UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended June 30,December 31, 2020

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 001-38626

 

MESA AIR GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Nevada

 

85-0302351

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

 

 

410 North 44th Street, Suite 700

Phoenix, Arizona 85008

 

85008

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (602) 685-4000

 

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

 

Title of Each Classeach class

 

Trading Symbol(s)

 

Name of Each Exchange of Which Registeredeach exchange on which registered

Common Stock, no par value

 

MESA

 

Nasdaq Global Select Market

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act:

None

 

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files).    Yes      No  

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

 

Large accelerated filer

 

Accelerated filer

 

 

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer

 

Smaller reporting company

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  

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

As of June 30January 29, 2020,2021, the registrant had 35,414,28435,568,290 shares of common stock, no par value per share, issued and outstanding.

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

2

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

2

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income

3

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity

4

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

65

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

76

 

 

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

2623

 

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

4031

 

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

4132

 

 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

4234

 

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

4234

 

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

4234

 

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

4534

 

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

4534

 

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

4534

 

 

Item 5. Other Information

4534

 

 

Item 6. Exhibits

4534

 

 

SIGNATURES

4736

 

 


Where You Can Find More Information

Investors and others should note that we may announce material business and financial information to our investors using our investor relations website (http://investor.mesa-air.com/), SEC filings, webcasts, press releases, and conference calls. We use these mediums, including our website, to communicate with our members and public about our company, our products, and other issues. It is possible that the information that we make available may be deemed to be material information. We therefore encourage investors and others interested in our company to review the information that we make available on our website.

Cautionary NotesNote Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, business strategy and plans, and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

In some cases, youForward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Forward-looking statements can identify forward-looking statementsalso be identified by termswords such as "may""future," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects", "should""intends, "expects", "might", "plans", "anticipates", "could", "intends", "target", "projects", "contemplates", "believes", "estimates", "predicts", "potential", "seek", "would", "continue", or" "plans," "predicts," "will," "would," "could," "can," "may," and similar terms.  Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and our actual results may differ significantly from the negativeresults discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such differences include but are not limited to, those discussed in Part I, Item 1A of these terms or other similar expressions. The forward-looking statements in this QuarterlyAnnual Report on Form 10-Q are only predictions. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on10-K under the heading "Risk Factors."   Unless otherwise stated, references to particular years, quarters, months or periods refer to our current expectationsfiscal years ended September 30 and projections about future eventsthe associated quarters, months, and financial trends that we believe may affect our business, financial condition and resultsperiods of operations. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee that the future results, levels of activity, performance or events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or occur. These forward-looking statements speak only asthose fiscal years. Each of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Qterms the "Company," "Mesa Airlines," "we," "us" and are subject"our" as used herein refers collectively to a number of risks, uncertaintiesMesa Air Group, Inc. and assumptions described in the "Risk Factors" section and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Becauseits wholly owned subsidiaries, unless otherwise stated.  We do not assume any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. statements.

The events and circumstances reflected in our forward-looking statements may not be achieved or occur and actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Some of the key factors that could cause actual results to differ from our expectations include:

 

public health epidemics or pandemics such as COVID-19;

 

the severity, magnitude and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, including impacts of the pandemic and of business’ and governments’ responses to the pandemic on our operations and personnel, and on demand for air travel;

 

the supply and retention of qualified airline pilots;

 

the volatility of pilot attrition;

 

dependence on, and changes to, or non-renewal of, our capacity purchase agreements;

 

increases in our labor costs;

 

reduced utilization (the percentage derived from dividing (i) the number of block hours actually flown during a given month under a particular capacity purchase agreement by (ii) the maximum number of block hours that could be flown during such month under the particular capacity purchase agreement) under our capacity purchase agreements;

 

the direct operation of regional jets by our major airline partners;

 

the financial strength of our major airline partners and their ability to successfully manage their businesses through the unprecedented decline in air travel attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic;pandemic or any other public health epidemic;

 

limitations on our ability to expand regional flying within the flight systems of our major airline partners' and those of other major airlines;

 

our significant amount of debt and other contractual obligations;

 

our compliance with ongoing financial covenants under our credit facilities; and

 

our ability to keep costs low and execute our growth strategies.

Additionally, the risks, uncertainties and other factors set forth above or otherwise referred to in the reports we have filed with the SEC may be further amplified by the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  While we may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, whether as a result of any new information, future events, or otherwise, we have no current intention of doing so except to the extent required by applicable law.

 

1


Part I – Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

MESA AIR GROUP, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share amounts) (Unaudited)

 

 

June 30,

 

 

September 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

September 30,

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2020

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

64,934

 

 

$

68,855

 

 

$

181,300

 

 

$

99,395

 

Restricted cash

 

 

3,444

 

 

 

3,646

 

 

 

3,634

 

 

 

3,446

 

Receivables, net

 

 

14,618

 

 

 

23,080

 

 

 

15,412

 

 

 

13,712

 

Expendable parts and supplies, net

 

 

22,418

 

 

 

21,337

 

 

 

22,760

 

 

 

22,971

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

7,143

 

 

 

40,923

 

 

 

12,897

 

 

 

16,067

 

Total current assets

 

 

112,557

 

 

 

157,841

 

 

 

236,003

 

 

 

155,591

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

1,233,727

 

 

 

1,273,585

 

 

 

1,194,061

 

 

 

1,212,415

 

Intangibles, net

 

 

8,407

 

 

 

9,532

 

 

 

7,722

 

 

 

8,032

 

Lease and equipment deposits

 

 

2,121

 

 

 

2,167

 

 

 

1,851

 

 

 

1,899

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 

 

131,480

 

 

 

 

 

 

114,666

 

 

 

123,251

 

Other assets

 

 

7,021

 

 

 

8,792

 

 

 

514

 

 

 

742

 

Total assets

 

$

1,495,313

 

 

$

1,451,917

 

 

$

1,554,817

 

 

$

1,501,930

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion of long-term debt and financing leases

 

$

176,896

 

 

$

165,900

 

 

$

99,745

 

 

$

189,268

 

Current portion of deferred revenue

 

 

51,253

 

 

 

9,389

 

Current maturities of operating leases

 

 

43,219

 

 

 

 

 

 

44,712

 

 

 

43,932

 

Accounts payable

 

 

39,918

 

 

 

49,930

 

 

 

47,576

 

 

 

53,229

 

Accrued compensation

 

 

10,350

 

 

 

11,988

 

 

 

7,029

 

 

 

12,030

 

Other accrued expenses

 

 

37,663

 

 

 

28,888

 

 

 

37,581

 

 

 

45,478

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

308,046

 

 

 

256,706

 

 

 

287,896

 

 

 

353,326

 

Noncurrent liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt and financing leases, excluding current portion

 

 

586,877

 

 

 

677,423

 

 

 

624,116

 

 

 

542,456

 

Noncurrent operating lease liabilities

 

 

71,068

 

 

 

 

 

 

53,570

 

 

 

62,531

 

Deferred credits

 

 

9,355

 

 

 

12,134

 

 

 

5,176

 

 

 

5,705

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

61,203

 

 

 

55,303

 

 

 

69,111

 

 

 

64,275

 

Deferred revenue, net of current portion

 

 

12,240

 

 

 

 

 

 

26,504

 

 

 

14,369

 

Other noncurrent liabilities

 

 

1,030

 

 

 

24,483

 

 

 

4,147

 

 

 

1,409

 

Total noncurrent liabilities

 

 

741,773

 

 

 

769,343

 

 

 

782,624

 

 

 

690,745

 

Total liabilities

 

 

1,049,819

 

 

 

1,026,049

 

 

 

1,070,520

 

 

 

1,044,071

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 15 and Note 16)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 14 and Note 15)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders' equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock of no par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized;

0 shares issued and outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock of no par value and additional paid-in capital,

125,000,000 shares authorized; 35,414,284 (2020) and 31,413,287

(2019) shares issued and outstanding, 0 (2020) and

3,600,953 (2019) warrants issued and outstanding

 

 

241,782

 

 

 

238,504

 

Common stock of no par value and additional paid-in capital,

125,000,000 shares authorized; 35,532,162 (2021) and 35,526,918

(2020) shares issued and outstanding, 4,899,497 (2021) and

0 (2020) warrants issued and outstanding

 

 

255,092

 

 

 

242,772

 

Retained earnings

 

 

203,712

 

 

 

187,364

 

 

 

229,205

 

 

 

215,087

 

Total stockholders' equity

 

 

445,494

 

 

 

425,868

 

 

 

484,297

 

 

 

457,859

 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

 

$

1,495,313

 

 

$

1,451,917

 

 

$

1,554,817

 

 

$

1,501,930

 

 

See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

2


MESA AIR GROUP, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income

(In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

Nine Months Ended June 30,

 

 

Three Months Ended December 31,

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Operating revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contract revenue

 

$

71,648

 

 

$

170,366

 

$

409,228

 

 

$

510,586

 

 

$

127,158

 

 

$

171,800

 

Pass-through and other

 

 

1,451

 

 

 

9,858

 

 

27,802

 

 

 

24,941

 

 

 

23,213

 

 

 

12,236

 

Total operating revenues

 

 

73,099

 

 

 

180,224

 

 

437,030

 

 

 

535,527

 

 

 

150,371

 

 

 

184,036

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flight operations

 

 

29,664

 

 

 

53,025

 

135,199

 

 

 

155,636

 

 

 

36,964

 

 

 

52,644

 

Fuel

 

 

146

 

 

 

211

 

504

 

 

 

433

 

 

 

390

 

 

 

169

 

Maintenance

 

 

22,591

 

 

 

54,322

 

145,021

 

 

 

139,504

 

 

 

52,864

 

 

 

58,095

 

Aircraft rent

 

 

15,582

 

 

 

12,875

 

39,196

 

 

 

41,104

 

 

 

10,048

 

 

 

11,329

 

Aircraft and traffic servicing

 

 

538

 

 

 

978

 

2,938

 

 

 

2,977

 

 

 

901

 

 

 

1,064

 

General and administrative

 

 

11,737

 

 

 

12,435

 

39,233

 

 

 

38,121

 

 

 

13,073

 

 

 

12,996

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

20,635

 

 

 

19,761

 

61,656

 

 

 

57,528

 

 

 

20,470

 

 

 

20,552

 

Lease termination

 

 

 

 

 

9,540

 

 

 

 

 

9,540

 

CARES Act grant recognition

 

 

(43,018

)

 

 

 

 

(43,018

)

 

 

 

 

 

(11,311

)

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

 

 

57,875

 

 

 

163,147

 

 

380,729

 

 

 

444,843

 

 

 

123,399

 

 

 

156,849

 

Operating income

 

 

15,224

 

 

 

17,077

 

 

56,301

 

 

 

90,684

 

 

 

26,972

 

 

 

27,187

 

Other (expenses) income, net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

 

(10,368

)

 

 

(13,496

)

 

(34,668

)

 

 

(42,110

)

 

 

(9,082

)

 

 

(12,628

)

Interest income

 

 

1

 

 

 

733

 

95

 

 

 

1,188

 

 

 

126

 

 

 

58

 

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,616

)

Other income (expense), net

 

 

79

 

 

 

(451

)

 

720

 

 

 

82

 

Other (expense) income, net

 

 

923

 

 

 

(297

)

Total other (expense), net

 

 

(10,288

)

 

 

(13,214

)

 

(33,853

)

 

 

(44,456

)

 

 

(8,033

)

 

 

(12,867

)

Income before taxes

 

 

4,936

 

 

 

3,863

 

22,448

 

 

 

46,228

 

 

 

18,939

 

 

 

14,320

 

Income tax expense

 

 

1,517

 

 

 

856

 

 

6,359

 

 

 

10,891

 

 

 

4,821

 

 

 

3,535

 

Net income

 

$

3,419

 

 

$

3,007

 

$

16,089

 

 

$

35,337

 

Net income and comprehensive income

 

$

14,118

 

 

$

10,785

 

Net income per share attributable to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

common shareholders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.10

 

 

$

0.09

 

