Form 10-K
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

(Mark One)

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012

or

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission file number 0-9827

 

 

PHI, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Louisiana   72-0395707

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

2001 SE Evangeline Thruway

Lafayette, Louisiana

  70508
(Address of principal office)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number including area code: (337) 235-2452

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

 

Title of Each Class

 

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered

Voting Common Stock   The NASDAQ Global Market
Non-Voting Common Stock   The NASDAQ Global Market

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  x

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

 

Large accelerated filer:   ¨    Accelerated filer:   x
Non-accelerated filer:   ¨    Smaller reporting company:   ¨

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

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2012 was $422,364,153 based upon the last sales prices of the voting and non-voting common stock on June 30, 2012, as reported on the NASDAQ Global Market.

The number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of February 28, 2013 was:

 

Voting Common Stock

     2,905,757   

shares. Non-Voting Common Stock

     12,567,879 shares.   

Documents Incorporated by Reference

Portions of the registrant’s definitive Information Statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

PHI, INC.

INDEX – FORM 10-K

 

 

PART I

  
Item 1.  

Business

     1   
Item 1A.  

Risk Factors

     5   
Item 1B.  

Unresolved Staff Comments

     15   
Item 2.  

Properties

     16   
Item 3.  

Legal Proceedings

     18   
Item 4.  

Mine Safety Disclosures

     18   
 

PART II

  
Item 5.  

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

     19   
Item 6.  

Selected Financial Data

     21   
Item 7.  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     22   
Item 7A.  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

     34   
Item 8.  

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

     35   
 

PHI, Inc. and Consolidated Subsidiaries:

  
 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     35   
 

Consolidated Balance Sheets - Years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011

     36   
 

Consolidated Statements of Operations - Years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

     37   
 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - Years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

     38   
 

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity - Years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

     39   
 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

     40   
 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     41   
Item 9.  

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures

     67   
Item 9A.  

Controls and Procedures

     67   
 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     68   
Item 9B.  

Other Information

     69   
 

PART III

  
Item 10.  

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

     69   
Item 11.  

Executive Compensation

     69   
Item 12.  

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

     69   
Item 13.  

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

     69   
Item 14.  

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

     69   
 

PART IV

  
Item 15.  

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

     70   
 

Signatures

     74   

 

i


Table of Contents

PART I

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this Form 10-K (the “Annual Report”) and other periodic reports filed by PHI, Inc. (the “Company” or “PHI”) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and other written or oral statements made by it or on its behalf, are forward-looking statements. When used herein, the words “anticipates”, “expects”, “believes”, “goals”, “intends”, “plans”, “projects” and similar words and expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions about future events and are subject to significant risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from the expectations, beliefs, and estimates expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such assumptions will prove correct or even approximately correct. Factors that could cause the Company’s results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the following: unexpected variances in flight hours, the effect on demand for our services caused by volatility of oil and gas prices and the level of exploration and production activity in the Gulf of Mexico, any further effects of the Macondo incident on our business, our dependence on a small number of large oil and gas industry customers, any failure to maintain our strong safety record, the effect on our operating costs of volatile fuel prices, the availability of aircraft lease financing or capital required to acquire aircraft, environmental risks, hurricanes and other adverse weather conditions, the activities of our competitors, changes in government regulation, unionization, operating hazards, risks related to operating in foreign countries, the ability to obtain adequate insurance at an acceptable cost and the ability of the Company to develop and implement successful business strategies. For a more detailed description of risks, see the “Risk Factors” section in Item 1A below. All forward-looking statements in this document are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements in this paragraph and the Risk Factors section below. PHI undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

General

Since our incorporation in 1949, our primary business has been the safe and reliable transportation of personnel and, to a lesser extent, parts and equipment, to, from, and among offshore platforms for customers engaged in the oil and gas exploration, development, and production industry, principally in the Gulf of Mexico. We are a leading provider of helicopter transportation services in the Gulf of Mexico. We also provide helicopter services to the oil and gas industry internationally, and to non-oil and gas customers and U.S. governmental agencies such as the National Science Foundation. We also provide air medical transportation for hospitals, and for emergency service agencies where we operate as an independent provider of medical services. In addition, we perform helicopter maintenance and repair services for existing customers, primarily to those that own their own aircraft. At December 31, 2012, we owned or operated 268 aircraft domestically and internationally, 165 of which were dedicated to our Oil and Gas segment, 97 of which were dedicated to our Air Medical segment, and 6 of which were dedicated to other operations.

Description of Operations

We operate in three business segments: Oil and Gas, Air Medical, and Technical Services. For financial information regarding our operating segments and the geographic areas in which they operate, see Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

Oil and Gas. Our Oil and Gas segment, headquartered in Lafayette, Louisiana, provides helicopter services primarily for the major integrated and independent oil and gas production companies transporting personnel and/or equipment to offshore platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. Our customers include Shell Oil Company (“Shell”), BP America Production Company (“BP”) and ConocoPhillips Company, with whom we have worked for 30 or more years, and ExxonMobil Production Co. and ENI Petroleum, with whom we have worked for more than 15 years. We currently operate 165 aircraft in this segment.

 

1


Table of Contents

Oil and gas exploration and production companies and other offshore oil service companies use our services primarily for routine transportation of personnel and equipment, to transport personnel during medical and safety emergencies, and to evacuate personnel during the threat of hurricanes and other adverse weather conditions. Most of our customers have entered into contracts with us, although some hire us on an “ad hoc” or “spot” basis.

We generally classify our helicopters as light (generally up to six passengers), medium (generally up to 12 passengers) or heavy/transport (up to 19 passengers), each of which serves a different transportation need of the offshore energy industry. Medium and heavy helicopters, which can fly in a wider variety of operating conditions, travel over longer distances and carry larger payloads than light helicopters, are required for crew changes on the large offshore production facilities and drilling rigs in the deepwater region of the Gulf of Mexico. Most of our Oil and Gas aircraft are available for hire by any customer, but some are dedicated to individual customers. Our helicopters have flight ranges up to 495 miles with a 30-minute fuel reserve and thus are capable of servicing many of the deepwater oil and gas operations from 50 to 200 miles offshore. (See Item 2 – Properties, for specific information by aircraft model.)

Our strategic focus of our business is on deepwater activities. As of December 31, 2012, of the 165 aircraft dedicated to our Oil and Gas segment, 80 aircraft were classified as medium or heavy/transport. Our strategy is to focus more of our business on deepwater operations because we believe it will provide a stable and profitable source of revenue. Deepwater operations tend to have longer lead times and consequently, activity levels are less susceptible to short term volatility in commodity prices. The capital commitments are also substantially larger than shallow water operations and our client base is more heavily weighted to the major integrated and larger independent oil and gas companies as a result. Finally, the majority of our transportation activity services production facilities, which adds stability to our business as these facilities are more permanent in nature.

We continue to seek to expand selectively into international markets that we believe have attractive opportunities for growth. For example, as of December 31, 2012, in our oil and gas operations, we operated 5 aircraft in West Africa, and 5 aircraft in the Middle East.

Operating revenue from the Oil and Gas segment is derived mainly from contracts that include a fixed monthly rate for a particular model of aircraft, plus a variable rate for flight time. Operating costs for the Oil and Gas operations are primarily aircraft operation costs, including costs for pilots and maintenance personnel. We typically operate under fixed-term contracts with our customers, with terms generally of one to five years. These contracts provide for payment in U.S. dollars and for a fixed monthly payment per aircraft and additional variable payments based on the number of flight hours. In 2012, approximately 96% of our domestic oil and gas-related revenues was from customer contracts. Revenues from these contracts were approximately 51% from the fixed fee component and 49% from the variable fee component.

Our contracts generally limit our exposure to increases in fuel costs by passing through to our customers fuel costs in excess of pre-agreed levels. Most of our fixed-term contracts contain provisions permitting early termination by the customer, sometimes with as little as 30 days’ notice for any reason and generally without penalty, although customers have rarely exercised that right historically. In addition, many of our contracts permit our customers to increase or decrease the number of aircraft under contract with a corresponding increase or decrease in the fixed monthly payments, and without a significant penalty for a decrease. When our contracts expire, we believe that we have an advantage in renewing the contract based on the existing relationship with the customer, detailed knowledge of the specific operating environment, and an established base of equipment and personnel on site.

Operating revenues from the Oil and Gas segment accounted for 66%, 66%, and 67% of consolidated operating revenues during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

 

2


Table of Contents

Air Medical. In the U.S., we provide air medical transportation services for hospitals and emergency service agencies in 17 states using approximately 88 aircraft at 68 separate locations. We also provide air medical transportation services in Saudi Arabia for the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (“SRCA”), discussed further below. Our Air Medical segment operates primarily under the independent provider model and, to a lesser extent, under the hospital-based model. Under the independent provider model, we have no contracts and no fixed revenue stream, and compete for transport referrals on a daily basis with other independent operators in the area. Under the hospital-based model, we contract directly with the hospital to provide their transportation services, with the contracts typically awarded on a competitive bid basis. Our Air Medical operations are headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. The Air Medical segment’s operating revenues accounted for 33%, 32%, and 31% of consolidated operating revenues for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

As an independent provider, we bill for our services on the basis of a flat rate plus a variable charge per loaded mile, regardless of aircraft model. Revenues are recorded net of contractual allowances under agreements with third party payors and estimated uncompensated care at the time the services are provided. Contractual allowances and uncompensated care are estimated based on historical collection experience by payor category. The main payor categories are Medicaid, Medicare, Insurance, and Self-Pay. Payor mix and changes in reimbursement rates are the factors most subject to sensitivity and variability in calculating our accounts receivable allowances. For additional information, see Note 1—Revenue Recognition of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.

We also have a limited number of contracts with hospitals under which we receive a fixed monthly rate for aircraft availability and an hourly rate for flight time. Those contracts generated approximately 22%, 20%, and 16% of the segment’s revenues for 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

In April 2012, our subsidiary, PHI Air Medical, L.L.C., entered into a three-year contract with the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (“SRCA”) to provide helicopter emergency medical services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The contract calls for us to place eight medium aircraft in service, along with support staff, and to operate and maintain the aircraft for the contract term. The contract envisions a transition of the program, over time, to qualified SRCA personnel, and pursuant to the contract, we shall provide training services to SRCA’s qualified pilots, technicians, paramedics, and communications specialists. Payments are in U.S. dollars based upon a fixed monthly rate and additional variable payments based upon the number of flight hours. The project commenced flight operations in late September 2012, with two aircraft in service, and at December 31, 2012, four aircraft were in service, operating from three bases. As of February 2013, nine aircraft have been delivered, all of which are projected to be operational by the end of the second quarter of 2013.

Technical Services. The Technical Services segment provides helicopter repair and overhaul services for flight operations customers that own their aircraft. Costs associated with these services are primarily labor, and customers are generally billed at a percentage above cost. We also operated six aircraft for the National Science Foundation in Antarctica under this segment.

Operating revenues from the Technical Services segment accounted for 2%, 2%, and 2% of consolidated operating revenues for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

Seasonal Aspects

Seasonality affects our operations in three principal ways: weather conditions are generally poorer in December, January, and February; tropical storms and hurricanes are prevalent in the Gulf of Mexico in late summer and early fall; and reduced daylight hours restrict our operations in winter, which result in reduced flight hours. When a tropical storm or hurricane is about to enter or begins developing in the Gulf of Mexico, flight activity may temporarily increase because of evacuations of offshore workers, but during the storms, we are unable to operate in the area of the storm and can incur significant expense in moving our aircraft to safer locations. For a more detailed discussion of these events, see the “Adverse Weather Conditions” paragraph in the “Risk Factors” section of Item 1A. Our operating results vary from quarter to quarter, depending on seasonal factors and other factors outside of our control. As a result, full year results are not likely to be a direct multiple of any particular quarter or combination of quarters.

 

3


Table of Contents

Inventories

We carry a significant inventory of aircraft parts to support the maintenance and repair of our helicopters. Many of these inventory items are parts that have been removed from aircraft, refurbished according to manufacturers and Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) specifications, and returned to inventory. The cost to refurbish these parts is expensed as incurred. The carrying values of inventory reported in our consolidated financial statements are affected by these estimates and may change from time to time if our estimated values change. See “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Inventories of Spare Parts.”

Customers

Our principal customers are major integrated energy companies and independent exploration and production companies. We also serve oil and gas service companies, hospitals and medical programs under the independent provider model, government agencies, and other aircraft owners and operators. Our largest customer is in our Oil and Gas segment and accounted for 15%, 14%, and 14% of operating revenues for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Also, another customer in our Oil and Gas segment accounted for 13%, 15%, and 17% of operating revenues for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 respectively. We have entered into contracts with most of our customers for terms of at least one year, although most contracts include provisions permitting earlier termination.

Competition

Our business is highly competitive in each of our markets, and many of our contracts are awarded after competitive bidding. Factors that impact competition include safety, reliability, price, availability of appropriate aircraft and quality of service.

We are a leading operator of helicopters in the Gulf of Mexico. There are two major and several small competitors operating in the Gulf of Mexico market. Although most oil companies traditionally contract for most specialty services associated with offshore operations, including helicopter services, certain of our customers and potential customers in the oil industry operate their own helicopter fleets, or have the capability to do so if they so elect.

In the air medical market, we compete against national and regional firms, and there is usually more than one competitor in each local market. In addition, we compete against hospitals that operate their own helicopters and, in some cases, against ground ambulances as well.

Employees

As of December 31, 2012, we employed approximately 2,588 full-time employees and 45 part-time employees, including approximately 802 pilots, 845 aircraft maintenance personnel, and 384 medical support staff.

Our domestic pilot workforce is represented by the Office and Professional Employees International Union (“OPEIU”), although we and the union do not have a current agreed upon collective bargaining agreement and are engaged in litigation. For additional information, see Item 3 – Legal Proceedings.

Governmental Regulation

We are subject to government regulation by a number of different federal and state agencies. Our flight operations are regulated by the FAA. Aircraft accidents are subject to the jurisdiction of the National Transportation Safety Board (“NTSB”). Standards relating to the workplace health and safety of our employees are created and monitored through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”). There are a number of statutes and regulations that govern offshore operations. Our air medical operations are also subject to healthcare-related laws and regulations, including those related to Medicare and Medicaid compliance and the privacy and security rules of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended. We are also subject to various federal and state environmental laws and regulations. For additional information, see Item 1A – Risk Factors – Risks Inherent in our Business – “Increased governmental regulations could increase our costs or reduce our ability to operate successfully.”

 

4


Table of Contents

Environmental Matters

We are subject to federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations that impose limitations on the discharge of pollutants into the environment and establish standards for the treatment, storage, recycling, and disposal of toxic and hazardous wastes. Operating and maintaining helicopters requires that we use, store, and dispose of materials that are subject to federal and state environmental regulation. We periodically conduct environmental site surveys at our facilities, and determine whether there is a need for environmental remediation based on these surveys. For additional information, see Item 1A – Risk Factors – Risks Inherent in Our Business – “Our operations are subject to stringent and comprehensive environmental laws and regulations that may expose us to significant costs and liabilities,” and See Note 12 to our consolidated financial statements included in this report.

Corporate Information

In December 2005, we announced a corporate name change from “Petroleum Helicopters, Inc.” to “PHI, Inc.” In addition, the trading symbol for our voting common stock changed to “PHII,” and the symbol for our non-voting common stock changed to “PHIIK.”

In September 2001, Al A. Gonsoulin, our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, acquired approximately 52% of our outstanding voting common stock from our founder’s family. As of December 31, 2012, Mr. Gonsoulin owned 70.3% of our outstanding voting common stock and 6.3% of our outstanding non-voting common stock, representing 18.3% of our total outstanding equity. Mr. Gonsoulin has over 35 years of experience in the oil and gas service industry. In 1977, he founded Sea Mar, Inc., a provider of marine transportation and support services to the oil and gas industry in the Gulf of Mexico, and sold it to Pool Energy Services Co. in 1998. Pool Energy Services was acquired by Nabors Industries, Inc. in 1999, and Mr. Gonsoulin continued to serve as President of Sea Mar until December 31, 2001.

Our principal executive offices are located at 2001 SE Evangeline Thruway, Lafayette, Louisiana 70508, and our telephone number at that address is (337) 235-2452.

Availability of SEC filings and other information

Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to any of these reports are available free of charge through our web site: www.phihelico.com. These reports are available as soon as reasonably practicable after we file them with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). You may also read and copy any of the materials that we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F. Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains a web site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The SEC’s website address is www.sec.gov.

 

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors

All phases of our operations are subject to significant uncertainties, risks, and other influences. Known material risks and other important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from anticipated results or other expectations are discussed below:

RISKS INHERENT IN OUR BUSINESS

The failure to maintain our safety record would seriously harm our ability to attract new customers and maintain our existing customers.

A favorable safety record is one of the primary factors a customer reviews in selecting an aviation provider. If we fail to maintain our safety and reliability record, our ability to attract new customers and maintain our current customers will be materially adversely affected.

 

5


Table of Contents

Helicopter operations involve risks that may not be covered by our insurance or may increase the cost of our insurance.

The operation of helicopters inherently involves a high degree of risk. Hazards such as aircraft accidents, collisions, fire and adverse weather are hazards that must be managed by providers of helicopter services and may result in loss of life, serious injury to employees and third parties, and losses of equipment and revenues.

We maintain hull and liability insurance on our aircraft, which insures us against physical loss of, or damage to, our aircraft and against certain legal liabilities to others. In addition, we carry war risk, expropriation, confiscation and nationalization insurance for our aircraft involved in international operations. In some instances, we are covered by indemnity agreements from our customers in lieu of, or in addition to, our insurance. Our aircraft are not insured for loss of use.

While we believe that our insurance and indemnification arrangements provide reasonable protection for most foreseeable losses, they do not cover all potential losses and are subject to deductibles, retentions, coverage limits and coverage exceptions such that severe casualty losses, or the expropriation or confiscation of significant assets could materially and adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations. The occurrence of an event that is not fully covered by insurance could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Our operations are affected by adverse weather conditions and seasonal factors.

We are subject to weather-related or seasonal factors, including primarily:

 

 

poor weather conditions that often prevail during winter but can develop in any season;

 

 

the tropical storm and hurricane season in the Gulf of Mexico; and

 

 

reduced daylight hours during the winter months.

Poor visibility, high winds and heavy precipitation can affect the operation of helicopters and significantly reduce our flight hours. A significant portion of our operating revenue is dependent on actual flight hours and a substantial portion of our direct costs is fixed. Thus, prolonged periods of adverse weather can materially and adversely affect our operating revenues and net earnings.

In the Gulf of Mexico, the months of December, January and February generally have more days of adverse weather conditions than the other months of the year. Also, June through November is tropical storm and hurricane season in the Gulf of Mexico, with August and September typically being the most active months. During tropical storms, we are unable to operate in the area of the storm and can incur significant expense in moving our aircraft to safer locations. In addition, as most of our facilities are located along the Gulf of Mexico coast, tropical storms and hurricanes may cause substantial damage to our property, including helicopters that we are unable to relocate.

Because the fall and winter months have fewer hours of daylight, our flight hours are generally lower at those times, which typically results in a reduction in operating revenues during those months. Currently, only 89 of the 165 helicopters used in our oil and gas operations are equipped to fly under instrument flight rules (“IFR”), which enables these aircraft, when manned by IFR-rated pilots and co-pilots, to operate when poor visibility or darkness prevents flight by aircraft that can fly only under VFR. Not all of our pilots are IFR rated.

Our helicopters may not always be profitably deployed.

We are exposed to the risk that our helicopters may not always be profitably deployed. Customers often require a specific type of helicopter, which may be different from those in our fleet. Our contract terms generally are too short to recover our cost of purchasing a helicopter, subjecting us to the risk that we will be unable to recoup our investment in the helicopter. Helicopters we acquire may not be covered by customer contracts when they are placed into service. Once a new helicopter is delivered to us, we generally spend between two and three months installing mission-specific and/or customer-specific equipment before we place it into service. As a result, there can be a significant delay between the delivery date for a new helicopter and the time that it is able to generate revenues for us.

 

6


Table of Contents

We may not be able to find alternative profitable uses for helicopters no longer under contract. If we cannot find an acceptably profitable use for a helicopter, or if a helicopter no longer meets our strategic objectives, including due to age, we may sell it. Prices in the used helicopter market have been volatile over time, and we may incur gains or losses from the sale of helicopters. Inability to profitably deploy helicopters in our fleet may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operation and cash flow.

Our contracts generally can be terminated or downsized by our customers without penalty.

Most of our fixed-term contracts contain provisions permitting early termination by the customer, sometimes with as little as 30 days’ notice for any reason and generally without penalty. In addition, many of our contracts permit our customers to decrease the number of aircraft under contract with a corresponding decrease in the fixed monthly payments without penalty. As a result, undue reliance should not be placed on our customer contracts or the terms of those contracts.

The helicopter services business is highly competitive.

All segments of our business are highly competitive. Many of our contracts are awarded after competitive bidding, and the competition for those contracts generally is intense. The principal aspects of competition are safety, price, reliability, availability and service.

We have two major competitors and several small competitors operating in the Gulf of Mexico, and most of our customers and potential customers could operate their own helicopter fleets if they chose to do so.

Our Air Medical segment competes for business primarily under the independent provider model and, to a lesser extent, under the hospital-based model. Under the independent provider model, we have no contracts and no fixed revenue stream, but must compete for transport referrals on a daily basis with other independent operators in the area. Under the hospital-based model, we contract directly with the hospital to provide their transportation services, with the contracts typically awarded on a competitive bid basis. Under both models, we compete against national and regional companies, and there is usually more than one competitor in each local market. In addition, we compete against hospitals that operate their own helicopters and, in some cases, against ground ambulances as well.

