SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-QSB
(Mark One)
[ X ] Quarterly Report Under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2000
[ ] Transition Report Under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 For the transition period from ____________ to ____________
Commission File Number: 001-13387
AeroCentury Corp.
(Name of small business issuer in its charter)
Delaware 94-3263974
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
1440 Chapin Avenue, Suite 310
Burlingame, California 94010
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Issuer's telephone number, including area code: (650) 340-1888
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class Name of Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, $0.001 par value American Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Check whether the Issuer: (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section
13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the past 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
As of May 10, 2000 the Issuer has 1,606,557 Shares of Common Stock
outstanding, of which 63,300 are held as Treasury Stock.
Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (check one): Yes No __X__
<PAGE>
Part I. Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
<TABLE>
AeroCentury Corp.
Consolidated Balance Sheet
<CAPTION>
ASSETS
<S> <C>
March 31,
2000
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,960,080
Deposits 5,867,950
Accounts receivable 475,000
Aircraft and aircraft engines on operating leases,
net of accumulated depreciation of $18,052,680 55,212,890
Prepaid expenses and other 331,540
---------------
Total assets $ 63,847,460
===============
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 495,460
Notes payable and accrued interest 36,762,580
Maintenance reserves and accrued costs 4,947,810
Security deposits 1,785,140
Prepaid rent 300,000
Deferred taxes 3,607,290
---------------
Total liabilities 47,898,280
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $.001 par value, 2,000,000 shares
authorized, no shares issued and outstanding -
Common stock, $.001 par value, 3,000,000 shares
authorized, 1,606,557 shares issued 1,610
Paid in capital 13,821,200
Retained earnings 2,630,440
---------------
16,453,250
Treasury stock at cost, 63,300 shares (504,070)
---------------
Total shareholders' equity 15,949,180
---------------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 63,847,460
===============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
AeroCentury Corp.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
<CAPTION>
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
<S> <C> <C>
2000 1999
Revenues:
Rent income $ 2,604,050 $ 1,395,330
Other income 74,160 25,190
--------------- ----------------
2,678,210 1,420,520
--------------- ----------------
Expenses:
Management fees 415,700 241,290
Depreciation 641,060 306,970
Interest 745,080 209,430
Professional fees and general and administrative 154,400 116,040
--------------- ----------------
1,956,240 873,730
--------------- ----------------
Income before taxes 721,970 546,790
Tax provision 264,120 206,470
--------------- ----------------
Net income $ 457,850 $ 340,320
=============== ================
Weighted average common
shares outstanding 1,543,257 1,592,811
=============== ================
Basic earnings per share $ 0.30 $ 0.21
=============== ================
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
AeroCentury Corp.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
<CAPTION>
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
<S> <C> <C>
2000 1999
Net cash provided by operating activities $ 1,050,610 $ 862,360
Investing activities:
Purchase of aircraft and aircraft engines - (7,600,000)
--------------- ---------------
Net cash used by investing activities - (7,600,000)
Financing activities:
Issuance of notes payable - 6,400,000
Repayment of notes payable (342,260)
Purchase of treasury stock - (83,030)
--------------- ---------------
Net cash used/provided by financing activities (342,260) 6,316,970
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 708,350 (420,670)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 1,251,730 1,852,010
--------------- ---------------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 1,960,080 $ 1,431,340
=============== ===============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
<PAGE>
AeroCentury Corp.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2000
1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(a) Basis of Presentation
AeroCentury Corp. ("AeroCentury") was incorporated in the state of
Delaware on February 28, 1997. AeroCentury was formed solely for the purpose of
acquiring JetFleet Aircraft, L.P. and JetFleet Aircraft II, L.P., partnerships
formed under California law for the purpose of investing in leased aircraft
equipment, (collectively, the "Partnerships") in a statutory merger (the
"Consolidation"), which was effective January 1, 1998. AeroCentury is continuing
in the aircraft leasing business in which the Partnerships engaged and is using
leveraged financing to acquire additional aircraft assets on lease.
Because greater than 90% of the limited partnership units of each of
the Partnerships agreed to the Consolidation, it was treated as a
pooling-of-interests under generally accepted accounting principles with the
assets and liabilities of the combining entities recorded at historical cost on
the Consolidation date. On January 16, 1998, AeroCentury was listed on the
American Stock Exchange under the symbol ACY.
During November 1999, AeroCentury Corp. formed a wholly-owned
subsidiary, AeroCentury Investments LLC ("AeroCentury LLC"), for the purpose of
acquiring two aircraft using a combination of cash and bank financing separate
from AeroCentury Corp.'s credit facility. Financial information for AeroCentury
and AeroCentury LLC (collectively, the "Company") is presented on a consolidated
basis. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in
consolidation.
The accompanying balance sheet at March 31, 2000 and statements of
operations and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2000 reflect all
adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring accruals) which are, in the
opinion of the Company, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial
results. The results of such period are not necessarily indicative of results of
operations for a full year.
