2007. Assets and liabilities of the discontinued operations were as
follows:
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Table of Contents
March 31, | September 30, | |||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||
Current assets |
$ | 4,593 | $ | 7,332 | ||||
Property and equipment, net |
24,773 | 33,916 | ||||||
Other assets |
1,406 | 126 | ||||||
Current liabilities |
(7,176 | ) | (9,306 | ) | ||||
Current portion of long-term debt |
(4,490 | ) | (4,126 | ) | ||||
Long-term debt excluding current portion |
(35,831 | ) | (38,080 | ) | ||||
Net liabilities of discontinued operations |
$ | (16,725 | ) | $ | (10,138 | ) | ||
In accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived
Assets, the Company continually considers events or changes in circumstances that indicate the
carrying amount of a long-term asset may not be recoverable. Subsequent to March 31, 2008, the
Company sold 14 of its 34 Beechcraft 1900D aircraft and will record a gain in the quarter ended
June 30, 2008 of approximately $7.5 million. In connection with these negotiations and in
preparation for marketing the remaining 20 Beechcraft 1900D aircraft during the second quarter, the
Company concluded that the fair value of the remaining 20 aircraft was less then the carrying value
and therefore recorded an impairment charge of $9.1 million during the quarter ended March 31,
2008. The impairment charge is included within loss from discontinued operations in the statement
of operations.
3. Segment Reporting
SFAS No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information, requires
disclosures related to components of a company for which separate financial information is
available that is evaluated regularly by a companys chief operating decision maker in deciding the
allocation of resources and assessing performance. The Company has three airline operating
subsidiaries, Mesa Airlines, Freedom Airlines and Air Midwest, as well as various other
subsidiaries organized to provide support for the Companys airline operations. The Company has
aggregated these subsidiaries into three reportable segments: Mesa Airlines / Freedom, go! and
Other. Operating revenues in the Other segment consist primarily of sales of rotable and expendable
parts to the Companys operating subsidiaries and ground handling services performed by employees
of RAS for Mesa Airlines. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company committed to a plan to
sell Air Midwest or certain assets thereof. Air Midwest consists of Beechcraft 1900D turboprop
operations, which includes our independent Mesa operations and Midwest Airlines and US Airways
code-share operations. As such, the assets and liabilities and results of operations associated
with Air Midwest are not included within the segment information table below, and go! is presented
independently for all periods presented.
Mesa Airlines and Freedom Airlines provide passenger service under revenue-guarantee contracts
with United Airlines, Inc. (United), Delta Air Lines, Inc. (Delta) and US Airways, Inc. (US
Airways). As of March 31, 2008, Mesa Airlines and Freedom Airlines operated a fleet of 158
aircraft 108 CRJs, 34 ERJs and 16 Dash-8s.
go! provides independent inter-island Hawaiian passenger service where revenue is derived from
ticket sales. As of March 31, 2008, go! operated a fleet of 5 CRJ-200 aircraft.
The Other reportable segment includes Mesa Air Group (the holding company), RAS, MPD, MAG-AIM,
MAGI, Nilchii and Ritz Hotel Management Corp., all of which support Mesas operating subsidiaries.
Activity in the Other category consists primarily of sales of rotable and expendable parts and
ground handling services to the Companys operating subsidiaries, but also includes all
administrative functions not directly attributable to any specific operating company. These
administrative costs are allocated to the operating companies based upon specific criteria
including headcount, available seat miles (ASMs) and other operating statistics.
8
Table of Contents
Three Months Ended | Mesa/ | |||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2008 (000s) | Freedom | go! | Other | Eliminations | Total | |||||||||||||||
Total net operating revenues |
$ | 312,984 | $ | 7,185 | $ | 49,461 | $ | (49,301 | ) | $ | 320,329 | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
8,403 | 555 | 811 | | 9,769 | |||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
3,549 | (8,302 | ) | 39,092 | (6,663 | ) | 27,676 | |||||||||||||
Interest expense |
(7,689 | ) | | (2,175 | ) | 145 | (9,719 | ) | ||||||||||||
Interest income |
1,127 | 41 | 896 | (145 | ) | 1,919 | ||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income tax |
(290 | ) | (8,258 | ) | 44,231 | (6,663 | ) | 29,020 | ||||||||||||
Income tax provision (benefit) |
619 | (5,157 | ) | 20,886 | (4,791 | ) | 11,557 | |||||||||||||
Total assets |
1,384,422 | 16,453 | 595,692 | (868,803 | ) | 1,127,764 | ||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures
(including non-cash) |
22 | 366 | 767 | | 1,155 | |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Mesa/ | |||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2007 (000s) | Freedom | go! | Other | Eliminations | Total | |||||||||||||||
Total net operating revenues |
$ | 292,141 | $ | 5,570 | $ | 65,538 | $ | (66,934 | ) | $ | 296,315 | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
8,160 | 598 | 1,088 | | $ | 9,846 | ||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
(19,674 | ) | (3,858 | ) | 9,298 | (9,250 | ) | (23,484 | ) | |||||||||||
Interest expense |
(6,489 | ) | | (2,347 | ) | 147 | (8,689 | ) | ||||||||||||
Interest income |
2,781 | 33 | 1,225 | (146 | ) | 3,893 | ||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income tax |
(27,688 | ) | (3,824 | ) | 4,372 | (9,248 | ) | (36,388 | ) | |||||||||||
Income tax provision (benefit) |
(10,465 | ) | (1,445 | ) | 1,652 | (3,496 | ) | (13,754 | ) | |||||||||||
Total assets |
1,364,582 | 10,952 | 536,066 | (746,398 | ) | 1,165,202 | ||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures
(including non-cash) |
1,561 | 21 | 5,462 | | 7,044 | |||||||||||||||
Six Months Ended | Mesa/ | |||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2008 (000s) | Freedom | go! | Other | Eliminations | Total | |||||||||||||||
Total net operating revenues |
$ | 633,773 | $ | 13,352 | $ | 106,418 | $ | (106,622 | ) | $ | 646,921 | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
16,622 | 1,080 | 1,654 | $ | | 19,356 | ||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
8,874 | (14,884 | ) | 48,002 | (14,239 | ) | 27,753 | |||||||||||||
Interest expense |
(15,154 | ) | | (4,541 | ) | 295 | (19,400 | ) | ||||||||||||
Interest income |
2,947 | 73 | 1,794 | (295 | ) | 4,519 | ||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income tax |
3,073 | (14,805 | ) | 50,838 | (14,239 | ) | 24,867 | |||||||||||||
Income tax provision (benefit) |
1,256 | (6,051 | ) | 20,776 | (5,819 | ) | 10,162 | |||||||||||||
Total assets |
1,384,422 | 16,453 | 595,692 | (868,803 | ) | 1,127,764 | ||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures
(including non-cash) |
6,845 | 366 | 3,846 | | 11,057 | |||||||||||||||
Six Months Ended | Mesa/ | |||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2007 (000s) | Freedom | go! | Other | Eliminations | Total | |||||||||||||||
Total net operating revenues |
$ | 620,328 | $ | 12,285 | $ | 121,985 | $ | (124,751 | ) | $ | 629,847 | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
16,844 | 1,102 | 2,209 | | 20,155 | |||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
2,191 | (5,803 | ) | 16,765 | (16,822 | ) | (3,669 | ) | ||||||||||||
Interest expense |
(14,087 | ) | | (4,742 | ) | 296 | (18,533 | ) | ||||||||||||
Interest income |
5,831 | 87 | 2,802 | (294 | ) | 8,426 | ||||||||||||||
Income
(loss) before income tax |
(9,859 | ) | (5,713 | ) | 10,644 | (16,821 | ) | (21,749 | ) | |||||||||||
Income tax provision (benefit) |
(3,457 | ) | (2,188 | ) | 4,116 | (6,472 | ) | (8,001 | ) | |||||||||||
Total assets |
1,364,582 | 10,952 | 536,066 | (746,398 | ) | 1,165,202 | ||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures
(including non-cash) |
28,325 | 204 | 8,972 | | 37,501 | |||||||||||||||
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4. Marketable Securities
The Company has a cash management program that provides for the investment of excess cash
balances primarily in short-term money market instruments, US treasury securities,
intermediate-term debt instruments, and common equity securities of companies operating in the
airline industry.
SFAS No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, requires
that all applicable investments be classified as trading securities, available for sale securities
or held-to-maturity securities. As of March 31, 2008, the Company had $13.9 million in marketable
securities that include US Treasury notes, government bonds and corporate bonds. These investments
are classified as trading securities during the periods presented and accordingly, are carried at
market value with changes in value reflected in the current period operations. Unrealized losses
relating to trading securities held at March 31, 2008 and September 30, 2007, were $0.6 million and
$3.8 million, respectively. During the quarter ended March 31, 2008, unrealized losses on
marketable securities totaled $(0.4)million and are included within other income (expense) in the
condensed consolidated statements of operations.
5. Restricted Cash
At March 31, 2008, the Company had $102.8 million in restricted cash. On October 30, 2007, the
United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Hawaii (the Bankruptcy Court) found that the
Company had violated the terms of a Confidentiality Agreement with Hawaiian Airlines and awarded
Hawaiian $80.0 million in damages and ordered the Company to pay Hawaiians cost of litigation,
reasonable attorneys fees and interest. The Company filed a notice of appeal to this ruling in
November 2007, however the Company was required to post a $90.0 million bond, which is included in
current assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheet, as security for the judgment amount by
placing such amount with a surety acceptable to the Bankruptcy Court pending the outcome of this
litigation. See Note 14 Subsequent Events, regarding the settlement with Hawaiian and the
distribution of the $90 million in restricted cash.
The Company has an agreement with a financial institution for a $15.0 million letter of credit
facility and to issue letters of credit for landing fees, workers compensation insurance and other
business needs. Pursuant to the agreement, $12.8 million of outstanding letters of credit are
required to be collateralized by amounts on deposit.
6. Investment in Kunpeng Airlines
The Company accounts for its investment in the Kunpeng Airlines (Kunpeng) joint venture with
Shenzhen Airlines (Shenzhen) using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method, the
Company adjusts the carrying amount of its investment for its share of the earnings or losses. The
Companys beneficial ownership percentage is 44%, after taking into consideration the 5% interest
held for the exclusive benefit of an unaffiliated third party. In general, the Company would record
44% of the income or loss of Kunpeng, except that the parties have agreed to share losses according
to their respective percentage ownership, with Mesas exposure capped at a percentage of the gross
revenues of Kunpeng that is materially below its percentage ownership interest. For the six months
ended March 31, 2008, the amount of the loss recorded by Mesa was less than its relative ownership
percentage as a result of this provision. To the extent that prior years losses are carried forward
by Shenzhen as a result of this provision, the profit of the current year shall first be used to
cover the additional loss that was previously born by Shenzhen from any prior year.
In addition to our joint venture interest in Kunpeng Airlines, the Company currently subleases
five regional jets to Kunpeng. Total sublease revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 was
$1.1 million. At March 31, 2008, the Company had gross receivables from Kunpeng of approximately
$3.4 million.
7. Concentrations
The Company has code-share agreements with Delta, US Airways and United. Approximately 98.6%
of the Companys consolidated passenger revenue for the three month period ended March 31, 2008 was
derived from these agreements. Accounts receivable from the Companys code-share partners were
30.7% and 42.0% of total gross accounts receivable at March 31, 2008 and September 30, 2007,
respectively.
Amounts billed by the Company under revenue guarantee arrangements are subject to our
interpretation of the applicable code-share agreement, and are subject to audit by our code-share
partners. Periodically our code-share partners dispute amounts billed and pay amounts less than
the amount billed. Ultimate collection of the remaining amounts not only depends upon Mesa
prevailing under
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audit, but also upon the financial well-being of the code-share partner. As such, the Company
periodically reviews amounts past due and records a reserve for amounts estimated to be
uncollectible. The Companys allowance for doubtful accounts was $6.4 million and $5.6 million at
March 31, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively.
US Airways accounted for approximately 47.7% of the Companys total passenger revenue in the
three month period ended March 31, 2008. A termination of the US Airways revenue-guarantee
code-share agreements would have a material adverse effect on the Companys business prospects,
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
United accounted for approximately 28.3% of the Companys total passenger revenue in the three
month period ended March 31, 2008. A termination of the United agreement would have a material
adverse effect on the Companys business prospects, financial condition, results of operations and
cash flows.