We depend on a small number of helicopter manufacturers for our supply of new helicopters.

There are a small number of helicopter manufacturers that can meet our needs for new aircraft to expand our fleet or replace aircraft that no longer meet our needs. If we are unable to obtain aircraft from these manufacturers with delivery dates, prices and other terms acceptable to us, our profitability and growth prospects could be adversely impacted, and the impact may be material.

We require aircraft components and parts for the maintenance and repair of aircraft, and supply constraints or cost increases could adversely affect our business.

Our ability to maintain and repair our aircraft depends on our ability to obtain a supply of aircraft components and parts. If we are unable to perform timely maintenance and repairs, our aircraft may be unable to meet contract demands or may be underutilized, which would have an adverse impact on our financial performance. In addition, obtaining supplies of aircraft components and parts can be more challenging in our foreign operations. Supply constraints or supplier cost increases for important aircraft components and parts could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Our Air Medical operations expose us to numerous special risks, including collection risks and potential medical malpractice claims.

Our Air Medical operations are highly competitive and expose us to a number of risks that we do not encounter in our oil and gas operations. For instance, the fees for our air medical services generally are paid by individual patients, insurance companies, or government agencies such as Medicare and Medicaid. As a result, our profitability in this business depends not only on our ability to generate an acceptable volume of patient transports, but also on our ability to collect our transport fees. We are not permitted to refuse service to patients based on their inability to pay.

 

7


Table of Contents

We employ paramedics, nurses, and other medical professionals for these operations, which can give rise to medical malpractice claims against us, which, if not fully covered by our medical malpractice insurance, could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Increased governmental regulations could increase our costs or reduce our ability to operate successfully.

Our operations are regulated by a number of federal and state agencies. All of our flight operations are regulated by the FAA. Aircraft accidents are subject to the jurisdiction of the National Transportation Safety Board. Standards relating to workplace health and safety are monitored by OSHA. We are also subject to various federal and state healthcare-related laws and regulations.

The FAA has jurisdiction over many aspects of our business, including personnel, aircraft and ground facilities. We are required to have an Air Taxi Certificate, granted by the FAA, to transport personnel and property in our helicopters. This certificate contains operating specifications that allow us to conduct our present operations, but it is potentially subject to amendment, suspension or revocation in accordance with procedures set forth in the Federal Aviation Act. The FAA conducts regular inspections regarding the safety, training and general regulatory compliance of our U.S. aviation operations. Additionally, the FAA requires us to file reports confirming our continued compliance.

FAA regulations require that at least 75% of our voting securities be owned or controlled by citizens of the U.S. or one of its possessions, and that our president and at least two-thirds of our directors be U.S. citizens. Our Chief Executive Officer and six of our seven directors are U.S. citizens, and our organizational documents provide for the automatic reduction in voting power of each share of voting common stock owned or controlled by a non-U.S. citizen if necessary to comply with these regulations.

We are subject to significant regulatory oversight by OSHA and similar state agencies. We are also subject to the Communications Act of 1934 because of our ownership and operation of a radio communications flight-following network throughout the Gulf of Mexico.

Numerous other federal statutes and rules regulate our offshore operations and those of our customers, pursuant to which the federal government has the ability to suspend, curtail or modify certain or all offshore operations. A suspension or substantial curtailment of offshore oil and gas operations for any prolonged period would have an immediate and materially adverse effect on us. A substantial modification of current offshore operations could adversely affect the economics of such operations and result in reduced demand for our services.

Our air medical operations are also subject to healthcare-related laws and regulations, including those related to Medicare and Medicaid compliance and the privacy and security rules of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended.

Our operations are subject to stringent and comprehensive environmental laws and regulations that may expose us to significant costs and liabilities.

Our operations are subject to stringent laws and regulations relating to environmental protection. Inherent in our business is the risk of incurring significant environmental costs and liabilities due to our handling of petroleum products and generated wastes, because of air emissions and wastewater discharges related to our operations, and as a result of historical operations and waste disposal practices. Environmental laws and regulations generally require us to obtain permits such as air emissions and wastewater permits before regulated activities commence, require us to remain in compliance with the permits, restrict the types, quantities and concentration of materials that can be released into the environment in connection with regulated activities, and impose substantial liabilities for pollution resulting from operations. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations or the terms or conditions of required environmental permits may result in the assessment of administrative, civil and/or criminal penalties, the imposition of remedial obligations or corrective actions, and the issuance of injunctions limiting or prohibiting some or all of our operations.

We currently own or lease, and have in the past owned or leased, properties that have been used for many years by persons, including us, for various aviation operational support and maintenance activities. Petroleum products and wastes may have been disposed or released on or under properties owned or leased by us or on or under other locations where we have arranged for such petroleum products or wastes to be taken for disposal or recycling. In addition, many of these properties have been operated by third parties whose treatment and disposal or release of

 

8


Table of Contents

petroleum products or wastes was not under our control. Because operating and maintaining helicopters causes us to generate, handle and dispose of materials that may be classified as “hazardous substances,” “hazardous wastes,” or other types of regulated materials, we may incur joint and several, strict liability under applicable federal laws, including the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, also referred to as the Superfund law and the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as well as analogous state laws. Under such laws, we could be required to remove or remediate previously disposed wastes or property contamination, restore affected properties, or undertake measures to prevent future contamination. In addition, future spills or releases of regulated substances or the discovery of currently unknown contamination could expose us to material losses, expenditures and environmental liabilities, including liabilities resulting from lawsuits brought by private litigants or neighboring property owners or operators for personal injury or property damage related to our operations or the land on which our operations are conducted. We generally cannot recover these costs from insurance.

Changes in environmental laws, regulations or enforcement policies occur frequently, and any changes that result in more stringent or costly pollution control equipment, waste handling, storage, transport, disposal or cleanup requirements or other unforeseen liabilities could require us to make significant expenditures to attain and maintain compliance and may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, competitive position or financial condition. For example, the U.S. Congress has considered, and almost one-half of the states have pursued regulatory initiatives designed to restrict the emission of carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gases that may contribute to warming of the Earth’s atmosphere and other climatic changes, primarily through the planned development of greenhouse gas emission inventories and/or regional greenhouse cap and trade programs. Any adoption of laws or regulations that limits emissions of greenhouse gases from equipment or operations could result in increased costs to reduce such emissions from our operations as well as those of our customers, and could adversely affect demand for our services.

New and proposed health care legislation and regulation could have a material impact on our business.

On March 23, 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“PPACA”) became law, enacting comprehensive health care reform in the United States. The legislation aims to expand health insurance coverage to uninsured Americans, and, among other things, expands Medicaid, requires U.S. citizens and legal residents to have health insurance coverage or pay a tax penalty, and assesses fees on employers who do not offer qualifying coverage to employees. The legislation also has provisions aimed at controlling health care costs. With respect to our Air Medical operations, we may see a decrease in reimbursement amounts from Medicaid, Medicare and commercial insurance payors, but may also see an increase in payments from individuals who were previously uninsured. Federal and state governments may propose and adopt other health care initiatives or changes to current laws and regulations, the impact of which cannot be predicted.

The healthcare industry is heavily regulated and if we fail to comply with these laws and government regulations, we could incur penalties or be required to make significant changes to our operations.

The healthcare industry is heavily regulated and closely scrutinized by federal, state and local governments. Comprehensive statutes and regulations govern the manner in which we provide and bill for services, our contractual relationships with our vendors and customers, our marketing activities and other aspects of our operations. Some of these laws are described below. Failure to comply with these laws can result in civil and criminal penalties such as fines, damages and exclusion from the Medicare and Medicaid programs. The risk of our being found in violation of these laws and regulations is increased by the fact that many of them have not been fully interpreted by the regulatory authorities or the courts, and their provisions are sometimes open to a variety of interpretations. Any action against us for violation of these laws or regulations, even if we successfully defend against it, could cause us to incur significant legal expenses and divert our management’s attention from the operation of our business.

The laws, regulations and standards governing the provision of healthcare services may change significantly in the future. We cannot assure you that any new or changed healthcare laws, regulations or standards will not materially adversely affect our business.

 

9


Table of Contents

We are subject to comprehensive and complex laws and rules that govern the manner in which we bill and are paid for our services by third party payors, and the failure to comply with these rules, or allegations that we have failed to do so, can result in civil or criminal sanctions, including exclusion from federal and state healthcare programs.

Like most healthcare providers, the majority of our services are paid for by private and governmental third party payors, such as Medicare and Medicaid. These third party payors typically have differing and complex billing and documentation requirements that we must meet in order to receive payment for our services. Reimbursement to us is typically conditioned on our providing the correct codes and properly documenting the services themselves, including the level of service provided, the medical necessity for the services and the site of service.

We must also comply with numerous other laws applicable to our documentation and the claims we submit for payment, including but not limited to (1) “coordination of benefits” rules that dictate which payor we must bill first when a patient has potential coverage from multiple payors; (2) requirements that we obtain the signature of the patient or patient representative, or, in certain cases, alternative documentation, prior to submitting a claim; (3) requirements that we make repayment to any payor which pays us more than the amount to which we are entitled; (4) requirements that we bill a hospital, rather than Medicare, for certain ambulance transports provided to Medicare patients of such facilities; (5) requirements that our electronic claims for payment be submitted using certain standardized transaction codes and formats; and (6) laws requiring us to handle all health and financial information of our patients in a manner that complies with specified security and privacy standards.

Governmental and private third party payors and other enforcement agencies carefully audit and monitor our compliance with these and other applicable rules. Our failure to comply with the billing and other rules applicable to us could result in non-payment for services rendered or refunds of amounts previously paid for such services. In addition, non-compliance with these rules may cause us to incur civil and criminal penalties, including fines and exclusion from government healthcare programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, under a number of state and federal laws. These laws include the federal False Claims Act, the Civil Monetary Penalties Law, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, the federal Anti-Kickback Statute and other provisions of federal, state and local law. The federal False Claims Act and the Anti-Kickback Statute were both recently amended in a manner which makes it easier for the government to demonstrate that a violation has occurred. The laws, regulations and standards governing the provision of healthcare services may change significantly in the future.

Under federal privacy law, as recently amended, we are subject to more stringent penalties in the event we improperly use or disclose protected health information regarding our patients.

The Administrative Simplification Provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, or HIPAA, required the Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS, to adopt standards to protect the privacy and security of certain health-related information. The HIPAA privacy regulations contain detailed requirements concerning the use and disclosure of individually identifiable health information by “covered entities,” which includes our Air Medical operations. In addition to the privacy requirements, HIPAA covered entities must implement certain administrative, physical, and technical security standards to protect the integrity, confidentiality and availability of certain electronic health information received, maintained, or transmitted by covered entities or their business associates.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, enacted on February 18, 2009, included the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (“HITECH”) Act, which modified the HIPAA legislation significantly in a manner that increases both the risk and consequences of enforcement. Violations of the HIPAA privacy and security standards, as amended by the HITECH Act, may result in civil and criminal penalties. The civil penalties range from $100 to $50,000 per violation, with a cap of $1.5 million per year for violations of the same standard during the same calendar year. However, a single breach incident can result in violations of multiple standards. We must also comply with certain “breach notification” regulations, which implement certain provisions of the HITECH Act. Under these regulations, in addition to reasonable remediation, covered entities must promptly notify affected individuals in the case of a breach of “unsecured protected health information” as defined by HHS guidance. In addition, notification must be provided to the HHS Secretary and the media in cases where a breach affects more than 500 individuals. Breaches affecting fewer than 500 individuals must be reported to the HHS Secretary on an annual basis.

 

10


Table of Contents

Many states in which we operate also have state laws that protect the privacy and security of confidential, personal information. These laws may be similar to or even more protective than the federal provisions. Not only may some of these state laws impose fines and penalties upon violators, but some may afford private rights of action to individuals who believe their personal information has been misused. California’s patient privacy laws, for example, provide for penalties of up to $250,000 and permit injured parties to sue for damages.

Our relationships with our vendors and customers, and our marketing practices, are subject to the federal Anti-Kickback Statute and similar state laws.

We are subject to the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits the knowing and willful offer, payment, solicitation or receipt of any form of “remuneration” in return for, or to induce, the referral of business or ordering of services paid for by Medicare or other federal programs. “Remuneration” has been broadly interpreted to mean anything of value, including, for example, gifts, discounts, credit arrangement and in-kind goods or services, as well as cash. Certain federal courts have held that the Anti-Kickback Statute can be violated if “one purpose” of a payment is to induce referrals. The Anti-Kickback Statute is broad and prohibits many arrangements and practices that are lawful in businesses outside of the healthcare industry. Violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute can result in imprisonment, civil or criminal fines or exclusion from Medicare and other governmental programs. The PPACA amended the Anti-kickback Statute in a manner that makes it easier for the government to demonstrate intent to violate the statute, which is an element of a violation.

Many states have adopted laws similar to the federal Anti-Kickback Statute. Some of these state prohibitions apply to referral of patients for healthcare items or services reimbursed by any payor, not only the Medicare and Medicaid programs, and do not contain identical safe harbors.

The federal False Claims Act is used frequently by the government and private parties against healthcare providers in challenging the accuracy of their claims for reimbursement and other conduct related to such claims.

The federal False Claims Act imposes liability on any person or entity who, among other things, knowingly presents, or causes to be presented, a false or fraudulent claim for payment by a federal healthcare program. The qui tam provision of the False Claims Act allow a private individual to bring actions on behalf of the federal government alleging that the defendant has submitted a false claim to the federal government, and to share in any monetary recovery. In recent years, the number of suits brought by private individuals has increased dramatically. In addition, various states have enacted false claim laws analogous to the False Claims Act. Many of these state laws apply where a claim is submitted to any third party payor and not merely a federal healthcare program. There are many potential bases for liability under these false claim statutes. Liability arises, primarily, when an entity knowingly submits, or causes another to submit, a False claim for reimbursement. Pursuant to changes made by PPACA, a claim resulting from a violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute can constitute a false or fraudulent claim for purposes of the federal False Claims Act.

Our international operations are subject to political, economic and regulatory uncertainty.

Our international operations represented approximately 4% of our total operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2012; however, we are actively pursuing international opportunities, and often in lesser developed countries. As of December 31, 2012, we operated five aircraft in West Africa and 9 aircraft in the Middle East, including four in Saudi Arabia. International operations, particularly in lesser developed countries, are subject to a number of risks, including:

 

 

political, social and economic instability;

 

 

terrorism, kidnapping and extortion;

 

 

potential seizure or nationalization of assets;

 

 

import-export quotas; and

 

 

currency fluctuations or devaluation.

 

11


Table of Contents

Additionally, our competitiveness in international markets may be adversely affected by government regulation, including regulations requiring:

 

 

the awarding of contracts to local contractors;

 

 

the employment of local citizens; and

 

 

the establishment of foreign subsidiaries with significant ownership positions reserved by the foreign government for local ownership.

In our foreign operations, we are subject to a number of U.S. and international laws and regulations, including those relating to export control and anti-boycott laws as well as anti-bribery and anti-corruption, such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Any violation of such laws may result in severe penalties.

Our failure to attract and retain qualified personnel could adversely affect us.

Our ability to attract and retain qualified pilots, mechanics, nurses, paramedics and other highly trained personnel will be an important factor in determining our future success. Many of our customers require pilots of aircraft that service them to have inordinately high levels of flight experience. The market for these experienced and highly trained personnel is extremely competitive. Accordingly, we cannot assure that we will be successful in our efforts to attract and retain such persons. Some of our pilots and mechanics, and those of our competitors, are members of the U.S. military reserves and could be called to active duty. If significant numbers of such persons are called to active duty, it would reduce the supply of such workers, possibly curtailing our operations and likely increasing our labor costs.

RISKS SPECIFIC TO OUR COMPANY

The Macondo incident had a substantial adverse effect on our business and any significant development adversely impacting deepwater drilling in the Gulf of Mexico would adversely affect us.

Our business is highly dependent on the offshore oil and gas industry, with approximately 66% of our total 2012 operating revenue attributable to helicopter support for offshore oil and gas exploration and production companies, substantially all of which was in the Gulf of Mexico. Of this revenue, approximately 62% was attributable to deepwater operations. Many of the helicopters we have purchased recently are larger aircraft intended to service deepwater activities, and the margins we earn on these aircraft are generally higher than on smaller aircraft. In addition, we derive a significant amount of our revenue from a small number of major and independent oil and gas companies.

In April 2010, the Deepwater Horizon rig, engaged in deepwater drilling operations at BP’s Macondo well in the Gulf of Mexico, sank after a blowout, resulting in the discharge of substantial amounts of oil until mid-July 2010 when the flow of oil was stopped. The U.S. Department of Interior imposed a moratorium on deepwater drilling from May through October 2010. Since approximately April/May 2011, there has generally been gradual improvement in the number of deepwater drilling permits issued by the Department of Interior that affect our customers. Deepwater drilling reached pre-Macondo levels around September 2011.

Although we experienced some increased flight activity during the clean-up effort in the second and third quarters of 2010, the Macondo incident had a significant adverse impact on our business, particularly in the fourth quarter of 2010 and the first half of 2011. Any significant development adversely impacting deepwater drilling in the Gulf of Mexico could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We are highly dependent on the offshore oil and gas industry, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico.

Approximately 66% of our 2012 operating revenue was attributable to helicopter support for offshore oil and gas exploration and production companies, substantially all of which was in the Gulf of Mexico. Our business is highly dependent on the level of activity by oil and gas companies, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico. The level of activity by our customers operating in the Gulf of Mexico depends on factors that we cannot control, such as:

 

12


Table of Contents
 

the supply of, and demand for, oil and natural gas and market expectations regarding supply and demand;

 

 

weather-related or other natural causes;

 

 

actions of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, and Middle Eastern and other oil producing countries, to control prices or change production levels;

 

 

the extent to which increased government regulation or other factors may impose increased costs, including as a result of the Macondo incident, as discussed above;

 

 

general economic conditions in the United States and worldwide;

 

 

war, civil unrest or terrorist activities; and

 

 

the price and availability of alternative fuels.

Any substantial or extended decline in the prices of oil and natural gas could depress the level of helicopter activity in support of exploration and production activity, and thus have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Additionally, the Gulf of Mexico is generally considered to be a mature area for oil and gas exploration, which may result in a continuing decrease in activity over time. This could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, the concentrated nature of our operations subjects us to the risk that a regional event could cause a significant interruption in our operations or otherwise have a material effect on our profitability.

Moreover, companies in the oil and gas exploration and production industry continually seek to implement cost-savings measures. As part of these measures, oil and gas companies have attempted to improve operating efficiencies with respect to helicopter support services. For example, certain oil and gas companies have pooled helicopter services among operators, reduced staffing levels by using technology to permit unmanned production installations and decreased the frequency of transportation of employees offshore by increasing the lengths of shifts offshore. The continued implementation of such measures could reduce demand for helicopter services and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and our financial condition.

We depend on a small number of large oil and gas industry customers for a significant portion of our revenues, and our credit exposure within this industry is significant.

We derive a significant amount of our revenue from a small number of major and independent oil and gas companies. For the year ended December 31, 2012, approximately 28% of our operating revenues were attributable to our two largest customers, Shell and BP, accounting for 15% and 13%, respectively. The loss of one of our significant customers, if not offset by revenues from new or other existing customers, would have a material adverse effect on our business and operations. In addition, this concentration of customers may impact our overall credit risk in that these entities may be similarly affected by changes in economic and other conditions.

Our domestic pilot workforce is represented by the OPEIU although the Company and the Union do not have a current agreed upon collective bargaining agreement and the Company, the Union and individual pilots are engaged in litigation.

We are involved in Federal Court litigation in the Western District of Louisiana and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals with the Office and Professional Employees International Union (“OPEIU”), the union representing our domestic pilots. For additional information, see Item 3 – Legal Proceedings.

We must obtain additional financing in order to fund our aircraft purchase and other obligations.

As of December 31, 2012, we had obligations related to aircraft purchase commitments totaling approximately $167.9 million due in 2013, along with other significant contractual obligations described in this report. As of December 31, 2012, we had approximately $53.4 million in cash and short-term investments and $13.2 million available under our $100.0 million revolving credit facility. In January 2013, our revolving credit facility was

 

13


Table of Contents

amended to increase the maximum borrowing capacity to $125 million. We intend to seek to obtain operating leases and/or additional debt financing to fund these obligations. We have no current commitments or arrangements with respect to such financing, and no assurances can be given that such financing will be available to us on acceptable terms. Our inability to obtain such financing could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our substantial indebtedness and operating lease commitments could adversely affect our financial condition and impair our ability to operate our business.

We are a highly leveraged company and, as a result, have significant debt service obligations. We also have significant operating lease commitments and, as a result, have significant rent expense. As of December 31, 2012, our total indebtedness was $386.8 million, consisting of $300 million of our 8.625% Senior Notes due 2018 and $86.8 million borrowed under our $100.0 million revolving credit facility, which matures in September 2014. In January 2013, the maximum borrowing capacity of the revolving credit facility was increased from $100 million to $125 million. We have a separate letter of credit facility that had $14.7 million outstanding at December 31, 2012.

As of December 31, 2012, we had approximately $218.3 million in aggregate commitments under aircraft and other operating leases, of which approximately $43.1 million is payable through December 31, 2013. The total lease commitments include $198.7 million for aircraft and $19.6 million for facility lease commitments, primarily for our facilities in Lafayette, Louisiana.