(b) Organization and Capitalization
At December 31, 1997, all of the Company's outstanding stock was owned
by JetFleet Holding Corp. ("JHC"), a California corporation. On January 1, 1998,
1,456,557 additional common shares were issued as a result of the Consolidation.
JetFleet Management Corp. ("JMC"), a wholly owned subsidiary of JHC, is
an integrated aircraft management, marketing and financing business. Prior to
the Consolidation, JMC managed the aircraft assets of the Partnerships on behalf
of their general and limited partners. JMC also manages the aircraft assets of
JetFleet III and AeroCentury IV, Inc., California corporations which are
affiliates of JMC.
On April 17, 1998, in connection with the adoption of a shareholder
rights plan, the Company filed a Certificate of Designation, designating the
rights, preferences and privileges of a new Series A Preferred Stock. Pursuant
to the plan, the Company issued rights to its shareholders of record as of April
23, 1998, entitling each shareholder to the right to purchase one one-hundredth
of a share of Series A Preferred Stock for each share of Common Stock held by
the shareholder. Such rights are exercisable only under certain circumstances
concerning a proposed acquisition or merger of the Company.
On October 23, 1998, the Company's Board of Directors adopted a stock
repurchase plan, granting management the authority to purchase up to 100,000
shares of the Company's common stock, in privately negotiated transactions or on
the market, at such price and on such terms and conditions deemed satisfactory
to management. During the quarters ended March 31, 2000 and 1999, the Company
purchased 0 shares and 8,600 shares, respectively. Since adoption of the plan,
the Company has purchased 63,300 shares.
As discussed above, AeroCentury is the sole member of AeroCentury
Investments LLC.
<PAGE>
AeroCentury Corp.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2000
1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
(c) Cash and Cash Equivalents/Deposits
The Company considers highly liquid investments readily convertible
into known amounts of cash, with original maturities of 90 days or less, as cash
equivalents. Deposits represent cash balances held related to maintenance
reserves and security deposits and generally are subject to withdrawal
restrictions.
At March 31, 2000, the Company held security deposits of $1,785,140,
refundable maintenance reserves received from lessees of $3,092,130 and
non-refundable maintenance reserves of $990,680.
The Company's leases are typically structured so that if any event of
default occurs under the lease, the Company may apply all or a portion of the
lessee's security deposit to cure such default. If such an application of the
security deposit is made, the lessee typically is required to replenish and
maintain the full amount of the deposit during the remaining term of the lease.
All of the security deposits currently held by the Company are refundable to the
lessee at the end of the lease.
Maintenance reserves which are refundable to the lessee at the end of
the lease may be retained by the Company if such amounts are necessary to meet
the return conditions specified in the lease and, in some cases, to satisfy any
other payments due under the lease.
Non-refundable maintenance reserves held by the Company are accounted
for as a liability until the aircraft has been returned at the end of the lease,
at which time the Company evaluates the adequacy of the remaining reserves in
light of maintenance to be performed as a result of hours flown. At that time,
any excess is recorded as income and any deficiency is recorded as expense. When
an aircraft is sold, any excess non-refundable maintenance reserves are recorded
as income.
(d) Aircraft and Aircraft Engines On Operating Leases
The Company's interests in aircraft and aircraft engines are recorded
at cost, which includes acquisition costs. Depreciation is computed using the
straight-line method over the aircraft's estimated economic life (generally
assumed to be twelve years), to an estimated residual value. The depreciable
base of the assets acquired by the Company in the Consolidation was equal to the
net book value of the assets at December 31, 1997.
(e) Loan Commitment and Related Fees
To the extent that the Company is required to pay loan commitment fees
and legal fees in order to secure debt, such fees are amortized over the life of
the related loan.
(f) Maintenance Reserves and Accrued Costs
Maintenance costs under the Company's triple net leases are generally
the responsibility of the lessees. Maintenance reserves and accrued costs in the
accompanying balance sheet include refundable and non-refundable maintenance
payments received from lessees. The Company periodically reviews maintenance
reserves for adequacy in light of the number of hours flown, airworthiness
directives issued by the manufacturer or government authority, and the return
conditions specified in the lease. As a result of such review, when it is
probable that the Company has incurred costs for maintenance in excess of
amounts received from lessees, the Company accrues its share of costs for work
to be performed as a result of hours flown. At March 31, 2000, the Company had
accrued costs of approximately $609,000 related to one of its aircraft.
<PAGE>
AeroCentury Corp.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2000
1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
(g) Income Taxes
The Company follows the liability method of accounting for income taxes
as required by the provisions of SFAS No. 109 Accounting for Income Taxes. Under
the liability method, deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax
consequences of "temporary differences" by applying enacted statutory tax rates
applicable to future years to differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities. The
effect on deferred taxes of a change in the tax rates is recognized in income in
the period that includes the enactment date.