Delta accounted for approximately 22.6% of the Companys total passenger revenue in the three
month period ended March 31, 2008. A termination of the Delta agreement would have a material
adverse effect on the Companys business prospects, financial condition, results of operations and
cash flows. See further discussion regarding the current status of Mesas operating agreement with
Delta in Note 13.
8. Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consisted of the following:
March 31, | September 30, | |||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||
Notes payable to bank, collateralized by the underlying aircraft, due 2019 |
$ | 299,378 | $ | 309,646 | ||||
Senior convertible notes due June 2023 (1) |
37,834 | 37,834 | ||||||
Senior convertible notes due February 2024 (2) |
77,802 | 100,000 | ||||||
Notes payable to manufacturer, principal and interest due monthly through
2011, interest at LIBOR plus 1.8% (7.04% at September 31, 2007),
collateralized by the underlying aircraft |
28,966 | 30,544 | ||||||
Note payable to financial institution due 2013, principal and interest
due monthly at 7% per annum through 2008 converting to 12.5% thereafter,
collateralized by the underlying aircraft |
20,621 | 21,384 | ||||||
Notes payable to financial institution, principal and interest due
monthly through 2022, interest at LIBOR plus 2.25% (7.57% at September
30, 2007), collateralized by the underlying aircraft |
115,173 | 117,609 | ||||||
Notes payable to financial institution, principal and interest due
monthly through 2012, interest at 8.3% per annum, collateralized by the
underlying aircraft |
13,383 | 14,167 | ||||||
Mortgage note payable to bank, principal and interest at 7.5% due monthly
through 2009 |
814 | 837 | ||||||
Other |
109 | 104 | ||||||
Total debt |
594,080 | 632,125 | ||||||
Less current portion |
(149,043 | ) | (70,179 | ) | ||||
Long-term debt |
$ | 445,037 | $ | 561,946 | ||||
(1) | In the event that the holders of these notes exercise their right to require the Company to repurchase the notes on June 16, 2008 at a price of $397.27 per note the Put Right, the Company could be obligated to pay $37.8 million in fiscal 2008. The Company may pay the purchase price of such notes in cash, common stock, or a combination thereof. Subsequent to March 31, 2008, the holders of these notes entered into forbearance agreements with the Company whereby the holders agreed to defer their Put Rights until January 31, 2009 with respect to 75% in aggregate principal amount of notes held by such persons. See further discussion in Note 14. | |
(2) | In the event that the holders of these notes exercise their right to require the Company to repurchase the notes on February 10, 2009 at a price of $583.40 per note, the Company could be obligated to pay $77.8 million in fiscal 2009. The Company may pay the purchase price of such notes in cash, common stock, or a combination thereof. |
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During the three months ended March 31, 2008, the Company purchased certain senior convertible
notes due February 2024, with a carrying value of approximately $22.2 million, on the open market.
This debt was purchased at a significant discount, and resulted in a gain, net of broker fees, of
approximately $7.4 million, and is included within other income (expense) in the condensed
consolidated statements of operations.
9. Earnings (loss) Per Share
The Company accounts for earnings (loss) per share in accordance with SFAS No. 128, Earnings
per Share. Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average
number of common shares outstanding during the periods presented. Diluted net income per share
reflects the potential dilution that could occur if outstanding stock options and warrants were
exercised. In addition, dilutive convertible securities are included in the denominator while
interest on convertible debt, net of tax, is added back to the numerator. A reconciliation of the
numerator and denominator used in computing net income (loss) per share is as follows:
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
March 31, | March 31, | |||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||||||||
(In thousands) | (In thousands) | |||||||||||||||
Share calculation: |
||||||||||||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding basic |
26,928 | 31,999 | 27,756 | 32,825 | ||||||||||||
Effect of dilutive outstanding stock options and warrants |
* | * | * | * | ||||||||||||
Effect of restricted stock |
* | * | * | * | ||||||||||||
Effect of dilutive outstanding convertible debt |
9,167 | * | 9,167 | * | ||||||||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding diluted |
36,095 | 31,999 | 36,923 | 32,825 | ||||||||||||
Adjustments to net income (loss): |
||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) from continuing operations |
$ | 17,463 | $ | (22,634 | ) | $ | 14,705 | $ | (13,748 | ) | ||||||
Interest expense on convertible debt, net of tax |
916 | * | 1,874 | * | ||||||||||||
Adjusted net income (loss) from continuing operations |
$ | 18,379 | $ | (22,634 | ) | $ | 16,579 | $ | (13,748 | ) | ||||||
* | Excluded from the calculation of dilutive earnings per share because the effect would have been antidilutive. |
Options to purchase 3,276,917 and 717,639 shares of common stock were outstanding during the
quarters ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, but were excluded from the calculation of
dilutive earnings per share because the options exercise prices were greater than the average
market price of the common shares and, therefore, the effect would have been antidilutive.
10. Stock Repurchase Program
The Companys Board of Directors has authorized the Company to purchase up to 29.4 million
shares of the Companys outstanding common stock. As of March 31, 2008, the Company has acquired
and retired approximately 17.9 million shares of its outstanding common stock at an aggregate cost
of approximately $113.7 million, leaving approximately 11.5 million shares available for purchase
under the current Board authorizations. Purchases are made at managements discretion based on
market conditions and the Companys financial resources.
The Company repurchased the following shares for $6.8 million during the six months ended
March 31, 2008:
Cumulative Number | Maximum | |||||||||||||||
of Shares Purchased | Number of | |||||||||||||||
as As Part of | Shares that May | |||||||||||||||
Total Number of | Average Price | Publicly Announced | Yet be Purchased | |||||||||||||
Period | Shares Purchased | Paid per Share | Plan | Under the Plan | ||||||||||||
November 2007
|
203,377 | $ | 3.37 | 16,104,562 | 13,317,699 | |||||||||||
December 2007
|
1,129,992 | $ | 3.71 | 17,234,554 | 12,187,707 | |||||||||||
January 2008
|
718,049 | $ | 2.78 | 17,952,603 | 11,469,658 |
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11. Bankruptcy Settlement
In the quarter ended March 31, 2007, the Company received 1,935 shares of US Airways common
stock from its bankruptcy claim against US Airways, Inc. prior to its merger with America West
Airlines (Pre-Merger US Airways). The Company sold the stock for $26,780. In the six months
ended March 31, 2007, the Company received approximately 41,000 shares of US Airways common stock
from its bankruptcy claim against Pre-Merger US Airways. The Company sold the stock for
approximately $2.1 million.
12. Stock-Based Compensation
Stock based compensation expense is calculated by estimating the fair value of stock options
and restricted stock at the time of grant and amortizing the fair value over the vesting period.
The following amounts were recognized for stock-based compensation:
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
March 31, | March 31, | |||||||||||||||
(In Thousands) | (In Thousands) | |||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation |
$ | 195 | $ | 668 | $ | 479 | $ | 1,369 | ||||||||
13. Commitments and Contingencies
In connection with a June 2007 agreement modifying certain Canadair Regional Jet purchase
obligations, the Company committed to purchase 10 new CRJ-700 NextGen aircraft, with deliveries
scheduled to begin in September 2008. In conjunction with this purchase agreement, Mesa had
$6.5 million on deposit with Bombardier Regional Aircraft Agreement (BRAD) that was included in
lease and equipment deposits at March 31, 2008. The remaining deposits are expected to be returned
upon completion of permanent financing on each of the ten aircraft.
In January 1997, we entered into a 10-year engine maintenance contract with General Electric
Aircraft Engines (GE) for CRJ-200 aircraft engines. The agreement, which covers 66 GE CF34-3B1
jet engines operated by the Company, was most recently amended in the third quarter of fiscal 2007.
The amended contract provided for a one-time payment, equal monthly payments for the remainder of
the contracts term and sets out a reduced base rate hourly fee.
During the second quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company amended a five-year heavy equipment
maintenance agreement with a vendor. The agreement provides a rebate based upon annual volumes up
to $10.0 million over the next five years. The agreement also
includes penalties in the event our annual volumes fall below certain levels. The maximum
penalty possible would be $19.0 million if our annual volumes were zero for all five years.
In April 2000, the Company entered into a 10-year engine maintenance contract with Rolls-Royce
Allison (Rolls-Royce) for its Embraer (ERJ) aircraft. The contract requires Mesa to pay
Rolls-Royce for the engine overhaul upon completion of the maintenance based upon a fixed dollar
amount per flight hour. The rate per flight hour is based upon certain operational assumptions and
may vary if the engines are operated differently than these assumptions. The rate is also subject
to escalation based on changes in certain price indices. The agreement with Rolls-Royce also
contains a termination clause and look back provision to provide for any shortfall between the cost
of maintenance incurred by the provider and the amount paid up to the termination date by the
Company and includes a 15% penalty on such amount. The Company does not anticipate an early
termination under the contract.
In connection with a Master Purchase Agreement between the Company and Bombardier, Inc.
(Bombardier) certain payments totaling $18.7 million are required to be repaid to Bombardier
during the six years ending fiscal 2014.
On January 9, 2007, Aloha Airlines filed suit against the Company in the United States
District Court for the District of Hawaii. The complaint seeks damages and injunctive relief. Aloha
alleges that Mesas inter-island air fares are below cost and that Mesa is, therefore, violating
specific provisions of the Sherman Act and alleges breach of contract and fraud by Mesa in
connection with two confidentiality agreements, one entered into in 2005 and the other in 2006.
Mesa denies any attempt at monopolization of the inter-
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island market and further denies any
improper use of the data furnished by Aloha while Mesa was considering a bid for Aloha during its
bankruptcy. The case is in the early stages of discovery and a firm trial date has not been
scheduled by the court.
In accordance with the terms our joint venture agreement with Shenzhen, we are obligated to
contribute an additional RMB 196,000,000 (approximately $28.0 million at March 31, 2008) to Kunpeng
in accordance with Kunpengs operational requirements as determined by Kunpengs board of
directors, but in any event, on or before May 16, 2009. We are in preliminary discussions
regarding the possibility of selling the Companys interest in the joint venture to Shenzhen
Airlines.
On March 28, 2008 Delta notified the Company of its intent to terminate the Delta Connection
Agreement among Delta, the Company, and the Companys wholly owned subsidiary, Freedom Airlines,
Inc., alleging failure to maintain a specified completion rate with respect to its ERJ-145 Delta
Connection flights during three months of the six-month period ended February, 2008. Following
Deltas termination notification, the Company filed a Complaint on April 7, 2008 in the United
States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia (the Court) seeking declaratory and
injunctive relief. An evidentiary hearing was conducted on May 27 through May 29, 2008. Following
the hearing, the Court ruled in the Companys favor and issued a preliminary injunction against
Delta.
The effect of this ruling is to prohibit Delta from terminating the Delta Connection Agreement
covering the ERJ-145 aircraft operated by Freedom, based on Freedoms completion rate prior to
April, 2008, pending a final trial at a date to be determined by the Court. Delta has the right to
appeal the Courts decision on the issuance of a preliminary injunction, and Delta has announced
publicly that it intends to file an appeal. The Company is in discussions with Delta regarding
various issues concerning the ERJ-145 Delta Connection Agreement.
Prior to the Courts ruling, Delta planned to remove from service a significant portion of the
aircraft in early June 2008 and all aircraft in July 2008 and forward. Delta did not immediately
reverse its plans based upon the Courts ruling. If Delta takes the position that the Connection
Agreement does not obligate it to keep the aircraft in service on a full time basis, the Company
will incur significant unreimbursed costs associated with the fleet of ERJ-145 aircraft. We
believe that Delta is obligated to schedule the aircraft and compensate us accordingly. We have
communicated this position to Delta and have been in discussion regarding issues concerning the
Connection Agreement. We cannot assure the outcome of these negotiations and whether or not the
outcome will materially adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.
The Company is also involved in various legal proceedings and FAA civil action proceedings
that the Company does not believe will have a material adverse effect upon its business, financial
condition or results of operations, although no assurance can be given to the ultimate outcome of
any such proceedings.
14. Subsequent Events
On April 30, 2008, the Company reached a settlement of its suit with Hawaiian. Under the
terms of the settlement and without admitting any wrongdoing, Mesa received $37.5 million from the
bond it previously posted with the United States Bankruptcy Court
for the District of Hawaii. Hawaiian Airlines retained the remaining collateral of the bond
totaling $52.5 million. This settlement did not restrict in any way go!s ability to continue to
offer services in the Hawaiian inter-island market. As a result of this settlement, the Company
adjusted the contingent liability recorded in fiscal 2007 and recorded a gain of $34.1 million at
March 31, 2008 to reflect the amount ultimately paid.