The degree to which we are leveraged or may become leveraged in the future could have important consequences to our equity and debt holders, including:

 

   

we will be required to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to pay principal of, and interest on, our indebtedness, and make lease payments on our operating leases, thereby reducing funds available for operations, working capital, capital expenditures, expansion, acquisitions or general corporate or other purposes or to carry out other aspects of our business plan;

 

   

it may increase our vulnerability to a downturn in our industry or business or to general adverse economic and financial market conditions; and

 

   

our ability to obtain additional financing in the future may be impaired.

Our ability to meet our debt obligations, lease commitments and other expenses will depend on our future performance, which will be affected by financial, business, economic, regulatory and other factors, many of which we are unable to control.

We may not be able to generate sufficient cash flow to meet our debt service obligations and lease obligations.

Our ability to make payments on our indebtedness and to pay our obligations under our operating leases, and to fund planned capital expenditures, including purchases of aircraft under purchase options, will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future. This is subject to conditions in the oil and gas industry, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico, and to general economic and financial conditions, the impact of legislative and regulatory actions on how we conduct our business and other factors, all of which are beyond our control. Our inability to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy our debt and operating lease obligations, or to obtain alternative financings, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer is also one of our principal stockholders and has voting control of the Company.

Al A. Gonsoulin, our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, beneficially owns stock representing approximately 70.3% of our total voting power and 18.3% of our total outstanding shares of voting and non-voting common stock as of December 31, 2012. As a result, he exercises control over the election of all of our directors and the outcome of all matters requiring a stockholder vote. This ownership also may delay or prevent a change in our management or a change in control of us, even if such changes would benefit our other stockholders and were supported by a majority of our stockholders.

 

14


Table of Contents

Provisions in our articles of incorporation and by-laws and Louisiana law make it more difficult to effect a change in control of us, which could discourage a takeover of our company and adversely affect the price of our common stock.

Although an attempted takeover of our company is unlikely by virtue of the ownership by our Chief Executive Officer of more than 50% of the total voting power of our capital stock, there are also provisions in our articles of incorporation and by-laws that may make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us, even if a change in control would result in the purchase of our company’s securities at a premium to the market price or would otherwise be beneficial to you. For example, our articles of incorporation authorize our board of directors to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval. If our board of directors elects to issue preferred stock, it could be more difficult for a third party to acquire us.

In addition, provisions of our by-laws, such as giving the board the exclusive right to fill all board vacancies, could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us. In addition to the provisions contained in our articles of incorporation and by-laws, the Louisiana Business Corporation Law (“LBCL”), includes certain provisions applicable to Louisiana corporations, such as us, which may be deemed to have an anti-takeover effect. Such provisions give stockholders the right to receive the fair value of their shares of stock following a control transaction from a controlling person or group and set forth requirements relating to certain business combinations. Our descriptions of these provisions are only abbreviated summaries of detailed and complex statutes. For a complete understanding of the statutes, you should read them in their entirety.

The LBCL’s control share acquisition statute provides that any person who acquires “control shares” will be able to vote such shares only if the right to vote is approved by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of both (i) all the votes entitled to be cast by stockholders and (ii) all the votes entitled to be cast by stockholders excluding “interested shares.” The control share acquisition statute permits the articles of incorporation or by-laws of a company to exclude from the statute’s application acquisitions occurring after the adoption of the exclusion. Our by-laws do contain such an exclusion; however, our board of directors or stockholders, by an amendment to our by-laws, could reverse this exclusion.

Our ability to use net operating loss carryforwards to reduce future tax payments may be limited if we experience an ownership change.

As described in Note 8 – Income Taxes of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K, we have substantial net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) available to offset future taxable income. Our ability to use our federal NOLs could be substantially limited if we were to experience an “ownership change” as defined in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”). Generally, an ownership change occurs when the percentage of a corporation’s stock (by value) owned by all of the corporation’s 5% shareholders (as determined pursuant to the IRC), as a group, has increased by more than 50 percentage points over the lowest percentage of stock (by value) owned by the 5% shareholders, as a group, at any time during the past three years. A corporation must test to determine whether it has had an ownership change on any date that a 5% shareholder acquires stock. Changes in ownership of our stock are generally not within our control. If an ownership change were to occur, the use of our federal NOLs would be subject to an annual limit, generally equal to the value of the company multiplied by the long-term tax exempt rate, which could substantially limit our ability to use the NOLs each year and could results in NOLs expiring unused. Use of our state NOLs may also be limited by an ownership change.

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 

15


Table of Contents
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

Aircraft

Information regarding our owned and leased aircraft fleet and 21 customer-owned aircraft that we operate as of December 31, 2012 is set forth in the following table:

 

Manufacturer

  

Type

   Number
in Fleet
     Engine    Passengers      Cruise
Speed
(mph)
     Appr. Range
(miles)(2)
 

Light Aircraft

                 

Bell

   206 / 407      97       Turbine      4 – 6         130 – 150         300 – 420   

Eurocopter

   BK-117      5       Twin Turbine      4 – 6         135         255 – 270   

Eurocopter

   EC-135 (1) / EC-145      37       Twin Turbine      7         143         382   

Eurocopter

   AS350 B2 / B3      19       Turbine      5         140         337 – 385   

Medium Aircraft

                 

Bell

   212 (1) / 222 (1)               
   230 (1) / 412 (1)      21       Twin Turbine      8 – 13         115 – 160         300 – 370   

Sikorsky

   S-76 (1) A++, C+, C++      45       Twin Turbine      12         150         400   

Agusta Westland

   AW-139 (1)      10       Twin Turbine      15         160         573   

Transport Aircraft

                 

Sikorsky

   S-92A(1)      24       Twin Turbine      19         160         495   
     

 

 

             
   Total Helicopters      258               
     

 

 

             

Fixed Wing

                 

Rockwell(3)

   Aero Commander      2       Turboprop      6         300-340         1,200 - 1,600   

Lear Jet(4)

   31A(1)      3       Turbojet      8         527         1,437   

Cessna

   U206(1)      1       Single/Piston      6         174         900   

Beech(4)

   King Air(1)      4       Turboprop      8         300         1,380   
     

 

 

             
   Total Fixed Wing      10               
     

 

 

             
   Total Aircraft      268               
     

 

 

             

 

(1) Equipped to fly under instrument flight rules (“IFR”). All other types listed can only fly under visual flight rules (“VFR”). See Item 1A. “Business – Risk Factors, Risks Inherent In Our Business – Our operations are affected by adverse weather conditions and seasonal factors.”
(2) Based on maintaining a 30-minute fuel reserve.
(3) Aircraft used for corporate purposes.
(4) Aircraft used in the Air Medical segment, along with 76 light and five medium rotary wing aircraft listed above.

Of the 268 aircraft listed, we own 222 and lease 25. The leased aircraft consist of three medium and 16 heavy aircraft currently used in the Oil and Gas segment, and five medium and one fixed wing aircraft currently used in the Air Medical segment. Additionally, we operate 21 aircraft owned by customers also included in the table above (eight light aircraft and 13 medium aircraft).

We sell aircraft whenever they become obsolete or do not fit into future fleet plans.

 

16


Table of Contents

Facilities

Our principal facilities are located on property leased from the Lafayette Airport Commission at Lafayette Regional Airport in Lafayette, Louisiana. The lease covers approximately 28 acres and two buildings, with an aggregate of approximately 256,000 square feet, housing our main operational, executive, and administrative offices and the main repair and maintenance facility. The lease for this facility commenced in 2001, expires in 2021 and contains three five-year renewal options following the expiration date.

We own our Boothville, Louisiana operating facility. The property has a 23,000 square foot building, a 7,000 square foot hangar, and landing pads for 35 helicopters.

We also lease property for an Executive and Marketing office in Houston, Texas and 11 additional bases to service the oil and gas industry throughout the Gulf of Mexico. Those bases that represent a significant investment in leasehold improvements and are particularly important to our operations are:

 

Facility

  

Lease Expiration

   Area    Facilities    Comments
Morgan City
(Louisiana)
   June 30, 2013    53 acres    Operational and
maintenance facilities,
landing pads for 46
helicopters
   Options to extend to
June 30, 2018
Intracoastal City
(Louisiana)
   December 31, 2014    18 acres   

 

Operational and
maintenance facilities,
landing pads for 45
helicopters

   Options to extend to
December 31, 2016
Houma-Terrebonne Airport
(Louisiana)
   July 31, 2017    95 acres   

 

Operational and
maintenance facilities,
landing pads for 30
helicopters

   Facility under five
separate leases, of
which two contain
options to extend
through 2027

 

Galveston (Texas)    May 31, 2021    4 acres    Operational and
maintenance facilities,
landing pads for 30
helicopters
   Lease period to May
31, 2021 with certain
cancellation
provisions
Fourchon
(Louisiana)
   February 28, 2018    8 acres   

 

Operational and
maintenance facilities,
landing pads for ten
helicopters

   Facility under three
separate leases, of
which two contain
options to extend
through 2026 and
2028.

Our other operations-related facilities in the United States are located at Cameron, Grand Isle, and Lake Charles, Louisiana; at Rockport Texas; and at Theodore, Alabama.

We also operate from offshore platforms that are provided without charge by the owners of the platforms, although in certain instances we are required to indemnify the owners against loss in connection with our use of their facilities.

We also lease office and hangar space for our Air Medical operations in Phoenix, Arizona. The two buildings are held under separate leases and collectively provide 7,000 square feet of hangar space and 34,000 square feet of office space. During 2012, the office space lease was renewed for a seven year term expiring April 1, 2019, with a cancellation clause after five years, exercisable by PHI. As of December 31, 2012, we had 38 Air Medical bases located in California, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia, all of which are leased. Other bases for our International and approximately 30 other Air Medical operations are generally furnished by customers.

 

17


Table of Contents
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is named as a defendant in various legal actions that have arisen in the ordinary course of business and have not been finally adjudicated. In the opinion of management, the amount of the liability with respect to these actions will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

On December 31, 2009, the Office and Professional Employees International Union (“OPEIU”), the union representing the Company’s domestic pilots, sued the Company in the Western District of Louisiana asserting that the OPEIU’s acceptance in 2009 of the terms and conditions of employment for the Company’s pilots initially implemented by the Company prior to a 2006 strike has created a binding collective bargaining agreement and that the Company has inappropriately made unilateral revisions to those terms including failing to pay a retention bonus. The Court administratively stayed this case pending the completion of two other suits between the parties that have since been resolved in the Company’s favor. PHI filed a motion to dismiss the OPEIU’s claims on May 11, 2012, and the Court dismissed all claims against PHI without prejudice for lack of jurisdiction to award the equitable relief sought in the complaint, entering a final judgment on October 15, 2012. The OPEIU has appealed this decision to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and filed its Appellant’s Brief on January 23, 2013.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

 

18


Table of Contents

PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Our voting and non-voting common stock trades on The NASDAQ Global Market, under the symbols PHII and PHIIK, respectively. The following table sets forth the range of high and low sales prices per share, as reported by NASDAQ, for our voting and non-voting common stock for the fiscal quarters indicated.

 

     Voting      Non-Voting  

Period

   High      Low      High      Low  

January 1, 2012 to March 31, 2012

   $ 24.91       $ 20.85       $ 26.78       $ 22.10   

April 1, 2012 to June 30, 2012

     26.60         21.51         27.89         21.73   

July 1, 2012 to September 30, 2012

     33.14         23.46         32.42         24.79   

October 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012

     32.75         27.25         33.64         25.75   

January 1, 2011 to March 31, 2011

   $ 23.55       $ 19.86       $ 22.36       $ 18.14   

April 1, 2011 to June 30, 2011

     23.50         18.86         23.20         18.86   

July 1, 2011 to September 30, 2011

     26.36         17.31         23.44         17.66   

October 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011

     23.32         16.95         25.83         16.85   

Each share of voting common stock entitles the holder to one vote with respect to such share on each matter properly submitted to the Company’s shareholders. Unless otherwise required by law, holders of the nonvoting common stock are not entitled to any voting rights. Except with respect to voting rights, each share of voting common stock and nonvoting common stock are identical. As of December 31, 2012, Al A. Gonsoulin, our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, beneficially owned voting common stock representing approximately 70.3% of our total voting power.

Federal Aviation Administration regulations require that at least 75% of our voting securities be owned or controlled by citizens of the United States. Accordingly, our articles of incorporation provide for the automatic reduction in voting power of each share of voting common stock owned or controlled by a non-United States citizen if necessary to comply with these regulations.

The foregoing description of these provisions of our organizational documents are qualified in their entirety by reference to our articles of incorporation and bylaws, as amended, which are filed as exhibits to this report.

We have not paid dividends on either class of our common stock since 1999 and do not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future.

In addition, the indenture governing our 8.625% Senior Notes due 2018 restricts the payment of dividends. See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

As of February 28, 2013, there were approximately 813 holders of record of our voting common stock and 53 holders of record of our non-voting common stock.

 

19


Table of Contents

Stock Performance Graph

The information included under the caption “Stock Performance Graph” in this Item 5 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is not deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Act of 1934, and will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent we specially incorporate it by reference into such a filing.

The following performance graph compares PHI’s cumulative total stockholder return on its voting common stock for the last five years with the cumulative total return on the Russell 2000 Index, the Oil Service Index, and a peer group, assuming the investment of $100 on January 1, 2007, at closing prices on December 31, 2006, and reinvestment of dividends. The Russell 2000 Index consists of a broad range of publicly-traded companies with small market capitalizations of $0.5 billion to $1.07 billion, and is published daily in the Wall Street Journal. The Oil Service Sector Index is a price-weighted index composed of the common stocks of 15 companies that provide oil drilling and production services, oil field equipment, support services, and geophysical/reservoir services. The peer group companies are Bristow Group, Inc.; Tidewater, Inc.; Gulfmark Offshore, Inc.; Seacor Holdings, Inc.; and Air Methods Corp.

 

LOGO

Cumulative Total Returns as of December 31,

 

Index

   2007      2008      2009      2010      2011      2012  

PHI

     100.00         45.16         66.73         60.74         79.24         107.96   

Peer Group

     100.00         65.08         69.95         93.89         95.30         95.10   

OSX

     100.00         40.25         64.63         81.27         71.70         72.99   

Russell 2000

     100.00         65.20         81.64         102.30         96.72         110.88   

 

20


Table of Contents
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The selected financial data presented below for each of the past five fiscal periods should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report.

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
 
     2012     2011     2010     2009     2008  
     (Thousands, except per share amounts)  

Income Statement Data

          

Operating revenues

   $ 646,686      $ 539,626      $ 516,934      $ 487,175      $ 509,514   

(Loss) gain on disposition of assets, net

     (317     (302     239        111        4,468   

Net earnings (1) (2)

     18,057        4,852        7,117        12,968        23,515   

Net earnings per share

          

Basic

     1.17        0.32        0.46        0.85        1.54   

Diluted

     1.17        0.31        0.46        0.85        1.54   

Weighted average shares outstanding

          

Basic

     15,418        15,312        15,312        15,307        15,295   

Diluted

     15,488        15,497        15,337        15,307        15,301   

Cash Flow Data

          

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 50,550      $ 30,352      $ 76,857      $ 55,272      $ 43,798   

Net cash used in investing activities

     (91,639     (43,862     (175,510     (69,235     (47,292

Net cash provided by financing activities

     38,847        14,973        99,780        15,305        3,228   

Balance Sheet Data (3)

          

Current assets

   $ 363,146      $ 277,305      $ 319,486      $ 245,301      $ 224,620   

Working capital

     219,676        230,557        268,763        207,024        173,978   

Property and equipment, net

     749,501        659,756        596,533        548,536        528,574   

Total assets

     1,147,894        964,132        945,139        805,506        777,182   

Total debt

     386,755        346,047        331,074        218,305        203,000   

Shareholders’ equity

     499,615        477,337        472,416        465,448        452,396   

 

(1) Net earnings in 2010 includes an after tax charge of $5.7 million related to the refinancing of our 7.125% Senior Notes.
(2) Net earnings in 2008 includes an after tax goodwill impairment charge of $1.6 million related to our Air Medical segment.
(3) As of the year ended December 31.

 

21


Table of Contents
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the related Notes included elsewhere in this report.

Overview

Net earnings for 2012 increased to $15.3 million from $4.9 million in 2011. Oil and Gas segment profit increased to $60.4 million in 2012 from $41.6 million in 2011 and Air Medical segment profit increased to $27.9 million in 2012 from $15.0 million in 2011. The increase in Oil and Gas segment profit was driven by a $69.1 million increase in segment revenue, resulting primarily from improvement in the Gulf of Mexico deepwater drilling activity, as segment flight hours increased 5,294 hours primarily due to increases in medium and heavy aircraft flight hours. Our Oil and Gas segment results for the fourth quarter of 2010 and first half of 2011 were significantly adversely impacted by the Macondo incident and the related moratorium on deepwater drilling in the Gulf of Mexico and stricter permitting and other regulatory requirements imposed on offshore oil and gas exploration and production companies.

Air Medical segment revenue increased $39.5 million year over year, resulting primarily from the addition of new bases under our independent provider programs and revenue from the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (“SRCA”) contract, which commenced operations in late September 2012. In our Air Medical segment, in the second half of 2012 we commenced startup of several projects, including the SRCA contract, which collectively we believe will have a favorable effect on net segment profit, particularly in 2013 and 2014. For a discussion of the SRCA contract, see Part I., Item 1. Business – Description of Operations – Air Medical.

Our results of operations are principally driven by the following factors:

 

   

The level of offshore oil and gas exploration and production activities in the areas in which we operate, primarily in the Gulf of Mexico. Operating revenues from our Oil and Gas segment accounted for 66%, 66% and 67% of consolidated operating revenues during 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, substantially all of which related to operations in the Gulf of Mexico. During 2012, approximately 62% of our Oil and Gas segment revenues related to deepwater operations. Many of the helicopters we have purchased recently are larger aircraft intended to service deepwater activities and the margins we earn on these aircraft are generally higher than on smaller aircraft. As the level of offshore activity increases, customers may add additional aircraft to our existing contracts, and we may obtain new contracts, or experience an increase in flight volumes for offshore transports, directly affecting our revenue and profitability. Also, as the deepwater offshore activity increases, the demand for our medium and heavy aircraft usually increases, creating a positive impact on revenue and earnings. Conversely, a reduction in offshore oil and gas activities could negatively impact our aircraft utilization, flight volumes, and overall demand for our aircraft, thereby creating a negative impact on revenue and earnings.

 

   

Flight volume and patient transports in our Air Medical segment. Air Medical segment operating revenues represented approximately 33%, 32% and 31% of consolidated operating revenues during 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Our hospital-based programs are typically billed at a fixed monthly contractual rate plus a variable rate for the flight hours. The volume of flight utilization of our aircraft by our customers under these programs has a direct impact on the amount of revenue earned in a period. Hospital-based contracts generated approximately 22%, 20% and 16% of the segment’s revenues for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. In our independent provider programs, our revenue is dependent upon the number of patient transports provided in a given period.

 

   

Payor mix and reimbursement rates in our Air Medical segment. Under our independent provider programs, our revenue recognition, net of allowances, is dependent upon payor mix and reimbursement rates. Reimbursement rates vary among provider types and typically the reimbursement rate of commercial insurers is higher than Medicare, Medicaid, and Self-Pay reimbursement rates. Therefore, a shift in the volume of patient transports among the various payor types will have a direct impact on our revenue recognition.

 

22


Table of Contents
   

Direct expenses. Our business is capital intensive and highly competitive. Salaries and aircraft maintenance comprise a large portion of our operating expenses. Our aircraft must be maintained to a high standard of quality and undergo periodic and routine maintenance procedures. Higher utilization of our aircraft will result in more frequent maintenance, resulting in higher maintenance costs. In periods of low activity, we continue to maintain our aircraft, consequently impacting our margins. In addition, we are also dependent upon pilots, mechanics, and medical crew to operate our business. As demand for these skills increases worldwide, we must maintain competitive wages and we may not be able to recover all of these costs increases through rate increases.

Results of Operations

The following tables present segment operating revenues, expenses and earnings before income taxes, along with certain non-financial operational statistics, for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010.

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior fiscal year amounts to conform with the current fiscal year presentation. These changes had no impact on consolidated net sales or operating income.

In September 2011, we reclassified certain engine and transmission overhaul expenses from the Air Medical segment to the Oil and Gas segment. For the year ended December 31, 2011, the increase in Oil and Gas segment direct expense due to this reclassification was $1.0 million. Air Medical segment direct expense was correspondingly reduced by this same amount. Similar direct expense for the year ended December 31, 2010 has also been reclassified, resulting in a $0.8 million increase in the Oil and Gas segment direct expense and decrease in Air Medical segment direct expense.

Effective June 30, 2011, the Company made changes to the presentation of reportable segments to reflect changes in the way its chief operating decision maker evaluates the performance of its operations, develops strategy and allocates capital resources. These changes resulted from how our chief operating decision maker views the roles of certain corporate departments whose duties had previously been considered company-wide but now are considered to focus solely on our Oil & Gas segment’s operations. The change resulted in the reclassification of certain selling, general and administrative expenses from within the Company’s unallocated selling, general and administrative expenses to the Oil & Gas segment’s selling, general, and administrative expenses. The total amount of the reclassification was $3.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The Company’s historical segment disclosures have been recast to be consistent with the current presentation.