(h) Revenue Recognition
Revenue from leasing of aircraft assets is recognized as operating
lease revenue on a straight-line basis over the terms of the applicable lease
agreements.
(i) Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect certain reported amounts and disclosures. Accordingly,
actual results could differ from those estimates.
(j) Comprehensive Income
The Company does not have any comprehensive income other than the
revenue and expense items included in the consolidated statements of income. As
a result, comprehensive income equals net income for the quarters ended March
31, 2000 and 1999.
2. Aircraft and Aircraft Engines On Operating Leases
At March 31, 2000, the Company owned four deHavilland DHC-7, three
deHavilland DHC-6, two Fairchild Metro III, three Shorts SD 3-60, six Fokker 50
aircraft, two Saab 340A aircraft and 26 turboprop engines, one of which is held
in inventory as a spare and is not subject to a lease or to depreciation. The
Company did not acquire any aircraft during the first quarter of 2000.
The lease for one of the Company's DHC-7 aircraft, serial number 72
("S/N 72") expired in April 1999. The Company has been seeking re-lease
opportunities for S/N 72 and is discussing lease terms with interested parties.
On February 24, 2000, the lessee of one of the Company's 30-seat
aircraft filed for reorganization. The lessee is continuing to operate, and,
under the reorganization plan, the lessee has agreed to continue leasing the
Company's aircraft on a month to month basis at the same rent. The lessee has
also agreed to begin paying monthly maintenance reserves based on the hours
flown. The Company is in the process of identifying any unfunded maintenance
reserves related to the pre-reorganization period for which it will submit an
unsecured claim to the reorganization administrator.
<PAGE>
AeroCentury Corp.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2000
3. Notes Payable and Accrued Interest
On June 30, 1998 the Company obtained a $15 million revolving credit
facility to acquire regional aircraft and engines under lease. The facility,
which expires on June 30, 2000 and which may be renewed annually thereafter,
bears interest, payable monthly, at either prime or LIBOR plus 200 basis points,
at the Company's option. The Company signed agreements increasing its facility
to $22.5 million, to $30 million, then to $35 million on April 1, 1999, July 16,
1999 and February 22, 2000, respectively. The Company's aircraft and aircraft
engines serve as collateral under the facility and, in accordance with the
credit agreement, the Company must maintain compliance with certain financial
covenants. As of March 31, 2000, the Company was in compliance with all such
covenants. As of March 31, 2000, $27,790,000 was outstanding under the credit
facility, and interest of $175,850 was accrued, using a combination of prime and
LIBOR rates.
The Company has been informed that the agent for the credit facility,
First Union National Bank (the "Agent Bank"), will not be continuing as agent
and, therefore, the credit facility will not be renewed when it expires on June
30, 2000. Although the Company has always been and continues to be in compliance
with all covenants under its credit facility, the Agent Bank has decided that
the Company's long-term profile is not consistent with the Agent Bank's revised
business focus. The Company has signed a commitment letter with a new agent
("New Agent Bank") for a new three year revolving line of credit totaling $50
million. The New Agent Bank will serve as the lead arranger and the agent under
the proposed facility. There are several conditions that must be satisfied
before the facility can be closed, including negotiation of the credit facility
documents, completion of standard due diligence procedures and securing
additional lender participants.
As discussed in Note 1, during November 1999, the Company acquired two
aircraft using cash and bank financing separate from its credit facility. The
financing consisted of a note in the amount of $9,061,000, due February 15,
2002, which bears fixed interest at 8.04%. Payments due under the note consist
of monthly principal and interest and a balloon principal payment due on the
maturity date. The balance of the note payable at March 31, 2000 was $8,738,180
and interest of $58,550 was accrued.
4. Income Taxes
<TABLE>
The items comprising income tax expense are as follows:
<CAPTION>
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
<S> <C> <C>
2000 1999
Current tax provision:
Federal $ 17,810 $ 122,020
State 3,020 33,470
Foreign 39,580 -
--------------- ---------------
Current tax provision 60,410 155,490
---------------- ---------------
Deferred tax provision:
Federal 191,860 41,850
State 11,850 9,130
---------------- ---------------
Deferred tax provision 203,710 50,980
---------------- ---------------
Total provision for income taxes $ 264,120 $ 206,470
================ ===============
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
AeroCentury Corp.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2000
4. Income Taxes (continued)
Total income tax expense differs from the amount that would be provided
by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to pretax earnings as
illustrated below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
<S> <C> <C>
2000 1999
Income tax expense at
statutory federal income tax rate $ 252,890 $ 185,910
State taxes net of federal benefit 930 31,900
Tax rate differences 10,300 (11,340)
---------------- ---------------
Total income tax expense $ 264,120 $ 206,470
================ ===============
</TABLE>
Tax rate differences result from changes in the Company's effective
state tax rates.