On March 28, 2008 Delta notified the Company of its intent to terminate the Delta Connection
Agreement among Delta, the Company, and the Companys wholly owned subsidiary, Freedom Airlines,
Inc., alleging failure to maintain a specified completion rate with respect to its ERJ-145 Delta
Connection flights during three months of the six-month period ended February, 2008. Following
Deltas termination notification, the Company filed a Complaint on April 7, 2008 in the United
States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia seeking declaratory and injunctive
relief. An evidentiary hearing was conducted on May 27 through May 29, 2008. Following the
hearing, the Court ruled in the Companys favor and issued a preliminary injunction against Delta.
The effect of this ruling is to prohibit Delta from terminating the Delta Connection Agreement
covering the ERJ-145 aircraft operated by Freedom, based on Freedoms completion rate prior to
April, 2008, pending a final trial at a date to be determined by the Court. Delta has the right to
appeal the Courts decision on the issuance of a preliminary injunction, and Delta has announced
publicly that it intends to file an appeal. The Company is in discussions with Delta regarding
various issues concerning the ERJ-145 Delta Connection Agreement.
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Prior to the Courts ruling, Delta planned to remove from service a significant portion of the
aircraft in early June 2008 and all aircraft in July 2008 and forward. Delta did not immediately
reverse its plans based upon the Courts ruling. If Delta takes the position that the Connection
Agreement does not obligate it to keep the aircraft in service on a full time basis, the Company
will incur significant unreimbursed costs associated with the fleet of ERJ-145 aircraft. We
believe that Delta is obligated to schedule the aircraft on a full time basis and compensate us
accordingly. We have communicated this position to Delta and have been in discussion regarding
issues concerning the Connection Agreement. We cannot assure the outcome of these negotiations and
whether or not the outcome will materially adversely affect our financial condition or results of
operations.
On May 20, 2008, the Companys board of directors approved separate agreements reached by the
Company with certain of the holders of its Senior Convertible Notes due 2023 (the Notes). As
previously disclosed in the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, holders
of the Notes had the right to require the Company to repurchase the Notes on June 16, 2008 (the
Put) at a price of $397.27 per $1,000 note (the Put Price) plus any accrued and unpaid cash
interest. If all of the holders of the Notes had exercised this right, the Company would have been
required to repurchase the Notes for approximately $37.8 million in cash, common stock, or a
combination thereof.
Under the terms of these separate agreements, holders holding approximately $77.8 million in
aggregate principal amount of the Notes (representing approximately 82% of the aggregate principal
amount of Notes outstanding) have agreed to forbear from exercising their Put right with respect to
75% in aggregate principal amount of Notes owned by such holders (i.e., $23.2 million of the $37.8
million subject to the Put). In consideration for such agreement, the Company agreed to purchase
25% in aggregate principal amount of such holders Notes at a purchase price equal to 75% of the
Put Price and the right to require the Company to repurchase such Notes on January 31, 2009. The
put price payable on January 31, 2009 will also be payable in cash, common stock, or a combination
thereof, at the Companys election. The Companys aggregate payment obligation with respect to such
purchased Notes was approximately $6.0 million including accrued and unpaid interest which was paid
on or before May 27, 2008. In consideration for such forbearance, the Company also agreed to issue
to such holders two-year warrants to purchase 25,000 shares of common stock for each $1 million in
aggregate principal amount of Notes deferred (or an aggregate of approximately 1.46 million shares
of common stock). The warrants have a per share exercise price of $1.00, will contain anti-dilution
protection for major corporate events, such as stock splits and stock dividends, and will not be
exercisable to the extent the exercise thereof would cause the holder to beneficially own greater
than 4.99% of the Companys outstanding capital stock.
On May 12, 2008, the Company reached a settlement agreement with MAIR Holdings, Inc., the
parent company of Big Sky Airlines (Big Sky), in relation to the early return of ten
(10) Beechcraft 1900D aircraft leased to Big Sky following Big Skys announcement that it was
ceasing operations and liquidating its assets. Pursuant to the settlement agreement, Mesa received
$1.5 million from Big Sky and has retained Big Skys security deposits and special supplemental
rent. The net gain on this settlement will be recorded in the third quarter.
On May 16, 2008, the Company sold fourteen (14) of its 34 Beechcraft 1900D aircraft to
Raytheon Aircraft Company and Raytheon Aircraft Credit Corporation (collectively Raytheon)
pursuant to an agreement reached between the parties regarding such planes. The Company sold the
aircraft as is, made a payment of $500,000, and in return Raytheon eliminated approximately $28
million of
long-term debt due to Raytheon associated with such aircraft. This transaction resulted in a net
gain of $7.5 million, which will be recorded in the third quarter.
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The following discussion and analysis provides information which management believes is
relevant to an assessment and understanding of the Companys results of operations and financial
condition. The discussion should be read in conjunction with the Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements and the related notes thereto.
Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains certain statements including, but not limited to,
information regarding the replacement, deployment, and acquisition of certain numbers and types of
aircraft, and projected expenses associated therewith; costs of compliance with Federal Aviation
Administration regulations and other rules and acts of Congress; the passing of taxes, fuel costs,
inflation, and various expenses to the consumer; the relocation of certain operations of Mesa; the
resolution of litigation in a favorable manner and certain projected financial obligations. These
statements, in addition to statements made in conjunction with the words expect, anticipate,
intend, plan, believe, seek, estimate, and similar expressions, are forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the Safe Harbor provision of Section 27A of the
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Securities Act of
1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These
statements relate to future events or the future financial performance of Mesa and only reflect
managements expectations and estimates. The following is a list of factors, among others, that
could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements: changing
business conditions in certain market segments and industries; changes in Mesas code-sharing
relationships; the inability of Delta Air Lines, US Airways or United Airlines to pay their
obligations under their respective code-share agreements; an increase in competition along the
routes Mesa operates or plans to operate; material delays in completion by the manufacturer of the
ordered and yet-to-be delivered aircraft; availability and cost of funds for financing new
aircraft; changes in general economic conditions; changes in fuel price; changes in regional
economic conditions; Mesas relationship with employees and the terms of future collective
bargaining agreements; the impact of current and future laws; additional terrorist attacks;
Congressional investigations, and governmental regulations affecting the airline industry and
Mesas operations; bureaucratic delays; amendments to existing legislation; consumers unwilling to
incur greater costs for flights; our ability to operate our new Hawaiian airline service
profitably; unfavorable resolution of legal proceedings involving Delta Air Lines regarding their
right to terminate our code share agreement with respect to our ERJ-145 Delta Connection flights;
unfavorable resolution of legal proceedings involving Aloha Airlines regarding our Hawaiian
operation; unfavorable resolution of negotiations with municipalities for the leasing of
facilities; and risks associated with the outcome of litigation. One or more of these or other
factors may cause Mesas actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement.
Mesa is not undertaking any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this
Form 10-Q.
All references to we, our, us, or Mesa refer to Mesa Air Group, Inc. and its
predecessors, direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliates.
GENERAL
The following discussion and analysis provides information that management believes is
relevant to an assessment and understanding of the Companys results of operations and financial
condition for the periods presented. The discussion should be read in conjunction with the
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes thereto, contained elsewhere in
this Form 10-Q.
Discontinued Operations
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company committed to a plan to sell Air Midwest or
certain assets thereof. Air Midwest consists of Beechcraft 1900D turboprop operations, which
includes our independent Mesa operations and Midwest Airlines and US Airways code-share operations.
In connection with this decision, the Company began soliciting bids for the sale of the twenty
Beechcraft 1900D aircraft in operation and began to take the necessary steps to exit the Essential
Air Service (EAS) markets that it serves, and expects to be out of all EAS markets by June 30,
2008. All assets and liabilities, results of operations, and other financial and operational data
associated with these assets have been presented in the accompanying consolidated financial
statements as
discontinued operations separate from continuing operations, unless otherwise noted. For all
periods presented, we reclassified operating results of the Air Midwest turboprop operation to loss
from discontinued operations.
Executive Overview
The second quarter of fiscal 2008 marked a number of milestones and challenges for us.
| The Company placed into service three additional 76-seat CRJ-900 regional jets at Freedom Airlines, bringing the total to five, flying for Delta as Delta Connection. Freedom is contracted to take delivery of a total of 14 such aircraft. | ||
| The Company grew its go! operations in Hawaii, substantially increasing the number of flights in April 2008. | ||
| The Company grew its Chinese joint venture, Kunpeng Airlines, delivering one additional CRJ-200 to the joint venture in the second quarter. Five aircraft were in operation in the quarter, flying primarily out of a hub in Xian, China. | ||
| On March 28, 2008, Delta Air Lines, Inc. (Delta) notified the Company of its intent to terminate the Delta Connection Agreement with respect to its ERJ-145 Delta Connection flights among Delta, the Company, and the Companys wholly-owned subsidiary, Freedom Airlines, Inc. (Freedom), dated as of May 3, 2005. Delta seeks to terminate the Connection Agreement as a result of Freedoms alleged failure to maintain a specified completion rate with respect to its Delta Connection flights during three months of the six-month period ended February 2008. |
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Recent Developments
The following material events occurred following the completion of our 2nd fiscal quarter:
Following Deltas termination notification on March 28, 2008, as discussed above, the Company
filed a Complaint on April 7, 2008 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of
Georgia seeking declaratory and injunctive relief. On May 29, 2008 the Court ruled in the
Companys favor and issued an injunction against Delta.
On April 30, 2008, the Company reached a settlement with Hawaiian Airlines concerning the
lawsuit over Mesas flight services operated under the go! brand name. Under the terms of the
settlement, Mesa received $37.5 million from the bond the Company previously posted with the United
States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Hawaii and Hawaiian Airlines was entitled to the
remaining collateral under the bond of $52.5 million.
Fleet
Aircraft in Operation at March 31, 2008:
Type of Aircraft | ||||
CRJ-200/100 Regional Jet |
50 | |||
CRJ-700 Regional Jet |
20 | |||
CRJ-900 Regional Jet |
43 | |||
Embraer 145 Regional Jet |
34 | |||
Beechcraft 1900D (A) |
15 | |||
Dash-8 |
16 | |||
Total |
178 | |||
(A) | These aircraft are associated with Air Midwest and are included within assets of discontinued operations. |
Summary of Financial Results
The Company recorded a consolidated net income from continuing operations of $17.5 million in
the second quarter of fiscal 2008, representing diluted earnings per share from continuing
operations of $0.51. This compares to a consolidated net loss from continuing operations of
$22.6 million or $(0.71) per diluted share in the second quarter of fiscal 2007.
Approximately 99% of our passenger revenue in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 was associated
with revenue-guarantee code-share agreements. Under the terms of our revenue-guarantee agreements,
our major carrier partner controls the marketing, scheduling, ticketing, pricing and seat
inventories. Our role is simply to operate our fleet in the safest and most reliable manner in
exchange for fees paid under a generally fixed payment schedule. We receive a guaranteed payment
based upon a fixed minimum monthly amount plus amounts related to departures and block hours flown
in addition to direct reimbursement of expenses such as fuel, landing fees and insurance. Among
other advantages, revenue-guarantee arrangements reduce our exposure to fluctuations in passenger
traffic and fare levels, as well as fuel prices. In the second quarter of fiscal 2008,
approximately 94% of our fuel purchases were reimbursed under revenue-guarantee code-share
agreements.