$

0.46

 

 

$

1.02

 

 

$

0.40

 

 

$

0.31

 

Diluted

 

$

0.10

 

 

$

0.09

 

$

0.46

 

 

$

1.01

 

 

$

0.39

 

 

$

0.31

 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

35,299

 

 

 

34,835

 

 

35,154

 

 

 

34,683

 

 

 

35,531

 

 

 

35,023

 

Diluted

 

 

35,299

 

 

 

35,112

 

 

35,248

 

 

 

35,051

 

 

 

36,647

 

 

 

35,182

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

3



MESA AIR GROUP, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity

(In thousands, except share amounts) (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended June 30, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of

 

 

Number of

 

 

Paid-In

 

 

Retained

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

Warrants

 

 

Capital

 

 

Earnings

 

 

Total

 

Balance at September 30, 2018

 

 

23,902,903

 

 

 

10,614,990

 

 

$

234,683

 

 

$

139,784

 

 

$

374,467

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock compensation expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,454

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,454

 

Stock issuance costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

157

 

 

 

 

 

 

157

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19,081

 

 

 

19,081

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2018

 

 

23,902,903

 

 

 

10,614,990

 

 

$

236,294

 

 

$

158,865

 

 

$

395,159

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock compensation expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

1,298

 

 

 

 

 

$

1,298

 

Repurchased shares

 

 

(52,967

)

 

 

 

 

 

(449

)

 

 

 

 

 

(449

)

Stock issuance costs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

28

 

 

 

 

 

 

28

 

Warrants converted to common stock

 

 

3,834,693

 

 

 

(3,834,693

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted shares issued

 

 

284,846

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,249

 

 

 

13,249

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2019

 

 

27,969,475

 

 

 

6,780,297

 

 

$

237,171

 

 

$

172,114

 

 

$

409,285

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock compensation expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

1,507

 

 

 

 

 

$

1,507

 

Repurchased shares

 

 

(116,757

)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,065

)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,065

)

Warrants converted to common stock

 

 

2,176,964

 

 

 

(2,176,964

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted shares issued

 

 

331,486

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,007

 

 

 

3,007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2019

 

 

30,361,168

 

 

 

4,603,333

 

 

$

237,613

 

 

$

175,121

 

 

$

412,734

 

 

 

Three Months Ended December 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of

 

 

Number of

 

 

Paid-In

 

 

Retained

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

Warrants

 

 

Capital

 

 

Earnings

 

 

Total

 

Balance at September 30, 2019

 

 

31,413,287

 

 

 

3,600,953

 

 

$

238,504

 

 

$

187,364

 

 

$

425,868

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adoption ASU 2018-09 Stock compensation-

   income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

259

 

 

 

259

 

Stock compensation expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,320

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,320

 

Repurchased shares and warrants

 

 

(5,558

)

 

 

 

 

 

(41

)

 

 

 

 

 

(41

)

Warrants converted to common stock

 

 

1,612,481

 

 

 

(1,612,481

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted shares issued

 

 

18,916

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,785

 

 

 

10,785

 

Balance at December 31, 2019

 

 

33,039,126

 

 

 

1,988,472

 

 

$

239,783

 

 

$

198,408

 

 

$

438,191

 

 

 

 

4


MESA AIR GROUP, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity

(In thousands, except share amounts) (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended June 30, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of

 

 

Number of

 

 

Paid-In

 

 

Retained

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

Warrants

 

 

Capital

 

 

Earnings

 

 

Total

 

Balance at September 30, 2019

 

 

31,413,287

 

 

 

3,600,953

 

 

$

238,504

 

 

$

187,364

 

 

$

425,868

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adoption ASU 2018-09 Stock compensation-

   income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

259

 

 

 

259

 

Stock compensation expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,320

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,320

 

Repurchased shares and warrants

 

 

(5,558

)

 

 

 

 

 

(41

)

 

 

 

 

 

(41

)

Warrants converted to common stock

 

 

1,612,481

 

 

 

(1,612,481

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted shares issued

 

 

18,916

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,785

 

 

 

10,785

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2019

 

 

33,039,126

 

 

 

1,988,472

 

 

$

239,783

 

 

$

198,408

 

 

$

438,191

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock compensation expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,193

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,193

 

Repurchased shares and warrants

 

 

(18,244

)

 

 

 

 

 

(160

)

 

 

 

 

 

(160

)

Warrants converted to common stock

 

 

1,988,472

 

 

 

(1,988,472

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted shares issued

 

 

141,614

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employee share purchases

 

 

43,934

 

 

 

 

 

 

243

 

 

 

 

 

 

243

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,885

 

 

 

1,885

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2020

 

 

35,194,902

 

 

 

 

 

$

241,059

 

 

$

200,293

 

 

$

441,352

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock compensation expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,020

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,020

 

Repurchased shares and warrants

 

 

(88,785

)

 

 

 

 

 

(297

)

 

 

 

 

 

(297

)

Restricted shares issued

 

 

308,167

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,419

 

 

 

3,419

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2020

 

 

35,414,284

 

 

 

 

 

$

241,782

 

 

$

203,712

 

 

$

445,494

 

 

 

Three Months Ended December 31, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of

 

 

Number of

 

 

Paid-In

 

 

Retained

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

Warrants

 

 

Capital

 

 

Earnings

 

 

Total

 

Balance at September 30, 2020

 

 

35,526,918

 

 

 

 

 

$

242,772

 

 

$

215,087

 

 

$

457,859

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock compensation expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

850

 

 

 

 

 

 

850

 

Repurchased shares

 

 

(2,256

)

 

 

 

 

 

(19

)

 

 

 

 

 

(19

)

Restricted shares issued

 

 

7,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of warrants, net of issuance costs

 

 

 

 

 

4,899,497

 

 

 

11,489

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,489

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14,118

 

 

 

14,118

 

Balance at December 31, 2020

 

 

35,532,162

 

 

 

4,899,497

 

 

$

255,092

 

 

$

229,205

 

 

$

484,297

 

 

See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

54


MESA AIR GROUP, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands) (Unaudited)

 

Nine Months Ended June 30,

 

 

Three Months Ended December 31,

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

16,089

 

 

$

35,337

 

 

$

14,118

 

 

$

10,785

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows provided by operating

activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

61,656

 

 

 

57,528

 

 

 

20,470

 

 

 

20,552

 

Stock compensation expense

 

 

3,533

 

 

 

4,259

 

 

 

850

 

 

 

1,320

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

5,902

 

 

 

10,898

 

 

 

4,836

 

 

 

3,205

 

Long-term deferred revenue

 

 

12,240

 

 

 

 

Amortization of deferred credits

 

 

(2,928

)

 

 

(3,854

)

 

 

(793

)

 

 

(1,103

)

Unfavorable lease liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

(4,525

)

Amortization of debt financing costs and accretion of interest on

non-interest-bearing subordinated notes

 

 

3,182

 

 

 

3,147

 

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 

 

 

 

3,616

 

Loss (Gain) on disposal of assets

 

 

528

 

 

 

(49

)

Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs

 

 

1,860

 

 

 

1,054

 

Gain on extinguishment of debt

 

 

(950

)

 

 

 

Loss on disposal of assets

 

 

24

 

 

 

407

 

Provision for obsolete expendable parts and supplies

 

 

287

 

 

 

477

 

 

 

(37

)

 

 

97

 

Loss on lease termination

 

 

 

 

 

9,540

 

Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables

 

 

8,462

 

 

 

5,903

 

 

 

(1,700

)

 

 

(1,040

)

Expendable parts and supplies

 

 

(1,403

)

 

 

(5,076

)

 

 

256

 

 

 

(1,158

)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

(1,257

)

 

 

(7,861

)

 

 

4,296

 

 

 

327

 

Accounts payable

 

 

(9,890

)

 

 

(4,888

)

 

 

(5,723

)

 

 

(2,336

)

Deferred revenue

 

 

53,999

 

 

 

 

Accrued liabilities

 

 

11,659

 

 

 

9,625

 

 

 

(12,637

)

 

 

5,791

 

Change in operating lease right-of-use assets

 

 

(4,459

)

 

 

 

Change in operating lease right-of- use assets

 

 

404

 

 

 

329

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

103,601

 

 

 

114,077

 

 

 

79,273

 

 

 

38,230

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

(25,160

)

 

 

(116,731

)

 

 

(1,773

)

 

 

(10,124

)

Sales of investment securities

 

 

 

 

 

20,077

 

Lease and equipment deposits

 

 

(13,804

)

 

 

621

 

Returns of lease and equipment deposits

 

 

13,850

 

 

 

 

Net returns (payments) on equipment & other deposits

 

 

 

 

 

(2,704

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(25,114

)

 

 

(96,033

)

 

 

(1,773

)

 

 

(12,828

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from long-term debt

 

 

23,000

 

 

 

163,658

 

 

 

195,000

 

 

 

 

Principal payments on long-term debt and financing leases

 

 

(103,718

)

 

 

(197,409

)

 

 

(189,131

)

 

 

(36,467

)

Debt financing costs

 

 

(1,394

)

 

 

(4,870

)

Debt prepayment costs

 

 

 

 

 

(1,672

)

Stock issuance costs

 

 

 

 

 

185

 

Payments of debt and warrant issuance

 

 

(1,257

)

 

 

(184

)

Repurchase of stock

 

 

(498

)

 

 

(1,514

)

 

 

(19

)

 

 

(41

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

 

(82,610

)

 

 

(41,622

)

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

 

4,593

 

 

 

(36,692

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

 

(4,123

)

 

 

(23,578

)

 

 

82,093

 

 

 

(11,290

)

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

 

 

72,501

 

 

 

107,134

 

 

 

102,841

 

 

 

72,501

 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

 

$

68,378

 

 

$

83,556

 

 

$

184,934

 

 

$

61,211

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental cash flow information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for interest

 

$

30,375

 

 

$

37,587

 

 

$

6,743

 

 

$

9,440

 

Cash paid for income taxes, net

 

$

45

 

 

$

415

 

 

$

1

 

 

$

15

 

Operating lease payments in operating cash flows (1)

 

$

34,919

 

 

$

 

Operating lease payments in operating cash flows

 

$

9,304

 

 

$

9,534

 

Supplemental non-cash operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange of lease liabilities

 

$

145,054

 

 

$

 

 

$

69

 

 

$

142,165

 

Supplemental non-cash investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental non-cash financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt issuance cost related to loan agreement with US Department of Treasury

 

$

(1,887

)

 

$

 

Accrued capital expenditures

 

$

60

 

 

$

836

 

 

$

 

 

$

334

 

See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

(1)See section 15 Leases and Commitments.

 

 

See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements.

6

5


MESA AIR GROUP, INC.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

1.

Organization and Operations

About Mesa Air Group, Inc.

Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Mesa Air Group, Inc. ("Mesa" or the "Company") is a holding company whose principal subsidiary, Mesa Airlines, Inc. ("Mesa Airlines"), operates as a regional air carrier providing scheduled flight service to 66116 cities in 2942 states, the District of Columbia, the Bahamas, and Mexico.Mexico as well as Cargo services out of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. As of June 30,December 31, 2020, Mesa operated a fleet of 145159 aircraft with approximately 175420 daily departures and 3,4003,200 employees. Mesa operates all of its flights as either American Eagle,United Express, or UnitedDHL Express flights pursuant to the terms of the capacity purchase agreements entered into with American Airlines, Inc. (“American”) and United Airlines, Inc. (“United”). and Flight Services Agreement (“FSA”) with DHL Network Operations (USA), Inc.