For the year ended December 31, 2011, we recorded a $1.0 million increase in the allocation of selling, general and administrative expenses in the Air Medical segment. This allocation increase was implemented to more appropriately reflect the corporate resources utilized by the Air Medical segment. A similar reclassification of selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2010 was also made, resulting in an $0.8 million increase in Air Medical expenses for that period. For the year ended December 31, 2012, we recorded $1.1 million for the allocation of selling, general and administrative expenses in the Air Medical segment.

 

23


Table of Contents
     Year Ended     Favorable  
     December 31,     (Unfavorable)  
     2012     2011              
           (Thousands of dollars, except flight
hours, patient transports, and aircraft)
 

Segment operating revenues

        

Oil and Gas

   $ 424,514      $ 355,406      $ 69,108        19.4

Air Medical

     211,148        171,669        39,479        23.0

Technical Services

     11,024        12,551        (1,527     (12.2 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total operating revenues

     646,686        539,626        107,060        19.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Segment direct expenses (1)

        

Oil and Gas

     360,400        310,281        (50,120     (16.2 )% 

Air Medical

     175,944        151,503        (24,441     (16.1 )% 

Technical Services

     8,043        7,956        (87     (1.1 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total direct expenses

     544,387        469,740        (74,647     (15.9 )% 

Segment selling, general and administrative expenses

        

Oil and Gas

     3,736        3,506        (230     (6.6 )% 

Air Medical

     7,300        5,198        (2,102     (40.4 )% 

Technical Services

     —           53        53        n/m   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total selling, general and administrative expenses

     11,036        8,757        (2,279     (26.0 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total segment direct and selling, general and administrative expenses

     555,423        478,497        (76,926     (16.1 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net segment profit

        

Oil and Gas

     60,378        41,619        18,759        45.1

Air Medical

     27,904        14,968        12,936        86.4

Technical Services

     2,981        4,542        (1,561     (34.4 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total

     91,263        61,129        30,134        49.2

Other, net (2)

     334        543        (209     (38.5 )% 

Unallocated selling, general and administrative expenses (1)

     (28,015     (25,612     (2,403     (9.4 )% 

Interest expense

     (29,533     (27,974     (1,559     (5.6 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Earnings before income taxes

   $ 34,049      $ 8,086      $ 25,963        321.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Flight hours

        

Oil and Gas

     116,840        111,546        5,294        4.8

Air Medical

     34,796        33,650        1,146        3.4

Technical Services

     1,408        1,510        (102     (6.7 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total

     153,044        146,706        6,338        4.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Air Medical Transports

     18,490        17,638        852        4.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Aircraft operated at period end

        

Oil and Gas

     165        167       

Air Medical

     97        86       

Technical Services

     6        6       
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

Total (3)

     268        259       
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

24


Table of Contents
     Year Ended     Favorable  
     December 31,     (Unfavorable)  
     2011     2010              
           (Thousands of dollars, except flight
hours, patient transports, and aircraft)
 

Segment operating revenues

        

Oil and Gas

   $ 355,406      $ 345,402      $ 10,004        2.9

Air Medical

     171,669        160,517        11,152        7.0

Technical Services

     12,551        11,016        1,535        13.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total operating revenues

     539,626        516,935        22,691        4.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Segment direct expenses (1)

        

Oil and Gas

     310,281        290,106        (20,175     (7.0 )% 

Air Medical

     151,503        145,356        (6,147     (4.2 )% 

Technical Services

     7,956        8,240        284        3.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total direct expenses

     469,740        443,702        (26,038     (5.9 )% 

Segment selling, general and administrative expenses

        

Oil and Gas

     3,506        4,594        1,088        23.7

Air Medical

     5,198        4,987        (211     (4.2 )% 

Technical Services

     53        31        (22     (71.0 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total selling, general and administrative expenses

     8,757        9,612        855        8.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total segment direct and selling, general and administrative expenses

     478,497        453,314        (25,183     (5.6 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net segment profit

        

Oil and Gas

     41,619        50,702        (9,083     (17.9 )% 

Air Medical

     14,968        10,174        4,794        47.1

Technical Services

     4,542        2,745        1,797        65.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total

     61,129        63,621        (2,492     (3.9 )% 

Other, net (2)

     543        417        126        30.2

Unallocated selling, general and administrative expenses (1)

     (25,612     (20,535     (5,077     (24.7 )% 

Interest expense

     (27,974     (19,389     (8,585     (44.3 )% 

Loss on debt restructuring

     —          (9,521     9,521        n/m   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Earnings before income taxes

   $ 8,086      $ 14,593      $ (6,507     (44.6 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Flight hours

        

Oil and Gas

     111,546        114,122        (2,576     (2.3 )% 

Air Medical

     33,650        33,222        428        1.3

Technical Services

     1,510        1,676        (166     (9.9 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total

     146,706        149,020        (2,314     (1.6 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Air Medical Transports

     17,638        18,480        (842     (4.6 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Aircraft operated at period end

        

Oil and Gas

     167        162       

Air Medical

     86        89       

Technical Services

     6        5       
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

Total (3)

     259        256       
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

(1) Included in segment direct expense and unallocated selling, general, and administrative costs are the depreciation and amortization expense amounts below:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2012      2011      2010  

Oil & Gas

   $ 24,048       $ 21,422       $ 18,204   

Air Medical

     10,208         8,466         7,982   

Technical Services

     83         167         260   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     34,339         30,055         26,446   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Unallocated SG&A

   $ 1,110       $ 1,243       $ 1,635   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(2) Includes gains on disposition of property and equipment, and other income.
(3) Includes 21 aircraft as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 that are customer owned or leased by customers but operated by us.

n/m = not meaningful

 

25


Table of Contents

Year Ended December 31, 2012 compared with Year Ended December 31, 2011

Combined Operations

Operating Revenues – Operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2012 increased $107.1 million over the year ended December 31, 2011. Our Oil and Gas medium and heavy aircraft flight hours and revenues increased primarily as a result of the continuing improvement in the Gulf of Mexico deepwater drilling activity. Operating revenues in the Air Medical segment increased $39.5 million, with $28.0 million primarily due to increased revenues in the independent provider programs as a result of increased transports, an improved payor mix, and rate increases. Revenues from hospital based contracts increased $11.3 million primarily resulting from additional contracts. In the Technical Services segment, revenues decreased $1.5 million primarily due to lower overall project activity.

Flight hours for the year ended December 31, 2012 were 153,044 compared to 146,706 for the year ended December 31, 2011. Oil and Gas segment’s flight hours increased 5,294 hours due to increases in medium and heavy aircraft flight hours. Air Medical segment flight hours increased 1,146 hours due to increased activity in the independent provider programs. Individual patient transports in the Air Medical segment were 18,490 for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to transports of 17,638 for the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of 852 transports. The increased flight hours and patient transports in our independent provider programs is primarily attributable to the startup of new programs in 2012.

Direct Expenses – Direct operating expense was $544.4 million for 2012, compared to $469.7 million for 2011, an increase of $74.7 million, or 16%. Employee compensation expense increased $33.7 million due to an increase of approximately 212 employees compared to the prior year, and also compensation rate increases. Employee compensation expense represented approximately 41% and 46% of total direct expense in 2012 and 2011, respectively. In addition, we experienced increases of $10.8 million in aircraft rent expense, representing 7% of total direct expense, increases of $2.6 million in aircraft depreciation, and increases of $1.2 million in property taxes due to additional aircraft added to the fleet. We also experienced increases in aircraft operating costs including component repair costs of $8.3 million, representing 5% of total direct expense, aircraft warranty costs of $9.3 million, representing 7% of total direct expense, and fuel expense of $5.3 million, representing 8% of total direct expense, primarily due to increased flight hours as compared to prior year and additional aircraft added to the fleet. We also experienced increases in depreciation of other items of $1.2 million and other base costs, such as pilot training, contract services, and travel expenses, net $2.3 million.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses – Selling, general and administrative expenses were $39.0 million for 2012, compared to $34.4 million for 2011. The $4.6 million increase was primarily due to increased employee compensation expense ($3.9 million) attributable to an increase of approximately 55 employees in the Air Medical segment and compensation rate increases. Other items increased, net $0.7 million.

Other Income and Losses – Losses on equipment dispositions were $0.3 million for 2012 and 2011. These amounts represent losses on sales of aircraft and related parts inventory that no longer meet our strategic needs.

Other income was $0.7 million for 2012, compared to $0.8 million for 2011 and represents primarily interest income.

Interest Expense – Interest expense was $29.5 million for 2012, compared to $28.0 million for 2011 due to the increased borrowings on our revolving credit facility.

Income Taxes – Income tax expense was $16.0 million for 2012, compared to $3.2 million for 2011. The effective tax rate was 47% for 2012, compared to 40% for 2011. Tax expense for 2012 includes a provision of $1.6 million related to a valuation allowance on foreign tax credits.

Net Earnings – Net earnings for 2012 were $18.1 million, compared to net earnings of $4.9 million for 2011. Earnings before tax for 2012 were $34.0 million compared to earnings before tax of $8.1 million in 2011. Earnings per diluted share were $1.17 for 2012 compared to earnings per diluted share of $0.31 for 2011. The increase in earnings is primarily due to the increased Oil and Gas and Air Medical segment profits.

 

26


Table of Contents

Segment Discussion

Oil and Gas – Oil and Gas segment revenues were $424.5 million for 2012, compared to $355.4 million for 2011, an increase of $69.1 million. Flight hours were 116,840 for 2012, compared to 111,546 for 2011. The increase in Oil and Gas revenues was related primarily to increased medium and heavy aircraft flight hours and revenue due to increased deepwater drilling activity in the Gulf of Mexico.

The number of aircraft in the segment at December 31, 2012 was 165 compared to 167 aircraft at December 31, 2011. In 2012, we sold or disposed of eight light and two medium aircraft in the Oil and Gas segment. We have added 12 new aircraft to the Oil and Gas segment during 2012, consisting of three light, five medium and four heavy aircraft. Transfers between segments account for the remainder. For further information on our aircraft, see Item 2 – Properties contained in this Form 10-K.

Direct expense in our Oil and Gas segment was $360.4 million for 2012, compared to $310.3 million for 2011, an increase of $50.1 million. Employee compensation expenses increased $21.1 million due to increases in personnel and compensation rate increases. There were increases in aircraft rent expense of $9.0 million, aircraft depreciation of $2.3 million, and property taxes of $0.3 million due to the additional heavy aircraft added to the fleet. We also experienced increases in aircraft operating costs including component repair costs of $2.6 million, aircraft warranty costs of $8.5 million and fuel expense of $4.4 million primarily due to increased flight hours as compared to prior year and the additional heavy aircraft added to the fleet. Other depreciation also increased $0.3 million, and other items increased, net $1.6 million.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $3.7 million for 2012, compared to $3.5 million for 2011. The increase was primarily related to increased employee compensation expenses due to compensation rate increases.

Our Oil and Gas segment’s profit was $60.4 million for 2012, compared to $41.6 million for 2011. The $18.8 million increase was due to increased revenues partially offset by increased direct expenses. Operating margins were 14% for 2012, compared to 12% for 2011. The Oil and Gas segment revenues are primarily driven by contracted aircraft and flight hours. Costs are primarily fixed and are driven by the number of aircraft, with a variable portion that is driven by flight hours. The increase in segment profit and margin is primarily due to increased medium and heavy aircraft utilization attributable to increased deepwater drilling activity in the Gulf of Mexico. Oil and Gas segment results for the first half of 2011 were significantly adversely impacted by the Macondo incident and the related moratorium on deepwater drilling in the Gulf of Mexico and stricter permitting and other regulatory requirements imposed on offshore oil and gas exploration and production companies.

Air Medical – Air Medical segment revenues were $211.1 million for 2012, compared to $171.7 million for 2011, an increase of $39.5 million. The increase is primarily due to an increase of 852 patient transports and 1,146 flight hours, and rate increases. The increase in patient transports was attributable to the addition of new bases under our independent provider program in 2012. Also contributing to the increased revenue were revenues from additional contracts.

The number of aircraft in the segment at December 31, 2012 was 97 compared to 86 at December 31, 2011. In 2012, we sold or disposed of two light aircraft in the Air Medical segment. We also added one new fixed wing and two light aircraft to the Air Medical segment during 2012. Changes in customer-owned aircraft and transfers between segments account for the remainder. For further information on our aircraft, see Item 2 – Properties, contained in this Form 10-K.

Direct expense in our Air Medical segment was $175.9 million for 2012, compared to $151.5 million for 2011. The $24.4 million increase is primarily due to increased employee compensation expense of $11.8 million due to compensation rate increases and additional personnel in the segment. There were also increases in component repair costs of $5.6 million, aircraft rent expense of $1.8 million, aircraft depreciation of $0.4 million, fuel expense of $1.0 million and aircraft warranty costs of $0.8 million primarily due to increased flight hours and additional aircraft added to the fleet. Pilot training costs increased $2.2 million, and other items increased, net $0.8 million.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $7.3 million for 2012, compared to $5.2 million for 2011. The $2.1 million increase was primarily due to an increase in employee compensation expense of $1.1 million associated with the addition of approximately 55 employees as well as compensation rate increases.

 

27


Table of Contents

Our Air Medical segment profit was $27.9 million for 2012, compared to $15.0 million for 2011. Operating margins were 13% and 9% for 2012 and 2011, respectively. Our Air Medical segment’s profit has improved due to rate increases, cost reductions, and the opening of additional bases.

Technical Services – Technical Services revenues were $11.1 million for 2012, compared to $12.6 million for 2011, a decrease of $1.5 million which is primarily due to lower project activity. Direct expenses increased $0.1 million primarily due to labor cost increases on our Antarctica project. Profit in this segment decreased by $1.6 million due to lower project activity and cost increases.

Technical Services provides maintenance and repairs performed for our existing customers that own their aircraft. These services are generally labor intensive with higher operating margins as compared to other segments. In addition, the Technical Services segment conducted flight operations for the National Science Foundation in Antarctica, which are typically conducted in the first and fourth quarters each year.

In addition, in connection with the SRCA contract, we entered into an aircraft purchase agreement pursuant to which we purchased seven new aircraft for resale for use in the SRCA program, after we complete and configure the aircraft for use in emergency medical services. As of December 31, 2012, we had delivered six of the seven aircraft; however, title passage was pending. Therefore, revenue and related costs have not yet been recognized on these aircraft sales. We anticipate title passage to occur in the first quarter of 2013. Included in Work in progress is $77.8 million of acquisition and completion costs of the aircraft and included in Other current liabilities is $76.4 million of deferred revenue associated with the advanced collection of a portion of the sales price of the aircraft.

Year Ended December 31, 2011 compared with Year Ended December 31, 2010

Combined Operations

Operating Revenues – Operating revenues for 2011 were $539.6 million, compared to $517.0 million for 2010, an increase of $22.6 million, or 4%. Oil and Gas operating revenues increased $10.0 million related primarily to increased heavy aircraft flight hours and revenues resulting mainly from increased deepwater activity as compared to 2010. Although there was an increase in revenue in the Oil and Gas segment, flight hours and revenue for deepwater drilling support began to achieve the same level of activity as before the Macondo incident only in the fourth quarter of 2011. Operating revenues in the Air Medical segment increased $11.2 million primarily due to increased revenues for hospital based contracts of $8.0 million due to increased flight hours for those contracts. There was also an increase in revenues of $3.2 million in the independent provider programs primarily due to an improved payor mix and rate increases implemented in 2010 and 2011.

Flight hours for the year ended December 31, 2011 were 146,706 compared to 149,020 for the year ended December 31, 2010. Oil and Gas segment’s flight hours decreased 2,576 hours due to a decrease in medium and light aircraft flight hours and also due to a decrease in deepwater activity in the Gulf of Mexico in the first half of 2011. Air Medical segment flight hours increased 428 hours for the year ended December 31, 2011 due to an increase in hospital based activity. Individual patient transports in the Air Medical segment were 17,638 for 2011, compared to transports of 18,480 for 2010, a decrease of 842 transports.

Other Income and Losses – Losses on equipment dispositions were $0.3 million for 2011 compared to gains of $0.2 million for 2010. During the third quarter of 2011, we recorded a loss related to the sale of certain aircraft and related inventory in the amount of $0.8 million. These amounts represent gains and losses on sales of aircraft and related parts inventory that no longer meet our strategic needs.

Other income was $0.8 million for 2011, compared to $0.2 million for 2010 and represents primarily interest income.

Direct Expenses – Direct operating expense was $469.7 million for 2011, compared to $443.7 million for 2010, an increase of $26.0 million, or 6%. Employee compensation expense increased ($10.1 million) due to compensation rate increases and an increase in the number of employees, primarily in the Oil and Gas segment, and increased overtime paid during hurricane evacuation flights in September 2011. This amount represents approximately 45% of total direct expense in 2011. Aircraft Maintenance costs represent approximately 15% of total direct expense in 2011, and increased ($4.3 million) due to a $4.3 million credit recorded in the prior year related to termination of a

 

28


Table of Contents

warranty program for certain aircraft. Fuel expense increased ($9.3 million) due to increased per-gallon fuel costs compared to the prior year and represents approximately 5% of total direct expense in 2011. Aircraft depreciation increased ($3.3 million) and insurance increased ($3.7 million) due to additional aircraft added to the fleet. Aircraft rent decreased ($4.8 million) due to the purchase of six heavy and one medium aircraft off lease in 2010 and early 2011. Other items increased, net ($0.1 million).

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses – Selling, general and administrative expenses were $34.4 million for 2011, compared to $30.1 million for 2010. The $4.3 million increase was primarily due to increased legal and accounting fees ($1.0 million) due to expenses incurred in assessing a potential acquisition for which we were unsuccessful. Other increases included expense associated with the issuance of restricted stock units ($1.3 million), consultants and contract services ($1.0 million), and severance and compensation increases ($1.0 million).

Interest Expense – Interest expense was $28.0 million for 2011, compared to $19.4 million for 2010. This increase is due to refinancing our $200 million 7.125% Senior Notes due 2013 with the $300 million 8.625% Senior Notes due 2018.

Income Taxes – Income tax expense was $3.2 million for 2011, compared to $7.5 million for 2010. The effective tax rate was 40% for 2011, compared to 51% for 2010. Tax expense for 2010 includes a provision of $1.5 million related to the expiration of foreign tax credits and state net operating loss carry-forwards, resulting from intended purchases of aircraft. The aircraft acquisitions resulted in increased tax depreciation and net operating loss carry-forwards, which must be utilized before foreign tax credits can be utilized.

Net Earnings – Net earnings for 2011 were $4.9 million, compared to net earnings of $7.1 million for 2010. Earnings before tax for 2011 were $8.1 million compared to earnings before tax of $14.6 million in 2010. Earnings per diluted share were $0.31 for 2011 compared to earnings per diluted share of $0.46 for 2010. The decrease in earnings is due primarily to the decrease in Oil and Gas segment profit of $10.0 million. As mentioned above, although there was an increase in revenue in the Oil and Gas segment, flight hours and revenue for deepwater drilling support began to achieve the same level of activity as before the Macondo incident only in the fourth quarter of 2011. There was also an increase in selling, general and administrative expense of $4.3 million as discussed above. Interest expense increased $8.6 million from $19.4 million in 2010 to $28.0 million in 2011, due to the issuance of the 8.625% Senior Notes. Earnings for 2010 included a credit of $4.3 million in direct expense related to termination of a manufacturer’s warranty program on certain aircraft, and a $9.5 million pre-tax charge related to the early redemption of our 7.125% Senior Notes. We had 15.5 million common shares outstanding during 2011, and 15.3 million common shares outstanding during 2010.

Segment Discussion

Oil and Gas – Oil and Gas segment revenues were $355.4 million for 2011, compared to $345.4 million for 2010, an increase of $10.0 million. Flight hours were 111,546 for 2011, compared to 114,122 in 2010. The increase in Oil and Gas revenues was related primarily to increased heavy aircraft flight hours and revenue due to increased deepwater drilling activity in the Gulf of Mexico, primarily in the second half of 2011, and more particularly in the fourth quarter. Deepwater drilling activity had diminished following the Deepwater Horizon incident in 2010 with delays in the resumption of drilling due to the new regulatory drilling permit process.

The number of aircraft in the segment at December 31, 2011 was 167 compared to 162 aircraft at December 31, 2010. In 2011, we sold or disposed of four light aircraft in the Oil and Gas segment. We have added eight new aircraft to the Oil and Gas segment during 2011, consisting of three light, three medium and two heavy aircraft. Transfers between segments account for the remainder. For further information on our aircraft, see Item 2 – Properties contained in this Form 10-K.

Direct expense in our Oil and Gas segment was $310.3 million for 2011, compared to $290.1 million for 2010, an increase of $20.2 million. Fuel expense increased ($8.7 million) as a result of increased per-gallon fuel costs. Total fuel cost is included in direct expense and reimbursement of a portion of these costs above a contracted per-gallon amount is included in revenue. Aircraft rent expense decreased ($5.2 million) due to the purchase of six heavy and one medium aircraft previously under lease in 2010 and 2011, and aircraft insurance increased ($3.3 million) due to additional aircraft added to the fleet. There was an increase in aircraft depreciation ($3.0 million) due to additional aircraft added to the fleet, including those purchased off lease. Employee compensation expenses increased ($9.0 million) due to compensation rate increases increased number of employees in the segment, and increased overtime paid during hurricane evacuation flight in September 2011. Aircraft warranty costs also increased ($1.5 million) due to a $1.2 million credit recorded in segment direct expense in the first quarter of 2010. Other items decreased, net ($0.1 million).