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The following tables set forth quarterly comparisons for the periods indicated below (for
continuing operations):
OPERATING DATA
Operating Data | Operating Data | ||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31, | Six Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||||||||||||
Passengers |
3,266,626 | 3,874,593 | 6,854,918 | 7,758,677 | |||||||||||||||
Available seat miles (ASM) (000s) |
1,984,190 | 2,215,432 | 4,104,419 | 4,520,019 | |||||||||||||||
Revenue passenger miles (000s) |
1,429,186 | 1,656,945 | 2,980,016 | 3,351,718 | |||||||||||||||
Load factor |
72.0 | % | 74.8 | % | 72.6 | % | 74.2 | % | |||||||||||
Yield per revenue passenger mile (cents) |
0.22 | 0.18 | 0.22 | 0.19 | |||||||||||||||
Revenue per ASM (cents) |
0.16 | 0.13 | 0.16 | 0.14 | |||||||||||||||
Operating cost per ASM (cents) |
0.15 | 0.14 | 0.15 | 0.14 | |||||||||||||||
Average stage length (miles) |
401.0 | 389.1 | 399.4 | 393.1 | |||||||||||||||
Number of operating aircraft in fleet |
178 | 201 | 178 | 201 | |||||||||||||||
Gallons of fuel consumed |
39,985,972 | 51,292,088 | 81,441,520 | 106,582,972 | |||||||||||||||
Block hours flown |
120,818 | 142,300 | 249,380 | 286,768 | |||||||||||||||
Departures |
78,173 | 94,820 | 163,160 | 190,854 |
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
Three Months Ended | Six Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
March 31, 2008 | March 31, 2008 | |||||||||||||||
Costs per | % of Total | Costs per | % of Total | |||||||||||||
ASM (cents) | Revenues | ASM (cents) | Revenues | |||||||||||||
Flight operations |
$ | 4.50 | 27.8 | % | $ | 4.45 | 28.3 | % | ||||||||
Fuel |
$ | 5.99 | 37.1 | % | $ | 5.72 | 36.3 | % | ||||||||
Maintenance |
$ | 3.37 | 20.9 | % | $ | 3.38 | 21.5 | % | ||||||||
Aircraft and traffic servicing |
$ | 1.02 | 6.3 | % | $ | 0.97 | 6.2 | % | ||||||||
Promotion and sales |
$ | 0.05 | 0.3 | % | $ | 0.04 | 0.3 | % | ||||||||
General and administrative |
$ | 1.06 | 6.6 | % | $ | 0.88 | 5.6 | % | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
$ | 0.49 | 3.0 | % | $ | 0.47 | 3.0 | % | ||||||||
Total operating expenses |
$ | 14.75 | 91.4 | % | $ | 15.09 | 95.7 | % | ||||||||
Interest expense |
$ | (0.49 | ) | -3.0 | % | $ | (0.47 | ) | -3.0 | % | ||||||
Interest income |
$ | 0.10 | 0.6 | % | $ | 0.11 | 0.7 | % | ||||||||
Loss from equity method investment |
$ | (0.03 | ) | -0.2 | % | $ | (0.04 | ) | -0.2 | % | ||||||
Other income (expense) |
$ | 0.49 | 3.0 | % | $ | 0.33 | 2.1 | % |
Note: numbers in table may not recalculate due to rounding
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FINANCIAL DATA BY OPERATING SEGMENT
Segment Data | ||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Mesa/ | |||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2008 (000s) | Freedom | go! | Other | Elimination | Total | |||||||||||||||
Total net operating
revenues |
$ | 312,984 | $ | 7,185 | $ | 49,461 | $ | (49,301 | ) | $ | 320,329 | |||||||||
Total operating expenses |
309,435 | 15,487 | 10,369 | (42,638 | ) | 292,653 | ||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
$ | 3,549 | $ | (8,302 | ) | $ | 39,092 | $ | (6,663 | ) | $ | 27,676 | ||||||||
Three Months Ended | Mesa/ | |||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2007 (000s) | Freedom | go! | Other | Elimination | Total | |||||||||||||||
Total net operating
revenues |
$ | 292,141 | $ | 5,570 | $ | 65,538 | $ | (66,934 | ) | $ | 296,315 | |||||||||
Total operating expenses |
311,815 | 9,428 | 56,240 | (57,684 | ) | 319,799 | ||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
$ | (19,674 | ) | $ | (3,858 | ) | $ | 9,298 | $ | (9,250 | ) | $ | (23,484 | ) | ||||||
Six Months Ended | Mesa/ | |||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2008 (000s) | Freedom | go! | Other | Elimination | Total | |||||||||||||||
Total net operating
revenues |
$ | 633,773 | $ | 13,352 | $ | 106,418 | $ | (106,622 | ) | $ | 646,921 | |||||||||
Total operating expenses |
624,899 | 28,236 | 58,416 | (92,383 | ) | 619,168 | ||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
$ | 8,874 | $ | (14,884 | ) | $ | 48,002 | $ | (14,239 | ) | $ | 27,753 | ||||||||
Six Months Ended | Mesa/ | |||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2007 (000s) | Freedom | go! | Other | Elimination | Total | |||||||||||||||
Total net operating
revenues |
$ | 620,328 | $ | 12,285 | $ | 121,985 | $ | (124,751 | ) | $ | 629,847 | |||||||||
Total operating expenses |
618,137 | 18,088 | 105,220 | (107,929 | ) | 633,516 | ||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) |
$ | 2,191 | $ | (5,803 | ) | $ | 16,765 | $ | (16,822 | ) | $ | (3,669 | ) | |||||||
RESULTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Quarter Ended March 31, 2008 Versus the Quarter Ended March 31, 2007
Operating Revenues
In the quarter ended March 31, 2008, net operating revenue increased $24.0 million, or 8.1%,
to $320.3 million from $296.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2007. Contract revenue
decreased $3.5 million or 1.1%, driven primarily by the elimination of our Delta Dash-8 operation
at JFK International Airport, which had contributed $9.4 million of revenue in the quarter ended
March 31, 2007. Operating revenues for go! increased $1.3 million as a result of an increase in
average fares. Freight and other revenue increased by approximately $1.0 million primarily due to
sublease income from our Chinese joint venture. Net operating revenue in the quarter ended March
31, 2007 was negatively impacted by a ($25.3) million charge for impairment of contract incentives.
Operating Expenses
Flight Operations
In the quarter ended March 31, 2008, flight operations expense decreased $6.3 million, or
6.6%, to $89.2 million from $95.5 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2007. On an ASM basis,
flight operations expense increased 4.3% to 4.5 cents per ASM in the quarter ended March 31, 2008
from 4.3 cents per ASM in the quarter ended March 31, 2007. Due to certain fixed components
included within flight operations, the Company was not able to reduce expenses at the same rate as
ASMs decreased, resulting in the inverse relationship between the expense decrease and the
increase on a per ASM basis. The decrease is primarily driven by a $3.5
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million decrease in wages
and employee related expenses. Additionally, there was a net $2.7 million decrease in aircraft and
aircraft related lease expense due to a decrease in the number of aircraft in operation
year-over-year as well as a shift of aircraft types within our fleet.
Fuel
In the quarter ended March 31, 2008, fuel expense increased by $17.8 million or 17.6%, to
$118.8 million from $101.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2007. On an ASM basis, fuel
expense increased 31.3% to 6.0 cents per ASM in the quarter ended March 31, 2008 from 4.6 cents per
ASM in the quarter ended March 31, 2007. Average fuel cost per gallon increased $0.99, to an
average of $3.02 for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 from an average of $2.03 per gallon for the
quarter ended March 31, 2007. The cost per gallon increase resulted in a $37.7 million unfavorable
price variance, of which $1.6 million related to go!. The unfavorable price variance was partially
offset by a decrease in the gallons of fuel purchased in the quarter ended March 31, 2008, which
resulted in a $20.0 million favorable volume variance. The volume decrease is primarily due to a
new direct supply agreement with United Airlines at five large stations. In the quarter ended March
31, 2008, approximately 95% of our fuel costs were reimbursed by our code-share partners.
In most cases under our code-share arrangements, the Company is contractually responsible for
procuring the fuel necessary to conduct its operations, and fuel costs are then passed through to
code-share partners via weekly invoicing. The United code-share agreement contains an option that
allows United to assume the contractual responsibility for procuring and providing the fuel
necessary to operate the flights that Mesa operates for United. United exercised this option at
five of the stations we operate, and as a result we no longer incur fuel expense or recognize
related fuel pass-through revenue for these five United stations.
Maintenance
In the quarter ended March 31, 2008, maintenance expense increased $2.2 million, or 3.5%, to
$66.9 million from $64.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2007. On an ASM basis, maintenance
expense increased 15.5% to 3.4 cents per ASM in the quarter ended March 31, 2008 from 2.9 cents per
ASM in the quarter ended March 31, 2007. The increase in maintenance expense is primarily due to
an $10.3 million increase in engine maintenance, of which $6.2 million is related to power by the
hour maintenance contracts, $2.9 million for go! engines and $1.4 million in lease return related
maintenance. This increase was partially offset by a $4.9 million decrease in airframe maintenance
due to reduced c-check volume and a decrease in contract and non-routine maintenance.
Aircraft and Traffic Servicing
In the quarter ended March 31, 2008, aircraft and traffic servicing expense decreased by
$1.3 million, or 6.0%, to $20.3 million from $21.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2007. On
an ASM basis, aircraft and traffic servicing expense in the quarter ended March 31, 2008 remained
relatively unchanged at 1.0 cent per ASM as compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2007.
Approximately $1.8 million of this decrease is related to our code-share operations offset by an
increase of $0.4 million related to our go! operations.
Promotion and Sales
In the quarter ended March 31, 2008, promotion and sales expense remained relatively unchanged
at $0.9 million as compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2007. These expenses relate primarily to
our go! operations. We do not pay promotion and sales expenses under our regional jet
revenue-guarantee contracts.
General and Administrative
In the quarter ended March 31, 2008, general and administrative expense increased
$5.6 million, or 36.4%, to $21.0 million from $15.4 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2007.
The majority of this increase is attributable to a $3.1 million increase in bad debt expense, and
a $2.6 million increase in employee related expenses, primarily in the areas of employee benefits
and workers compensation. In addition, legal and other outside service expenses increased by
$0.7 million and $0.6 million, respectively. The increase in legal fees is primarily attributable
to litigation involving go!. The increase in outside services was due to increases in various
professional service fees. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in passenger
liability insurance of $1.4 million, due to a favorable rate change.
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Depreciation and Amortization
In the quarter ended March 31, 2008, depreciation and amortization expense remained relatively
unchanged at $9.8 million as compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2007. Although expenses
associated with aircraft rotables increased, this was offset by the cessation of depreciation on
fully depreciated equipment.
Settlement of Lawsuit
On October 30, 2007, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Hawaii found that
the Company had violated the terms of a confidentiality agreement with Hawaiian Airlines and
awarded Hawaiian $80.0 million in damages and ordered the Company to pay Hawaiians cost of
litigation, reasonable attorneys fees and interest. The Company filed a notice of appeal to this
ruling in November 2007 and posted a $90.0 million bond pending the outcome of this litigation. As
a result, the Company recorded $86.9 million as a charge to the statement of operations in the
fourth quarter of fiscal 2007. On April 29, 2008 the Company reached a settlement with Hawaiian
Airlines. While admitting no fault, the Company agreed to pay $52.5 million to Hawaiian Airlines.
As a result of the settlement, the Company recorded a $34.1 million credit to the statement of
sperations in the second quarter of fiscal 2008. The $34.1 million credit is net of $0.3 million
in fees incurred related to the bond. The balance sheet as of March 31, 2008 reflects the entire
$90 million bond as restricted cash.
Bankruptcy Settlements
In the quarter ended March 31, 2008, there was immaterial activity related to bankruptcy
settlements. In the quarter ended March 31, 2007, the Company received approximately 28,000 shares
of US Airways common stock as part of the Companys bankruptcy claim against Pre-Merger US Airways.
The Company sold these shares for $1.5 million.
Interest Expense
In the quarter ended March 31, 2008, interest expense increased $1.0 million, or 11.8%, to
$9.7 million from $8.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2007. This increase is primarily
attributable to the recognition of $0.7 million related to an interest rate cap agreement
associated with certain senior debt, and a $0.3 million increase in interest associated with our
CRJ-700s.
Interest Income
In the quarter ended March 31, 2008, interest income decreased $1.9 million, or 50.0%, to
$1.9 million from $3.9 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2007. The decrease in the Companys
interest income was due to a combination of lower interest rates and lower balances of cash, cash
equivalents, restricted cash and marketable securities. At March 31, 2008, the total balance of
cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and marketable securities was $158.1 million, which was
$40.0 million less than the $198.1 million balance at March 31, 2007.
Loss from Equity Method Investments
In the quarter ended March 31, 2008, loss from equity method investments decreased $3.0
million, or 85.6%, to a loss of $0.5 million from a loss of $3.5 million for the quarter ended
March 31, 2007. The decrease in losses is primarily due to recognizing a profit for our share of
our investment in a closely held airline related business in the quarter ended March 31, 2008;
while in the quarter ended March 31, 2007 we recognized a loss on such investment. This positive
variance was partially offset by a write-down of $0.8 million related to our investment in a
closely held emerging markets payment processing related business, due to the improbability of
recovering our investment. The aforementioned profit was also partially offset by the recognition
our share of losses on our investment in Kunpeng Airlines in the quarter ended March 31, 2008,
which did not begin revenue generating activities until the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007.