The financial arrangements between the Company and its major airline partners involve a revenue-guarantee arrangement (i.e., a "capacity purchase agreement") whereby the major airline pays a monthly guaranteed amount for each aircraft under contract, a fixed fee for each block hour (the number of hours during which the aircraft is in revenue service, measured from the time of gate departure before take-off until the time of gate arrival at the destination) and flight flown and reimbursement of certain direct operating expenses in exchange for providing regional flying. The major airline partners also pay certain expenses directly to suppliers, such as fuel, ground operations and landing fees. Under the terms of these capacity purchase agreements, the major airline controls route selection, pricing and seat inventories, thereby reducing the Company's exposure to fluctuations in passenger traffic, fare levels, and fuel prices.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The unprecedented and rapid spread of COVID-19 and the related travel restrictions and social distancing measures implemented throughout the world have significantly reduced demand for air travel. The length and severity of the reduction in demand due to the pandemic remains uncertain. This reduction in demand has had an unprecedented and materially adverse impact on our revenues and financial position. The exact timing and pace of a recovery in demand is uncertain given the significant impact of the pandemic on the overall U.S. and global economy. Our forecasted expense management and liquidity measures may be modified as we clarify the demand recovery timing. Since a portion of the consideration we receive under our capacity purchase agreements is fixed, the impact to Mesa will be partially mitigated or offset. In addition, we have limited exposure to fluctuations in passenger traffic, ticket and fuel prices. While the fixed contract consideration remains mostly unchanged, the variable revenue based on number of block hours was significantly reduced beginning in the last few weeks in March and in the June 2020 quarter. We may experience further reductions in subsequent quarters. The Company further reports that, beginning in March 2020, it experienced a material decline in demand in block hours from both of its major airline partners, American and United Airlines, Inc. (“United” and together with American, the “Partners”) resulting from the spread of the COVID-19 virus.  As a result of this decline in demand and the subsequent capacity reductions by the Company’s Partners, the Company operated at significantly lower block hours in the June 2020 quarter. While there has been a modest demand recovery, the Company anticipates similar schedule reductions will likely continue into the fourth quarter of 2020 and may continue throughout the remainder of calendar year 2020 and into 2021.

In response to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, we have implemented various measures to protect our employees as they continue to provide safe and reliable transportation to the passengers of American and United. The safety of our employees and passengers remains our primary focus and, to that end, measures that we have taken include but are not limited to:

Increasing the scope of cleaning and sanitization of aircraft both while remaining overnight and on turn flights, including the use of Electrostatic Spraying (ESS) and the expansion of Flight Deck cleaning protocols. Both on our own, and in coordination with our codeshare partners, we have taken steps to ensure that high touch areas used by both employees and customers are routinely and comprehensively cleaned and disinfected to prevent transmission of the virus on surfaces. To assist our crewmembers in keeping the aircraft clean and disinfected, we have increased the supply of sanitizing wipes onboard.

Mandated face covering for all employees working onboard aircraft, at corporate and training facilitates and locations where social distancing cannot be maintained.

7


In coordination with our codeshare partners, we’ve implemented a policy that requires all crewmembers to wear face coverings while on duty.  We have provided, and continue to resupply, our employees with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) consisting of gloves and face coverings for use whenever social distancing cannot be maintained or when working with our customers. In addition, at various locations, we have coordinated with our codeshare partners to conduct temperature checks of employees reporting for duty. In those locations where this is not yet established, crewmembers have been directed to self-monitor their temperature before reporting for duty and twice daily.

Based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), we have increased facility cleaning and disinfection protocols at all of our facilities and have implemented social distancing measures including extending our current remote working policy for many of our Corporate personnel.  We’ve enhanced current protocol to increase physical distance between workers who remain working at our Corporate facilities.

Enhanced protocols that exceed CDC guidance for the handling of employees who are positive for, or suspected of, COVID-19 to ensure that they have the necessary time off. Additionally, we have implemented protocols to ensure that proper notification is made to any affected employees. Protocols have also been put into place for the immediate disinfection of any affected aircraft above and beyond routine cleaning and disinfection protocols.

Offering Leaves of Absence to employees starting in May in blocks of 1-3 months.

Expense Management. With the reduction in revenue, we have, and will continue to implement cost saving initiatives, including:

Reducing employee-related costs, including:

Offering voluntary short-term unpaid leaves to all employees.

Compensation reductions for Executive level employees.

Instituting a company-wide hiring freeze.

Delaying non-essential heavy maintenance expense and reducing or suspending other discretionary spending.

Balance Sheet, Cash Flow and Liquidity. As of June 30, 2020, our cash and cash equivalents balance was $64.9 million. We have taken the following actions to increase liquidity and strengthen our financial position.

Reducing planned heavy engine and airframe maintenance events by approximately $16.8 million in the current fiscal year.

Working with our major partners and original equipment manufacturers ("OEM") to delay the timing of our future aircraft and spare engine deliveries.

Drew $23.0 million from our previously undrawn revolving credit facility with CIT Bank, N.A.

In April 2020, we were granted $92.5 million in emergency relief through the payroll support program of the CARES Act to be paid in installments through September 2020. We received $46.3 million as of June 2020 and the remaining $46.2 million is scheduled to be paid to Mesa in 3 equal monthly payments from July to September 2020.$43.0 million has been utilized to offset the payroll expenses in the quarter ended June 30, 2020 and $3.3 million has been deferred to offset future payroll costs.

The CARES Act also provides for up to $25 billion in secured loans to the airline industry. We have been allocated $277.0 million under the loan program. We are in ongoing discussions with the U.S. Department of the Treasury regarding the terms and our participation level of such a loan.

American Capacity Purchase Agreement

As of June 30,December 31, 2020, the Company operated 54 CRJ-900 aircraft for American under our Americana Capacity Purchase Agreement. In exchange for providing flight services under our American Capacity Purchase Agreement, we receive a fixed monthly minimum amount per aircraft under contract plus certain additional amounts based upon the number of flights and block hours flown during each month. In addition, we may also receive incentives or incur penalties based upon our operational performance, including controllable on-time departures and controllable completion percentages. American also reimburses us for certain costs on an actual basis, including passenger liability and hull insurance and aircraft property taxes, all as set forth in our American Capacity Purchase Agreement. Other expenses, including fuel and certain landing fees, are directly paid to suppliers by American. In addition, American also provides, at no cost to us, certain ground handling and customer service functions, as well as airport-related facilities and gates at American hubs and cities where we operate.

8


Our American Capacity Purchase Agreement establishes utilization credits which are required to be paid if the Company does not operate at minimum levels of flight operations.  In prior periods, the FAA Qualification Standards (as defined below) have negatively impacted our ability to hire pilots at a rate sufficient to support required utilization levels, and, as a result, we have issued credits to American pursuant to the terms of our American Capacity Purchase Agreement.

      

Our      On November 19, 2020, we entered into an Amended and Restated American Capacity Purchase Agreement will terminate(the “Amended and Restated American Capacity Purchase Agreement”) with respect to different tranchesAmerican which is effective as of aircraft betweenJanuary 1, 2021 and 2025, unless otherwise extended or amended. Asamends and restates the Code Share and Revenue Sharing Agreement, dated as of March 20, 2001 (as theretofore amended, supplemented and modified, the date of this filing, we remain in discussions with“Existing CPA”), between Mesa Airlines and American. The Amended and Restated American regardingPurchase Agreement included the terms of extendingfollowing amendments to the 31 aircraft that are due to expire in 2021, the 16 aircraft that are due to expire in 2022, and the 7 aircraft that expire in 2025. Existing CPA:

A 5-year term, commencing January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2025, covering 40 aircraft;

Establishes new compensation payable to Mesa Airlines during the new term;

Grants American the option in its sole discretion to withdraw up to: (a) 10 aircraft during calendar year 2021, provided that for the 6-month period ending June 30, 2021, American may only exercise this right if the number of mainline narrow body aircraft in American’s fleet has been reduced by a specified number of aircraft during such period, (b) 5 aircraft during each of calendar years 2022 and 2023, and (c) during the period from January 1, 2024 to July 31, 2024. American can remove the first 20 aircraft to the extent not otherwise removed in 2021 – 2023, and thereafter they have the right to remove the last 20 aircraft;


Also grants American the right to withdraw a limited number of aircraft in connection with the failure to meet certain performance objectives for the fleet over consecutive monthly periods, or failure to satisfactorily complete established cabin interior program requirements by certain deadlines; and

Provides American with additional termination rights, subject to certain cure periods, including the occurrence of a force majeure event (as defined in the American CPA) that lasts for a specified number of consecutive days (including but not limited to a future epidemic or pandemic), the occurrence of a labor dispute that affects Mesa’s ability to operate over a specified number of days, and operating in violation of any existing American collective bargaining agreement.

Our existing American Capacity Purchase Agreement is subject to following termination prior to that date,its expiration on December 31,2025, subject to ourthe Company’s right to cure, in various circumstances including:

 

If either American or wethe Company become insolvent, file for bankruptcy or fail to pay ourthe debts as they become due, the non-defaulting party may terminate the agreement;

 

Failure by usthe Company or American to perform the covenants, conditions or provisions of ourthe American Capacity Purchase Agreement, subject to 15 days' notice and cure rights;

 

If we are required by the FAA or the DOT to suspend operations and we have not resumed operations within three business days, except as a result of an emergency airworthiness directive from the FAA affecting all similarly equipped aircraft, American may terminate the agreement;

 

If our controllable flight completion factor falls below certain levels for a specified period of time, subject to our right to cure; orcure, or;

 

Upon the occurrence of a force majeure event (as defined in the Capacity Purchase Agreement) that lasts for a specified period of consecutive days and affects our ability to operate scheduled flights, including a future epidemic or pandemic;

If a labor dispute affects our ability to operate over a specified number of days or we operate in violation of any existing American collective bargaining agreement; or

Upon a change in our ownership or control without the written approval of American.American

In

On December 22, 2020, we entered into Amendment No. 1 (“Amendment No. 1”) to the event that American has the right to terminate our American Capacity Purchase Agreement, American may, in lieu of termination, withdraw up to an aggregate of 14 aircraft from service under ourAmended and Restated American Capacity Purchase Agreement. Upon any such withdrawal, American's payments to us would be correspondingly reduced by the number of withdrawn aircraft.

On January 31, 2019, the Company entered into an amendment to the American Capacity Purchase Agreement, the terms of which provide for new and revised operational performance metrics, the Company's right to earn additional incentive compensation based on the achievement of such metrics, and the right of American to permanently withdraw up to six (6) aircraft in the event the Company fails to meet such new/revised performance metrics.  Under the terms of such amendment the Company agreed, effective April 2, 2019, to convert two (2) aircraft to be utilized by the Company as operational spares in the Company's sole discretion throughout its system. In July 2019, American exercised its right to permanently withdraw 2 (2) aircraft from the American Capacity Purchase Agreement due to the Company's failure to meet certain performance metrics. The aircraft were removed on November 2, 2019. On November 25, 2019, the Company amended its agreement with American Airlines. The Company did not meet certain performance metrics during the then most recent measurement period, which would have allowed American to remove 2 additional aircraft from the capacity purchase agreement. American had agreed to defer the right to remove these two aircraft but subsequently elected to remove 1 of the two previously deferred aircraft, effective January 2, 2020.  As of January 2, 2020, American had removed 3 (3) of the six (6) aircraft under the January 31st amendment.

On April 3, 2020, the Company received a new withdrawal notice from American seeking to permanently withdraw 3 aircraft from the American Capacity Purchase Agreement. Two of the aircraft were withdrawn effective May 19, 2020 and the third aircraft was withdrawn effective June 1, 2020. The withdrawal of these three aircraft stems from withdrawal rights that American previously asserted were triggered in September 2019 and November 2019. At such time, American refrained from exercising such withdrawal rights, however, reserved the right to withdraw the three aircraft at a later date under certain circumstances.  In light of the rapid grounding of aircraft caused by the COVID-19 virus, the overall reduction in demand for air travel, and the need to reduce capacity, American elected to remove such aircraft in early June.   