 

29


Table of Contents

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $3.5 million for 2011, compared to $4.6 million for 2010. The decrease was primarily related to decreased employee compensation expenses, due to severance costs paid in the prior year.

Our Oil and Gas segment profit was $41.6 million for 2011, compared to $50.7 million for 2010. The $9.1 million decrease was due to an increase in direct expenses of $20.2 million, offset by the decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses of $1.1 million. Operating margins were 12% for 2011, compared to 15% for 2010. The decrease in segment profit and margin is primarily due to decreased medium aircraft revenue due to decreased deepwater drilling activity in the Gulf of Mexico and the increase in direct expense as discussed above. As mentioned above, although there was an increase in revenue in the Oil and Gas segment, flight hours and revenue for deepwater drilling support only began to achieve the same level of activity as before the Macondo incident in the fourth quarter of 2011. This negatively impacted Oil and Gas revenues and earnings in 2011. The Oil and Gas segment revenues are primarily driven by contracted aircraft and flight hours. Costs are primarily fixed and are driven by the number of aircraft, and a portion is variable which is driven by flight hours.

Air Medical – Air Medical segment revenues were $171.7 million for 2011, compared to $160.5 million for 2010, an increase of $11.2 million, or 7%. Patient transports were 17,638 for 2011, compared to 18,480 for 2010, a decrease of 842 transports. Flight hours were 33,650 for 2011, compared to 33,222 for 2010. As mentioned previously, there was an increase in hospital based contract activity and rate increases in 2010 and 2011.

The number of aircraft in the segment at December 31, 2011 was 86 compared to 89 at December 31, 2010. In 2011, we sold or disposed of two fixed wing and two light aircraft in the Air Medical segment. We also added one new fixed wing aircraft to the Air Medical segment during 2011. Transfers between segments account for the remainder. For further information on our aircraft, see Item 2 – Properties, contained in this Form 10-K.

Direct expense in our Air Medical segment was $151.5 million for 2011, compared to $145.4 million for 2010. The $6.1 million increase is primarily due to increased aircraft warranty parts ($2.8 million) due to a $3.1 million credit recorded in segment direct expense in the first quarter of 2010. All new aircraft come with a manufacturer’s warranty that covers defective parts. The warranty we terminated was an additional warranty purchased from the manufacturer to cover replacement or refurbishment of aircraft parts on certain aircraft in accordance with manufacturer specifications. A monthly fee was paid to the manufacturer based on flight hours for the aircraft covered under this warranty. In return, the manufacturer provided replacement parts required for maintaining the aircraft. There were also increases in aircraft parts usage ($2.1 million) and aircraft fuel ($0.6 million). Aircraft depreciation also increased ($0.4 million) due to additional aircraft added to the segment’s fleet. Other items increased, net ($0.2 million).

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $5.2 million for 2011, compared to $5.0 million for 2010. The $0.2 million increase was primarily due to an increase in contract services. Air Medical operations are headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, where we maintain significant separate facilities and administrative staff dedicated to this segment. Those costs are charged directly to the Air Medical segment, resulting in higher selling, general and administrative expenses as compared to our other reportable segments.

Our Air Medical segment profit was $15.0 million for 2011, compared to $10.2 million for 2010. Operating margins were 9% and 6% for 2011 and 2010, respectively. Segment profit for 2010 includes a credit of $3.1 million related to the termination of a manufacturer’s warranty program. Our Air Medical segment profit has improved due to rate increases, cost reductions and closing of certain unprofitable bases.

Technical Services – Technical Services revenues were $12.6 million for 2011, compared to $11.0 million for 2010. Direct expenses in our Technical Services segment were $8.0 million for 2011 compared to $8.2 million for 2010. Our Technical Services segment profit was $4.5 million for 2011, compared to segment profit of $2.7 million for 2010. The increases in revenues and operating profit for Technical Services were primarily a result of increased activity, including increased activity for National Science Foundation.

 

30


Table of Contents

Liquidity and Capital Resources

General

Our ongoing liquidity requirements arise primarily from the funding of working capital needs, the acquisition of aircraft, the maintenance and refurbishment of aircraft, improvement of facilities, and acquisition of equipment and inventory. Our principal sources of liquidity historically have been net cash provided by our operations, borrowings under our revolving credit facility, senior notes and the sale of non-voting common stock in 2005 and 2006. To the extent we do not use cash, short-term investments or borrowings to finance our aircraft acquisitions, we can typically enter into operating leases to fund these acquisitions.

Cash Flow

Our cash position was $2.8 million at December 31, 2012 compared to $5.1 million at December 31, 2011. Short-term investments were $50.6 million at December 31, 2012 compared to $100.0 million at December 31, 2011. We also had $14.7 million in restricted investments at December 31, 2012 securing outstanding letters of credit. The primary use of cash during 2012 was the funding of capital spending, primarily aircraft purchases.

Operating activities - Net cash provided by operating activities in 2012 was $50.6 million compared to $30.4 million in 2011, an increase of $20.2 million. The increase is attributable to a $34.8 million increase in net earnings adjusted for non-cash items, offset by a $16.7 million net decrease in the major working capital components. Accounts Receivable increased by $31.9 million, primarily due to increased revenues in the fourth quarter of 2012, compared to the same period in 2011. Inventories of parts increased by $10.9 million due to international expansion and increased heavy ship inventory mix due to aircraft count. Other assets increased $85.5 million primarily attributable to the acquisition and completion costs associated with the SRCA aircraft which will be sold in 2013. Accounts Payable and accrued liabilities increased by $107.2 million, primarily due to the advance payment of $76.4 million from SRCA for the aircraft purchases. The increased activity in the fourth quarter of 2012 accounted for the remainder of the increase in Accounts payable.

Investing activities - Net cash used in investing activities was $91.6 million for 2012, compared to $43.9 million for 2011. Purchases and sales of short-term investments provided a net $32.8 million in cash during 2012, compared to $48.1 million in 2011. Capital expenditures for 2012 were $128.5 million compared to $91.0 million for 2011. Capital expenditures for 2012 included $112.5 million for aircraft purchases, upgrades, and refurbishments. We purchased two heavy aircraft pursuant to purchase options in the aircraft lease contracts. We also purchased five light aircraft and six medium aircraft, five of which were purchased pursuant to a contract we entered into in 2010 related to a new contract with a major customer. The purchases were financed using existing cash, cash from operations, and our revolving credit facility. During 2012, we also acquired four new heavy helicopters pursuant to acquisition contracts or options, financed with operating leases. We also advanced $1.0 million to our unconsolidated affiliate in 2012.

Financing activities - Financing activities for 2012 included net proceeds of $40.7 million from the revolving credit facility, and $1.9 million relating to shares of our non-voting common stock withheld to satisfy withholding tax obligations of employees in connection with the vesting of time-vested restricted stock units granted under the 1995 Incentive Plan, discussed in Note 10, Employee Benefit Plans. Financing activities for 2011 included only net proceeds of $15.0 million from the revolving credit facility.

Long Term Debt

As of December 31, 2012, our total long-term debt was $386.8 million, consisting of $300 million of our 8.625% Senior Notes due 2018, and $86.8 million borrowed under our revolving credit facility. The carrying value of the revolving credit facility approximates its fair value as of December 31, 2012. The fair value of our Senior Notes was $320.3 million at December 31, 2012.

On January 13, 2013, we amended our senior secured revolving credit facility to increase the maximum borrowing available from $100.0 million to $125.0 million. The facility is due September 1, 2014 and bears interest at the prime rate plus one percent or LIBOR plus three percent, at our option. At December 31, 2012, we had $86.8 million in borrowings under the facility. During 2012, $93.5 million was the highest loan balance, with a weighted average balance of $63.2 million. During 2011, $52.5 million was the highest loan balance, with a weighted average balance of $25.0 million.

 

31


Table of Contents

On September 23, 2010, we issued $300 million of 8.625% Senior Notes that mature October 15, 2018. Net proceeds of $295.5 million were used to repurchase and redeem our $200 million outstanding 7.125% Senior Notes due 2013 pursuant to a tender offer followed by a call for redemption of remaining notes. For a description of our 8.625% Senior Notes and our senior secured revolving credit facility, see Note 7 to our financial statements included in this report.

Contractual Obligations

The table below sets out our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2012 related to our aircraft purchase commitments, aircraft and other operating lease obligations, revolving credit facility, and the 8.625% Senior Notes due 2018. The operating leases are not recorded as liabilities on our balance sheet. Each contractual obligation included in the table contains various terms, conditions, and covenants that, if violated, accelerate the payment of that obligation. We were in compliance with the covenants applicable to these contractual obligations as of December 31, 2012. As of December 31, 2012, we leased 25 aircraft included in the lease obligations below.

 

            Payment Due by Year  
     Total      2013      2014      2015      2016      2017      Beyond
2017
 
            (Thousands of dollars)  

Aircraft purchase commitments (1)

   $ 167,889       $ 167,889       $ —          $ —          $ —          $ —          $ —      

Aircraft lease obligations

     198,688         39,137         39,137         38,860         31,964         22,095         27,495   

Other lease obligations

     19,626         3,941         3,359         2,908         2,592         2,145         4,681   

Long-term debt

     386,755         —           86,755         —            —            —           300,000   

Senior notes interest

     155,250         25,875         25,875         25,875         25,875         25,875         25,875   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 928,208       $ 236,842       $ 155,126       $ 67,643       $ 60,431       $ 50,115       $ 358,051   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) For information about these aircraft purchase commitments, see Note 12 to the financial statements in this report.

As of December 31, 2012, we had options to purchase aircraft under lease becoming exercisable in 2013 through 2019. The aggregate option purchase prices are $54.6 million in 2013, $114.4 million in 2014, $33.5 million in 2016, $89.8 million in 2017, and $19.5 million in 2019. Subject to market conditions, we intend to exercise these options as they become exercisable.

We intend to fund the above contractual obligations through a combination of aircraft leases, cash flow from operations, and borrowings under our credit facility.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

In the normal course of business with customers, vendors, and others, we have entered into off-balance sheet arrangements. We provide guarantees, performance, and payment bonds pursuant to certain agreements. The aggregate amount of these guarantees and bonds at December 31, 2012 was $1.1 million in surety bonds and $14.7 million in letters of credit. The surety bonds are due to expire between March 2013 and September 2013 and the letters of credit are due to expire between April 2013 and April 2015.

 

32


Table of Contents

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to inventories of spare parts, long-lived assets, income taxes, and self-insurance liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates, and the differences may be material. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition - Revenues related to Air Medical services are recorded net of contractual allowances under agreements with third party payors and estimated uncompensated care when services are provided. We estimate contractual allowances and uncompensated care based on historical collection experience by payor category. The main payor categories are Medicaid, Medicare, Insurance, and Self-Pay. Payor mix and changes in reimbursement rates are the factors most subject to sensitivity and variability in calculating our allowances. We compute a historical payment analysis of accounts paid in full, by category. The allowance percentages calculated are applied to the payor categories, and the necessary adjustments are made to the revenue allowance. The allowance for contractual discounts was $50.4 million, $39.6 million, and $34.7 million as of December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. The allowance for uncompensated care was $52.2 million, $37.7 million, and $39.3 million as of December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Included in the allowance for uncompensated care above is the value of services to patients who are unable to pay when it is determined that they qualify as charity care. The value of these services was $6.2 million, $5.7 million, and $4.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. The estimated cost of providing charity services was $2.2 million, $2.1 million, and $1.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. The estimated costs of providing charity services are based on a calculation that applies a ratio of costs to the charges for uncompensated charity care. The ratio of costs to charges is based on the Air Medical segment’s total expenses divided by gross patient service revenue.

In determining the allowance estimates for our Air Medical segment’s billing, receivables and revenue we utilize the prior twelve months’ history by each individual payor group and also by each state. A percentage of amounts collected compared to the total invoice is determined from this process and applied to the current month’s billings and receivables. If a receivable related to the self-pay category is outstanding nine months or greater, it is 100% reserved. Other payor categories are scrutinized when they are outstanding for a nine month period and additional allowances are recorded if warranted.

Inventories of Spare Parts - We maintain a significant parts inventory to service our own aircraft along with the aircraft and components of customers. Portions of that inventory are used parts that are often exchanged with parts removed from aircraft or components and reworked to a useable condition. We use systematic procedures to estimate the valuation of the used parts, which includes consideration of their condition and continuing utility. If our valuation of these parts should be significantly different from amounts ultimately realizable or if we discontinue using or servicing certain aircraft models, then we may have to record a write-down of our inventory. We also record provisions against inventory for obsolete and slow-moving parts, relying principally on specific identification of such inventory. If we fail to identify such parts, additional provisions may be necessary.

Property and Equipment - Our principal long-lived assets are aircraft. We review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. We measure recoverability of assets to be held and used by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to the future undiscounted net cash flows that we expect the asset to generate. When an asset is determined to be impaired, we recognize the impairment amount, which is the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value. Similarly, we report assets that we expect to sell at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. Future adverse market conditions or poor operating results could result in an inability to recover the current carrying value of certain long-lived assets, thereby possibly requiring an impairment charge in the future.

 

33


Table of Contents

Use of Estimates - We must make estimates for certain of our liabilities and expenses, losses, and gains related to self-insured programs, insurance deductibles, and good-experience premium returns. Our group medical insurance program is largely self-insured, and we use estimates to record our periodic expenses related to that program. We also carry deductibles on our workers’ compensation program and aircraft hull and liability insurance, and poor experience or higher accidents rates could result in additional recorded losses.

Income Taxes - We estimate what our effective tax rate will be for the full year and record a quarterly income tax expense in accordance with the anticipated effective annual tax rate. As the year progresses, we continually refine our estimate based upon actual events and income before income taxes by jurisdiction during the year. This process may result in a change to our expected effective tax rate for the year. When this occurs, we adjust the income tax expense during the quarter in which the change in estimate occurs so that the year-to-date expense equals the annual rate.

New Accounting Pronouncements

None.

 

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our earnings are subject to change in short-term interest rates due to the variable interest rate on our revolving credit facility. Based on the $86.8 million in borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2012, a ten percent increase (0.321%) in the interest rate to 3.531% would reduce our annual pre-tax earnings by $0.3 million. Based on the $46.0 million in borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2011, a ten percent increase (0.425%) in the interest rate to 4.675% would reduce our annual pre-tax earnings by $0.2 million.

Our $300 million outstanding 8.625% Senior Notes due 2018 bear interest at a fixed rate of 8.625% and therefore changes in market interest rates do not affect our interest payment obligations on the notes. The fair market value of our 8.625% Senior Notes will vary as changes occur to general market interest rates, the remaining maturity of the 8.625% Senior Notes, and our creditworthiness.

 

34


Table of Contents
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

PHI, Inc.

Lafayette, Louisiana

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of PHI, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012. Our audits also included the consolidated financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These consolidated financial statements and the consolidated financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements and the consolidated financial statement schedule based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of PHI, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such consolidated financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 15, 2013 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

New Orleans, Louisiana

March 15, 2013

 

35


Table of Contents

PHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Thousands of dollars, except share data)

 

     December 31,     December 31,  
     2012     2011  
ASSETS     

Current Assets:

    

Cash

   $ 2,849      $ 5,091   

Short-term investments

     50,601        100,027   

Accounts receivable – net

    

Trade

     137,179        98,338   

Other

     3,974        958   

Inventories of spare parts—net

     66,074        57,243   

Prepaid expenses

     10,137        7,169   

Work in progress

     77,764        —     

Other current assets

     988        —      

Deferred income taxes

     11,967        8,133   

Income taxes receivable

     1,613        346   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     363,146        277,305   

Property and equipment—net

     749,501        659,756   

Restricted investments

     14,685        —     

Other

     20,562        27,071   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 1,147,894      $ 964,132   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY     

Current Liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 26,308      $ 17,697   

Accrued and other current liabilities

     117,162        29,051   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     143,470        46,748   

Long-term debt

     386,755        346,047   

Deferred income taxes

     105,418        85,937   

Other long-term liabilities

     12,636        8,063   

Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)

    

Shareholders’ Equity:

    

Voting common stock – par value of $0.10;
12,500,000 shares authorized, 2,852,616 issued and outstanding

     285        285   

Non-voting common stock – par value of $0.10;
25,000,000 shares authorized, 12,458,992 issued and outstanding

     1,246        1,246   

Additional paid-in capital

     295,582        291,403   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (51     (93

Retained earnings

     202,553        184,496   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

     499,615        477,337   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 1,147,894      $ 964,132   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

36


Table of Contents

PHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Thousands of dollars and shares, except per share data)

 

     Year Ended     Year Ended     Year Ended  
     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  

Operating revenues, net

   $ 646,686      $ 539,626      $ 516,935   

Expenses:

      

Direct expenses

     543,524        469,740        443,702   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     39,051        34,369        30,147   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     582,575        504,109        473,849   

Loss (gain) on disposition of assets, net

     317        302        (239

Equity in loss (earnings) of unconsolidated affiliate

     863        —           —      
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     62,931        35,215        43,325   

Interest expense

     29,533        27,974        19,389   

Other (income) expense, net

     (651     (845     (178

Loss on debt restructuring

     —           —           9,521   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     28,882        27,129        28,732   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings before income taxes

     34,049        8,086        14,593   

Income tax expense

     15,992        3,234        7,476   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings

   $ 18,057      $ 4,852      $ 7,117   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

      

Basic

   $ 1.17      $ 0.32      $ 0.46   

Diluted

   $ 1.17      $ 0.31      $ 0.46   

Weighted average shares outstanding:

      

Basic

     15,418        15,312        15,312   

Diluted

     15,488        15,497        15,337   

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

 

37


Table of Contents

PHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Thousands of dollars)

The following table summarizes the components of total comprehensive income (net of taxes):

 

     Year Ended     Year Ended     Year Ended  
     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  

Net earnings

   $ 18,057      $ 4,852      $ 7,117   

Unrealized gain on short-term investments

     55        81        (142

Changes in pension plan assets and benefit obligations

     (13     (12     (7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

   $ 18,099      $ 4,921      $ 6,968   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

38


Table of Contents

PHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Thousands of dollars and shares)

 

                                  Accumulated           Total  
    Voting     Non-Voting     Additional     Other Com-           Share-  
    Common Stock     Common Stock     Paid-in     prehensive     Retained     Holders’  
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Capital     Income (Loss)     Earnings     Equity  

Balance at December 31, 2009

    2,853      $ 285        12,459      $ 1,246      $ 291,403      $ (13   $ 172,527      $ 465,448   

Net earnings

    —           —           —           —           —           —           7,117        7,117   

Unrealized loss on short-term investments

    —           —           —           —           —           (142     —           (142

Changes in pension plan assets and benefit obligations

    —           —           —           —           —           (7     —           (7
               

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

                  6,968   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2010

    2,853        285        12,459        1,246        291,403        (162     179,644        472,416   

Net earnings

    —           —           —           —           —           —           4,852        4,852   

Unrealized gain on short-term investments

    —           —           —           —          —           81        —           81   

Changes in pension plan assets and benefit obligations

    —           —           —           —          —           (12     —           (12
               

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

                  4,921   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2011

    2,853        285        12,459        1,246        291,403        (93     184,496        477,337   

Net earnings

    —           —           —           —          —           —           18,057        18,057   

Unrealized gain on short-term investments

    —           —           —           —          —           55        —          55   

Changes in pension plan assets and benefit obligations

    —           —           —           —          —           (13     —          (13

Total comprehensive income

                  18,099   
               

 

 

 

Issuance of non-voting common stock

(upon vesting of restricted stock units)

    —           —           106        —          4,179        —           —          4,179   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2012

    2,853      $ 285        12,565      $ 1,246      $ 295,582      $ (51   $ 202,553      $ 499,615   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

39


Table of Contents

PHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Thousands of dollars)

 

     Year Ended     Year Ended     Year Ended  
     December 31,     December 31,     December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  

Operating activities:

      

Net earnings

   $ 18,057      $ 4,852      $ 7,117   

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

      

Depreciation and amortization

     41,495        31,298        28,081   

Deferred income taxes

     15,620        3,949        8,579   

Loss in equity of unconsolidated affiliate

     863        —          —     

Gain (loss) on asset dispositions

     317        302        (239

Loss on debt restructuring

     —          —           9,521   

Other

     (115     1,046        1,124   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

      

Accounts receivable

     (41,567     (9,637     4,744   

Inventories of spare parts

     (8,831     2,093        2,165   

Income taxes receivable

     (1,267     212        182   

Other assets

     (81,199     4,330        3,753   

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     99,876        (7,288     13,106   

Other long-term liabilities

     7,301        (805     (1,276
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     50,550        30,352        76,857   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing activities:

      

Purchase of property and equipment

     (128,475     (91,028     (98,230

Proceeds from asset dispositions

     11,302        6,852        1,171   

Purchase of short-term investments

     (216,265     (234,631     (450,188

Proceeds from sale of short-term investments

     249,041        282,743        375,517   

Payments of deposits on aircraft

     (8,717     (13,798     (3,780

Refund of deposits on aircraft

     2,500        6,000        —      

Loan to unconsolidated affiliate

     (975     —          —     

Other investments

     (50     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (91,639     (43,862     (175,510
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing activities:

      

Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes due 2018

     —           —           300,000   

Premium and costs to retire debt early

     —           —           (7,667

Repayment of Senior Notes due 2013

     —           —           (200,000

Debt issuance costs

     —           —           (5,322

Repurchase of common stock

     (1,861     —           —      

Proceeds from line of credit

     127,323        73,865        59,287   

Payments on line of credit

     (86,615     (58,892     (46,518
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

     38,847        14,973        99,780   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Decrease) increase in cash

     (2,242     1,463        1,127   

Cash, beginning of year

     5,091        3,628        2,501   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash, end of year

   $ 2,849      $ 5,091      $ 3,628   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Disclosures Cash Flow Information

      

Cash paid during the period for:

      

Interest

   $ 28,775      $ 28,431      $ 22,088   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income Taxes

   $ 237      $ 212      $ 209   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accrued payables related to purchases of property and equipment

   $ 101      $ 160      $ 352   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

40


Table of Contents

PHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Operations, Basis of Consolidation, and Other General Principles

PHI, Inc. and subsidiaries (“PHI”, the “Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) provide transportation services to, from, and among offshore facilities engaged in the oil and gas exploration, development, and production industry, primarily in North America and to a lesser extent in West Africa and the Middle East. We also provide air medical transportation services for hospitals and medical programs, and aircraft maintenance services to third parties in North America and the Middle East.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of PHI, Inc. and its subsidiaries after the elimination of all intercompany accounts and transactions. We apply the equity method of accounting for investments in entities if we have the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the entity. We report our share of earnings or losses of equity investees in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations as equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates.