Other Income (Expense)
In the quarter ended March 31, 2008, other income increased $14.2 million to $9.7 million from
an expense of $4.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2007. The increase is primarily due to
net gain of approximately $7.4 million related to our purchase of certain senior convertible notes
due February 2024, at a significant discount. Additionally, there was a $4.4 million decrease in
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unrealized losses on investment securities and a $2.9 million increase on realized gains on sales
of investment securities. These positive variances were partially offset by a $0.5 million
write-down of certain payroll-related software.
Income Taxes
In the quarter ended March 31, 2008, our effective tax rate decreased to 39.8% from 39.3% for
the quarter ended March 31, 2007. The increase in our effective tax rate is primarily due to the
rate impact of current state taxes for stand-alone subsidiary filings in certain jurisdictions.
Six Months Ended March 31, 2008 Versus the Six Months Ended March 31, 2007
Operating Revenues
In the six months ended March 31, 2008, net operating revenue increased $17.1 million, or
2.7%, to $646.9 million from $629.8 million for the six months ended March 31, 2007. Contract
revenue decreased $10.6 million or 1.7%, driven primarily by the elimination of our Delta Dash-8
operation at JFK International Airport, which had contributed $18.0 million of revenue in the six
months ended March 31, 2007. Operating revenues for go! increased $0.6 million, or 4.7% due
primarily to an increase in average fares. Freight and other revenue increased primarily due to
sublease income from our Chinese joint venture. Net operating revenue in the six months ended
March 31, 2007 was negatively impacted by a ($25.3) million charge for impairment of contract
incentives.
Operating Expenses
Flight Operations
In the six months ended March 31, 2008, flight operations expense decreased $7.9 million, or
4.2%, to $182.8 million from $190.7 million for the six months ended March 31, 2007. On an ASM
basis, flight operations expense increased 5.6% to 4.5 cents per ASM in the six months ended March
31, 2008 from 4.2 cents per ASM in the six months ended March 31, 2007. Due to certain fixed
components included within flight operations, the Company was not able to reduce expenses at the
same rate as ASMs decreased, resulting in the inverse relationship between the expense decrease
and the increase on a per ASM basis. The decrease is primarily driven by a net $4.7 million
decrease in aircraft and aircraft related lease expense due to a decrease in the number of aircraft
in operation year-over-year as well as a shift of aircraft types within our fleet. Additionally,
there was a $3.2 million decrease in employee related expenses and insurance.
Fuel
In the six months ended March 31, 2008, fuel expense increased by $19.5 million or 9.0%, to
$234.7 million from $215.2 million for the six months ended March 31, 2007. On an ASM basis, fuel
expense increased 20.1% to 5.7 cents per ASM in the six months ended March 31, 2008 from 4.8 cents
per ASM in the six months ended March 31, 2007. Average fuel cost per gallon increased $0.85, to
an average of $2.89 for the six months ended March 31, 2008 from an average of $2.04 per gallon for
the six months ended March 31, 2007. The cost per gallon increase resulted in a $69.9 million
unfavorable price variance, of which $2.7 million was related to go!. The majority of the
unfavorable price variance was offset by a decrease in the gallons of fuel purchased in the six
months ended March 31, 2008, which resulted in a $48.5 million favorable volume variance. The
volume decrease is primarily due to a new direct supply agreement with United Airlines at five
large stations. In the six months ended March 31, 2008, approximately 97% of our fuel costs were
reimbursed by our code-share partners.
In most cases under our code share arrangements, the Company is contractually responsible for
procuring the fuel necessary to conduct its operations, and fuel costs are then passed through to
code-share partners via weekly invoicing. The United code-share agreement contains an option that
allows United to assume the contractual responsibility for procuring and providing the fuel
necessary to operate the flights that Mesa operates for United. United exercised this option at
five of the stations we operate, and as a result we no longer incur fuel expense or recognize
related fuel pass-through revenue for these five United stations.
Maintenance
In the six months ended March 31, 2008, maintenance expense increased $16.3 million, or 13.3%,
to $138.9 million from $122.5 million for the six months ended March 31, 2007. On an ASM basis,
maintenance expense increased 24.8% to 3.4 cents per
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ASM in the six months ended March 31, 2008
from 2.7 cents per ASM in the six months ended March 31, 2007. The increase in maintenance expense
is primarily due to a $28.2 million increase in engine maintenance, of which $14.9 million is
related to power by the hour maintenance contracts, $7.1 million in maintenance associated with
lease returns, $3.6 million related to engines on certain go! aircraft and $2.6 million in ERJ
engine repair. These increases were partially offset by a $1.2 million decrease in on-wing support
and a $0.8 million decrease for Dash-8 engines. Airframe maintenance decreased $8.0 million
year-over-year This decrease was primarily attributable to reduced c-check volume ($3.3 million),
a decrease in contract and non-routine maintenance ($3.0 million), and insurance receipts which
offset maintenance expense ($1.1 million). Other year-over-year decreases included freight ($1.4
million), overtime ($0.8 million), expendables ($0.5 million), and ground equipment repairs and
maintenance ($0.5 million).
Aircraft and Traffic Servicing
In the six months ended March 31, 2008, aircraft and traffic servicing expense decreased by
$0.9 million, or 2.1%, to $39.9 million from $40.8 million for the six months ended March 31, 2007.
On an ASM basis, aircraft and traffic servicing expense increased 7.8% to 1.0 cent per ASM in the
six months ended March 31, 2008 from 0.9 cents per ASM in the six months ended March 31, 2007.
Approximately $1.5 million of this decrease is related to our code-share operations offset by an
increase of $0.6 million related to our go! operations.
Promotion and Sales
In the six months ended March 31, 2008, promotion and sales expense remained relatively
unchanged at $1.7 million as compared to the six months ended March 31, 2007. These expenses relate
primarily to our go! operations. We do not pay promotion and sales expenses under our regional jet
revenue-guarantee contracts.
General and Administrative
In the six months ended March 31, 2008, general and administrative expense increased $3.9
million, or 12.3%, to $36.0 million from $32.0 million for the six months ended March 31, 2007.
This increase was driven primarily by a $2.0 million increase in legal expenses, which were
primarily attributable to litigation involving go!, a $1.3 million increase in bad debt expense,
and increase in base wages of $1.0 million and an increase in outside services of $0.6 million.
These increases were partially offset by decreases of $2.2 million in employee benefits and $1.4
million in passenger liability insurance due to a favorable rate change.
Depreciation and Amortization
In the six months ended March 31, 2008, depreciation and amortization decreased $0.8 million,
or 3.7%, to $19.4 million from $20.2 million for the six months ended March 31, 2007. The decrease
was primarily due to the cessation of depreciation on fully depreciated assets exceeding additional
depreciation associated with capital expenditures.
Settlement of Lawsuit
On October 30, 2007, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Hawaii found that
the Company had violated the terms of a confidentiality agreement with Hawaiian Airlines and
awarded Hawaiian $80.0 million in damages and ordered the Company to pay Hawaiians cost of
litigation, reasonable attorneys fees and interest. The Company filed a notice of appeal to this
ruling in November 2007 and posted a $90.0 million bond pending the outcome of this litigation. As
a result, the Company recorded $86.9 million as a charge to the statement of operations in the
fourth quarter of fiscal 2007. On April 29, 2008 the Company reached a settlement with Hawaiian
Airlines. While admitting no fault, the Company agreed to pay $52.5 million to Hawaiian Airlines.
As a result of the settlement, the Company recorded a $34.1 million credit to the statement of
operations in the second quarter of fiscal 2008. The $34.1 million credit net of $0.3 million in
fees incurred related to the bond. The balance sheet as of March 31, 2008 reflects the entire $90
million bond as restricted cash.
Bankruptcy Settlements
In the six months ended March 31, 2008, there was immaterial activity related to bankruptcy
settlements. In the six months ended March 31, 2007, the Company received approximately 41,000
shares of US Airways common stock as part of our bankruptcy claim against Pre-Merger US Airways.
The Company sold these shares for approximately $2.1 million.
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Interest Expense
In the six months ended March 31, 2008, interest expense increased $0.9 million, or 4.7%, to
$19.4 million from $18.5 million for the six months ended March 31, 2007. This increase is
primarily attributable to the recognition of $0.7 million related to an interest rate cap agreement
associated with certain senior debt and an increase in interest related to our CRJ-700s.
Interest Income
In the six months ended March 31, 2008, interest income decreased $3.9 million, or 46.1%, to
$4.5 million from $8.4 million for the six months ended March 31, 2007. The decrease in the
Companys interest income was due to a combination of lower interest rates and lower balances of
cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and marketable securities. At March 31, 2008, the total
balance of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and marketable securities was $158.1 million,
which was $40.0 million less than the $198.1 million balance at March 31, 2007.
Loss from Equity Method Investments
In the six months ended March 31, 2008, loss from equity method investments decreased $2.0
million, or 56.6%, to a loss of $1.6 million from a loss of $3.6 million for the six months ended
March 31, 2007. The decrease in losses is primarily due to a decrease in our share of losses on
our investment in a closely held airline related business . This positive variance was partially
offset by a write-down of $0.8 million related to our investment in a closely held emerging markets
payment processing related business due to the improbability of recovering our investment. In
addition, the positive variance was also partially offset by the recognition of our share of losses
on our investment in Kunpeng Airlines in the six months ended March 31, 2008, which did not begin
revenue generating activities until the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007.
Other Income (Expense)
In the six months ended March 31, 2008, other income (expense) increased $17.9 million to
income of $13.6 million from an expense of $4.4 million for the six months ended March 31, 2007.
The increase is primarily due to a $8.2 million increase in unrealized gains on investment
securities, a net gain of approximately $7.4 million related to our purchase of certain senior
convertible notes due February 2024, at a significant discount, and a $3.1 million increase on
realized gains on sales of investment securities. These positive variances were partially offset
by a $0.5 million write-down of certain payroll-related software.
Income Taxes
In the six months ended March 31, 2008, our effective tax rate decreased to 37.8% from 39.3%
for the six months ended March 31, 2007. The increase in our effective tax rate is primarily due to
the rate impact of current state taxes for stand-alone subsidiary filings in certain jurisdictions.
RESULTS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, we committed to a plan to sell Air Midwest or certain of
Air Midwests assets. In connection with this decision, the Company began soliciting bids for the
sale of the twenty Beechcraft 1900D aircraft in operation and began to take the necessary steps to
exit the EAS markets that we serve. The Company expects to exit the EAS markets by June 30, 2008.
For all periods presented, we reclassified operating results of the Air Midwest turboprop operation
to loss from discontinued operations. All assets and liabilities associated with discontinued
operations were reclassified to the balance sheet captions Assets of discontinued operations and
Liabilities of discontinued operations, respectively.
Net loss from discontinued operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 was $8.0 million,
compared to a loss from discontinued operations of $1.4 million for the quarter ended March 31,
2007. Net loss from discontinued operations was $9.5 million for the six months ended March 31,
2008 as compared to a net loss of $2.2 million for the six months ended March 31, 2007. The
increase in net losses from discontinued operations for the comparative year over year periods is
primarily attributable to a pre-tax impairment charge of $9.1 million related to the Beechcraft
1900D aircraft operated by Air Midwest (see discussion below).
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Only interest expense directly associated with the debt outstanding in connection with the
owned aircraft is included in discontinued operations. No general overhead or interest expense not
directly related to the Air Midwest turboprop operation has been included within discontinued
operations.
Subsequent to March 31, 2008, the Company sold 14 of its 34 Beechcraft 1900D aircraft and will
record a gain in the quarter ended June 30, 2008 of approximately $7.5 million. In connection with
these negotiations and in preparation for marketing the remaining 20 Beechcraft 1900D aircraft
during the second quarter, the Company concluded that the fair value of the remaining 20 aircraft
was less then the carrying value and therefore recorded an impairment charge of $9.1 million
during the quarter ended March 31, 2008. The impairment charge is included within loss from
discontinued operations in the statement of operations.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Sources and Uses of Cash
At March 31, 2008, we had cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities (including current
and noncurrent restricted cash of $102.8 million) of $158.1 million, compared to $208.6 million
(including $12.2 million of restricted cash)n at September 30, 2007. Our cash and cash equivalents
and marketable securities are intended to be used for working capital and capital expenditures.
Sources of cash included $106.2 million provided from operations, due primarily to
$113.2 million in net proceeds from the sale of marketable securities classified as trading
securities, partially offset by other changes in assets and liabilities. Additional sources of cash
include $5.8 million in proceeds from the sale of flight equipment and expendable inventory and
$4.0 million in receipts of deferred credits.