On June 11, 2020, the Company entered into the Twenty-First Amendment to The American Capacity Purchase Agreement effective April 1, 2020. The amendments include (i)in Amendment No. 1 reflect the permanent withdrawal of 2 (2) additional aircraft from the American Capacity Purchase Agreement, effective June 15, 2020, with such aircraft included in the tranche of aircraft American has the right to ratably remove commencing January 1, 2021 in exchange for American paying the full cost of the aircraft for the same period and (ii) the addition of utilization-based credits, entitling American to payment credits for the period April 1, 2020 through September 30, 2020, based upon the achievement of agreed upon aircraft utilization thresholds, subject to Mesa’s receipt of previously approved funds under the CARES Act. The impact of the contract modification was not material to the three or nine months ended June 30, 2020.following: 

 

9


The addition of CRJ-900 aircraft to the American CPA (collectively, the “Incremental Aircraft”) in accordance with the following schedule: (i) 3 aircraft, commencing January 5, 2021 to March 3, 2021, and (ii) increasing to a total of 5 aircraft, commencing March 4, 2021.  The term of the Incremental Aircraft will be determined by American in its sole discretion;

American’s right, exercisable in its sole discretion, to withdraw any Incremental Aircraft upon 60 days’ prior notice.  American may specify one or more dates for the withdrawal of such Incremental Aircraft.

United Capacity Purchase Agreement

As of June 30,December 31, 2020, the Companywe operated 20 CRJ-700, and 60 E-175 and 12 E-175LL aircraft for United under our United Capacity Purchase Agreement. We expect to operate a total of 60 E175 and 20 E-175LL aircraft by mid-year in 2021 when we take delivery of the remaining 8 E-175LL aircraft by the end of June 2021. In exchange for providing the flight services under our United Capacity Purchase Agreement, we receive a fixed monthly minimum amount per aircraft under contract plus certain additional amounts based upon the number of flights and block hours flown and the results of passenger satisfaction surveys. United also reimburses us for certain costs on an actual basis, including property tax per aircraft and passenger liability insurance. Other expenses, including fuel and certain landing fees, are directly paid to suppliers by United.

7


Under our United Capacity Purchase Agreement, United owns 42 of the 60 E-175 and all of the new E175-LL aircraft (discussed below) and leases them to us at nominal amounts. United reimburses us on a pass-through basis for all costs related to heavy airframe and engine maintenance, landing gear, auxiliary power units ("APUs"APUs") and component maintenance for the 42 E-175 and all E-175LL aircraft owned by United. Our United Capacity Purchase Agreement permits United, subject to certain conditions, including the payment of certain costs tied to aircraft type, to terminate the agreement in its discretion, or remove aircraft from service, by giving us notice of 90 days or more. If United elects to terminate our United Capacity Purchase Agreement in its entirety or permanently remove select aircraft from service, we are permitted to return any of the affected E-175 aircraft leased from United at no cost to us. In addition, if United removes any of our 18 owned E-175 aircraft from service at its direction, United would remain obligated to assume the aircraft ownership and associated debt with respect to such aircraft through the end of the term of the agreement.

On November 26, 2019, we amended and restated our United Capacity Purchase Agreement to, among other things, incorporate the terms of the 14 prior amendments to that Agreement and to extend the term thereof through the addition of twenty (20)20 new Embraer E175LL aircraft to the scope of such Agreement. These new aircraft willwere to be financed and owned by us and operated for a period of twelve (12) years from the in-service date. Deliveries of the new E175LL aircraft were scheduled to begin in May 2020 and be completed by December 31, 2020. In March 2020, the deliveries of the new E175LL aircraft were negotiated between United and Embraer to begin in September 2020 and be completed by the quarter ended June 30, 2021.  Commencing five (5) years after the actual in-service date, United has the right to remove the E175LL aircraft from service by giving us notice of 90 days or more, subject to certain conditions, including the payment of certain wind-down expenses plus, if removed prior to the ten (10) year anniversary of the in-service date, certain accelerated margin payments.  

In addition to adding the 20 new E175LL aircraft to the amended and restated United Capacity Purchase Agreement, we extended the term of our 42 E-175 aircraft leased from United for an additional five (5) years, which now expire between 2024 and 2028.  As partIn addition, we own 18 E-175 aircraft that are operated for United and come out of service under the United Capacity Purchase Agreement in 2028. Under the amended and restated United Capacity Purchase Agreement, we agreed to lease our CRJ-700 aircraft to another United Express service provider for a term of seven (7) years. We will continue to operate such aircraft until they are transitioned to the new service provider. United has a right to purchase the CRJ-700 aircraft at the then fair market value. In addition,

On November 4, 2020, we own 18 E-175 aircraft that expire in 2028.

Ouramended and restated our United Capacity Purchase Agreement to, among other things,amend the ownership by United, in lieu of the Company, of 20 E175LL aircraft that will be leased to the Company. Per the amendment, these new aircraft will be now financed by United and leased to the Company to operate for a period of twelve (12) years from the in-service date. As of December 30, 2020, 12 E175LL have been delivered and the remaining 8 are expected to be delivered by the end of June 2021. We agreed to adjusted rates to account for the change in ownership of the E175LL aircraft, relief from certain provisions related to minimum utilization until December 31, 2021 and an additional right of United to remove one or more E175LL aircraft in the event that the Company fails to meet certain financial covenants. The Company is leasing these aircrafts from United at nominal rates, these leases are not considered embedded leases within the contract and are excluded from the Company’s right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities under ASC 842.

We also agreed to a one-time provision for United to prepay $81.5 million under the United CPA for future performance by the Company (the “Prepayment”), and certain discounts on services provided under the capacity purchase agreement. We elected the practical expedient concerning the evaluation of a significant financing component for the Prepayment received in November 2020, and have accounted for the payment received within current deferred revenue. As of December 31, 2020, we have recognized $33.3 million of the Prepayment deferred revenue for flight services performed and expect to recognize the remaining balance to revenue as flight services are performed during the second quarter of 2021. The terms of the Prepayment also include affirmative and negative covenants and events of default customary for transactions of this type. Proceeds from the Prepayment were used to retire debt on certain airframes and engines that serve as collateral under the term loan facility provided to the Company by the U.S. Treasury. See Note 8.

DHL Flight Services

On December 20, 2019, the Company entered into a Flight Services Agreement with DHL Network Operations (USA), Inc. Under the terms of this agreement, Mesa operates 2 Boeing 737-400F aircraft to provide air transportation services to DHL. The Company receives a fee per block hour with a minimum block hour guarantee.  In addition, the costs for heavy maintenance including c-checks, off-wing engine maintenance and overhauls including LLPs, Landing Gear overhauls and LLPs, thrust reverser overhauls, and APU overhauls and LLPs are a direct pass through to DHL.  Ground support including fueling and airport fees are paid directly by DHL.  The Company is eligible for a monthly performance bonus or subject to early terminationa monthly penalty based on timeliness and completion performance.

In connection with the Flight Services Agreement, the Company also entered into an Aircraft Sublease Agreement with DHL for the two Boeing 737-400F aircraft at no cost. The leases are not considered embedded leases within the contract and are excluded from the Company’s right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities under various circumstances noted above and including:ASC 842.

By United if certain operational performance factors fall below a specified percentage for a specified time, subject to notice under certain circumstances;

By United if we fail to perform the material covenants, agreements, terms or conditions of our United Capacity Purchase Agreement or similar agreements with United, subject to thirty (30) days' notice and cure rights;

If either United or we become insolvent, file bankruptcy or fail to pay debts when due, the non-defaulting party may terminate the agreement; or

By United if we merge with, or if control of us is acquired by another air carrier or a corporation directly or indirectly owning or controlling another air carrier.

 


2.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") and include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned operating subsidiaries. Any reference in these notes to applicable guidance is meant to refer to the authoritative United States generally accepted accounting principles as found in the Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") and Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Reclassifications of certain immaterial prior period amounts have been made to conform to the current period presentation.

10


These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with, the Company's audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto as of and for the year ended September 30, 20192020 included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 20192020 on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements have been condensed or omitted in these condensed consolidated financial statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC and GAAP. These condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary to present fairly the results of operations for the interim periods presented.

The Company is an "emerging growth company," as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the "JOBS Act"Act,") and may remain an emerging growth company until the last day of its fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of its August 2018 IPO,the Company’s initial public offer (“IPO”), subject to specified conditions. The JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of the extended transition period afforded by the JOBS Act for the implementation of new or revised accounting standards. The Company has elected to "opt out" of such extended transition period, which means that when a standard is issued or revised and it has different application dates for public or private companies, the Company will be subject to the same new or revised accounting standards as other public companies that are not emerging growth companies.

Adoption of New Lease Standard

Contract revenue and Pass- through and other

 

EffectiveThe Company recognizes contract revenue when the service is provided under its capacity purchase agreements. Under the capacity purchase agreements, our major airline partners generally pay for each departure, flight hour (measured from takeoff to landing, excluding taxi time) or block hour (measured from takeoff to landing, including taxi time) incurred, and an amount per aircraft in service each month with additional incentives based on flight completion and on-time performance. The major airline partners also directly pay for or reimburses the Company for certain direct expenses incurred under the capacity purchase agreement, such as fuel and airport landing fees. The Company’s performance obligation is met when each flight is completed, and revenue is recognized and reflected in contract revenue. The directly reimbursed expenses, earned as flights are completed over the agreement term, are recognized and reflected in pass-through revenue. The Company records deferred revenue when cash payments are received or are due from our airline partners in advance of the Company’s performance, including amounts that are refundable.

We received an $81.5 million prepayment under the amended and restated United Capacity Purchase Agreement, as discussed in Note 1. As of December 31, 2020, we recognized $33.3 million of the prepayment and we expect to recognize the remaining $48.2 million as flight services are performed during the second quarter of 2021.

The deferred revenue balance as of December 31, 2020 represents our aggregate remaining performance obligations that will be recognized as revenue over the period in which the performance obligations are satisfied, and is expected to be recognized as revenue as follows (In thousands):

Periods Ending

December 31,

 

Total Maturities

 

Remainder of 2021

 

$

48,420

 

2022

 

 

9,714

 

2023

 

 

9,563

 

2024

 

 

8,503

 

2025

 

 

1,338

 

Thereafter

 

 

219

 

Total

 

$

77,757

 


A portion of the Company's compensation under its capacity purchase agreements with American and United is designed to reimburse the Company for certain aircraft ownership costs. The Company has concluded that a component of its revenue under these agreements is deemed to be lease revenue, as such agreements identify the "right of use" of a specific type and number of aircraft over a stated period-of-time. The lease revenue associated with the Company's capacity purchase agreements is accounted for as an operating lease and is reflected as contract revenue on the Company's consolidated statements of operations. The Company recognized $49.5 million and $53.3 million of lease revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Company has not separately stated aircraft rental income and aircraft rental expense in the consolidated statements of operations because the use of the aircraft is not a separate activity of the total service provided under our capacity purchase agreements. 

Aircraft Lease

In addition to the aircraft we receive from United as nominal leases under our United Capacity Purchase Agreement, approximately 11% of our aircraft are leased from third parties. All of our aircraft leases have been classified as operating leases, which results in rental payments being charged to expense over the term of the related leases. In the event that we or one of our major airline partners decide to exit an activity involving leased aircraft, losses may be incurred. In the event that we exit an activity that results in exit losses, these losses are accrued as each aircraft is removed from operations for early termination penalties, lease settle up and other charges. Additionally, any remaining ROU assets and lease liabilities will be written off.

The majority of the Company's leased aircraft are leased through trusts that have a sole purpose to purchase, finance, and lease these aircraft to the Company; therefore, they meet the criteria of a variable interest entity. However, since these are single-owner trusts in which the Company does not participate, the Company is not at risk for losses and is not considered the primary beneficiary. Management believes that the Company's maximum exposure under these leases is the remaining lease payments.

Contract Liabilities

Contract liabilities consist of deferred credits for cost reimbursements from major airline partners related to aircraft modifications associated with capacity purchase agreements and pilot training.  The deferred credits are recognized over time depicting the pattern of transfer of control of services resulting in ratable recognition of revenue over the remaining term of the capacity purchase agreements.