Temporary differences and carryforwards that gave rise to a significant
portion of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2000 are as
follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Deferred tax assets:
Amortization of organizational costs $ 42,420
Maintenance reserves 414,290
Prepaid rent 104,790
Deferred maintenance 84,300
----------------
Net deferred tax assets 645,800
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation on aircraft and engines (3,919,640)
Other (333,450)
Net deferred tax liabilities $ (3,607,290)
================
</TABLE>
No valuation allowance is deemed necessary, as the Company anticipates
generating adequate future taxable income to realize the benefits of all
deferred tax assets on the balance sheet.
5. Related Party Transactions
Since the Company has no employees, the Company's portfolio of leased
aircraft assets is managed and administered under the terms of a management
agreement with JMC. Under this agreement, JMC receives a monthly management fee
based on the net asset value of the assets under management. JMC may also
receive an acquisition fee for locating assets for the Company, provided that
the aggregate purchase price including chargeable acquisition costs and any
acquisition fee does not exceed the fair market value of the asset based on
appraisal, and a remarketing fee in connection with the sale or re-lease of the
Company's assets. The management fees, acquisition fees and remarketing fees may
not exceed the customary and usual fees that would be paid to an unaffiliated
party for such services. During the first three months of 2000 and 1999, the
Company recognized as expense $415,700 and $221,920, respectively, of management
fees payable to JMC. In connection with the purchases of aircraft during the
first three months of 1999, the Company paid JMC a total of $244,500 in
acquisition fees, which are included in the capitalized cost of the aircraft.
Because the Company did not acquire any aircraft during the first three months
of 2000, no such fees were paid to JMC. No remarketing fees were paid to JMC
during 2000 or 1999.
Certain employees of JMC participate in an employee stock incentive
plan which grants options to purchase shares of the Company held by JHC. As of
March 31, 2000, 2,833 such options had been exercised.
<PAGE>
AeroCentury Corp.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2000
6. Subsequent Event
As discussed in Note 3, the Company has signed a commitment letter with
a new agent bank for a new three year revolving line of credit totaling $50
million.
<PAGE>
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this report and, in particular, the discussion
regarding the Company's beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations and intentions
regarding: the Company's obtaining a replacement credit facility from New Agent
Bank; the adequacy of the Company's cash flow to meet interest rate increases
under its credit line; the potential release of S/N 72; the adequacy of the
Company's cash flow to meet ongoing operational needs, even if S/N 72 remains
off-lease for an extended period of time; the adequacy of the Company's cash
flow to meet ongoing operational needs, if the U.K lessee of the 30-seater
aircraft pays a reduced rent or returns the aircraft; the anticipated completion
of the credit facility with New Agent Bank by June 30, 2000; the Company's
intended repayment of its credit facility with proceeds of subsequent term debt
or equity financings; the stability of the aircraft industry; the supply of
suitable transaction opportunities for the Company; the use of proper asset and
lessee selection to reduce the impact of industry downturns; JMC's
competitiveness due to its experience and operational efficiency in financing
transaction types desired by regional air carriers; the Company's ability to
obtain third party guaranties, letters of credit or other enhancement from
future lessees contained in this "Item 2 -- Management's Discussion and Analysis
or Plan of Operation" section are forward-looking statements. While the Company
believes that such statements are accurate, they are dependent upon the
Company's ability to satisfy the conditions to closing of the replacement credit
facility, general economic conditions, particularly those that affect the demand
for regional aircraft and engines, including competition for regional and other
aircraft, and future trends and results cannot be predicted with certainty. The
Company's actual results could differ materially from those discussed in such
forward-looking statements. The cautionary statements made in this Report should
be read as being applicable to all related forward-looking statements wherever
they appear in this Report. Factors that could cause or contribute to such
differences include those discussed below in the section entitled "Factors that
May Affect Future Results."
Results of Operations
The Company had revenues of $2,678,210 and $1,420,520 and net income of $457,850
and $340,320 for the three months ended March 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
Rent income was approximately $1,209,000 higher for the three month period in
2000 versus 1999 due to the purchases of additional on-lease aircraft during
1999, which increases are only partially offset by the off-lease status of S/N
72 beginning in April 1999.
Management fees were approximately $174,000 higher in the three month period of
2000 versus 1999 because of the aircraft acquisitions noted above. Such
acquisitions had a similar effect on depreciation, which was approximately
$334,000 higher in 2000 versus 1999, and interest expense, which was
approximately $536,000 higher in 2000 than in 1999.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company is currently financing its asset growth through borrowings secured
by its lease portfolio and excess cash flow. The Company has a $35 million
credit facility which expires on June 30, 2000. The facility bears interest at
either prime or LIBOR plus 200 basis points, at the Company's option. As of
March 31, 2000, $27,790,000 was outstanding under the credit facility and
interest of $175,850 was accrued, using a combination of prime and LIBOR rates.