Uses of cash included funding a $90.0 million surety bond required by the judgment against us
related to our Hawaiian lawsuit, $39.9 million in principal payments on long-term debt, including
$14.3 million paid to purchase outstanding debt at a significant discount, capital expenditures of
$12.9 million attributable to the expansion of our regional jet fleet and related provisioning of
rotable inventory to support the additional jets, and the purchase and retirement of $6.8 million
of the Companys outstanding common stock.
As of March 31, 2008, we had net receivables of approximately $49.3 million, compared to net
receivables of approximately $49.4 million as of September 30, 2007. The amounts due consist
primarily of receivables from our code-share partners, subsidy payments due from Raytheon, Federal
excise tax refunds on fuel, manufacturers credits and passenger ticket receivables due through the
Airline Clearing House. Accounts receivable from our code-share partners was 31% of total gross
accounts receivable at March 31, 2008.
Recent Developments Affecting Our Liquidity
On May 20, 2008, the Companys board of directors approved separate agreements reached by the
Company with certain of the holders of its Senior Convertible Notes due 2023 (the Notes). As
previously disclosed in the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, holders
of the Notes had the right to require the Company to repurchase the Notes on June 16, 2008 (the
Put) at a price of $397.27 per $1,000 note (the Put Price) plus any accrued and unpaid cash
interest. If all of the holders of the Notes had exercised this right, the Company would have been
required to repurchase the Notes for approximately $37.8 million in cash, common stock, or a
combination thereof.
Under the terms of these agreements, holders holding approximately $77.8 million in aggregate
principal amount of the Notes (representing approximately 82% of the aggregate principal amount of
Note outstanding) have agreed to forbear from exercising their Put right with respect to 75% in
aggregate principal amount of Notes owned by such holders (i.e., $23.2 million of the $37.8 million
subject to the Put). In consideration for such agreement, the Company agreed to purchase 25% in
aggregate principal amount of such holders Notes at a purchase price equal to 75% of the Put Price
and the right to require the Company to repurchase such Notes on January 31, 2009. The put price
payable on January 31, 2009 will also be payable in cash, common stock, or a combination thereof,
at the Companys election. The Companys aggregate payment obligation with respect to such
purchased Notes is approximately $6.0 million including accrued and unpaid interest which was paid
on May 22, 2008. In consideration for such forbearance, agreement, the Company also agreed to issue
to such holders two-year warrants to purchase 25,000 shares of common stock for each $1 million in
aggregate principal amount of Notes deferred (or an aggregate of approximately 1.46 million shares
of common stock). The warrants have a per share exercise price of $1.00, contain anti-dilution
protection for major corporate events, such as stock splits and stock dividends, and are not
exercisable to the extent the exercise thereof would cause the holder to beneficially own greater
than 4.99% of the Companys outstanding capital stock.
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On March 28, 2008 Delta notified the Company of its intent to terminate the Delta Connection
Agreement among Delta, the Company, and the Companys wholly owned subsidiary, Freedom Airlines,
Inc., alleging failure to maintain a specified completion rate with respect to its ERJ-145 Delta
Connection flights during three months of the six-month period ended February, 2008.
Following Deltas termination notification, the Company filed a Complaint on April 7, 2008 in the
United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia seeking declaratory and
injunctive relief. An evidentiary hearing was conducted on May 27 through May 29, 2008. Following
the hearing, the Court ruled in the Companys favor and issued a preliminary injunction against
Delta.
The effect of this ruling is to prohibit Delta from terminating the Delta Connection Agreement
covering the ERJ-145 aircraft operated by Freedom, based on Freedoms completion rate prior to
April, 2008, pending a final trial at a date to be determined by the Court. Delta has the right to
appeal the Courts decision on the issuance of a preliminary injunction, and Delta has announced
publicly that it intends to file an appeal. The Company is in discussions with Delta regarding
various issues concerning the ERJ-145 Delta Connection Agreement.
Prior to the Courts ruling, Delta planned to remove from service a significant portion of the
aircraft in early June 2008 and all aircraft in July 2008 and forward. Delta did not immediately
reverse its plans based upon the Courts ruling. If Delta takes the position that the Connection
Agreement does not obligate it to keep the aircraft in service on a full time basis, the Company
will incur significant unreimbursed costs associated with the fleet of ERJ-145 aircraft. We
believe that Delta is obligated to schedule the aircraft on a full time basis and compensate us
accordingly. We have communicated this position to Delta and have been in discussion regarding
issues concerning the Connection Agreement. We cannot assure the outcome of these negotiations and
whether or not the outcome will materially adversely affect our financial condition or results of
operations.
In the event that the holders of the Companys senior convertible notes due February 2024
exercise their right to require the Company to repurchase the notes on February 10, 2009 at a price
of $583.40 per note, the Company could be obligated to pay up to $77.8 million in fiscal 2009. The
Company may pay the purchase price of such notes in cash, common stock, or a combination thereof,
subject to compliance with applicable NASDAQ shareholder approval requirements with respect to the
issuance of shares of common stock in excess of 20% of the Companys then outstanding capital
stock.
While the Companys cash flows from operations and its available capital have been sufficient
to meet its current operating expenses, lease obligations and debt service requirements to date,
the Companys future cash flow from operations and available capital will be negatively impacted
by (i) our ability to restructure an approximately $18 million obligation due in July 2008 to the
lessors regarding certain of our ERJ-145 aircraft; (ii) our ability to secure more flexible credit
terms from certain of the Companys other key vendors; (iii) reduced cash payments from our
code-share partners related to disputed items under our agreements; (iv) the $23.2 million in
aggregate remaining principal amount of senior convertible notes due 2023, which the Company may be
required to repurchase on January 31, 2009 in accordance with the forbearance agreements described
above; (v) the $77.8 million in aggregate principal amount of senior convertible notes due 2024,
which the Company may be required to repurchase on February 10, 2009; (vi) the Companys ability to
restructure certain of its aircraft lease obligations and key vendor obligations, which are in turn
impacted by the Companys obligations with respect to its 2023 and 2024 notes; and (vii) the
results of the Companys ongoing litigation with Delta. There can be no assurance that the Company
will be successful in effecting amended lease terms for its existing aircraft lease obligations and
obtaining flexible credit terms from existing vendors and suppliers. Unfavorable events arising
with respect to negotiations with key lessors and vendors, the Delta litigation, or the 2023 and/or
2024 notes could give rise to covenant and payment defaults under the terms of the Companys
material operating leases and indebtedness. In the absence of obtaining additional capital through
asset sales, consensual restructuring of debt and lease terms and/or similar measures, the Company
may be unable to remedy such defaults and may experience additional defaults in the future. The
Companys operating leases are subject to termination in the event of default, and the Companys
indebtedness may be accelerated in the event of continuing default. Certain lenders could
foreclose on Company assets securing their indebtedness. Accordingly, the Companys financial
condition could require that the Company seek additional protection under applicable reorganization
laws in order to avoid or delay actions by its creditors and lessors which could materially
adversely affect the Companys operations and ability to operate as a going concern.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements of the types described in the categories set
forth the Companys annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007.
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Contractual Obligations
There were no significant changes to the cash obligations as set forth in Item 7 of the
Companys annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
In our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, we identified
certain policies and estimates as critical to our business operations and the understanding of our
past or present results of operations. These policies and estimates are considered critical because
they had a material impact, or they have the potential to have a material impact, on our financial
statements and because they require significant judgments, assumptions or estimates. Our
preparation of financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amount of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the
date of our financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the
reporting period.
In adopting Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for
Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48), effective October 1, 2007, we changed our methodology for
estimating our potential liability for income tax positions for which we are uncertain regardless
of whether taxing authorities will challenge our interpretation of the income tax laws. Previously,
we recorded a liability computed at the statutory income tax rate if we determined that (i) we did
not believe that we are more likely than not to prevail on an uncertainty related to the timing of
recognition for an item, or (ii) we did not believe that it is probable that we will prevail and
the uncertainty is not related to the timing of recognition. However, under FIN 48 we do not
recognize any benefit in our financial statements for any uncertain income tax position if we
believe the position in the aggregate has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained. If we
believe that there is greater than 50% likelihood that the position will be sustained, we recognize
a benefit in our financial statements equal to the largest amount that we believe is more likely
than not to be sustained upon audit.
The tax law is subject to varied interpretations, and we have taken positions related to
certain matters where the law is subject to interpretation and where substantial amounts of income
tax benefits have been recorded in our financial statements. As we become aware of new
interpretations of the relevant tax laws and as we discuss our interpretations with taxing
authorities, we may in the future change our assessments of the likelihood of sustainability or of
the amounts that may or may not be sustained upon audit. And as our assessments change, the impact
to our financial statements could be material. We believe that the estimates, judgments and
assumptions made when accounting for these matters are reasonable, based on information available
at the time they are made. However, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ
from those estimates.
AIRCRAFT
The following table lists the aircraft owned and leased by the Company for scheduled
operations as of March 31, 2008:
Number of Aircraft | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating | ||||||||||||||||||||
on | ||||||||||||||||||||
March 31, | Passenger | |||||||||||||||||||
Type of Aircraft | Owned | Leased | Total | 2008 | Capacity | |||||||||||||||
CRJ-200/100 Regional Jet |
2 | 53 | 55 | 50 | 50 | |||||||||||||||
CRJ-700 Regional Jet |
8 | 12 | 20 | 20 | 66 | |||||||||||||||
CRJ-900 Regional Jet |
14 | 29 | 43 | 43 | 86/76 | |||||||||||||||
Embraer 145 Regional Jet |
| 36 | 36 | 34 | 50 | |||||||||||||||
Beechcraft 1900D (A) |
34 | | 34 | 15 | 19 | |||||||||||||||
Dash-8 |
| 16 | 16 | 16 | 37 | |||||||||||||||
Total |
58 | 146 | 204 | 178 | ||||||||||||||||
(A) | These aircraft are associated with Air Midwest and are included within assets of discontinued operations. |
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Fleet Plans
CRJ Program
As of March 31, 2008, we operated 113 Canadair Regional Jets (50 CRJ-200/100, 20 CRJ-700 and
43 CRJ-900s).
In January 2004, we exercised options to purchase twenty CRJ-900 aircraft (seven of which can
be converted to CRJ-700 aircraft). As of September 30, 2007, we had taken delivery of thirteen
CRJ-900 aircraft and five CRJ-700 aircraft. The obligation to purchase the remaining two CRJ-900s
(which can be converted to CRJ-700s) was terminated in June 2007 in connection with our agreement
to purchase 10 new CRJ-700 NextGen aircraft; deliveries scheduled to begin in September 2008.
In September 2007, we took delivery of one CRJ-900 aircraft, on lease from Delta, in
connection with the CRJ-900 Delta code-share agreement. During the quarter ended March 31, 2008, we
took delivery of three more CRJ-900 aircraft, also on lease from Delta with 9 more CRJ-900 aircraft
(to be leased from Delta) scheduled for delivery through January 2009 in connection with such
code-share agreement. The CRJ-900 aircraft acquired, and to be acquired by Delta, are leased to the
Company for a nominal ($1.00 per month) amount. As a result, our revenue and expenses attributable
to flying the CRJ-900s will be substantially less than if we provided the aircraft.
ERJ Program
As of March 31, 2008, we operated 34 Embraer 145 aircraft and sub-leased two to Trans States
Airlines, Inc. We acquired all 36 ERJ-145s through a June 1999 agreement with Empresa Brasiliera de
Aeronautica S.A. (Embraer).
Beechcraft 1900D
As of March 31, 2008, we owned 34 Beechcraft 1900D aircraft and were operating 15 while
leasing 14. We lease four of our Beechcraft 1900D to Gulfstream International Airlines, a regional
turboprop air carrier based in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and lease an additional ten Beechcraft 1900D
aircraft to Big Sky Transportation Co., a regional turboprop carrier based in Billings, Montana
(Big Sky). As previously discussed, we intend to sell or lease the 20 Beechcraft 1900D aircraft
that were not leased to third parties at March 31, 2008.
After Big Sky announced that it was shutting down operations, the Company took possession of
all ten of their Beechcraft 1900D aircraft. On May 16, 2008, the Company returned 14 (the
Gulfstream and Big Sky leased aircraft) of its 34 Beechcraft 1900D aircraft to Raytheon Aircraft
Company and Raytheon Aircraft Credit Corporation (collectively Raytheon) pursuant to an agreement
reached between the parties regarding such planes.