Current and non-current deferred credits are recorded to other accrued expenses and non-current deferred credits in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company's total current and non-current deferred credit balances at December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020 are $7.7 million and $8.5 million, respectively. The Company recognized $0.8 million and $1.1 million of the deferred credits to revenue during the three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Contract Assets

The Company recognizes assets from the costs incurred to fulfill a contract including aircraft painting and reconfiguration and flight service personnel training costs. These costs are amortized based on the pattern of transfer of the services in relation to flight hours over the term of the contract. Contract assets are recorded as other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company's contract assets balances at December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020 are $1.6 million and $2.0 million, respectively. Contract cost amortization was $0.4 million and $0.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Maintenance Expense

The Company operates under a Federal Aviation Administration ("FAA") approved continuous inspection and maintenance program. The Company uses the direct expense method of accounting for its maintenance of regional jet engine overhauls, airframe, landing gear, and normal recurring maintenance wherein the Company recognizes the expense when the maintenance work is completed, or over the repair period, if materially different. Our maintenance policy is determined by fleet when major maintenance is incurred. For leased aircraft, the Company is subject to lease return provisions that require a minimum portion of the "life" of an overhaul be remaining on the engine at the lease return date. The Company estimates the cost of maintenance lease return obligations and accrues such costs over the remaining lease term when the expense is probable and can be reasonably estimated.

10


Under the Company's aircraft operating lease agreements and FAA operating regulations, it is obligated to perform all required maintenance activities on its fleet, including component repairs, scheduled air frame checks and major engine restoration events. The Company estimates the timing of the next major maintenance event based on assumptions including estimated usage, FAA-mandated maintenance intervals and average removal times as recommended by the manufacturer. The timing and the cost of maintenance are based on estimates, which can be impacted by changes in utilization of its aircraft, changes in government regulations and suggested manufacturer maintenance intervals. Major maintenance events consist of overhauls to major components.

Engine overhaul expense totaled $14.4 million and $10.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020, and 2019, respectively, of which $9.6 million and $1.9 million, respectively, was pass-through expense. Airframe C-check expense totaled $10.1 million and $7.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020, and 2019, respectively, of which $7.1 million and $1.2 million, respectively, was pass-through expense.

3.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) (“ASU 2020-04”). This ASU provides optional expedients and exceptions for a limited period of time for accounting for contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or another reference rate expected to be discontinued. Optional expedients can be applied from March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. We are currently evaluating the impact that the new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance requiring all expected credit losses for financial instruments held at the reporting date to be measured based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable supportable forecasts. This replaces the existing incurred loss model and is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments measured at amortized cost and also applies to some off-balance sheet credit exposures. Our adoption of this guidance on a modified retrospective basis on October 1, 2019, we2020 did not have adopted a material impact as credit losses have not been, and are not expected to be, significant based on historical collection trends, the financial condition of our airline partners and external market factors.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) ("ASU 2016-02"), which provides guidance requiring lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for substantially all leases, with the exception of short-term leases. Leases will be classified as either financing or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the statement of income. The Company adopted Topic 842 effective October 1, 2019 and elected the package of transition practical expedients for expired or existing contracts, which does not require reassessment of: (1) whether any of the Company’s contracts are or contain leases, (2) lease classification and (3) initial direct costs.  In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-11, "Targeted Improvements - Leases (Topic 842)." The Company did not elect the hindsight practical expedient. This update provides an optional transition method that allows entities to elect to apply the standard using the modified retrospective approach at its effective date, versus recasting the prior years presented. If this adoption method is elected, an entity would recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the year of adoption. The Company elected this adoption method on October 1, 2019.There was 0 adjustment to retained earnings.

Additionally, the Company’s adoption of Topic 842 did not have a significant impact on the recognition, measurement or presentation of lease revenue and lease expenses within the consolidated statements of operations or the consolidated statements of cash flows. The Company’s adoption of Topic 842 did not have a material impact on the timing or amount of the Company’s lease revenue as a lessor.  The Company’s prepaid aircraft rents, accrued aircraft rents and deferred rent credits that were separately stated in the Company’s September 30, 2019 balance sheet have been classified as a component of the Company’s right-of-use assets effective October 1, 2019. The consolidated financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2020 are presented under the new standard, while comparative years presented are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the Company’s historical accounting policy. See Note 14 and 15, "Leases and Commitments” and “Contingencies," for more information.

We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Our current lease activities are recorded in operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets, current maturities of operating lease and noncurrent operating lease liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Finance leases are included in property and equipment, net, current portion of long-term debt and financing leases, long-term debt and financing leases, excluding current portion.

 


ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Variable lease payments are not included in the calculation of the right-of-use assets and lease liability due to uncertainty of the payment amount and are recorded as lease expense in the period incurred. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. We use the implicit rate when readily determinable. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

 

As a lessee, we elected a short-term lease exception policy on all classes of underlying assets, permitting us to not apply the recognition requirements of this standard to short-term leases (i.e. leases with terms of 12 months or less).

 

As a lessor, our capacity purchase agreements identify the "right"right of use"use" of a specific type and number of aircraft over a stated period-of-time. A portion of the compensation in the capacity purchase agreements are designed to reimburse the Company for certain aircraft ownership costs of these aircraft. We account for the non-lease component under ASC 606 and account for the lease component under ASC 842. We allocate the consideration in the contract between the lease and non-lease components based on their stated contract prices, which is based on a cost basis approach representing our estimate of the stand-alone selling prices.

 

Aircraft Leases

In addition to the aircraft we lease from United under our United Capacity Purchase Agreement, approximately 12% of our aircraft are leased from third parties. All of our aircraft leases have been classified as operating leases, which results in rental payments being charged to expense over the term of the related leases. In the event that we or one of our major airline partners decide to exit an activity involving leased aircraft, losses may be incurred. In the event that we exit an activity that results in exit losses, these losses are accrued as each aircraft is removed from operations for early termination penalties, lease settle up and other charges. Additionally, any remaining ROU assets and lease liabilities will be written off.


The majority of the Company's leased aircraft are leased through trusts that have a sole purpose to purchase, finance, and lease these aircraft to the Company; therefore, they meet the criteria of a variable interest entity. However, since these are single-owner trusts in which the Company does not participate, the Company is not at risk for losses and is not considered the primary beneficiary. Management believes that the Company's maximum exposure under these leases is the remaining lease payments.

Contract Liabilities

Contract liabilities consist of deferred credits for cost reimbursements from major airline partners related to aircraft modifications associated with capacity purchase agreements and pilot training.  The deferred credits are recognized over time depicting the pattern of transfer of control of services resulting in ratable recognition of revenue over the remaining term of the capacity purchase agreements.

Current and non-current deferred credits are recorded to other accrued expenses and non-current deferred credits in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company's total current and non-current deferred credit balances at June 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019 are $9.4 million and $12.1 million, respectively. The Company recognized $0.9 million and $1.3 million of the deferred credits to revenue in the condensed consolidated statements of operations during the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $2.9 million and $3.8 million during the nine months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Contract Assets

The Company recognizes assets from the costs incurred to fulfill a contract including aircraft painting and reconfiguration and flight service personnel training costs. These costs are amortized based on the pattern of transfer of the services in relation to flight hours over the term of the contract. Contract assets are recorded as other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company's contract assets balances at June 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019 are $2.4 million and $3.9 million, respectively. Contract cost amortization was $0.3 million and $0.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $1.2 million and $1.8 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Maintenance Expense

The Company operates under a Federal Aviation Administration ("FAA") approved continuous inspection and maintenance program. The Company uses the direct expense method of accounting for its maintenance of regional jet engine overhauls, airframe, landing gear, and normal recurring maintenance wherein the Company recognizes the expense when the maintenance work is completed, or over the repair period, if materially different. Our maintenance policy is determined by fleet when major maintenance is incurred. For leased aircraft, the Company is subject to lease return provisions that require a minimum portion of the "life" of an overhaul be remaining on the engine at the lease return date. The Company estimates the cost of maintenance lease return obligations and accrues such costs over the remaining lease term when the expense is probable and can be reasonably estimated.

Under the Company's aircraft operating lease agreements and FAA operating regulations, it is obligated to perform all required maintenance activities on its fleet, including component repairs, scheduled air frame checks and major engine restoration events. The Company estimates the timing of the next major maintenance event based on assumptions including estimated usage, FAA-mandated maintenance intervals and average removal times as recommended by the manufacturer. The timing and the cost of maintenance are based on estimates, which can be impacted by changes in utilization of its aircraft, changes in government regulations and suggested manufacturer maintenance intervals. Major maintenance events consist of overhauls to major components.

12


Engine overhaul expense totaled $3.2 million and $11.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020, and 2019, respectively, of which $0.4 million and $1.9 million, respectively, was pass-through expense. Engine overhaul expense totaled $28.3 million and $20.8 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2020, and 2019, respectively, of which $3.0 million and $3.0 million, respectively, was pass-through expense.  Airframe C-check expense totaled $2.9 million and $4.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020, and 2019, respectively, of which $0.8 million and $0.0 million, respectively, was pass-through expense. Airframe C-check expense totaled $20.6 million and $10.6 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2020, and 2019, respectively, of which $5.9 million and $0.0 million, respectively, was pass-through expense.

3.

Contract revenue and Pass- through and other

The Company recognizes contract revenue when the service is provided under its capacity purchase agreements. Under the capacity purchase agreements, our airline partners generally pay for each departure, flight hour (measured from takeoff to landing, excluding taxi time) or block hour (measured from takeoff to landing, including taxi time) incurred, and an amount per aircraft in service each month with additional incentives based on flight completion and on-time performance. The major airline partners also directly pay for or reimburses the Company for certain direct expenses incurred under the capacity purchase agreement, such as fuel and airport landing fees. The Company’s performance obligation is met when each flight is completed and revenue is recognized and reflected in contract revenue. The directly reimbursed expenses, earned as flights are completed over the agreement term, are recognized and reflected in pass-through revenue.  

During the quarter ended June 30, 2020, the Company completed a significantly lower than normal number of flights due to the impact of COVID-19. Since the revenue recognition is based on the number of flights completed, the fixed amount of cash received exceeded the revenue recognized based on the number of flights completed during the quarter. Under US GAAP, the fixed monthly payments are recognized as revenue ratably based on completed flights over the contract term. The Company deferred $16.0 million of revenue in the quarter ended June 30, 2020. The current portion of $3.8 million of deferred revenue is recorded as a part of other accrued expenses and long-term portion of $12.2 million is recorded as deferred revenue on the balance sheet. This deferred revenue will be recognized when flights are completed over the remaining contract term.

The deferred revenue balance as of June 30, 2020 represents our aggregate remaining performance obligations that will be recognized as revenue over the period in which the performance obligations are satisfied, and is expected to be recognized as revenue as follows (In thousands):

 

 

Total Revenue

 

2020

 

$

 

2021

 

 

7,397

 

2022

 

 

8,603

 

Total

 

$

16,000

 

A portion of the Company's compensation under its capacity purchase agreements with American and United is designed to reimburse the Company for certain aircraft ownership costs. The Company has concluded that a component of its revenue under these agreements is deemed to be lease revenue, as such agreements identify the "right of use" of a specific type and number of aircraft over a stated period-of-time.

The lease revenue associated with the Company's capacity purchase agreements is accounted for as an operating lease and is reflected as contract revenue on the Company's condensed consolidated statements of operations. The Company recognized $52.0 million and $54.5 million of lease revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $157.7 million and $164.5 million of lease revenue for the nine months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Company has not separately stated aircraft rental income and aircraft rental expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations because the use of the aircraft is not a separate activity of the total service provided under our capacity purchase agreements.  