A principal stockholder has substantial control. Al A. Gonsoulin, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, beneficially owns stock representing approximately 70.3% of the total voting power. As a result, he exercises control over the election of PHI’s directors and the outcome of matters requiring a stockholder vote. This ownership also may delay or prevent a change in our management or a change in control of us, even if such changes would benefit our other stockholders and were supported by a majority of our stockholders.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, as well as reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Significant estimates include:

Estimates of contractual allowances applicable to billings in the Air Medical segment,

Inventories of spare parts,

Valuation reserve related to obsolete and excess inventory,

Depreciable lives and salvage values of property and equipment,

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets,

Health care insurance claims and workers’ compensation liability, and

Impairment of long-lived assets.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

Trade Receivables, net

Trade and other receivables are stated at net realizable value. Air Medical trade receivables are presented net of allowances for contractual discounts and uncompensated care. Contractual allowances and uncompensated care are estimated based on historical collection experience by payor category. The main payor categories are Medicare, Medicaid, Insurance, and Self-Pay. A historical payment analysis of accounts, by payor category, is performed monthly, and the accounts receivable allowance is adjusted based upon each category’s historical collection percentage. Provisions for contractual discounts and uncompensated care at December 31st are as follows:

 

41


Table of Contents

 

     2012     2011  

Gross billings

     100     100

Provision for contractual discounts

     38     36

Provision for uncompensated care

     33     34

Short-term Investments

Short-term investments consist of money market funds, commercial paper, U.S. government agencies, and corporate bonds and notes, which represent funds available for current operations. In accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“USGAAP”), these short-term investments are classified as available for sale. The Company recorded net $0.1 million in unrealized gains in 2012. These gains are reflected as a separate component of stockholders’ equity.

Inventories of Spare Parts

The Company’s inventories are stated at average cost and consist primarily of spare parts. Portions of the Company’s inventories are used parts that are often exchanged with parts removed from aircraft, reworked to a useable condition according to manufacturers’ and FAA specifications, and returned to inventory. Reusable aircraft parts are included in inventory at the average cost of comparable parts. The rework costs are expensed as incurred. The Company also records an allowance for obsolete and slow-moving parts, relying principally on specific identification of such inventory. Valuation reserves related to obsolescence and slow-moving inventory were $12.4 million and $12.3 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Property and Equipment

The Company records its property and equipment at cost less accumulated depreciation. For financial reporting purposes, the Company uses the straight-line method to compute depreciation based upon estimated useful lives of five to fifteen years for flight equipment and three to ten years for other equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the life of the respective lease, or the asset, and range from six to ten years. The salvage value used in calculating depreciation of aircraft ranges from 25% to 54%. The cost of scheduled inspections and modifications for flight equipment are charged to maintenance expense as incurred. We charge maintenance and repair costs to earnings as the costs are incurred. The cost of certain aircraft components are covered under a contractual arrangement with the manufacturer, commonly referred to as “power-by-the-hour” contracts. Under these agreements, we are charged an agreed amount per hour of flying time. The costs charged under these contractual arrangements are recognized in the period in which the flight hours occur. To the extent that we have not yet been billed for costs incurred under these arrangements, these costs are included in accrued expenses on our consolidated balance sheets. Modifications that enhance the operating performance or extend the useful lives of the aircraft are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining life of the asset. Upon selling or otherwise disposing of property and equipment, the Company removes the cost and accumulated depreciation from the accounts and reflects any resulting gain or loss in earnings at the time of sale or other disposition.

The Company reviews its long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company measures recoverability of assets to be held and used by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows that it expects the asset to generate. When an asset is determined to be impaired, the Company recognizes that impairment amount, which is measured by the amount that the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value. Similarly, the Company reports assets that it expects to sell at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.

 

42


Table of Contents

Deferred Financing Costs

Costs of obtaining long-term debt financing are deferred and amortized ratably over the term of the related debt agreement.

Self-Insurance

The Company maintains a self-insurance program for a portion of its health care costs. Self-insurance costs are accrued based upon the aggregate of the liability for reported claims and the estimated liability for claims incurred but not reported. The Company’s insurance retention was $250,000 per claim through December 31, 2012. As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company had $1.8 million and $1.7 million, respectively, of accrued liabilities related to health care claims.

There is also a $0.5 million deductible per incident on our workers’ compensation program. We have accrued $2.2 million and $1.5 million for the years 2012 and 2011, respectively, related to workers’ compensation claims.

The Company has an offshore insurance captive to realize savings in reinsurance costs on its insurance premiums. Amounts paid to the captive in 2012 and 2011 totaled $1.7 million and $3.6 million, respectively. The captive is fully consolidated in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue related to aviation transportation services after the services are performed or the contractual obligations are met. Aircraft maintenance services revenues are recognized at the time the repair or services work is completed. Revenues related to the Company’s Air Medical segment independent provider model services are recorded net of contractual allowances under agreements with third party payors, and also recorded net of uncompensated care allowances when the services are provided. Revenues generated under the hospital based model consist of a fixed monthly rate for aircraft availability and an hourly rate for flight time. Revenues are recognized after the services are performed or the contractual obligations are met. We estimate contractual allowances and uncompensated care based on historical collection experience by payor category. The main payor categories are Medicaid, Medicare, Insurance, and Self-Pay. Payor mix and changes in reimbursement rates are the factors most subject to sensitivity and variability in calculating our allowances. We compute a historical payment analysis of accounts paid in full, by category. The allowance percentages calculated are applied to the payor categories, and the necessary adjustments are made to the revenue allowance. The allowance for contractual discounts was $54.6 million, $39.6 million, and $34.7 million as of December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. The allowance for uncompensated care was $48.0 million, $37.7 million, and $39.3 million as of December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Included in the allowance for uncompensated care above is the value of services to patients who are unable to pay when it is determined that they qualify as charity care. The value of these services was $6.2 million, $5.7 million, and $4.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. The estimated cost of providing charity services was $2.2 million, $2.1 million, and $1.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. The estimated costs of providing charity services are based on a calculation that applies a ratio of costs to the charges for uncompensated charity care. The ratio of costs to charges is based on the Air Medical segment’s total expenses divided by gross patient service revenue.

In determining the allowance estimates for our Air Medical segment’s billing, receivables and revenue we utilize the prior twelve months’ history by each individual payor group and also by each state. A percentage of amounts collected compared to the total invoice is determined from this process and applied to the current month’s billings and receivables. If a receivable related to the self-pay category is outstanding nine months or longer, it is 100% reserved. Other payor categories are scrutinized when they are outstanding for a nine month period and additional allowances are recorded if warranted.

 

43


Table of Contents

Provisions for contractual discounts and estimated uncompensated care are as follows:

 

     Revenue Year
Ended December 31,
 
     2012     2011     2010  

Gross billings

     100     100     100

Provision for contractual discounts

     56     54     52

Provision for uncompensated care

     11     11     11

Amounts attributable to Medicaid, Medicare, Insurance, and Self Pay as a percentage of net Air Medical revenues are as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  

Medicaid

     9     15     16

Medicare

     21     24     22

Insurance

     69     60     61

Self Pay

     1     1     1

Our contract in Saudi Arabia contains multiple deliverables which include helicopter leasing, flight services for helicopter emergency medical service operations, aircraft maintenance, provision of spare parts and insurance coverage for the customer-owned aircraft, training services, and base construction. All services are delivered and earned monthly over a three year contractual period which began on September 29, 2012. The customer may terminate the contract prior to the end of the contract term by giving ninety days advance notice and paying an early termination fee of $13.5 million. Each of the major deliverables mentioned above qualify as separate units of accounting under the accounting guidance for such arrangements. The selling price for each deliverable was determined based upon third-party evidence and estimates.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for in accordance with the provisions of ASC 740, Income Taxes. The Company provides for income taxes using the asset and liability method under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. The deferred tax assets and liabilities measurement uses enacted tax rates that are expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The Company recognizes the effect of any tax rate changes in income of the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing earnings (loss) during the period by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) during the period by the weighted average number of shares of common stock that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of potentially dilutive shares of common stock as if such shares were outstanding during the reporting period, net of shares to be repurchased using the treasury stock method. Dilutive shares for this purpose assumes restricted stock unit awards have vested.

 

 

44


Table of Contents

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially expose the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of trade accounts receivable. The Company does not believe significant credit risk exists with respect to these trade accounts receivable at December 31, 2012.

PHI conducts a majority of its business with major and independent oil and gas exploration and production companies with operations in the Gulf of Mexico. The Company also provides services to major medical centers and U.S. governmental agencies. The Company continually evaluates the financial strength of its customers, but generally does not require collateral to support the customer receivables. The Company establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers, current market conditions, and other information. Amounts are charged off as uncollectible when collection efforts have been exhausted. The allowance for doubtful accounts in the Oil and Gas and Technical Services segments was $0.1 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011. The Company’s two largest oil and gas customers accounted for 28% of consolidated operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2012, 29% for the year ended December 31, 2011 and 31% for the year ended December 31, 2010, respectively. The Company also carried accounts receivable from these same customers totaling 21% of net trade receivables on December 31, 2012 and 2011.

Trade receivables representing amounts due pursuant to air medical independent provider model services are carried net of an allowance for estimated contractual adjustments and uncompensated care on unsettled invoices. The Company monitors its collection experience by payor category within the Air Medical segment and updates its estimated collections to be realized as deemed necessary. The allowance for contractual discounts was $50.4 million, $39.6 million, and $34.7 million as of December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. The allowance for uncompensated care was $52.2 million, $37.7 million, and $39.3 million as of December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

Substantially all of the Company’s cash is maintained in one financial institution in amounts that typically exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to significant credit risk.

New Accounting Pronouncements

None

 

(2) SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

We classify all of our short term investments as available-for-sale. We carry these at fair value and report unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, in other comprehensive income until realized. These gains and losses are reflected as a separate component of shareholders’ equity in our consolidated balance sheets and our consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity. Cost, gains, and losses are determined using the specific identification method. In the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, we received proceeds from the sales of these securities of $249.0 million, $282.7 million, and $375.5 million, respectively. Gains and losses on these sales were negligible.

Investments consisted of the following as of December 31, 2012:

 

     Cost Basis      Unrealized
Gains
     Unrealized
Losses
    Fair Value  
     (Thousands of dollars)  

Short-term investments:

          

Money Market Mutual Funds

   $ 29,816       $ —         $ —        $ 29,816   

Commercial Paper

     5,494         1         (2     5,493   

Corporate bonds and notes

     29,986         2         (11     29,977   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal

     65,296         3         (13     65,286   

Deferred compensation plan assets included in other assets

     2,687         —            —           2,687   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 67,983       $ 3       $ (13   $ 67,973   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

45


Table of Contents

$14.7 million of our investments are long-term and included on the balance sheet as Restricted investments as they are securing outstanding letters of credit with maturities beyond one year.

Investments consisted of the following as of December 31, 2011:

 

     Cost Basis      Unrealized
Gains
     Unrealized
Losses
    Fair Value  
     (Thousands of dollars)  

Short-term investments:

          

Money Market Mutual Funds

   $ 47,140       $ —         $ —        $ 47,140   

Commercial Paper

     15,690         —           (12     15,678   

Corporate bonds and notes

     37,299         26         (116     37,209   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Subtotal

     100,129         26         (128     100,027   

Deferred compensation plan assets included in other assets

     2,807         —           —          2,807   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 102,936       $ 26       $ (128   $ 102,834   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table presents the cost and fair value of our debt investments based on maturities as of December 31,

 

     2012      2011  
     Amortized
Costs
     Fair
Value
     Amortized
Costs
     Fair
Value
 
     (Thousands of dollars)  

Due in one year or less

   $ 35,480       $ 35,470       $ 49,667       $ 49,569   

Due within two years

     —           —            3,322         3,318   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 35,480       $ 35,470       $ 52,989       $ 52,887   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table presents the average coupon rate percentage and the average days to maturity of our debt investments as of December 31,

 

     2012      2011  
     Average      Average      Average      Average  
     Coupon      Days To      Coupon      Days To  
     Rate (%)      Maturity      Rate (%)      Maturity  

Commercial Paper

     0.305         138         0.191         116   

Corporate bonds and notes

     2.965         112         4.921         228   

The following table presents the fair value and unrealized losses related to our investments that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than twelve months as of December 31,

 

     2012     2011  
     Fair
Value
     Unrealized
Losses
    Fair
Value
     Unrealized
Losses
 
     (Thousands of dollars)  

Commercial Paper

   $ 2,494       $ (2   $ 15,678       $ (12

Corporate bonds and notes

     16,771         (11     17,226         (48
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 19,265       $ (13   $ 32,904       $ (60
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

46


Table of Contents

The following table presents the fair value and unrealized losses related to our investments that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for twelve months or more as of December 31,

 

     2012     2011  
     Fair
Value
     Unrealized
Losses
    Fair
Value
     Unrealized
Losses
 
     (Thousands of dollars)  

Corporate bonds and notes

   $ 2,004       $ (.4   $ 5,172       $ (68
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 2,004       $ (.4   $ 5,172       $ (68
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

We consider the decline in market value to be due to market conditions, and we do not plan to sell these investments prior to a recovery of cost. For these reasons, we do not consider any of our investments to be other than temporarily impaired at December 31, 2012 and 2011. The assessment of whether an investment in a debt security has suffered an other-than-temporary impairment is based on whether the Company has the intent to sell or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized costs. Further, if the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the debt security, an other-than-temporary impairment is considered to have occurred and it is measured by the present value of cash flows expected to be collected less the amortized cost basis (credit loss). The Company did not have any other-than-temporary impairments relating to credit losses on debt securities for the year ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.

 

(3) FAIR VALUE

Accounting guidance defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. This guidance establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. The hierarchy for inputs is categorized into three levels based on the reliability of inputs as follows:

Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

The following tables summarize the valuation of our short-term investments and financial instruments by the above ASC 820 pricing levels as of the valuation dates listed:

 

            December 31, 2012  
     Total      (Level 1)      (Level 2)  

Short-term investments:

        

Money Market Mutual Funds

   $ 29,816       $ 29,816       $ —      

Commercial Paper

     5,493         —            5,493   

Corporate bonds and notes

     29,977         —            29,977   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     65,286         29,816         35,470   

Deferred compensation plan assets

     2,687         2,687         —      
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 67,973       $ 32,503       $ 35,470   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

47


Table of Contents
            December 31, 2011  
     Total      (Level 1)      (Level 2)  

Short-term investments:

        

Money Market Mutual Funds

   $ 47,140       $ 47,140       $ —     

Commercial Paper

     15,678         —           15,678   

Corporate bonds and notes

     37,209         —           37,209   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     100,027         47,140         52,887   

Deferred compensation plan assets

     2,807         2,807         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 102,834       $ 49,947       $ 52,887   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company holds its short-term investments in an investment fund consisting of high quality money market instruments of governmental and private issuers, which is classified as a short-term investment. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. These items are traded with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing on an ongoing basis. The fair values of the shares of these funds are based on observable market prices, and therefore, have been categorized in Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. Level 2 inputs reflect quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities that are not active. These items may not be traded daily; examples include corporate bonds and U.S. government agencies. Assets are valued based on prices derived by independent third parties that use inputs such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, and issuer spreads. Prices are reviewed and can be challenged with the independent parties and/or overridden by the Company, if it is believed such would be more reflective of fair value. Investments included in other assets, which relate to the liability for the Officers’ Deferred Compensation Plan, consist mainly of multiple investment funds that are highly liquid and diversified.

Cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities all had fair values approximating their carrying amounts at December 31, 2012 and 2011.

 

(4) PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

The following table summarizes the Company’s property and equipment at December 31.

 

     2012     2011  
     (Thousands of dollars)  

Flight equipment

   $ 908,464      $ 811,758   

Facility & improvements

     54,407        45,813   

Operating equipment

     23,929        22,275   

Data processing equipment

     31,956        29,739   

Vehicles

     7,595        7,402   

Medical equipment

     6,991        5,739   

Other

     4,705        3,952   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     1,038,047        926,678   

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (288,546     (266,922
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

   $ 749,501      $ 659,756   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Depreciation expense related to property and equipment was $35.0 million in 2012, $31.3 million in 2011, and $28.1 million in 2010.

In 2012, we acquired real estate in New Iberia, LA from Gonsoulin Enterprises, Inc., an entity owned by our CEO and majority voting shareholder. The property had previously been leased from the same entity. The acquisition price was $1.7 million and was based upon an average of independent fair market value appraisals.

 

48


Table of Contents
(5) OTHER ASSETS

The following table summarizes the Company’s other assets at December 31.

 

     2012      2011  
     (Thousands of dollars)  

Deposits on future purchases of aircraft

   $ 12,095       $ 17,998   

Deferred financing cost

     3,929         4,597   

Investments (Officers’ Deferred Compensation Plan)

     1,698         2,807   

Other

     2,840         1,669   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 20,562       $ 27,071   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(6) ACCRUED AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

Accrued and other current liabilities as of December 31 consisted of the following:

 

     2012      2011  
     (Thousands of dollars)  

Deferred revenue

   $ 76,410       $ —     

Salaries & wages

     15,920         8,699   

Incentive compensation

     6,253         3,029   

Interest

     5,649         5,877   

Vacation payable

     4,871         4,305   

Group medical

     1,845         1,695   

Transportations tax

     1,545         1,448   

Operating lease

     862         880   

Workers compensation

     1,137         678   

Other

     2,670         2,440   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total accrued liabilities

   $ 117,162       $ 29,051   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(7) LONG-TERM DEBT

The components of long-term debt as of December 31 are as follows:

 

     2012      2011  
     (in thousands)  

Senior Notes dated September 23, 2010, interest only payable semi-annually at 8.625%, maturing October 15, 2018

   $ 300,000       $ 300,000   

Revolving Credit Facility due September 1, 2014 with a group of commercial banks, interest payable at variable rates

     86,755         46,047   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total long-term debt

   $ 386,755       $ 346,047   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Annual maturities of long-term debt for each of the five years following December 31, 2012 and in total thereafter follow (in thousands):

 

2013

   $ —     

2014

     86,755   

2015

     —     

2016

     —     

2017

     —     

Thereafter

     300,000   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 386,755   
  

 

 

 

 

49


Table of Contents

Senior Notes – The 8.625% Senior Notes (“Notes”) are unconditionally guaranteed on a senior basis by our domestic subsidiaries and are general, unsecured obligations of ours and the subsidiary guarantors. We have the option to redeem some or all of the Notes at any time on or after October 15, 2014 at specified redemption prices, and prior to that time pursuant to certain make-whole provisions. The Notes contain restrictive covenants, including limitations on incurring indebtedness, creating liens, selling assets, and entering into certain transactions with affiliates. The covenants limit our ability to pay cash dividends on common stock, repurchase or redeem common or preferred equity, prepay subordinated debt, and make certain investments. There are no restrictions on dividends from a subsidiary to the parent company, nor any restrictions on dividends from the parent company to a subsidiary. Upon the occurrence of a “Change in Control” (as defined in the indenture governing the notes), each holder of the Notes will have the right to require us to purchase that holder’s Notes for a cash price equal to 101% of their principal amount. Upon the occurrence of an “Event of Default” (as defined in the indenture), the trustee or the holders of the Notes may declare all of the outstanding Notes to be due and payable immediately. The Company is not aware of any instances of non-compliance with the financial covenants.

The Notes bear interest at a fixed rate and therefore changes in market interest rates do not affect our interest payment obligations on the notes. The fair market value of our Senior Notes varies as changes occur to general market interest rates, the remaining maturity of the notes, and our credit worthiness. At December 31, 2012, the fair market value of the Notes was $320.3 million, and the carrying value was $300.0 million. At December 31, 2011, the fair market value of the Notes was $293.3 million.

Mr. Al A. Gonsoulin, our Chairman and CEO and the Matzke Family Trust, of which Richard Matzke, one of our directors, is trustee, have purchased $2 million and $1 million of the 8.625% Senior Notes, respectively.

Revolving Credit Facility – Our senior secured revolving credit facility permits borrowings up to $125 million, contains a borrowing base of 80% of eligible receivables and 50% of the value of parts, and is due September 1, 2014. On January 13, 2013, we amended the facility to increase our borrowing capacity from $100 million to $125 million. The interest rate is the prime rate plus 100 basis points or LIBOR plus 300 basis points, at our option. During 2012 and 2011, the weighted average effective interest rate on amounts borrowed under the facility was 4.25%. We may prepay the revolving credit facility at any time in whole or in part without premium or penalty. All obligations under the revolving credit facility are secured by a perfected first priority security interest in all of our eligible receivables and inventory, and are guaranteed by certain of our domestic subsidiaries.