The Company has signed a commitment letter with a new agent ("New Agent Bank")
for a new three year revolving line of credit totaling $50 million. The New
Agent Bank will serve as the lead arranger and the agent under the proposed
facility. There are several conditions that must be satisfied before the
facility can be closed, including negotiation of the credit facility documents,
completion of standard due diligence procedures and securing additional lender
participants.
The prime rate was stable from November 1998 through June 1999 and increased by
25 basis points in each of July, August and November 1999 and February 2000. The
majority of the Company's borrowings are financed using one-month or six-month
LIBOR rates, both of which have increased modestly since the Company began
financing pursuant to such rates during June 1999. The proposed new facility
will also have LIBOR and prime rate interest options. The Company believes it
has adequate cash flow to meet increases in the interest rates applicable to its
credit line obligations. Any increase in such interest rates is likely to be the
result of increased prevailing interest rates. Increased prevailing interest
rates generally result in higher lease rates as well, and so an increase in
credit line payments may be offset at least partially by higher revenues on new
leases and renewals of leases. The Company has evaluated whether it is advisable
to enter into an interest rate hedge transaction, which would act to lock in
current interest rates on its credit line obligations. The Company has
determined that such a transaction is not advisable at this time. In making its
decision, the Company analyzed interest rate trends, the ongoing costs of
maintaining the hedge and the magnitude of the impact of any interest rate
swing.
During November 1999, the Company acquired two aircraft using cash and bank
financing separate from its credit facility. The financing consists of a note in
the amount of $9,061,000, due February 15, 2002, which bears fixed interest at
8.04%. Payments due under the note consist of monthly principal and interest and
a balloon principal payment due on the maturity date.
The Company's sole source of revenue is lease rentals collected from lessees of
its aircraft assets. It is the Company's policy to monitor each lessee's needs
in periods before leases are due to expire. If it appears that a lessee will not
be renewing its lease, the Company immediately initiates marketing efforts to
locate a potential new lessee or purchaser for the aircraft. This procedure
helps the Company reduce any potential that an asset will be "off-lease" for a
significant time. The lease for the Company's deHavilland Dash-7, serial number
72 ("S/N 72"), expired in April 1999. The Company has been seeking re-lease
opportunities for S/N 72 since the lessee provided notice that it would not
renew the lease, and the Company is discussing lease terms with interested
parties. The Company's other aircraft are subject to leases with varying
expiration dates between April 30, 2000 and November 23, 2003. Given the varying
lease terms and expiration dates for the aircraft in the Company's portfolio,
management believes that the Company will have adequate cash flow to meet any
on-going operational needs, even if S/N 72 remains off-lease for an extended
period of time.
The Company has received notice that one of its lessees, which has leased one
30-seat aircraft, has filed for reorganization in the United Kingdom courts
under the U.K.'s "administration" statutes. The lessee is continuing to operate,
and, under the reorganization plan, the lessee has agreed to continue leasing
the Company's aircraft on a month to month basis at the same rent. The lessee
has also agreed to begin paying monthly maintenance reserves based on the hours
flown. The Company is in the process of identifying any unfunded maintenance
reserves related to the pre-reorganization period for which it will submit an
unsecured claim to the reorganization administrator. If the aircraft is returned
at some point in the future, or the Company and the administrator for the lessee
agree to a reduced rental, the Company's revenues could be adversely affected.
In any event, the Company believes that it will have adequate cash flow to meet
any ongoing operational needs notwithstanding any rental reduction or off-lease
period if the aircraft is returned.
The Company's cash flow from operations for the three months ended March 31,
2000 versus the same period in 1999 increased by approximately $188,000. The
increase from year to year was partially due to the Company's acquisition of
several aircraft during 1999 which resulted in increased net income and higher
depreciation expense in 2000. The change in cash flow from operations from year
to year also included the positive effect of the change in deposits, prepaid
expenses and other assets, and deferred taxes, which changes were only partially
offset by the change in accounts payable and accrued expenses, security
deposits, and maintenance deposits and accrued costs during 2000 versus 1999.
Specifically, the Company's cash flow from operations for the three months ended
March 31, 2000 consisted of net income of $457,850 and adjustments consisting
primarily of depreciation of $641,060, increases in accounts receivable and
deposits of $167,240 and $448,790, respectively, decreases in accounts payable
and prepaid expenses of $411,510 and $27,590, respectively, a net increase in
deferred taxes of $379,420 and an increase of $558,110 in maintenance reserves
collected from lessees.
The Company's cash flow from operations for the three months ended March 31,
1999 consisted of net income of $340,320 and adjustments consisting primarily of
depreciation of $306,970, increases in accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and
deposits of $150,000, $27,170 and $1,156,560, respectively, and increases in
accounts payable of $376,740, accrued interest of $45,640, prepaid rent of
$21,990, a net increase in deferred taxes of $42,130, and increases of $220,500
and $841,800, respectively, in security deposits in maintenance reserves
collected from lessees.