13


4.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) (“ASU2020-04”). This ASU provides optional expedients and exceptions for a limited period of time for accounting for contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or another reference rate expected to be discontinued. Optional expedients can be applied from March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. We are currently evaluating the impact that the new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ("ASU 2016-13"). This ASU introduces a new accounting model known as Credit Expected Credit Losses (“CECL”). CECL requires earlier recognition of credit losses, while also providing additional transparency about credit risk. The CECL model utilizes a lifetime expected credit loss measurement objective for the recognition of credit losses for receivables at the time the financial asset is originated or acquired. The expected credit losses are adjusted each period for changes in expected lifetime credit losses. This model replaces the multiple existing impairment models in current GAAP, which generally require that a loss be incurred before it is recognized. The new standard will also apply to receivables arising from revenue transactions such as contract assets and accounts receivables. There are other provisions within the standard affecting how impairments of other financial assets may be recorded and presented, as well as expanded disclosures. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) ("ASU 2016-02"), which provides guidance requiring lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for substantially all leases, with the exception of short-term leases. Leases will be classified as either financing or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the statement of income. The Company adopted Topic 842 effective October 1, 2019 and elected the package of transition practical expedients for expired or existing contracts, which does not require reassessment of: (1) whether any of the Company’s contracts are or contain leases, (2) lease classification and (3) initial direct costs.  In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-11, "Targeted Improvements - Leases (Topic 842)." The Company did not elect the hindsight practical expedient. This update provides an optional transition method that allows entities to elect to apply the standard using the modified retrospective approach at its effective date, versus recasting the prior years presented. If this adoption method is elected, an entity would recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the year of adoption. The Company elected this adoption method on October 1, 2019.There was 0 adjustment to retained earnings.

Additionally, the Company’s adoption of Topic 842 did not have a significant impact on the recognition, measurement or presentation of lease revenue and lease expenses within the consolidated statements of operations or the consolidated statements of cash flows. The Company’s adoption of Topic 842 did not have a material impact on the timing or amount of the Company’s lease revenue as a lessor.  The Company’s prepaid aircraft rents, accrued aircraft rents and deferred rent credits that were separately stated in the Company’s September 30, 2019 balance sheet have been classified as a component of the Company’s right-of-use assets effective October 1, 2019. The consolidated financial statements for the three months ended December 31, 2019 are presented under the new standard, while comparative years presented are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the Company’s historical accounting policy. See Note 15, "Leases, Commitments and Contingencies," for more information.

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-09, Codification Improvements, which contains amendments that affect a wide variety of Topics in the Codification, including amendment to Subtopic 718-40, Compensation-Stock Compensation-Income Taxes, that clarifies the timing of when an entity should recognize excess tax benefits. We adopted this standard on October 1, 2019 and it did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

5.

Concentrations

At June 30,December 31, 2020, the Company had capacity purchase agreements with American and United.United and a Flight Services Agreement with DHL Network Operations (USA). All of the Company's condensed consolidated revenue for the ninethree months ended June 30,December 31, 2020 and 2019 and accounts receivable at June 30,December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2019 was derived from these agreements. The terms of both the American and United capacity purchase agreements are not aligned with the lease obligations on the aircraft performing services under such agreements.

14


Amounts billed by the Company under capacity purchase agreements are subject to the Company's interpretation of the applicable capacity purchase agreement and are subject to audit by the Company's major airline partners. Periodically, the Company's major airline partners dispute amounts billed and pay amounts less than the amount billed. Ultimate collection of the remaining amounts not only depends upon the Company prevailing under the applicable audit, but also upon the financial well-being of the major airline partner. As such, the Company periodically reviews amounts past due based on historical collection trends, the financial condition of airline partners and external market factors and records a reserve for amounts estimated to be uncollectible. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $5.4$0.9 million and $1.0$0.8 million at June 30,December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2019,2020, respectively. If the Company's ability to collect these receivables and the financial viability of its partners is materially different than estimated, the Company's estimate of the allowance could be materially impacted.

American accounted for approximately 60%46% and 53%51% of the Company's total revenue for the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and 53 % and 54 % for the nine months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. United accounted for approximately 40% 53% and 47%49% of the Company's revenue for the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively,respectively. DHL accounted for 1% and 47% and 46%0% of the Company’s revenue for the ninethree months ended June 30,December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. A termination of either the American or the United capacity purchase agreement would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business prospects, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

6.5.

Intangible Assets

The Company monitors for any indicators of impairment of the intangible assets. When certain conditions or changes in the economic situation such as the current environment brought by COVID-19 exist, the assets may be impaired and the carrying amount of the assets exceed its fair value.

We determined that our reduced flying schedules and cash flow projections as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic indicate that an impairment loss may have been incurred. Therefore, we quantitatively assessed whether it was more likely than not that the intangible assets we hold have been impaired as of June 30, 2020. We reviewed our previous forecasts and assumptions based on our current projections that are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including: (1) forecasted revenues, expenses and cash flows, including the duration and extent of impact to our business from the COVID-19 pandemic, (2) current discount rates, (3) changes to the regulatory environment and (4) the nature and amount of government support that will be provided.

Based on our carrying amount recoverability test, we have concluded that our finite-lived intangible assets are not impaired as of June 30, 2020. Given the uncertain future amid COVID-19, we will conduct additional tests in the 4th quarter of 2020.

Information about the intangible assets of the Company at June 30,as of December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2019, were2020, is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

June 30,

 

 

September 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

September 30,

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2020

 

Customer relationship

 

$

43,800

 

 

$

43,800

 

 

$

43,800

 

 

$

43,800

 

Accumulated amortization

 

 

(35,393

)

 

 

(34,268

)

 

 

(36,078

)

 

 

(35,768

)

 

$

8,407

 

 

$

9,532

 

 

$

7,722

 

 

$

8,032

 

 


Total amortization expense recognized was approximately $0.4$0.3 million and $0.5$0.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $1.1 million and $1.4 million for the nine months ended June 30,December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Company expects to record amortization expense of $0.4$0.9 million for the remainder of 2020,2021, and $1.2 million, $1.0 million, $0.9 million, $0.8 million, $0.7 million for fiscal years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2024,2025, respectively.

15


7.6.

Balance Sheet Information

Certain significant amounts included in the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30,December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2019,2020, consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

 

June 30,

 

 

September 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

September 30,

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2020

 

Expendable parts and supplies, net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expendable parts and supplies

 

$

26,368

 

 

$

25,336

 

 

$

27,347

 

 

$

27,431

 

Less: obsolescence and other

 

 

(3,950

)

 

 

(3,999

)

 

 

(4,587

)

 

 

(4,460

)

 

$

22,418

 

 

$

21,337

 

 

$

22,760

 

 

$

22,971

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepaid aircraft rent

 

$

 

 

$

35,786

 

Deferred reimbursed costs

 

 

1,387

 

 

 

2,092

 

Deferred offering and reimbursed costs

 

$

1,129

 

 

$

1,261

 

Other

 

 

5,756

 

 

 

3,045

 

 

 

11,768

 

 

 

14,806

 

 

$

7,143

 

 

$

40,923

 

 

$

12,897

 

 

$

16,067

 

Property and equipment, net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aircraft and other flight equipment

 

$

1,597,916

 

 

$

1,582,199

 

Aircraft and other flight equipment substantially

pledged

 

$

1,597,394

 

 

$

1,596,174

 

Other equipment

 

 

5,323

 

 

 

5,122

 

 

 

5,176

 

 

 

5,147

 

Leasehold improvements

 

 

2,763

 

 

 

2,797

 

 

 

2,763

 

 

 

2,763

 

Vehicles

 

 

962

 

 

 

924

 

 

 

995

 

 

 

1,032

 

Building

 

 

699

 

 

 

699

 

 

 

699

 

 

 

699

 

Furniture and fixtures

 

 

303

 

 

 

302

 

 

 

302

 

 

 

302

 

Total property and equipment

 

 

1,607,966

 

 

 

1,592,043

 

 

 

1,607,329

 

 

 

1,606,117

 

Less: accumulated depreciation

 

 

(374,239

)

 

 

(318,458

)

 

 

(413,268

)

 

 

(393,702

)

 

$

1,233,727

 

 

$

1,273,585

 

 

$

1,194,061

 

 

$

1,212,415

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other accrued expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued property taxes

 

$

9,035

 

 

$

9,186

 

 

$

12,690

 

 

$

11,354

 

Accrued interest

 

 

5,941

 

 

 

4,497

 

 

 

5,149

 

 

 

3,268

 

Accrued vacation

 

 

5,767

 

 

 

6,128

 

 

 

6,143

 

 

 

5,975

 

Deferred revenue-current portion

 

 

3,760

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

13,160

 

 

 

9,077

 

 

 

13,599

 

 

 

24,881

 

 

$

37,663

 

 

$

28,888

 

 

$

37,581

 

 

$

45,478

 

 

The Company monitors for any indicators ofrecords impairment of thecharges on long-lived fixed assets. When certain conditions or changesassets used in the economic situation such as the current environment brought by COVID-19 exist,operations when events and circumstances indicate that the assets may be impaired, andthe undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the carrying amount of those assets, and the net book value of the assets exceed itsexceeds their estimated fair value. The Company has assessed whether any impairment of its long-lived assets needexisted and has determined that no charges were deemed necessary under applicable accounting standards as of December 31, 2020. The Company’s assumptions about future conditions important to be tested for recoverabilityits assessment of carrying amount.

To determine whether impairments exist, we grouppotential impairment of its long-lived assets, atincluding the Capacity Purchase Agreement and fleet-type level (i.e., the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows) and then estimate future cash flows based on projections of capacity purchase arrangements, block hours, maintenance events, labor costs and other relevant factors. Due to our reduced flying schedules and projections of future cash flows, we evaluated each of our fleets to determine if anyimpact of the fleetsCOVID-19 pandemic to its business, are impaired.

Based on our carrying amount recoverability test, we have concluded that no fleet was impairedsubject to uncertainty, and the Company will continue to monitor these conditions in future periods as of June 30, 2020 as the future cash flows exceeded the carrying value of our long-lived fixed assets. Given the uncertain future amid COVID-19, wenew information becomes available, and will conduct additional tests in 4th quarter 2020.update its analyses accordingly.

 

Depreciation expense totaled approximately $20.2 million and $19.3$20.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $60.5 million and $56.2 million for the nine months ended June 30,December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.  

 

16


Prior to the Company’s adoption of Topic 842 on October 1, 2019, the Company recorded amortization of the unfavorable lease liability of approximately $1.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and $4.5 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2019 as a reduction to lease expense. Upon the Company’s adoption of Topic 842, the unfavorable lease liability is now included in its ROU asset balance and amortized therein.

 

8.7.

Fair Value Measurements

The carrying values reported in the condensed consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments.

13


The Company's debt agreements are not traded on an active market. The Company has determined the estimated fair value of its debt to be Level 3, as certain inputs used to determine the fair value of these agreements are unobservable and, therefore, could be sensitive to changes in inputs. The Company utilizes the discounted cash flow method to estimate the fair value of Level 3 debt.

The carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company's long-term debt, including current maturities, were as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

Jun 30, 2020

 

 

September 30, 2019

 

 

 

Carrying

 

 

Fair

 

 

Carrying

 

 

Fair

 

 

 

Value

 

 

Value

 

 

Value

 

 

Value

 

Long-term debt and financing leases, including current

   maturities(1)

 

$

777.8

 

 

$

857.2

 

 

$

858.1

 

 

$

882.7

 

 

 

December 31, 2020

 

 

September 30, 2020

 

 

 

Carrying

 

 

Fair

 

 

Carrying

 

 

Fair

 

 

 

Value

 

 

Value

 

 

Value

 

 

Value

 

Long-term debt and financing leases, including current

   maturities(1)

 

$

746.4

 

 

$

777.3

 

 

$

743.3

 

 

$

768.7

 

 

(1)

Current and prior period long-term debts' carrying and fair values exclude net debt issuance costs.

 

 

17


9.8.