Subsequent to March 31, 2008, the Company sold 14 of its 34 Beechcraft 1900D aircraft and will
record a gain in the quarter ended June 30, 2008 of approximately $7.5 million. In connection with
these negotiations and in preparation for marketing the remaining 20 Beechcraft 1900D aircraft
during the second quarter, the Company concluded that the fair value of the remaining 20 aircraft
was less then the carrying value and therefore recorded an impairment charge of $9.1 million
during the quarter ended March 31, 2008. The impairment charge is included within loss from
discontinued operations in the statement of operations.
Dash-8
As of March 31, 2008, we had 16 Dash-8 aircraft in operation; 10 with United Express and 6
with US Airways Express. During fiscal 2007, we parked 12 Dash-8 aircraft, associated with the
termination of the Delta Dash 8 code-share agreement. Due to higher than anticipated costs
associated with our Delta Dash-8 fleet related to operating exclusively at New Yorks JFK airport,
the Company and Delta developed a joint plan to wind-down the Dash-8 contract.
Item 3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosure about Market Risk.
There were no material changes in the Companys market risk from September 30, 2007 to March
31, 2008.
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Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
In accordance with Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended (the
Exchange Act), as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the
Companys management evaluated, with the participation of the Companys principal executive officer
and principal financial officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Companys
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule 15d-15(e) under the
Exchange Act). Disclosure controls and procedures are defined as those controls and other
procedures of an issuer that are designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed
by the issuer in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed,
summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commissions rules and forms.
Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to
ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or
submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuers management,
including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, or persons performing
similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter
ended March 31, 2008, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect,
our internal control over financial reporting.
We continue to take steps to remediate the material weakness noted in our annual report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007. We began an aggressive recruiting campaign
and have hired professional consultants to fill key positions until permanent replacements are
hired. We believe these steps will provide adequate short-term solutions as we recruit hire and
train the appropriate full time personnel.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
In February 2006, Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. (Hawaiian) filed a complaint against the Company
in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Hawaii (the Bankruptcy Court) alleging
that the Company breached the terms of a Confidentiality Agreement entered into in April 2004 with
the Trustee in Hawaiians bankruptcy proceedings. Hawaiians complaint alleged, among other things,
that the Company breached the Confidentiality Agreement by (a) using the evaluation material in
deciding to enter the Hawaiian inter-island market, and (b) failing to return or destroy any
evaluation materials after being notified by Hawaiian on or about May 12, 2004 that the Company had
not been selected as a potential investor for a transaction with Hawaiian. Hawaiian, in its
complaint, sought unspecified damages, requested that the Company turn over to Hawaiian any
evaluation material in the Companys possession, custody or control, and also sought an injunction
preventing the Company from providing inter-island transportation services in the State of Hawaii
for a period of two years from the date of such injunctive relief.
Subsequent to the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008, the Company reached a settlement with
Hawaiian concerning the above lawsuit. Under the terms of the settlement, Mesa received $37.5
million from the bond the Company previously posted with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the
District of Hawaii and Hawaiian retained the remaining collateral under the bond of $52.5 million.
On January 9, 2007, Aloha Airlines filed suit against Mesa Air Group in the United States
District Court for the District of Hawaii. The complaint seeks damages and injunctive relief. Aloha
alleges that Mesas inter-island air fares are below cost and that Mesa is, therefore, violating
specific provisions of the Sherman Act. Aloha also alleges breach of contract and fraud by Mesa in
connection with two confidentiality agreements, one entered into in 2005 and the other in 2006.
Mesa denies any attempt at monopolization of the inter-island market and further denies any
improper use of the data furnished by Aloha while Mesa was considering a bid for Aloha during its
bankruptcy proceedings. The case is in the early states of discovery and a firm trial date has not
been scheduled by the court.
On March 28, 2008 Delta notified the Company of its intent to terminate the Delta Connection
Agreement among Delta, the Company, and the Companys wholly owned subsidiary, Freedom Airlines,
Inc., alleging failure to maintain a specified completion rate with respect to its ERJ-145 Delta
Connection flights during three months of the six-month period ended February, 2008. Following
Deltas termination notification, the Company filed a Complaint on April 7, 2008 in the United
States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia seeking declaratory and injunctive
relief. An evidentiary hearing was conducted on May 27 through May 29, 2008. Following the
hearing, the Court ruled in the Companys favor and issued a preliminary injunction against Delta.
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The effect of this ruling is to prohibit Delta from terminating the Delta Connection Agreement
covering the ERJ-145 aircraft operated by Freedom, based on Freedoms completion rate prior to
April, 2008, pending a final trial at a date to be determined by the
Court. Delta has the right to appeal the Courts decision on the issuance of a preliminary
injunction, and Delta has announced publicly that it intends to file an appeal. The Company is in
discussions with Delta regarding various issues concerning the ERJ-145 Delta Connection Agreement.
Prior to the Courts ruling, Delta planned to remove from service a significant portion of the
aircraft in early June 2008 and all aircraft in July 2008 and forward. Delta did not immediately
reverse its plans based upon the Courts ruling. If Delta takes the position that the Connection
Agreement does not obligate it to keep the aircraft in service on a full time basis, the Company
will incur significant unreimbursed costs associated with the fleet of ERJ-145 aircraft. We
believe that Delta is obligated to schedule the aircraft on a full time basis and compensate us
accordingly. We have communicated this position to Delta and have been in discussion regarding
issues concerning the Connection Agreement. We cannot assure the outcome of these negotiations and
whether or not the outcome will materially adversely affect our financial condition or results of
operations.
We are also involved in various legal proceedings and FAA civil action proceedings that the
Company does not believe will have a material adverse effect upon the Companys business, financial
condition or results of operations, although no assurance can be given to the ultimate outcome of
any such proceedings.
Item 1.A. Risk Factors.
In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider
the risk factors discussed in Part 1, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended September 30, 2007, which could materially affect our business, financial condition
or future results. We caution the reader that these risk factors may not be exhaustive. We operate
in a continually changing business environment and new risks emerge from time to time. Management
cannot predict such new risk factors, nor can we assess the impact, if any, of such new risk
factors on our business or to the extent to which any factor or combination of factors may impact
our business. There have not been any material changes during the quarter ended March 31, 2008 from
the risk factors disclosed in the above-mentioned Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2007,
other than as set forth below.
If Delta Air Lines successfully terminates its Connection Agreement with us, we may not be able to
meet our immediate financial obligations.
On March 28, 2008, Delta notified us of its intent to terminate the Delta Connection Agreement
among Delta, the Company, and our wholly-owned subsidiary, Freedom Airlines, Inc. (Freedom),
dated as of May 3, 2005 (the Connection Agreement). The Connection Agreement includes, among
other arrangements, our agreement to operate up to 34 model ERJ-145 regional jets (ERJ-145s)
leased by us utilizing Deltas name. Beginning in August 2008, pursuant to an amendment to the
Connection Agreement, eight (8) ERJ-145s will be removed from the scope of the Connection Agreement
at a rate of three (3) per month, resulting in the operation of 26 ERJ-145s by November 2008.
In fiscal 2007, the Connection Agreement accounted for approximately 20% of our 2007 total
revenues. Delta seeks to terminate the Connection Agreement as a result of Freedoms alleged
failure to maintain a specified completion rate with respect to its ERJ-145 Delta Connection
flights during three months of the six-month period ended February 2008.
On April 7, 2008, we filed a lawsuit against Delta seeking declaratory and injunctive relief
and specific performance by Delta of its obligations under the Connection Agreement. On May 9,
2008, we filed a motion for a preliminary injunction in the United States District Court for the
Northern District of Georgia (the District Court) against Delta to enjoin its attempted
termination of the Connection Agreement. An evidentiary hearing was conducted on May 27 through
May 29, 2008. The District Court ruled in our favor and issued a preliminary injunction against
Delta. The preliminary injunction prohibits Delta from terminating the Connection Agreement based
on Freedoms completion rate prior to April 2008, pending a final trial at a date to be determined
by the Court. Delta has announced publicly that it intends to appeal.
The effect of this ruling is to prohibit Delta from terminating the Delta Connection Agreement
covering the ERJ-145 aircraft operated by Freedom, based on Freedoms completion rate prior to
April, 2008, pending a final trial at a date to be determined by the Court. Delta has the right to
appeal the Courts decision on the issuance of a preliminary injunction, and Delta has announced
publicly that it intends to file an appeal. The Company is in discussions with Delta regarding
various issues concerning the ERJ-145 Delta Connection Agreement.
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If the District Court or Court of Appeals ultimately rules in favor of Delta and allows the
termination of the Connection Agreement, we believe we will be unable to redeploy the ERJ-145s in a
timely manner, or at the lease rates we receive under the Connection
Agreement in the event of any redeployment of such aircraft. In addition to losing approximately
$20 million per month in revenue (or approximately $960 million over the next four years), we
estimate that leasing costs, labor and other costs totaling approximately $250 to $300 million over
the next four years will be incurred by us. As a result, our cash flows from operations and our
available working capital will be insufficient to meet these cash requirements. In the absence of
obtaining additional capital through equity or debt financings, asset sales, consensual
restructuring of debt and lease terms and/or similar measures, we will be unable to meet our
financial obligations and may need to seek protection under applicable U.S. reorganization laws in
order to avoid or delay actions by our lessors, creditors and code-share partners, which will have
a material adverse effect on our ability to continue as a going concern.
Prior to the Courts ruling, Delta planned to remove from service a significant portion of the
aircraft in early June 2008 and all aircraft in July 2008 and forward. Delta did not immediately
reverse its plans based upon the Courts ruling. If Delta takes the position that the Connection
Agreement does not obligate it to keep the aircraft in service on a full time basis, the Company
will incur significant unreimbursed costs associated with the fleet of ERJ-145 aircraft. We
believe that Delta is obligated to schedule the aircraft on a full time basis and compensate us
accordingly. We have communicated this position to Delta and have been in discussion regarding
issues concerning the Connection Agreement. We cannot assure the outcome of these negotiations and
whether or not the outcome will materially adversely affect our financial condition or results of
operations.
If we are unable to meet performance obligations under the CRJ-900 Delta Connection Agreement,
Delta may seek to terminate such agreement.
Our CRJ-900 Delta Connection Agreement contains certain performance benchmarks including
flight completion factor and on-time performance. We believe the airport hub in which the CRJ-900
aircraft are operated and the schedules created by Delta significantly impact our ability to meet
the contract performance benchmarks. In particular, we believe the operating environment at New
Yorks JFK airport presents significant challenges to meet the performance requirements. While we
receive certain protection under the Delta Connection Agreement regarding this situation, it is
possible that an agreement will not be reached and Delta may try to take adverse action against the
Company which could include attempted termination of the Delta Connection Agreement. If successful
in its efforts, such termination may materially adversely affect our financial condition or results
of operations.
Our ability to operate our Hawaiian operations profitably is dependent on the price of aircraft
fuel. Continued periods of historically high fuel cost s or further increases in fuel costs could
have a significant negative impact on our operating results.
In June 2006, we launched our independent inter-island Hawaiian airline operation named go!
and have incurred operating losses since inception. Providing service in Hawaii will require
ongoing investment of working capital by Mesa and management attention and focus. Our operating
results are significantly impacted by changes in the availability or price of aircraft fuel, which
in turn are often affected by global events. Fuel prices have increased substantially over the past
several years and sharply in the last two quarters, and now stand at a level that fundamentally
challenges the economics of the airline industry. A relatively small increase in the price of fuel
can have a significant aggregate effect on the costs of our go! operation. Due to the competitive
nature of the airline industry and market forces, no assurance can be made that we may be able to
increase our fares or otherwise increase revenues sufficiently to offset fuel prices.
If we are unable to successfully restructure certain of our contractual obligations and commitments
as described below, our cash flow from operations and available capital will not be sufficient to
meet these obligations, which may require that the Company seek protection under applicable
reorganization laws.