The decrease in cash flow used by investing activities of $7,600,000 from year
to year was a result of the Company not making any acquisitions during the first
quarter of 2000. The decrease in cash flow provided by financing activities of
approximately $6,659,000 from year to year was the result of principal
repayments on the Company's indebtedness, with no additional borrowings under
the Company's credit facility.
Factors that May Affect Future Results
Replacement of Credit Facility. The revolving credit facility has an initial
term of two years expiring in June 2000, and is renewable at the sole discretion
of First Union National Bank (the "Agent Bank") and its participants, if any.
While the other two participating banks indicated their willingness to renew the
credit facility, the Agent Bank has informed the Company that it will not be
continuing as agent and, therefore, the credit facility will not be renewed on
June 30, 2000. The Company has always been and continues to be in compliance
with all covenants under its credit facility, but the Agent Bank has decided
that the Company's financing needs are not consistent with the Agent Bank's
revised business focus. The Company has signed a commitment letter with a new
agent bank for a new three year revolving line of credit totaling $50 million.
The New Agent Bank will serve as the lead arranger and the agent under the
proposed facility. There are several conditions that must be satisfied before
the facility can be closed, including negotiation of the credit facility
documents, completion of standard due diligence procedures and securing
additional lender participants. Although the Company anticipates that the new
credit facility will be completed before June 30, 2000, replacing the First
Union credit facility, if this does not occur, then all indebtedness under the
First Union credit facility will become due and payable on June 30, 2000. There
is no assurance that the Company will have adequate replacement financing in
place in order to meet such repayment obligations. If the Company is unable to
find replacement financing, the Company may have to liquidate a significant
portion of its assets in order to repay the credit facility.
Risks of Debt Financing. The Company's use of acquisition financing under its
revolving credit facility subjects the Company to increased risks of leveraging.
The revolving loans are secured by the Company's existing assets as well as the
assets acquired with each financing. Any default under the revolving credit
facility could result in foreclosure upon not only the asset acquired using such
financing, but also the existing assets of the Company securing the revolving
loan.
In order to achieve optimal benefit from the revolving credit facility, the
Company intends to repay the revolving loans from proceeds of subsequent term
debt or equity financings. Such replacement financing would likely provide the
Company with more favorable long-term repayment terms and also would permit the
Company to make further draws under the revolving credit facility equal to the
amount of revolving debt refinanced. There can be no assurance that the Company
will be able to obtain the necessary amount of replacement term debt or equity
financing on favorable terms so as to permit multiple draws on the revolving
credit facility.
All of the Company's current credit facility indebtedness carries a floating
interest rate based upon either the lender's prime rate or a floating LIBOR
rate. If the applicable index rate increases, and the Company has not entered
into a mitigating hedge transaction, then the Company's payment obligations
under the credit facility would increase and could result in lower net revenues
for the Company.
Expansion of Credit Facility. The Company has used nearly all of its revolving
credit facility to acquire additional assets for the purpose of generating
income for the Company. The Company is seeking a new credit facility for a
larger amount than its existing credit facility. If an increased amount is not
achieved under a new credit facility, the Company will need to refinance a
portion of its credit facility indebtedness before it can draw on the facility
to fund asset acquisitions.
General Economic Conditions. The market for used aircraft has been cyclical, and
usually reflects economic conditions and the strength of the travel and
transportation industry. The Company believes that the air transport industry is
currently stable, with demand for aircraft, asset prices and lease rates
generally level, and in some cases, increasing. Nonetheless, at any time, the
market for used aircraft may be adversely affected by such factors as airline
financial difficulties, higher fuel costs, and improved availability and
economics of new replacement aircraft.
The Company believes that the current aircraft market provides a good supply of
suitable transaction opportunities for the Company, primarily in overseas
markets, as well as domestically. There are currently some disparities between
geographic regions with respect to the condition of the air transport industry,
with certain areas of South America and the Pacific Rim, in particular,
experiencing economic difficulties. There have also been disruptions in the
currency markets in certain geographic areas. To the extent that such
disruptions adversely affect a region's economic growth, suitable transactions
may be more difficult for the Company to find in that region and the Company's
lessees in that area may be adversely affected.
An adverse change in the global air travel industry could result in reduced
carrier revenue and excess capacity and increase the risk of failure of some
weaker regional air carriers. While the Company believes that with proper asset
and lessee selection in the current climate, as well as during such downturns,
the impact of such changes on the Company can be reduced, there is no assurance
that the Company's business will escape the effects of such a global downturn,
or a regional downturn in an area where the Company has placed a significant
amount of its assets.