The revolving credit facility includes financial covenants related to working capital, funded debt to consolidated net worth consolidated net worth, and fixed charges coverage and other covenants including restrictions on additional debt, liens and a change of control. Events of default include a change of control, a default in any other material credit agreement, including the 8.625% Senior Notes, and customary events of default. The Company is not aware of any instances of non-compliance with the financial covenants.

Other – We maintain a separate letter of credit facility that had $14.7 million and $6.6 million in letters of credit outstanding at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively

 

(8) INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense (benefit) is composed of the following:

 

     Year Ended      Year Ended      Year Ended  
     December 31,      December 31,      December 31,  
     2012      2011      2010  
     (Thousands of dollars)  

Current

        

Federal

   $ —         $ —         $ —     

State

     360         180         185   

Foreign

     —           —           —     

Deferred – principally Federal

     15,632         3,054         7,291   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 15,992       $ 3,234       $ 7,476   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

50


Table of Contents

Income tax expense (benefit) as a percentage of pre-tax earnings varies from the effective Federal statutory rate of 35% as a result of the following:

 

     Year Ended      Year Ended      Year Ended  
     December 31, 2012      December 31, 2011      December 31, 2010  
     (Thousands of dollars, except percentage amounts)  
     Amount      Tax
Rate %
     Amount      Tax
Rate %
     Amount      Tax
Rate %
 

Income taxes at statutory rate

   $ 11,917         35       $ 2,830         35       $ 5,108         35   

Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:

                 

Valuation allowance – foreign tax credit

     1,649         5         —            —           1,175         8   

State income taxes, net of federal benefit

     1,688         5         385         5         987         7   

Valuation allowance – other

     330         1         —           —           —           —     

Other items – net

     408         1         19         —           206         1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 15,992         47       $ 3,234         40       $ 7,476         51   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The tax effects of significant items comprising our net deferred tax balance at December 31 are as follows:

 

     2012     2011  
     (Thousands of dollars)  

Deferred tax assets:

    

Deferred compensation

   $ 1,301      $ 1,372   

Foreign tax credits

     4,346        4,346   

Vacation and bonus accrual

     4,213        2,448   

Inventory valuation

     5,837        5,615   

Rental accrual

     1,111        1,191   

Hurricane relief credit

     1,255        1,255   

Stock-based compensation

     1,102        663   

Other

     1,688        1,243   

Net operating losses

     77,902        74,784   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred tax assets

     98,755        92,917   

Valuation allowance – state NOL carryforwards

     (541     (541

Valuation allowance – tax credit carryforwards

     (2,825     (1,175

Valuation allowance – other

     (330     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred tax assets, net

     95,059        91,201   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

    

Tax depreciation in excess of book depreciation

     (188,510     (169,005
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred tax liabilities

     (188,510     (169,005
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred tax liabilities

   $ (93,451   $ (77,804
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current deferred tax assets

   $ 11,967      $ 8,133   

Deferred tax liability – long-term

     (105,418     (85,937
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred tax liabilities

   $ (93,451   $ (77,804
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

51


Table of Contents

As a result of certain realization requirements under GAAP, the Company’s deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2012 in the table above do not include certain deferred tax assets that arose directly from tax deductions related to equity compensation in excess of compensation recognized for financial reporting. Equity will increase by $0.8 million when the deferred tax assets are ultimately realized. The Company uses tax law ordering for purposes of determining when excess tax benefits have been realized.

The Company has U.S. Federal net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) of approximately $204.6 million that, if not used, will expire beginning in 2022 through 2032. Additionally, for state income tax purposes, the Company has NOLs of approximately $167.8 million available to reduce future state taxable income. These NOLs expire in varying amounts beginning in 2013 through 2032, the majority of which expire in 2017 through 2027. The Company has a valuation allowance of $0.5 million as of December 31, 2012 against certain net operating losses in seven states which are not more likely than not to be realized in future years.

The Company also has foreign tax credits of approximately $4.3 million which expire beginning in 2015 through 2019. The estimated future U.S. taxable income, after utilization of the available net operating loss carryforwards, will limit the ability of the Company to utilize the foreign tax credit carryforwards during their carry forward period and it is not more likely than not that these credits will be utilized in future years. Therefore, the Company has a valuation allowance of $2.8 million on these credits, of which of $1.6 million was recorded in 2012.

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in many U.S. state jurisdictions. The tax years 2009 to 2012 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions in which the Company is subject to tax.

Income taxes paid were approximately $0.2 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010. The Company received net income tax refunds of approximately $0.4 million and $0.4 million during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

At December 31, 2012, the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits. It is the Company’s practice to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax expense as part of non-operating expenses.

 

(9) EARNINGS PER SHARE

The components of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, are as follows:

 

     2012      2011      2010  
     (in thousands)  

Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock, basic

     15,418         15,312         15,312   

Dilutive effect of restricted stock units

     70         185         25   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock, diluted

     15,488         15,497         15,337   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(10) EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Deferred Compensation Plan

The Company maintains an Officer Deferred Compensation Plan that permits key officers to defer a portion of their compensation. The plan is nonqualified and funded. The Company has established a separate account for each participant, which is invested and reinvested from time to time in investments that the participant selects from a list of eligible investment choices. Earnings and losses on the book reserve accounts accrue to the plan participants. Liabilities for the plan are included in other long-term liabilities, and the corresponding investment accounts are included in other assets. Aggregate amounts deferred under the plans were $2.9 million and $2.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 respectively.

Incentive Compensation

The Company has an incentive compensation plan for non-executive employees. The plan allows the Company to pay up to 8.25% of earnings before tax upon achieving a specified earnings threshold. The Company also has an executive/senior management plan for certain corporate and business unit management employees. Under this plan, the bonus is a percentage of each participating employee’s base

 

52


Table of Contents

salary based upon the Company’s achievement of the financial target established by the Board of Directors at three levels – a threshold level, a target level, and a stretch level, subject to a positive or negative adjustment for the Company’s safety performance. Pursuant to these plans, the Company accrued incentive compensation expense of $6.0 million, $2.6 million, and $1.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. We also have a Safety Incentive Plan related to Occupational Safety and Health Administration recordable incidents, for which we expensed and paid $0.7 million, $0.6 million, and $0.6 million for the years 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

401(k) Plan

We sponsor a 401(k) Plan (“Plan”) for our employees. An employee is eligible to participate in the Plan immediately upon employment and receive a dollar matching contribution up to 6% of his or her base compensation. The vesting for matching contributions is 25% per year beginning at the end of the second year of employment. Employees are fully vested after completing 5 years of service to the Company. The matching contribution for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 were $9.0 million, $8.4 million, and $8.1 million, respectively.

 

(11) STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Compensation expense for our stock-based plans was $4.3 million, $1.5 million, and $0.2 million for 2012, 2011, and 2010 respectively.

1995 Incentive Plan – The PHI, Inc. 1995 Incentive Plan is authorized to issue up to 175,000 shares of voting common stock and 575,000 shares of non-voting common stock in the form of stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, performance shares, stock awards, and cash awards. As of December 31, 2012, there were 32,542 voting shares and 738 non-voting shares available for grant. Time-vested restricted stock units granted under the plan generally have forfeiture restrictions that lapse 100% after three years. As of December 31, 2012, there were 83,978 voting restricted stock units outstanding with a weighted average grant date fair value of $20.42 per share, an aggregate value of $1.7 million, which vested on January 1, 2013.

2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan – The PHI Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”), approved by the shareholders at the Company’s 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, is authorized to issue up to 750,000 shares of non-voting stock. As of December 31, 2012, 560,433 shares were available for grant. Time-vested restricted stock units granted under the plan generally have forfeiture restrictions that lapse 100% after three years. Performance-based units that have been granted under the plan, whose vesting is contingent upon meeting company-wide performance goals, have forfeiture restrictions that lapse, if at all, at the end of a three-year performance period.

Non-Voting Time-Vested Restricted Stock Units – The following table summarizes the activity for non-voting time-vested restricted stock units for the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

     Share Units     Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
    Remaining
Average
Contractual
Life (in years)
     Aggregate
Value
(in thousands)
 

Outstanding at January 1, 2012

     179,483      $ 19.48        1.38       $ 3,496   
      

 

 

    

 

 

 

Granted

     43,854        23.71        

Forfeited

     —          —          

Vested and released to participants

     (163,364     (19.36     
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

Outstanding at December 31, 2012

     59,973      $ 22.89        1.83       $ 1,373   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

The weighted average grant-date fair value of time-vested restricted stock units granted during 2011 and 2010 were $19.36 and $21.05 per share, respectively. The total fair value of awards that vested in 2012 was $3.2 million. No awards vested in 2011 and 2010. As of December 31, 2012, there was $0.9 million that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.19 years.

 

53


Table of Contents

Non-voting Performance Units – The following table summarizes the activity for non-voting performance units for the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

     Share
Units
     Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
     Remaining
Average
Contractual
Life (in years)
     Aggregate
Value
(in thousands)
 

Outstanding at January 1, 2012

     —         $ —           —         $ —     
        

 

 

    

 

 

 

Granted

     152,044         23.11         

Forfeited

     —           —           

Vested and released to participants

     —           —           
  

 

 

    

 

 

       

Outstanding at December 31, 2012

     152,044       $ 23.11         2.20       $ 3,514   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The aggregate value of the awards in the above table reflects the impact of current expectations of achievement through the end of the performance cycle. As of December 31, 2012, there was a total of $2.6 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to the non-vested performance units that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.2 years.

 

(12) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Operating Leases

The Company leases certain aircraft, facilities, and equipment used in its operations. The related lease agreements, which include both non-cancelable and month-to-month terms, generally provide for fixed monthly rentals and, for certain real estate leases, renewal options. The Company generally pays all insurance, taxes, and maintenance expenses associated with these aircraft leases and some of these leases contain renewal and purchase options at fair market values. Rental expense incurred under these leases consisted of the following:

 

     Year Ended      Year Ended      Year Ended  
     December 31,      December 31,      December 31,  
     2012      2011      2010  
     (Thousands of dollars)  

Aircraft

   $ 36,240       $ 25,408       $ 30,219   

Other

     8,081         7,150         7,258   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 44,321       $ 32,558       $ 37,477   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Included in the above rental expense is $0.3 million in 2012, $0.2 million in 2011, and $0.1 million in 2010 paid to GE Air, Inc. and Gonsoulin Enterprises, Inc. for the lease of aircraft and real estate. The lessor companies are owned by our CEO and majority voting shareholder.

The following table presents the remaining aggregate lease commitments under operating leases having initial non-cancelable terms in excess of one year. The table includes renewal periods on the principal operating facility lease.

 

     Aircraft      Other      Total  
     (Thousands of dollars)  

2013

   $ 39,137       $ 3,941       $ 43,078   

2014

     39,137         3,359         42,496   

2015

     38,860         2,908         41,768   

2016

     31,964         2,592         34,556   

2017

     22,095         2,145         24,240   

Thereafter

     27,495         4,681         32,176   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 198,688       $ 19,626       $ 218,314   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

54


Table of Contents

The above remaining lease commitments include $0.5 million remaining on an aircraft lease with GE Air, Inc., an entity owned by our CEO and majority shareholder.

In 2012, we purchased two heavy aircraft off lease pursuant to purchase options in the lease contracts, for an aggregate purchase price of $27.6 million, using proceeds from the sale of short-term investments. As of December 31, 2012, we had options to purchase aircraft under lease becoming exercisable in 2013 through 2019 for the following aggregate purchase prices: $54.6 million in 2013, $114.4 million in 2014, $33.5 million in 2016, $89.8 million in 2017, and $19.5 million in 2019. Subject to market conditions, we intend to exercise these options as they become exercisable.

Guarantees

In the normal course of business with customers, vendors, and others, we provide guarantees, performance, and payment bonds pursuant to certain agreements. The aggregate amount of these guarantees and bonds at December 31, 2012 was $1.1 million and are scheduled to expire between March 2013 and September 2013.

Purchase Commitments

In 2012, we executed a contract to acquire six new heavy aircraft for our Oil and Gas segment. The aggregate acquisition cost will be $160.3 million and delivery for the aircraft is scheduled for 2013.

We also have a contract to acquire ten light helicopters, with the remaining three scheduled for delivery in 2013.

Total aircraft deposits of $12.1 million were included in Other Assets as of December 31, 2012. This amount represents deposits for aircraft purchase contracts.

Environmental Matters

We have recorded an aggregate estimated probable liability of $0.5 million as of December 31, 2012 for environmental response costs. The Company has conducted environmental surveys of its former Lafayette facility located at the Lafayette Regional Airport, which it vacated in 2001, and has determined that limited soil and groundwater contamination exists at the facility. The Company has installed groundwater monitoring wells at the facility and periodically monitors and reports on the contamination to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (“LDEQ”). The Company previously submitted a Risk Evaluation Corrective Action Plan (RECAP) Standard Site Assessment Report to the LDEQ fully delineating the extent and type of contamination and updated the Report to include additional analytical data in April 2006. LDEQ reviewed the Assessment Report and requested a Corrective Action Plan from the Company. LDEQ approved the Corrective Action Plan (“CAP”) for the remediation of the former PHI Plant I location on August 23, 2010. All Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (“DNR”) approvals were received and the project began on May 16, 2011. Sampling will be performed on a quarterly basis over the next year to evaluate the effectiveness of remedial actions. Based upon the May 2003 Site Assessment Report, the April 2006 update, ongoing monitoring, and the August 2010 CAP, the Company believes the ultimate remediation costs for the former Lafayette facility will not be material to its consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

Legal Matters

The Company is named as a defendant in various legal actions that have arisen in the ordinary course of business and have not been finally adjudicated. In the opinion of management, the amount of the liability with respect to these actions will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

55


Table of Contents

Employee Matters

On December 31, 2009, the Office and Professional Employees International Union (“OPEIU”), the union representing the Company’s domestic pilots, sued the Company in the Western District of Louisiana asserting that the OPEIU’s acceptance in 2009 of the terms and conditions of employment for the Company’s pilots initially implemented by the Company prior to a 2006 strike has created a binding collective bargaining agreement and that the Company has inappropriately made unilateral revisions to those terms including failing to pay a retention bonus. The Court administratively stayed this case pending the completion of two (2) other suits between the parties that have since been resolved in the Company’s favor. PHI filed a motion to dismiss the OPEIU’s claims on May 11, 2012, and the Court dismissed all claims against PHI without prejudice for lack of jurisdiction to award the equitable relief sought in the complaint, entering a final judgment on October 15, 2012. The OPEIU has appealed this decision to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and filed its Appellant’s Brief on January 23, 2013.

 

(13) BUSINESS SEGMENTS AND GEOGRAPHIC AREAS

PHI is primarily a provider of helicopter services, including helicopter maintenance and repair services. The Company has used a combination of factors to identify its reportable segments as required by ASC 280, “Segment Reporting”. The overriding determination of the Company’s segments is based on how the chief operating decision-maker of the Company, the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, evaluates the Company’s results of operations. The underlying factors include customer bases, types of service, operational management, physical locations, and underlying economic characteristics of the types of work the Company performs.

The Oil and Gas segment provides helicopter services to oil and gas customers operating in the Gulf of Mexico and two foreign countries. The Air Medical segment provides helicopter services to hospitals and medical programs in several U.S. states, and one foreign country, and also to individuals in which case the Company is paid by either a commercial insurance company, federal or state agency, or the patient. The Technical Services segment provides helicopter repair and overhaul services for existing flight operations customers. The Company also operates five aircraft for the National Science Foundation in Antarctica under the Technical Services segment.

Each segment has a portion of selling, general and administrative expenses that is charged directly to the segment and a portion that is allocated. Direct charges represent the vast majority of segment selling, general and administrative expenses. Allocated selling, general and administrative expenses is based primarily on total segment costs as a percentage of total operating costs.

Air Medical operations are headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, where the Company maintains significant separate facilities and administrative staff dedicated to this segment. Those costs are charged directly to the Air Medical segment, resulting in a disproportionate share of selling, general and administrative expenses compared to the Company’s other reportable segments.

Customers of the Company in the Oil and Gas segment consist principally of major integrated energy companies and independent exploration and production companies. The customers, individually or considered as a group under common ownership, which accounted for greater than 10% of accounts receivable or 10% of operating revenues during the periods reflected were as follows:

 

     Accounts Receivable     Operating Revenues  
     December 31,     Years Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011     2012     2011     2010  

Customer A

     8     15     15     15     17

Customer B

     13     7     13     14     14

The following table shows information about the profit or loss and assets of each of the Company’s reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010. The information contains certain allocations, including allocations of depreciation, rents, insurance, and overhead expenses that the Company deems reasonable and appropriate for the evaluation of results of operations. The Company does not allocate gains on dispositions of property and equipment, other income, interest expense, income taxes, and corporate selling, general, and administrative expenses to the segments. Where applicable, the tables present the unallocated amounts to reconcile the totals to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Corporate assets are principally cash, short-term investments, other assets, and certain property, and equipment.

 

56


Table of Contents

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior fiscal year amounts to conform with the current fiscal year presentation. These changes had no impact on consolidated net sales or operating income.

 

     Year Ended  
     December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  
     (Thousands of dollars)  

Segment operating revenues

      

Oil and Gas

   $ 424,514      $ 355,406      $ 345,402   

Air Medical

     211,148        171,669        160,517   

Technical Services

     11,024        12,551        11,016   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating revenues

     646,686        539,626        516,935   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment direct expenses

      

Oil and Gas

     360,400        310,281        290,106   

Air Medical

     175,944        151,503        145,356   

Technical Services

     8,043        7,956        8,240   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total direct expenses

     544,387        469,740        443,702   

Segment selling, general and administrative expenses

      

Oil and Gas

     3,736        3,506        4,594   

Air Medical

     7,300        5,198        4,987   

Technical Services

     —           53        31   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total selling, general and administrative expenses

     11,036        8,757        9,612   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total direct and selling, general and administrative expenses

     555,423        478,497        453,314   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net segment profit

      

Oil and Gas

     60,378        41,619        50,702   

Air Medical

     27,904        14,968        10,174   

Technical Services

     2,981        4,542        2,745   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     91,263        61,129        63,621   

Other, net (1)

     334        543        417   

Unallocated selling, general and administrative expenses

     (28,015     (25,612     (20,535

Interest expense

     (29,533     (27,974     (19,389

Loss on debt restructuring

     —           —           (9,521
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings before income taxes

   $ 34,049      $ 8,086      $ 14,593   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes gains on disposition of property and equipment and other income.

 

     Year Ended  
     December 31,  
     2012      2011      2010  
     (Thousands of dollars)  

Expenditures for long-lived assets

        

Oil and Gas

   $ 115,543       $ 88,742       $ 88,146   

Air Medical

     19,516         10,227         8,789   

Corporate

     1,360         1,983         1,522   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 136,419       $ 100,952       $ 98,457   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

57


Table of Contents
     Year Ended  
     December 31,  
     2012      2011      2010  
     (Thousands of dollars)  

Depreciation and Amortization

        

Oil and Gas

   $ 24,048       $ 21,422       $ 18,204   

Air Medical

     10,208         8,466         7,982   

Technical Services

     83         167         260   

Corporate

     7,156         1,243         1,635   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 41,495       $ 31,298       $ 28,081   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Assets

        

Oil and Gas

   $ 638,103       $ 525,175      

Air Medical

     265,869         230,666      

Technical Services

     84,797         9,645      

Corporate

     159,125         198,645      
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total

   $ 1,147,894       $ 964,132      
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

The following table presents the Company’s revenues from external customers attributed to operations in the United States and foreign areas and long-lived assets in the United States and foreign areas.

 

     Year Ended  
     December 31,  
     2012      2011      2010  
     (Thousands of dollars)  

Operating revenues:

        

United States

   $ 618,270       $ 527,945       $ 509,221   

International

     28,416         11,681         7,714   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 646,686       $ 539,626       $ 516,935   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Long-Lived Assets:

        

United States

   $ 723,977       $ 652,948      

International

     25,524         6,808      
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total

   $ 749,501       $ 659,756      
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

(14) QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

The condensed quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands of dollars, except per share data) are as follows:

 

     Quarter Ended  
     March 31,      June 30,      September 30,     December 31,  
     2012      2012      2012     2012  
     (Thousands of dollars, except per share data)  

Operating revenues, net

   $ 138,051       $ 160,554       $ 170,857      $ 177,224   

Gain (loss) on disposition of assets, net

     11         679         (701     (306

Earnings before income taxes

     3,630         10,090         11,440        8,889   

Net earnings

     2,178         6,054         6,384        3,441   

Net earnings per share

          

Basic

     0.14         0.40         0.42        0.22   

Diluted

     0.14         0.39         0.41        0.22   

 

58


Table of Contents
     Quarter Ended  
     March 31,     June 30,      September 30,     December 31,  
     2011     2011      2011     2011  
     (Thousands of dollars, except per share data)  

Operating revenues

   $ 119,640      $ 135,976       $ 145,576      $ 138,434   

Gain (loss) on disposition of assets, net

     146        77         (638     113   

(Loss) earnings before income taxes

     (4,452     1,206         5,969        5,363   

Net (loss) earnings

     (2,671     723         3,582        3,218   

Net (loss) earnings per share

         

Basic

     (0.17     0.05         0.23        0.21   

Diluted

     (0.17     0.05         0.23        0.20   

 

(15) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION – GUARANTOR SUBSIDIARIES

Our 8.625% Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several, senior basis by all of our domestic subsidiaries. All of our domestic subsidiaries are 100% owned.