While the Companys cash flows from operations and its available capital have been sufficient
to meet its current operating expenses, lease obligations and debt service requirements to date,
the Companys future cash flow from operations and available capital will be negatively impacted
by (i) our ability to restructure an approximately $18 million obligation due in July 2008 to the
lessors regarding certain of our ERJ-145 aircraft; (ii) our ability to secure more flexible credit
terms from certain of the Companys other key vendors; (iii) reduced cash payments from our code
share partners related to disputed items under our agreements; (iv) the $23.2 million in aggregate
remaining principal amount of senior convertible notes due 2023, which the Company may be required
to repurchase on January 31, 2009 in accordance with the forbearance agreements described above;
(v) the $77.8 million in aggregate principal amount of senior convertible notes due 2024, which the
Company may be required to repurchase on February 10, 2009; (vi) the Companys ability to
restructure certain of its aircraft lease obligations and key vendor obligations, which are in turn
impacted by the Companys obligations with respect to its 2023 and 2024 notes; and (vii) the
results of the Companys ongoing litigation with
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Delta. There can be no assurance that the Company
will be successful in effecting amended lease terms for its existing aircraft lease obligations,
obtaining flexible credit terms from existing vendors and suppliers. Unfavorable events arising
with respect to negotiations with key lessor and vendors, the Delta litigation or the 2023 and/or
2024 notes could give rise to covenant and payment
defaults under the terms of the Companys material operating leases and indebtedness. In the
absence of obtaining additional capital through asset sales, consensual restructuring of debt and
lease terms and/or similar measures, the Company may be unable to remedy such defaults and may
experience additional defaults in the future. The Companys operating leases are subject to
termination in the event of default, and the Companys indebtedness may be accelerated in the event
of continuing default. Certain lenders could foreclose on Company assets securing their
indebtedness. Accordingly, the Companys financial condition could require that the Company seek
additional protection under applicable reorganization laws in order to avoid or delay actions by
its creditors and lessors which could materially adversely affect the Companys operations and
ability to operate as a going concern.
The ongoing losses of Kunpeng and our inability to timely sell our interests in this joint venture
could negatively impact our operations and profitability.
On December 22, 2006, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Ping Shan, entered into a joint venture
agreement (the Joint Venture Agreement) with Shan Yue SRL (Shan Yue) and Shenzhen Airlines,
pursuant to which the parties agreed to form Kunpeng, an equity joint venture company organized
under the laws of China. Ping Shan holds a 25% share of the registered capital of Kunpeng.
Additionally, Shan Yue, a Barbados society with restricted liability, holds 24% of the registered
capital of Kunpeng. Shan Yue holds 5% of the 24% interest in Kunpeng for the exclusive benefit of
an unaffiliated third party. Wilmington Trust Company holds 100% of the outstanding equity of Shan
Yue as trustee of Shan Yue Trust, a Delaware statutory trust. We are the sole beneficiary of Shan
Yue Trust. On September 28, 2007, Kunpeng commenced common carrier passenger service, As of March
31, 2008, Kunpeng operated five 50-seat CRJ 200 aircraft on regional routes flying out of a hub
in Xian, China.
Kunpeng has incurred losses since its inception and is expected to continue to incur losses
for the foreseeable future. As a result, the Company has approached Shenzhen Airlines regarding
the possibility of selling the Companys interest in the joint venture to Shenzhen Airlines. Such
discussions are only in the preliminary stages and no assurance can be given
that these discussions will result in the sale of such interests to Shenzhen Airlines or that, if
such sale were to occur, that it will be on terms acceptable to the Company. The
Companys inability to sell its interests to Shenzhen or another third party could have a negative
impact on the Companys operations and future profitability.
In addition, under the terms of the Joint Venture Agreement, Ping Shan and Shan Yue agreed to,
among other things, assist Kunpeng in securing aircraft from foreign suppliers and, as of the date
of this report, the Company has the contractual right to deliver up to 20 CRJ-200s to the joint
venture. Kunpeng has informed the Company that it no longer plans to accept deliveries of
additional 50-seat regional jets from Mesa.
If the holders of our 6.25% Senior Convertible Notes Due 2023 exercise their right to require the
Company to redeem their notes, our liquidity could be materially adversely affected.
Holders of our Senior Convertible Notes due 2023 (the 2023 Notes) had the right to require
the Company to repurchase their 2023 Notes on June 16, 2008 (the Put Right) at a price of $397.27
per $1,000 note (the Put Price) plus any accrued and unpaid cash interest. If all of the holders
of the 2023 Notes had exercised this right, the Company would have been required to repurchase the
Notes for approximately $37.8 million in cash, common stock, or a combination thereof. On or about
May 20, 2008, the Company entered into agreements with holders representing 82% of the Notes
outstanding pursuant to which such Holders agreed to defer their Put Right with respect to 75% of
their Notes until January 31, 2009 (the Deferring Noteholders).
The Company has preserved the right to satisfy these future payment obligations in cash,
common stock, or a combination thereof. If we elect to issue additional shares of common stock to
meet this purchase obligation, this issuance would result in substantial dilution to existing
stockholders.
In exchange for the Deferring Noteholders agreements, the Company purchased 25% of their
Notes for 75% of the Put Price (i.e. the Company paid $.75(397.27) or $297.95 per $1,000 note;
approximately $6.0 million in aggregate). The Company also agreed to issue the Deferring
Noteholders two-year warrants to purchase 25,000 shares of common stock for each $1 million in
aggregate principal amount of 2023 Notes deferred (or an aggregate of approximately 1.46 million
shares of common stock). The warrants have a per share exercise price of $1.00, will contain
anti-dilution protection for major corporate events, such as stock splits and stock dividends, and
will not be exercisable to the extent the exercise thereof would cause the holder to beneficially
own greater than 4.99% of the Companys outstanding capital stock.
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On June 16, 2008, Company made a cash payment of approximately $8.2 million (including $1.2
million of accrued interest) to the note holders who exercised their right to put their notes to
the Company.
If the holders of our 3.625% Senior Convertible Notes Due 2024 exercise their right to require the
Company to redeem their notes, our liquidity could be materially adversely affected or we may issue
additional stock, which would dilute existing stockholders.
In February 2004, the Company completed the private placement of senior convertible notes due
2024 (the 2024 Notes), which resulted in gross proceeds of $100.0 million ($97.0 million net).
Cash interest is payable on the 2024 Notes at the rate of 2.115% per year on the aggregate amount
due at maturity, payable semiannually until February 10, 2009. After that date, the Company will
not pay cash interest on the 2024 Notes prior to maturity, and they will begin accruing original
issue discount at a rate of 3.625% until maturity. On February 10, 2024, the maturity date of the
2024 Notes, the principal amount of each note will be $1,000. The aggregate amount due at
maturity, including interest accrued from February 10, 2009, will be $171.4 million. Each of the
Companys wholly-owned subsidiaries guarantees these notes on an unsecured basis.
On February 10, 2009, the holders of the 2024 Notes may require the Company to repurchase
their 2024 Notes (Put Right) at a price of $583.40 per $1,000 note (the Put Price) plus accrued
and unpaid cash interest, resulting in an aggregate principal amount due of approximately $77.8
million. The Company may pay the Put Price of the 2024 Notes in cash, common stock, or a
combination thereof. The Company may not have sufficient cash reserves to pay the holders of the
2024 Notes that exercise their Put Right on February 10, 2009. If the Company elects to issue
additional shares of common stock to meet its repurchase obligations, this issuance would result in
substantial dilution to existing stockholders.
Our Current Stock Price Creates a NASDAQ Delisting Possibility
Our common stock is currently traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market and may be delisted, which
could adversely affect our business and relations with employees, customers, and others. We have
received notice from the NASDAQ Stock Market that our stock price (technically, the closing bid
price) has failed to maintain the minimum $1.00 per share requirement for the past 30 consecutive
business days. We have been given until December 15, 2008 to achieve compliance with that rule by
having the bid price of our stock close at $1.00 or more for at least ten consecutive business
days. If compliance with that rule is not demonstrated by December 15, 2008, we may appeal
NASDAQs determination to delist our securities to a NASDAQ panel or we may apply to transfer our
securities to the NASDAQ Capital Market. If our application is approved, we will be afforded an
additional 180 day compliance period. There can be no assurance that we will be able to achieve
compliance with this minimum bid price rule by December 15, 2008; that we would be granted an
additional 180 day compliance period; or that we would be able to achieve compliance with the
minimum bid price rule even if granted the additional compliance period.
While there are many actions that may be taken to attempt to increase the price of our stock,
two of the possibilities are a reverse stock split and a stock repurchase. At this time, we have
limited capital available for any stock repurchase. Any such actions (even if successful) may have
adverse effects on us, such as adverse reaction from employees, investors and financial markets in
general, adverse publicity, and adverse reactions from customers. There are other requirements for
continued listing on the NASDAQ Stock Market, and there can be no assurance that we will continue
to meet these listing requirements.
Should our stock be delisted from the NASDAQ Stock Market, we may apply to have our stock
traded on the Over-The-Counter Bulletin Board. There can be no assurance that our common stock
would be timely admitted for trading on that market. This alternative may result in a less liquid
market available for existing and potential stockholders to buy and sell shares of our stock and
could further depress the price of our stock.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
(A) None
(B) None
(C) The Companys Board of Directors authorized the Company to purchase up to 29.4 million
shares of the Companys outstanding common stock. As of March 31, 2008, the Company has acquired
and retired approximately 17.9 million shares of its outstanding common stock at an aggregate cost
of approximately $113.7 million, leaving approximately 11.5 million shares available for purchase
under existing Board authorizations. Purchases are made at managements discretion based on market
conditions and the Companys financial resources.
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The Company repurchased the following shares for $6.8 million during the six months ended
March 31, 2008:
Cumulative Number | ||||||||||||||||
of Shares Purchased | Maximum Number of | |||||||||||||||
as As Part of | Shares that May | |||||||||||||||
Total Number of | Average Price | Publicly Announced | Yet be Purchased | |||||||||||||
Period | Shares Purchased | Paid per Share | Plan | Under the Plan | ||||||||||||
November 2007
|
203,377 | $ | 3.37 | 16,104,562 | 13,317,699 | |||||||||||
December 2007
|
1,129,992 | $ | 3.71 | 17,234,554 | 12,187,707 | |||||||||||
January 2008
|
718,049 | $ | 2.78 | 17,952,603 | 11,469,658 |
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities.
Not applicable
Item 4. Submission of Matters to vote for Security Holders.
The Company held its Annual Meeting of Stockholders on April 17, 2008, at which the
stockholders re-elected eight directors and ratified the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as
the Companys registered independent public accountants for 2008. Abstentions are included in the
determination of the number of shares represented for a quorum and have the same effect as no
votes in determining whether proposals are approved. To the extent applicable for each individual
proposal, broker non-votes are counted for the purpose of determining the presence of or absence of
a quorum but are not counted for determining the number of votes cast for or against a proposal.
Results of the voting in connection with each issue were as follows:
Election of Directors | For | Withhold | ||||||
Jonathan G. Ornstein |
19,110,404 | 5,514,328 | ||||||
Daniel J. Altobello |
13,574,499 | 11,050,233 | ||||||
Robert Beleson |
19,920,649 | 4,704,083 | ||||||
Carlos E. Bonilla |
13,723,468 | 10,901,264 | ||||||
Joseph L. Manson |
13,976,783 | 10,647,949 | ||||||
Peter F. Nostrand |
13,727,477 | 10,897,255 | ||||||
Maurice A. Parker |
19,016,814 | 5,607,918 | ||||||
Richard R. Thayer |
19,395,956 | 5,228,776 |
Ratification of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Companys independent registered public accountants:
For | Against | Abstain | ||
20,068,135
|
4,492,103 | 64,494 |
The Company also held a Special Meeting of Stockholders on May 13, 2008, at which the
stockholders approved the issuance of such number of shares of the Companys common stock as may be
necessary to repurchase all of its outstanding Senior Convertible Notes due 2023 if the Company is
required by note holders to repurchase the Notes in accordance with the Indenture dated June16,
2003, and if the Company elects to satisfy its repurchase obligation by issuing shares of common
stock. Abstentions are included in the determination of the number of shares represented for a
quorum and have the same effect as no votes in determining whether proposals are approved. To the
extent applicable for the proposal, broker non-votes are counted for the purpose of determining the
presence of or absence of a quorum but are not counted for determining the number of votes cast for
or against a proposal.
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Results of the voting in connection with this issue was as follows:
For | Against | Abstain | ||
14,585,889 | 673,773 | 54,062 |
Item 5. Other Information.
None
Item 6. Exhibits.
Exhibit | ||||||
Number | Description | Reference | ||||
31.1 | Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a- 14(a)/15d-14(a)of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Amended |
* | ||||
31.2 | Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Amended |
* | ||||
32.1 | Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
* | ||||
32.2 | Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
* |
* | Filed herewith |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements 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.
MESA AIR GROUP, INC. |
||||
By: | /s/ MICHAEL J. LOTZ | |||
Michael J. Lotz | ||||
President & Chief Operating Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
||||
Dated: June 30, 2008
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EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit | ||||||
Number | Description | Reference | ||||
31.1 | Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a- 14(a)/15d-14(a)of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Amended
|
* | ||||
31.2 | Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Amended
|
* | ||||
32.1 | Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
|
* | ||||
32.2 | Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
|
* |
* | Filed herewith |
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