Reliance on JMC. All management of the Company is performed by JMC under a
Management Agreement which is in its fourth year of a 20-year term and provides
for an asset-based management fee. JMC is not a fiduciary to the Company or its
stockholders. The Board of Directors, however, has ultimate control and
supervisory responsibility over all aspects of the Company and owes fiduciary
duties to the Company and its stockholders. In addition, while JMC may not owe
any fiduciary duties to the Company by virtue of the Management Agreement,
certain officers of JMC are also officers of the Company, and in that capacity
owe fiduciary duties to the Company and the stockholders by virtue of holding
such offices with the Company.
The Management Agreement may be terminated upon a default in the obligations of
JMC to the Company, and provides for liquidated damages in the event of a
wrongful termination of the agreement by the Company. Many of the officers of
JMC are also officers of the Company, and certain directors of the Company are
also directors of JMC. Consequently, the directors and officers of JMC may have
a conflict of interest in the event of a dispute over obligations between the
Company and JMC. Although the Company has taken steps to prevent conflicts of
interest arising from such dual roles, such conflicts may still occur.
Ownership Risks. Most of the Company's portfolio is leased under operating
leases, where the terms of the leases do not take up the entire useful life of
an asset. The Company's ability to recover its purchase investment in an asset
subject to an operating lease is dependent upon the Company's ability to
profitably re-lease or sell the asset after the expiration of the initial lease
term. Some of the factors that have an impact on the Company's ability to
release or sell include worldwide economic conditions, general aircraft market
conditions, regulatory changes that may make an asset's use more expensive or
preclude use unless the asset is modified, changes in the supply or cost of
aircraft equipment and technological developments which cause the asset to
become obsolete. In addition, a successful investment in an asset subject to an
operating lease depends in part upon having the asset returned by the lessee in
serviceable condition as required under the lease. If the Company is unable to
remarket its aircraft equipment on favorable terms when the operating lease for
such equipment expires, the Company's business, financial condition, cash flow,
ability to service debt and results of operation could be adversely affected.
Lessee Credit Risk. If a lessee defaults upon its obligations under a lease, the
Company may be limited in its ability to enforce remedies. Most of the Company's
lessees are small regional passenger airlines, which may be even more sensitive
to airline industry market conditions than the major airlines. As a result, the
Company's inability to collect rent under a significant lease or to repossess
equipment in the event of a default by a lessee could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's revenue. If a lessee that is a certified U.S. airline is
in default under the lease and seeks protection under Chapter 11 of the United
States Bankruptcy Code, under Section 1110 of the Bankruptcy Code, the Company
would be automatically prevented from exercising any remedies for a period of 60
days. By the end of the 60 day period, the lessee must agree to perform the
obligations and cure any defaults, or the Company would have the right to
repossess the equipment. This procedure under the Bankruptcy Code has been
subject to significant recent litigation, however, and it is possible that the
Company's enforcement rights may still be further adversely affected by a
declaration of bankruptcy by a defaulting lessee.
International Risks. During 1999, the Company focused on leases in overseas
markets, which markets are currently dynamic and which the Company believes
present attractive opportunities. Leases with foreign lessees, however, may
present somewhat different credit risks than those with domestic lessees.
Foreign laws, regulations and judicial procedures may be more or less protective
of lessor rights as those which apply in the United States. The Company could
experience collection problems related to the enforcement of its lease
agreements under foreign local laws and the remedies in foreign jurisdictions.
The protections potentially offered by Section 1110 of the Bankruptcy Code would
not apply to non-U.S. carriers, and applicable local law may not offer similar
protections. Certain countries do not have a central registration or recording
system with which to locally establish the Company's interest in equipment and
related leases. This could add difficulty in recovering an aircraft in the event
that a foreign lessee defaults.
Leases with foreign lessees are subject to risks related to the economy of the
country or region in which such lessee is located, even if the U.S. economy
remains strong. On the other hand, a foreign economy may remain strong even
though the U.S. economy does not. A foreign economic downturn may impact a
foreign lessee's ability to make lease payments, even though the U.S. and other
economies remain stable. Furthermore, foreign lessees are subject to risks
related to currency conversion fluctuations. Although the Company's current
leases are all payable in U.S. dollars, in the future, the Company may agree to
leases that permit payment in foreign currency, which would subject such lease
revenue to monetary risk due to currency fluctuations. Even with
dollar-denominated lease payment provisions, the Company could still be affected
by a devaluation of the lessee's local currency which would make it more
difficult for a lessee to meet its dollar-denominated lease payments, increasing
the risk of default of that lessee, particularly if that carrier's revenue is
primarily derived in the local currency.
Government Regulation. There are a number of areas in which government
regulation may result in costs to the Company. These include aircraft
registration, safety requirements, required equipment modifications, and
aircraft noise requirements. Although it is contemplated that the burden of
complying with such requirements will fall primarily upon lessees of equipment,
there can be no assurance that the cost of complying with such government
regulations will not fall on the Company. Furthermore, future government
regulations could cause the value of any non-complying equipment owned by the
Company to decline substantially.