Long-Term Debt, Financing Leases and Other Borrowings

Long-term debt as of June 30,December 31, 2020 and September 30, 2019,2020, consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

 

June 30,

 

 

September 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

September 30,

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2020

 

Notes payable to financial institution, collateralized by the underlying

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

aircraft, due 2022(1)(2)

 

$

41,472

 

 

$

49,795

 

 

$

 

 

$

41,472

 

Notes payable to financial institution, collateralized by the underlying

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

aircraft, due 2024(3)

 

 

55,674

 

 

 

60,761

 

 

 

 

 

 

55,674

 

Senior and subordinated notes payable to secured parties, collateralized

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

by the underlying aircraft, due 2027(4)

 

 

105,786

 

 

 

110,912

 

 

 

105,989

 

 

 

105,887

 

Notes payable to secured parties, collateralized by the underlying

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

aircraft, due 2028(5)

 

 

181,776

 

 

 

191,168

 

 

 

172,137

 

 

 

172,137

 

Senior and subordinated notes payable to secured parties, collateralized

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

by the underlying aircraft, due 2028(6)

 

 

141,871

 

 

 

152,945

 

 

 

134,325

 

 

 

138,114

 

Senior and subordinated notes payable to secured parties, collateralized

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

by the underlying aircraft, due 2022(7)

 

 

53,647

 

 

 

71,998

 

 

 

 

 

 

47,319

 

Senior and subordinated notes payable to secured parties, collateralized

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

by the underlying aircraft, due 2022(8)

 

 

34,607

 

 

 

47,309

 

 

 

 

 

 

29,682

 

Notes payable to financial institution, collateralized by the underlying

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

equipment, due 2020(9)

 

 

415

 

 

 

1,659

 

Notes payable to financial institution due 2020(10)

 

 

1,523

 

 

 

2,329

 

 

 

1,523

 

 

 

1,523

 

Notes payable to financial institution, collateralized by the underlying

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

equipment, due 2022(11)

 

 

4,182

 

 

 

6,962

 

equipment, due 2020(11)

 

 

 

 

 

4,182

 

Other obligations due to financial institution, collateralized by the underlying

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

equipment, due 2023(12)

 

 

7,196

 

 

 

8,530

 

 

 

6,185

 

 

 

6,864

 

Notes payable to financial institution, collateralized by the underlying

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

equipment, due 2024(13)

 

 

67,631

 

 

 

80,153

 

 

 

58,988

 

 

 

63,341

 

Notes payable to financial institution, collateralized by the underlying

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

aircraft, due 2023(14)

 

 

52,500

 

 

 

65,625

 

 

 

43,750

 

 

 

48,125

 

Notes payable to financial institution, collateralized by the underlying

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

equipment, due 2023(15)

 

 

6,500

 

 

 

8,000

 

Working capital draw loan, used to cover operational needs (16)

 

 

23,000

 

 

 

 

Notes payable to financial institution due 2023 (15)

 

 

5,500

 

 

 

6,000

 

Revolving Credit Facility (16)

 

 

22,296

 

 

 

22,930

 

Notes payable to financial institution due 2025 (17)

 

 

195,705

 

 

 

 

Gross long-term debt, including current maturities

 

 

777,780

 

 

 

858,145

 

 

 

746,398

 

 

 

743,250

 

Less unamortized debt issuance costs

 

 

(14,007

)

 

 

(14,822

)

 

 

(11,174

)

 

 

 

Less Notes payable warrants

 

 

(11,363

)

 

 

(11,526

)

Net long-term debt, including current maturities

 

 

763,773

 

 

 

843,323

 

 

 

723,861

 

 

 

731,724

 

Less current portion

 

 

(176,896

)

 

 

(165,900

)

 

 

(99,745

)

 

 

(189,268

)

Net long-term debt

 

$

586,877

 

 

$

677,423

 

 

$

624,116

 

 

$

542,456

 

 


(1)(1) 

In fiscal 2007, the Company financed 3 CRJ-900 and 3 CRJ-700 aircraft for $120.3 million. The debt bears interest at the monthly LIBOR plus 2.25% (2.41% at June 30, 2020) and requires monthly principal and interest payments. The loan was paid in full during quarter ended December 31, 2020.

(2)(2) 

In fiscal 2014, the Company financed 10 CRJ-900 aircraft for $88.4 million. The debt bears interest at the monthly LIBOR plus a spread ranging from 1.95% to 7.25% (2.11% to 7.41% at June 30, 2020)   and requires monthly principal and interest payments. In fiscal 2018, the Company repaid $40.0 million related to four CRJ-900 aircraft.During quarter ended December 31, 2020, the company paid the remaining balance in full.

(3)(3) 

In fiscal 2014, the Company financed 8 CRJ-900 aircraft with $114.5 million in debt. The debt bears interest at 5.00% and requires monthly principal and interest payments. The loan was paid in full during quarter ended December 31, 2020.

(4)(4) 

In fiscal 2015, the Company financed 7 CRJ-900 aircraft with $170.2 million in debt. The senior notes payable of $151.0 million bear interest at monthly LIBOR plus 2.71% (2.87% at June 30, 2020) and require monthly principal and interest payments. The subordinated notes payable isare noninterest-bearing and become payable in full on the last day of the term of the notes. The Company has imputed an interest rate of 6.25% on the subordinated notes payable and recorded a related discount of $8.1 million, which is being accreted to interest expense over the term of the notes.

(5)(5) 

In fiscal 2016, the Company financed 10 E-175 aircraft with $246.0 million in debt under an EETC financing arrangement (see discussion below). The debt bears interest ranging from 4.75% to 6.25% and requires semi-annual principal and interest payments.

18


(6)(6) 

In fiscal 2016, the Company financed 8 E-175 aircraft with $195.3 million in debt. The senior notes payable of $172.0 million bear interest at the three-month LIBOR plus a spread ranging from 2.20% to 2.32% (2.50% to 2.62% at June 30, 2020) and require quarterly principal and interest payments. The subordinated notes payable bear interest at 4.50% and require quarterly principal and interest payments.

(7) 

In June 2018, the Company refinanced 6 CRJ-900 aircraft with $27.5 million in debt and financed 9 CRJ-900 aircraft, which were previously leased, with $69.6 million in debt. The senior notes payable of $65.8 million bear interest at the three-month LIBOR plus 3.50% (3.8% at June 30, 2020) and require quarterly principal and interest payments. The subordinated notes payable of $29.8 million bear interest at three month LIBOR plus 7.50% (7.8% at June 30, 2020) and require quarterly principal and interest payments. The loan was paid in full during quarter ended December 31, 2020.

(8)

In December 2017, the Company refinanced 9 CRJ-900 aircraft with $74.9 million in debt. The senior notes payable of $46.9 million bear interest at the three-month LIBOR plus 3.50% (3.8% at June 30, 2020) and require quarterly principal and interest payments. The subordinated notes payable bear interest at the three-month LIBOR plus 4.50% (4.8% at June 30, 2020) and require quarterly principal and interest payments. The loan was paid in full during quarter ended December 31, 2020.

(9)(10)

In fiscal 2015, the Company financed certain flight equipment with $8.3 million in debt. The debt bears interest at 5.163% and requires monthly principal and interest payments.

(10)

In fiscal 2015 and 2016, the Company financed certain flight equipment maintenance costs with $10.2 million in debt. The debt bears interest at the three-month LIBOR plus 3.07% (3.37% at June 30, 2020) and requires quarterly principal and interest payments.

(11)(11) 

In fiscal 2016-2019, the Company financed certain flight equipment maintenance costs with $26.1 million in debt. The debt bears interest at the three-month LIBOR plus a spread ranging from 2.93% to 3.21% (3.23% to 3.51% at June 30, 2020) and requires quarterly principal and interest payments. The debt is subject to a fixed charge ratio covenant. As of June 30,The loan was paid in full during quarter ended December 31, 2020 the Company was in compliance with this covenant..

12)12) 

In February 2018, the Company leased 2 spare engines. The leases were determined to be capital as the leases contain a bargain purchase option at the end of the term. Imputed interest is 9.128% and the leases requires monthly payments.

(13) 

In January 2019, the Company financed certain flight equipment with $91.2 million in debt. The debt bears interest at the monthly LIBOR plus 3.10% (3.26% at June 30, 2020) and requires monthly principal and interest payments.

(14) 

In June 2019, the Company financed 10 CRJ-700 aircraft with $70.0 million in debt, which were previously leased. The debt bears interest at the monthly LIBOR plus 5.00% (5.16% at June 30, 2020) and requires monthly principal and interest payments. The interest rate reduced from 5.25% to 5.00% in 1st quarter, 2020 due to United Airlines extension of CRJ-700.

(15)(15) 

On September 27,2019, the Company financed certain flight equipment for $8.0 million. The debt bears interest at the monthly LIBOR plus 5.00% (5.16% at June 30, 2020) and requires monthly principal and interest payments. The interest rate reduced from 5.25% to 5.00% in 1st quarter, 2020 due to United Airlines extension of CRJ-700.  

(16)

On September 25, 2019, the companyCompany extended the term on their $35.0 million working capital draw loan by three years, which now terminates in September 2022. Interest is assessed on drawn amounts at one-month LIBOR plus 3.75%. In 2ndDuring quarter ended June 30, 2020, $23.0 million was drawn to cover operational needs.

(17)On October 30, 2020, the Company entered into a loan and guarantee agreement with United States Department of Treasury for a secured loan facility of up to $200.0 million that matures on October 30, 2025. On October 30, 2020, the Company borrowed $43.0 million and on November 13, 2020, the Company borrowed an additional $152.0 million. These amounts bear interest at the three-month LIBOR plus 3.50% which was paid-in-kind and capitalized into the balance of the loans for the first interest payment date on December 15, 2020. NaN further borrowings are available under the Loan and Guarantee Agreement.

 


Principal maturities of long-term debt as of June 30,December 31, 2020, and for each of the next five years are as follows (in thousands):

 

Periods Ending June 30,

 

Total Principal

 

Remainder of 2020

 

$

178,459

 

2021

 

 

162,494

 

Periods Ending December 31,

 

Total Principal

 

Remainder of 2021

 

$

82,535

 

2022

 

 

133,663

 

 

 

113,048

 

2023

 

 

79,268

 

 

 

89,462

 

2024

 

 

55,677

 

 

 

61,209

 

2025

 

 

56,526

 

Thereafter

 

 

168,219

 

 

 

343,618

 

 

$

777,780

 

 

$

746,398

 

 

The net book value of collateralized aircraft and equipment as of June 30,December 31, 2020 was $1,114.0$1,077.0 million.

Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificate ("EETC")

19


In December 2015, an Enhanced Equipment Trust Certificate ("EETC") pass-through trust was created to issue pass-through certificates to obtain financing for new E-175 aircraft. At June 30,December 31, 2020 Mesa has $181.8$172.1 million of equipment notes outstanding issued under the EETC financing included in long-term debt on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The structure of the EETC financing consists of a pass-through trust created by Mesa to issue pass-through certificates, which represent fractional undivided interests in the pass-through trust and are not obligations of Mesa.

The proceeds of the issuance of the pass-through certificates were used to purchase equipment notes which were issued by Mesa and secured by its aircraft. The payment obligations under the equipment notes are those of Mesa. Proceeds received from the sale of pass-through certificates were initially held by a depositary in escrow for the benefit of the certificate holders until Mesa issued equipment notes to the trust, which purchased such notes with a portion of the escrowed funds.

Mesa evaluated whether the pass-through trust formed for its EETC financing is a Variable Interest Entity ("VIE") and required to be consolidated. The pass-through trust was determined to be a VIE, however, the Company has determined that it does not have a variable interest in the pass-through trust, and therefore, has not consolidated the pass-through trust with its financial statements.

On January 28, 2019, the Company entered into a Term Loan Agreement (the "Term Loan") pursuant to which the lenders thereunder committed to lend to the Company term loans in the aggregate principal amount of $91.2 million.  Borrowings under the Term Loan bear interest at LIBOR plus 3.10%. This interest rate is significantly lower than the interest rate under the Company's Spare EngineCIT Revolving Credit Facility (defined below), which the Term Loan refinanced and replaced.  The Spare Engine Facility accrued interest at LIBOR plus 7.25%.  The Term Loan has a term of five years, with principal and interest payments due monthly over the term of the loan in accordance with an amortization schedule.  The Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $3.6 million, due to a $1.9 million write-off of financing fees and $1.7 million in prepayment penalties, in connection with the repayment of the Spare Engine Facility.