The following supplemental condensed financial information sets forth, on a consolidated basis, the balance sheet, statement of operations, statement of comprehensive income, and statement of cash flows information for PHI, Inc. (“Parent Company Only”) and the guarantor subsidiaries. The eliminating entries eliminate investments in subsidiaries, intercompany balances, and intercompany revenues and expenses. The condensed consolidating financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the consolidated financial statements of PHI, Inc. The equity method is followed by the parent company within these condensed consolidating financials.

 

59


Table of Contents

PHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS

(Thousands of dollars)

 

     December 31, 2012  
     Parent
Company
Only (issuer)
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries  (1)
     Eliminations     Consolidated  
ASSETS          

Current Assets:

         

Cash

   $ 552      $ 2,297       $ —        $ 2,849   

Short-term investments

     50,601        —           —          50,601   

Accounts receivable – net

     80,148        61,005         —          141,153   

Intercompany receivable

     115,300        —           (115,300     —     

Inventories of spare parts – net

     65,951        123         —          66,074   

Prepaid expenses

     8,354        1,783         —          10,137   

Work in progress

     77,764        —           —          77,764   

Other current assets

     988        —           —          988   

Deferred income taxes

     11,967        —           —          11,967   

Income taxes receivable

     1,395        218         —          1,613   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     413,020        65,426         (115,300     363,146   

Investment in subsidiaries and others

     96,706        —           (96,706     —     

Property and equipment, net

     559,686        189,815         —          749,501   

Restricted investments

     14,685        —           —          14,685   

Other assets

     19,726        836         —          20,562   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 1,103,823      $ 256,077       $ (212,006   $ 1,147,894   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

         

Current Liabilities:

         

Accounts payable

   $ 21,188      $ 5,120       $ —        $ 26,308   

Accrued liabilities

     105,875        11,287         —          117,162   

Intercompany payable

     —          115,300         (115,300     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     127,063        131,707         (115,300     143,470   

Long-term debt

     386,755        —           —          386,755   

Deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities

     90,390        27,664         —          118,054   

Shareholders’ Equity:

         

Common stock and paid-in capital

     297,113        2,674         (2,674     297,113   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (51     —           —          (51

Retained earnings

     202,553        94,032         (94,032     202,553   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

     499,615        96,706         (96,706     499,615   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 1,103,823      $ 256,077       $ (212,006   $ 1,147,894   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Foreign subsidiaries represent minor subsidiaries and are included in the guarantors’ subsidiaries amounts.

 

60


Table of Contents

PHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS

(Thousands of dollars)

 

     December 31, 2011  
     Parent
Company
Only (issuer)
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries  (1)
     Eliminations     Consolidated  
ASSETS          

Current Assets:

         

Cash

   $ 4,313      $ 778       $ —         $ 5,091   

Short-term investments

     100,027        —            —           100,027   

Accounts receivable – net

     91,144        8,152         —           99,296   

Intercompany receivable

     —           97,381         (97,381     —      

Inventories of spare parts – net

     57,243        —            —           57,243   

Prepaid expenses

     6,216        953         —           7,169   

Deferred income taxes

     8,133        —            —           8,133   

Income taxes receivable

     346        —            —           346   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     267,422        107,264         (97,381     277,305   

Investment in subsidiaries and others

     80,992        —            (80,992     —      

Other assets

     27,050        21         —           27,071   

Property and equipment, net

     651,046        8,710         —           659,756   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 1,026,510      $ 115,995       $ (178,373   $ 964,132   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND          
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY          

Current Liabilities:

         

Accounts payable

   $ 12,693      $ 5,004       $ —         $ 17,697   

Accrued liabilities

     24,018        5,033         —           29,051   

Intercompany payable

     97,381        —            (97,381     —      
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     134,092        10,037         (97,381     46,748   

Long-term debt

     346,047        —            —           346,047   

Deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities

     69,034        24,966         —           94,000   

Shareholders’ Equity:

         

Common stock and paid-in capital

     292,934        2,674         (2,674     292,934   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (93     —            —           (93

Retained earnings

     184,496        78,318         (78,318     184,496   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

     477,337        80,992         (80,992     477,337   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 1,026,510      $ 115,995       $ (178,373   $ 964,132   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Foreign subsidiaries represent minor subsidiaries and are included in the guarantors’ subsidiaries amounts.

 

61


Table of Contents

PHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Thousands of dollars)

 

     For the year ended December 31, 2012  
     Parent
Company
Only (issuer)
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries  (1)
     Eliminations     Consolidated  

Operating revenues, net

   $ 415,740      $ 230,946       $ —        $ 646,686   

Expenses:

         

Direct expenses

     355,689        187,835         —           543,524   

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

     31,384        7,667         —           39,051   

Management fees

     (9,238     9,238         —           —      

Loss on disposition of assets, net

     317        —            —           317   

Equity in loss of unconsolidated affiliate

     863        —            —           863   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     379,015        204,740         —           583,755   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     36,725        26,206         —           62,931   

Equity in net earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

     (15,714     —            15,714        —      

Interest expense

     29,518        15         —           29,533   

Other (income) expense, net

     (651     —            —           (651
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     13,153        15         15,714        28,882   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings before income taxes

     23,572        26,191         (15,714     34,049   

Income tax expense

     5,515        10,477         —           15,992   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings

   $ 18,057      $ 15,714       $ (15,714   $ 18,057   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     For the year ended December 31, 2011  
     Parent
Company
Only (issuer)
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries  (1)
     Eliminations     Consolidated  

Operating revenues, net

   $ 479,879      $ 59,747       $ —        $ 539,626   

Expenses:

         

Direct expenses

     423,614        46,126         —           469,740   

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

     32,934        1,435         —           34,369   

Management fees

     (2,390     2,390         —           —      

Loss on disposition of assets, net

     302        —            —           302   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     454,460        49,951         —           504,411   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     25,419        9,796         —           35,215   

Equity in net earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

     (5,878     —            5,878        —      

Interest expense

     27,974        —            —           27,974   

Other (income) expense, net

     (845     —            —           (845
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     21,251        —            5,878        27,129   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings before income taxes

     4,168        9,796         (5,878     8,086   

Income tax expense

     (684     3,918         —           3,234   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings

   $ 4,852      $ 5,878       $ (5,878   $ 4,852   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Foreign subsidiaries represent minor subsidiaries and are included in the guarantors’ subsidiaries amounts.

 

62


Table of Contents

PHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Thousands of dollars)

 

     For the year ended December 31, 2010  
     Parent
Company
Only
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries  (1)
     Eliminations     Consolidated  

Operating revenues, net

   $ 455,041      $ 61,894       $ —        $ 516,935   

Expenses:

         

Direct expenses

     392,077        51,625         —           443,702   

Selling, general, and administrative expenses

     28,725        1,422         —           30,147   

Management fees

     (2,476     2,476         —           —      

Gain on disposition of assets, net

     (239     —            —           (239
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     418,087        55,523         —           473,610   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     36,954        6,371         —           43,325   

Equity in net earnings of consolidated subsidiaries

     (3,823     —            3,823        —      

Interest expense

     19,389        —            —           19,389   

Other (income) expense, net

     (178     —            —           (178

Loss on debt restructuring

     9,521        —            —           9,521   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     24,909        —            3,823        28,732   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings before income taxes

     12,045        6,371         (3,823     14,593   

Income tax expense

     4,928        2,548         —           7,476   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings

   $ 7,117      $ 3,823       $ (3,823   $ 7,117   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Foreign subsidiaries represent minor subsidiaries and are included in the guarantors’ subsidiaries amounts.

 

63


Table of Contents

PHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Thousands of dollars)

 

     For the year ended December 31, 2012  
     Parent
Company
Only
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries  (1)
     Eliminations     Consolidated  

Net earnings

   $ 18,057      $ 15,714       $ (15,714   $ 18,057   

Unrealized gain on short-term investments

     55        —           —          55   

Changes in pension plan assets and benefit obligations

     (13     —           —          (13
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 18,099      $ 15,714       $ (15,714   $ 18,099   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     For the year ended December 31, 2011  
     Parent
Company
Only
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries  (1)
     Eliminations     Consolidated  

Net earnings

   $ 4,852      $ 5,878       $ (5,878   $ 4,852   

Unrealized gain on short-term investments

     81        —           —          81   

Changes in pension plan assets and benefit obligations

     (12     —           —          (12
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 4,921      $ 5,878       $ (5,878   $ 4,921   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     For the year ended December 31, 2010  
     Parent
Company
Only
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries  (1)
     Eliminations     Consolidated  

Net earnings

   $ 7,117      $ 3,823       $ (3,823   $ 7,117   

Unrealized loss on short-term investments

     (142     —           —          (142

Changes in pension plan assets and benefit obligations

     (7     —           —          (7
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 6,968      $ 3,823       $ (3,823   $ 6,968   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Foreign subsidiaries represent minor subsidiaries and are included in the guarantors’ subsidiaries amounts.

 

64


Table of Contents

PHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Thousands of dollars)

 

     For the year ended December 31, 2012  
     Parent
Company
Only (issuer)
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries  (1)
     Eliminations      Consolidated  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 49,031      $ 1,519       $ —         $ 50,550   

Investing activities:

          

Purchase of property and equipment

     (128,475     —           —           (128,475

Proceeds from asset dispositions

     11,302        —           —           11,302   

Purchase of short-term investments, net

     32,776        —           —           32,776   

Deposits on aircraft

     (6,217     —           —           (6,217

Loan to unconsolidated affiliate

     (975     —           —           (975

Other

     (50     —           —           (50
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (91,639     —           —           (91,639
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financing activities:

          

Repurchase of common stock

     (1,861           (1,861

Proceeds on line of credit

     127,323        —           —           127,323   

Payments on line of credit

     (86,615     —           —           (86,615
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

     38,847        —           —           38,847   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

(Decrease) increase in cash

     (3,761     1,519         —           (2,242

Cash, beginning of year

     4,313        778         —           5,091   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash, end of year

   $ 552      $ 2,297       $ —         $ 2,849   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     For the year ended December 31, 2011  
     Parent
Company
Only (issuer)
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries  (1)
     Eliminations      Consolidated  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 30,245      $ 107       $ —         $ 30,352   

Investing activities:

          

Purchase of property and equipment

     (91,028     —           —           (91,028

Proceeds from asset dispositions

     6,852        —           —           6,852   

Proceeds from sale of short-term investments, net

     48,112        —           —           48,112   

Deposits on aircraft

     (7,798     —           —           (7,798
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (43,862     —           —           (43,862
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financing activities:

          

Proceeds from line of credit

     73,865        —           —           73,865   

Payments on line of credit

     (58,892     —           —           (58,892
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

     14,973        —           —           14,973   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Increase in cash

     1,356        107         —           1,463   

Cash, beginning of year

     2,957        671         —           3,628   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash, end of year

   $ 4,313      $ 778       $ —         $ 5,091   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Foreign subsidiaries represent minor subsidiaries and are included in the guarantors’ subsidiaries amounts.

 

65


Table of Contents

PHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Thousands of dollars)

 

     For the year ended December 31, 2010  
     Parent
Company
Only
    Guarantor
Subsidiaries  (1)
    Eliminations      Consolidated  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 74,648      $ 2,209      $  —         $ 76,857   

Investing activities:

         

Purchase of property and equipment

     (95,869     (2,361     —           (98,230

Proceeds from asset dispositions

     1,171        —          —           1,171   

Purchase of short-term investments, net

     (74,671     —          —           (74,671

Deposits on aircraft

     (3,780     —          —           (3,780
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (173,149     (2,361     —           (175,510
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financing activities:

         

Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes due 2018

     300,000        —          —           300,000   

Premium and costs to retire debt early

     (7,667     —          —           (7,667

Repayment of Senior Notes, due 2013

     (200,000     —          —           (200,000

Debt issuance costs

     (5,322     —          —           (5,322

Proceeds on line of credit

     59,287        —          —           59,287   

Payments on line of credit

     (46,518     —          —           (46,518
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

     99,780        —          —           99,780   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in cash

     1,279        (152     —           1,127   

Cash, beginning of year

     1,678        823        —           2,501   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash, end of year

   $ 2,957      $ 671      $ —         $ 3,628   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Foreign subsidiaries represent minor subsidiaries and are included in the guarantors’ subsidiaries amounts.

 

66


Table of Contents
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such date to provide assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

During the last quarter, there have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012. In making this assessment, we used the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment our management concluded that, as of December 31, 2012, our internal control over financial reporting was effective under those criteria.

Deloitte & Touche LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, has issued a report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012. This report is included herein.

 

67


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

PHI, Inc.

Lafayette, Louisiana

We have audited the Internal Control over Financial Reporting of PHI, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) maintained as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements and the consolidated financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended December 31, 2012 of the Company and our report dated March 15, 2013, expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements and the consolidated financial statement schedule.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

New Orleans, Louisiana

March 15, 2013

 

68


Table of Contents
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

Not Applicable.

PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

We have adopted a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct Policy that applies to all our employees and is available on our website at phihelico.com. Any substantive amendments to the Code, or any waivers granted for any directors or executive officers, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, will be disclosed on our website and remain available there for at least 12 months.

Other information concerning directors, executive officers, and corporate governance required by this item will be included in our definitive information statement in connection with our 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Information required by this item will be included in our definitive information statement in connection with our 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Information required by this item will be included in our definitive information statement in connection with our 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Information required by this item will be included in our definitive information statement in connection with our 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

Information required by this item will be included in our definitive information statement in connection with our 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

69


Table of Contents

PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

1. Financial Statements Page

Included in Part II of this report:

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     35   

Consolidated Balance Sheets – December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

     36   

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, December  31, 2011, and December 31, 2010.

     37   

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2012,  December 31, 2011, and December 31, 2010.

     38   

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December  31, 2012, December 31, 2011, and December 31, 2010.

     39   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, December  31, 2011, and December 31, 2010.

     40   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

     41   

 

2. Financial Statement Schedules

 

Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying accounts for the years ended December  31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

     73   

 

3. Exhibits

 

3.1         (i)        Composite Articles of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 3.1(i) to PHI’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2008, filed August 7, 2008).
        (ii)       Amended and Restated By-laws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(ii) to PHI’s Report on Form 8-K filed March 5, 2013).

 

  4.1 Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated as of March 31, 2008 by and among PHI, Inc., Air Evac Services, Inc., PHI Tech Services, Inc. (formerly Evangeline Airmotive, Inc.) and International Helicopter Transport, Inc. and Whitney National Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to PHI’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008, filed May 8, 2008).

 

  4.2 First Amendment dated as of August 5, 2009 to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated as of March 31, 2008 by and among PHI, Inc., Air Evac Services, Inc., PHI Tech Services, Inc. (formerly Evangeline Airmotive, Inc.), and International Helicopter Transport, Inc. and Whitney National Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to PHI’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2009, filed on August 10, 2009).

 

  4.3 Second Amendment dated September 13, 2010 to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated March 31, 2008 by and among PHI, Inc., Air Evac Services, Inc., PHI Tech Services, Inc. and International Helicopter Transport, Inc., and Whitney National Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to PHI’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010 filed on November 8, 2010).

 

  4.4 Third Amendment dated September 26, 2011 to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated March 31, 2008 by and among PHI, Inc., PHI Air Medical, L.L.C., successor to Air Evac Services, Inc., PHI Tech Services, Inc. and International Helicopter Transport, Inc., and Whitney National Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to PHI’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2011 filed on November 7, 2011).

 

70


Table of Contents
  4.5 Fourth Amendment dated March 28, 2012 to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated March 31, 2008 by and among PHI, Inc., PHI Air Medical, L.L.C., successor to Air Evac Services, Inc., PHI Tech Services, Inc. and International Helicopter Transport, Inc., and Whitney National Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to PHI’s Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 9, 2012).

 

  4.6 Fifth Amendment dated September 28, 2012 to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated March 31, 2008 by and among PHI, Inc., PHI Air Medical, L.L.C., successor to Air Evac Services, Inc., PHI Tech Services, Inc. and International Helicopter Transport, Inc., and Whitney National Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to PHI’s Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 5, 2012).

 

  4.7 Sixth Amendment dated January 13, 2013 to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated March 31, 2008 by and among PHI, Inc., PHI Air Medical, L.L.C., successor to Air Evac Services, Inc., PHI Tech Services, Inc. and International Helicopter Transport, Inc., and Whitney National Bank.

 

  4.8 Indenture dated as of September 23, 2010 by and among PHI, Inc., the subsidiary guarantors and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to PHI’s Report on Form 8-K filed on September 23, 2010).

 

  4.9 Form of 8.625% Senior Note due 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to PHI’s Report on Form 8-K filed on September 23, 2010).

 

  10.1 Senior Management Bonus Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to PHI’s Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, filed March 16, 2009).

 

  10.2 Amended and Restated PHI, Inc. 1995 Incentive Compensation Plan adopted by PHI’s Board effective July 11, 1995 and approved by the shareholders of PHI on September 22, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to PHI’s Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed March 16, 2007).

 

  10.3 Form of PHI, Inc. Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Amended and Restated Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. 1995 Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to PHI’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010, filed on November 8, 2010).

 

  10.4 Form of PHI, Inc. Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Amended and Restated Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. 1995 Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to PHI’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010, filed on November 8, 2010).

 

  10.5 Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. 1995 Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to PHI’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010, filed on November 8, 2010).

 

  10.6 Amendment No. 2 to the Amended and Restated Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. 1995 Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to PHI’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010, filed on November 8, 2010).

 

  10.7 Officer Deferred Compensation Plan II adopted by PHI’s Board effective January 1, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to PHI’s Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed March 16, 2007).

 

  10.8 Form of Indemnity Agreement dated November 4, 2011 between PHI, Inc. and each of its directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to PHI’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2011, filed November 7, 2011).

 

  10.9 Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Amended and Restricted Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. 1995 Incentive Compensation Plan between PHI, Inc. and Al A. Gonsoulin dated as of November 4, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to PHI’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2011, filed November 7, 2011).

 

71


Table of Contents
  10.10 Terms of Employment of Trudy M. McConnaughhay, dated July 6, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to PHI’s Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 5, 2012).

 

  10.11 Agreement, Release and Waiver by and between Michael J. McCann and the Company dated as of November 2, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to PHI’s Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 5, 2012).

 

  10.12 Consulting Agreement by and between Michael J. McCann and the Company dated as of November 2, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to PHI’s Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 5, 2012).

 

  21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant

 

  23.1 Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP

 

  31.1 Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Al A. Gonsoulin, Chief Executive Officer.

 

  31.2 Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Trudy McConnaughhay, Chief Financial Officer.

 

  32.1 Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Al A. Gonsoulin, Chief Executive Officer.

 

  32.2 Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by Trudy McConnaughhay, Chief Financial Officer.

 

  101.INS XBRL Instance Document

 

  101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

 

  101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase

 

  101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase

 

  101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase

 

  101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

 

72


Table of Contents

 

Schedule

PHI, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Valuation and Qualifying Consolidated Accounts

Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Consolidated Accounts

(Thousands of dollars)

 

            Additions                

Description

   Balance at
Beginning
of Year
     Charged to
Costs and
Expenses
     Deductions (1)      Balance at
End of
Year
 

Year ended December 31, 2012:

           

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   $ 50       $ —         $ —         $ 50   

Allowance for inventory

     12,319         42         —           12,361   

Allowance for contractual discounts

     39,591         258,889         248,091         50,389   

Allowance for uncompensated care

     37,734         69,910         55,476         52,168   

Year ended December 31, 2011:

           

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   $ 50       $ —         $ —         $ 50   

Allowance for inventory

     11,409         910         —           12,319   

Allowance for contractual discounts

     34,717         217,170         212,296         39,591   

Allowance for uncompensated care

     39,281         37,178         38,725         37,734   

Year ended December 31, 2010:

           

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   $ 50       $ —         $ —         $ 50   

Allowance for inventory

     9,182         2,227         —           11,409   

Allowance for contractual discounts

     32,124         183,877         181,284         34,717   

Allowance for uncompensated care

     28,114         38,311         27,144         39,281   

 

(1) Deductions from provisions represent losses or expenses for which the respective provisions were created. In the case of the provision for contractual discounts and uncompensated care, such deductions are reduced by recoveries of amounts previously written off.

 

73


Table of Contents

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on March 15, 2013.

 

PHI, INC.
By:   /s/ Trudy McConnaughhay
  Trudy McConnaughhay
  Chief Financial Officer
  (Principal Financial and
  Accounting Officer)

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

 

Signature

  

Title

  

Date

/s/ Al A. Gonsoulin    Chairman of the Board    March 15, 2013
Al A. Gonsoulin    Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
  
/s/ Lance F. Bospflug    Director    March 15, 2013
Lance F. Bospflug      
/s/ Didier Keller    Director    March 15, 2013
Didier Keller      
/s/ Thomas H. Murphy    Director    March 15, 2013
Thomas H. Murphy      
/s/ Richard H. Matzke    Director    March 15, 2013
Richard H. Matzke      
/s/ C. Russell Luigs    Director    March 15, 2013
C. Russell Luigs      
/s/ Trudy McConnaughhay    Chief Financial Officer    March 15, 2013
Trudy McConnaughhay    (Principal Financial and Accounting
Officer)
  

 

74