Competition. The aircraft leasing industry is highly competitive. The Company
competes with aircraft manufacturers, distributors, airlines and other
operators, equipment managers, leasing companies, equipment leasing programs,
financial institutions and other parties engaged in leasing, managing or
remarketing aircraft, many of which have significantly greater financial
resources and more experience than the Company. The Company, however, believes
that it is competitive because of JMC's experience and operational efficiency in
financing the transaction types desired by regional air carriers. This market
segment, which is characterized by transaction sizes of less than $10 million
and lessee credits that are strong, but generally unrated and more speculative
than the major air carriers, is not well served by the Company's larger
competitors in the aircraft industry. JMC has developed a reputation as a global
participant in this segment of the market, and the Company believes this will
benefit the Company. There is no assurance that the lack of significant
competition from the larger aircraft leasing companies will continue or that the
reputation of JMC will continue to be strong in this market segment and benefit
the Company.
Casualties, Insurance Coverage. The Company, as owner of transportation
equipment, could be held liable for injuries or damage to property caused by its
assets. Though some protection may be provided by the United States Aviation Act
with respect to its aircraft assets, it is not clear to what extent such
statutory protection would be available to the Company and such act may not
apply to aircraft operated in foreign countries. Though the Company may carry
insurance or require a lessee to insure against a risk, some risks of loss may
not be insurable. An uninsured loss with respect to the equipment or an insured
loss for which insurance proceeds are inadequate, would result in a possible
loss of invested capital in and any profits anticipated from such equipment.
Leasing Risks. The Company's successful negotiation of lease extensions,
re-leases and sales may be critical to its ability to achieve its financial
objectives, and involves a number of substantial risks. Demand for lease or
purchase of the assets depends on the economic condition of the airline industry
which is, in turn, highly sensitive to general economic conditions. Ability to
remarket equipment at acceptable rates may depend on the demand and market
values at the time of remarketing. The Company anticipates that the bulk of the
equipment it acquires will be used aircraft equipment. The market for used
aircraft is cyclical, and generally, but not always, reflects economic
conditions and the strength of the travel and transportation industry. The
demand for and value of many types of older aircraft in the recent past has been
depressed by such factors as airline financial difficulties, increased fuel
costs, the number of new aircraft on order and the number of older aircraft
coming off lease. The Company's expected concentration in a limited number of
airframe and aircraft engine types (generally, turboprop equipment) subjects the
Company to economic risks if those airframe or engine types should decline in
value. If "regional jets" were to be used on short routes previously served by
turboprops, even though regional jets are more expensive to operate than
turboprops, the demand for turboprops could be decreased. This could result in
lower lease rates and values for the Company's existing turboprop aircraft.
Risks Related to Regional Air Carriers. Because the Company has concentrated its
existing leases and intends to concentrate on leases to regional air carriers,
it is subject to certain risks. First, lessees in the regional air carrier
market include a number of companies that are start-up, low capital, low margin
operations. Often, the success of such carriers is dependent upon arrangements
with major trunk carriers, which may be subject to termination or cancellation
by such major carrier. Leasing transactions with these types of lessees result
in a generally higher lease rate on aircraft, but may entail higher risk of
default or lessee bankruptcy. The Company evaluates the credit risk of each
lessee carefully, and attempts to obtain third party guaranties, letters of
credit or other credit enhancements, if it deems such is necessary. There is no
assurance, however, that such enhancements will be available or that even if
obtained will fully protect the Company from losses resulting from a lessee
default or bankruptcy. Second, a significant area of growth of this market is in
areas outside of the United States, where collection and enforcement are often
more difficult and complicated than in the United States.
Possible Volatility of Stock Price. The market price of the Company's Common
Stock could be subject to fluctuations in response to operating results of the
Company, changes in general conditions in the economy, the financial markets,
the airline industry, changes in accounting principles or tax laws applicable to
the Company or its lessees, or other developments affecting the Company, its
customers or its competitors, some of which may be unrelated to the Company's
performance. Also, because the Company has a relatively small capitalization of
approximately 1.5 million shares, there is a correspondingly limited amount of
trading of the shares. Consequently, a single or small number of trades could
result in a market fluctuation not related to any business or financial
development relating to the Company.
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Registrant has
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized on May 10, 2000.
AEROCENTURY CORP.
By: /s/ Neal D. Crispin
-------------------
Neal D. Crispin
Title: President
In accordance with the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below by the
following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated on
May 10, 2000.
Signature Title
/s/ Neal D. Crispin Director, President and Chairman of the
- ---------------------- Board of Directors of the Registrant
Neal D. Crispin (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Toni M. Perazzo Director, Senior Vice President - Finance and Secretary
- ---------------------- of the Registrant (Principal Financial and Accounting
Toni M. Perazzo Officer)
/s/ Marc J. Anderson Director, Chief Operating Officer,
- ---------------------- Sr. Vice President
Marc J. Anderson
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