On June 14, 2019, the Company completed the purchase of 10 CRJ-700 aircraft, which were previously leased under the aircraft lease facility with Wells Fargo Bank Northwest, National Association, as owner trustee and lessor (the “GECAS Lease Facility”), for $70.0 million. The Company financed the aircraft purchase with $70.0 million in new debt. The notes payable of $70.0 million require monthly payments of principal and interest through fiscal 2023 bearing interest at LIBOR plus 5.0%. The Company recorded non-cash lease termination expense of $9.5 million in connection with the lease buyout.

On September 25, 2019, the Company extended the term on itstheir $35.0 million working capital draw loan by three years, which now terminates in September 2022. Interest is assessed on drawn amounts at one-month LIBOR plus 3.75%. In the 2ndDuring quarter ofended June 30, 2020, $23.0 million was drawn to cover operational needs.

Loan agreement with United States Department of Treasury

On September 27, 2019,October 30, 2020, the Company financed certain flight equipmententered into a Loan and Guarantee Agreement with $8.0United States Department of Treasury (the “U.S. Treasury”) for a secured loan facility of up to $200.0 million that matures in new debt. This debt requires monthly paymentsOctober 2025 (“the Treasury Loan Agreement”). On October 30, 2020, the Company borrowed $43.0 million (“the $43M Treasury Loan”) and on November 13, 2020, the Company borrowed an additional $152.0 million (“the $152M Treasury Loan”), collectively referred to as the “Treasury Term Loan Facility”. NaN further borrowings are available under the Treasury Loan Agreement. The Company also issued warrants to purchase shares of principalcommon stock to the U.S. Treasury.

The Loan and interest through fiscal 2023 and bearsGuarantee Agreement bear interest at Libora variable rate equal to (a)(i) the LIBOR rate divided by (ii) one minus the Eurodollar Reserve Percentage plus 5.0%(b) 3.50%. Accrued interest on the loans will be payable in arrears on the first business day following the 14th day of each March, June, September and December, beginning with December 15, 2021.

On April 9, 2020, Export Development Canada (“EDC”

All principal amounts outstanding under the Loan and Guarantee Agreement are due and payable in a single installment on October 30, 2025 (the “Maturity Date) provided. Interest will be paid by increasing the principal amount of the loan by the amount of such interest due on an interest payment date for the first 12 months. Mesa's obligations under the Treasury Loan Agreement are secured by certain aircraft, aircraft engines, accounts receivable, ground service equipment and tooling (collectively, the “Collateral”). The obligations under the Loan Agreement are guaranteed by the Company and Mesa Air Group Inventory Management. The proceeds may be used for general corporate purposes and operating expenses, to the

16


extent permitted by the CARES Act. Voluntary prepayments of loans under the Loan Agreement may be made, in whole or in part, by Mesa Airlines, without premium or penalty, at any time and from time to time.  Amounts prepaid may not be reborrowed.  Mandatory prepayments of loans under the Loan Agreement are required, without premium or penalty, to the extent necessary to comply with deferralthe covenants discussed below, certain dispositions of principlethe Collateral, certain debt issuances secured by liens on the Collateral and certain insurance payments duerelated to the Collateral.  In addition, if a “change of control” (as defined in the Loan Agreement) occurs with respect to Mesa Airlines, Mesa Airlines will be required to repay the loans outstanding under the Loan Agreement.

The Loan Agreement requires the Company, under certain circumstances, including within ten (10) business days prior to the last business day of March and owingSeptember of each year, beginning March 2021, to appraise the value of the Collateral and recalculate the collateral coverage ratio.  If the calculated collateral coverage ratio is less than 1.6 to 1.0, Mesa Airlines will be required either to provide additional Collateral (which may include cash collateral) to secure its obligations under the Loan Agreement or repay the term loans under the Loan Agreement, in such amounts that the recalculated collateral coverage ratio, after giving effect to any such additional Collateral or repayment, is at least 1.6 to 1.0.  

The Loan Agreement contains two financial covenants, a minimum collateral coverage ratio and a minimum liquidity level. The Loan Agreement also contains customary negative and affirmative covenants for credit facilities of this type, including, among others: (a) limitations on March 19, 2020dividends and distributions; (b) limitations on the creation of certain liens; (c) restrictions on certain dispositions, investments and acquisitions; (d) limitations on transactions with affiliates; (e) restrictions on fundamental changes to the business, and (f) restrictions on lobbying activities. Additionally, the Company is required to comply with the relevant provisions of the CARES Act, including limits on employment level reductions after September 30, 2020, totaling $28.0 million.  All Deferred Payments shall be due in a lump sum paymentrestrictions on September 30, 2020dividends and stock buybacks, limitations on executive compensation, and requirements to maintain certain levels of scheduled service.

In connection with the Loan and Guarantee Agreement and as partial compensation to Treasury for the provision of financial assistance under the Loan and Guarantee Agreement, the Company issued to Treasury warrants to purchase an aggregate of 4,899,497 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $3.98 per share, which was the letter agreement datedclosing price of the Common Stock on The Nasdaq Stock Market on April 9, 2020. The company performedexercise price and number of shares of common stock issuable under the Warrants are subject to adjustment as a result of anti-dilution provisions contained in the Warrants for certain stock issuances, dividends, and other corporate actions.  The warrants expire on the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance and are exercisable either through net share settlement or net cash settlement, at the Company’s option. For accounting purposes, the fair value for the Treasury Loan Warrant Shares is estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model and recorded in stockholders' equity with an offsetting debt discount to the Treasury Term Loan Facility in the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

The Company incurred $3.1 million in debt issuance costs relating to the Loan and Guarantee Agreement. In accordance with the applicable guidance, Mesa allocated the debt modification accounting assessmentissuance costs between the Treasury Loan and treatedrelated warrants. At funding on October 30, 2020, the $43M Treasury Loan was recorded net of $0.7 million in capitalized debt issuance costs. At funding on November 13, 2020, the $152M Treasury Loan was recorded net of $2.3 million in capitalized debt issuance costs. The remaining $0.1 million in debt issuance costs was allocated to the warrants as a modification with immaterialreduction to the warrant value within additional paid-in capital. Debt issuance costs capitalized.allocated to the debt are amortized into interest expense using the effective interest method over the term of the related loan.

InDebt Repayment

Prior to the November 13, 2020 funding of the $152M Treasury Loan, the Company repaid $167.7 million in existing aircraft debt covering 44 aircraft, including indebtedness under its (a) Senior Loan Agreements, dated June 27, 2018, (b) Junior Loan Agreements, also dated June 27, 2018, (c) Credit Agreements, dated January 31, 2007, April 16, 2014, and May 23, 2014, (d) Senior Loan Agreements, dated December 27, 2017, and (e) Junior Loan Agreements, also dated December 27, 2017 (collectively, “the EDC Loans”). The Company made payments totaling $164.1 million to repay the EDC Loans, consisting of principal of $167.7 million, and a $3.6 million discount on the balance owed. Additionally, in connection with the repayment, $2.5 million of unamortized original issue discount and deferred financing costs were recorded as a loss on debt extinguishment, resulting in a net gain on extinguishment of $1.0 million recorded within other income.

As of December 31, 2020, the company amended their RASPRO aircraft lease agreement to defer $4.0 million of a lease payment otherwise dueCompany is in June 2020. Per the amended agreement dated June 5,2020, the company is to pay this amount over the period of September 2021 through March 2024. The company made the accounting election available for COVID-19 related concession provided by a lessor. This event is not a lease modification and requires no changes to current accounting treatment.compliance will all debt covenants.

 

2017


10.9.

Earnings Per Share and Equity

Calculations of net income per common share attributable to Mesa Air Group were as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

 

Nine Months Ended June 30,

 

 

Three Months Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

Net income attributable to Mesa Air Group

 

$

3,419

 

 

$

3,007

 

 

$

16,089

 

 

$

35,337

 

 

$

14,118

 

 

$

10,785

 

 

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

 

 

35,299

 

 

 

34,835

 

 

 

35,154

 

 

 

34,683

 

 

 

35,531

 

 

 

35,023

 

 

Add: Incremental shares for: (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dilutive effect of restricted stock

 

 

 

 

 

277

 

 

 

94

 

 

 

368

 

Dilutive share adjustment - UST Warrant

 

 

800

 

 

 

 

 

Dilutive share adjustment - Restricted Shares

 

 

316

 

 

 

159

 

 

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

 

 

35,299

 

 

 

35,112

 

 

 

35,248

 

 

 

35,051

 

 

 

36,647

 

 

 

35,182

 

 

Net income per common share attributable to Mesa Air Group:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.10

 

 

$

0.09

 

 

$

0.46

 

 

$

1.02

 

 

$

0.40

 

 

$

0.31

 

 

Diluted

 

$

0.10

 

 

$

0.09

 

 

$

0.46

 

 

$

1.01

 

 

$

0.39

 

 

$

0.31

 

 

 

 

Basic income per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Mesa Air Group by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.

The number of incremental shares from the assumed issuance of shares relating to restricted stock and exercise of warrants (excluding warrants with a nominal conversion price) is calculated by applying the treasury stock method. Share-based awards and warrants whose impact is considered to be anti-dilutive under the treasury stock method were excluded from the diluted net income or loss per share calculation. In loss periods, these incremental shares are excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share, as the inclusion of unvested restricted stock and warrants would have an anti-dilutive effect. There were 0 anti-dilutive shares relating to restricted stock and exercise of warrants that were excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share for the three and nine months ended June 30,December 31, 2020 and 2019.

 

11.10.

Common Stock

The Company previously issued warrants to third parties, which had a five-year term to be converted to common stock at an exercise price of $0.004 per share. Certain persons who are not U.S. citizens heldcurrently hold outstanding warrants to purchase shares of the Company's common stock. The warrants wereare exercisable only if consistent with federal law, which requires that no more than 24.9% of the Company's stock be voted, directly or indirectly, or controlled by persons who are not U.S. citizens. The warrants couldcan be exercisedconverted to common stock upon the warrant holders demonstrating U.S. citizenship or if consistent with above described federal law ownership limitations. In June 2018, the Company and holders agreed to extend the term of outstanding warrants set to expire by five years (through fiscal year 2023). As of March 31, 2020,September 30, 2019 all the outstanding warrants had been fully exercised.were converted to common shares.

In July 2018, the Company's Board of Directors and Compensation Committee approved the issuance of shares of restricted common stock under its 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2018 Plan") immediately following completion of the Company's IPO to certain of its employees and directors in exchange for the cancellation of existing restricted phantom stock units, unvested restricted shares and SARs. The shares of restricted common stock issued under the 2018 Plan in exchange for the cancellation of restricted phantom stock units, unvested restricted shares and SARs are subject to vesting on the same terms set forth in the prior vesting schedules and are not subject to acceleration in connection with the 2018 Plan issuances.

On August 8, 2018, the Company filed its Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, which, among other things: (i) effected a 2.5-for-1 stock split of its common stock; and (ii) increased the authorized number of shares of its common and preferred stock to 125,000,000 and 5,000,000, respectively. All references to share and per share amounts in the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements have been retrospectively revised to reflect the stock split and increase in authorized shares.

21


The Company's shares of common stock were listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "MESA" effective August 10, 2018. On August 14, 2018, the Company completed its IPO, in which it issued and sold 9,630,000 shares of common stock, no par value, at a public offering price of $12.00 per share (the "Firm Shares"). Additionally, in connection with the IPO, the Company granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to an additional 1,444,500 shares of common stock at the same price. On September 11, 2018, the Company closed the sale of 1,344,500 shares ("Option Shares") of its common stock, in connection with the partial exercise of the overallotment option granted to the underwriters in its IPO. Of the 1,344,500 Option Shares sold, 723,985 were purchased directly from the Company and the remaining 620,515 shares were purchased directly from the selling shareholders. The Firm Shares and Option Shares were sold to the public for a price of $12.00 per share. The aggregate gross proceeds to us from the IPO were approximately $124.2 million. The Company received $111.7 million in net proceeds after deducting $8.7 million of underwriting discounts and commissions and $3.6 million in offering costs.

On April 9, 2019, and pursuant to Section 4.4 of the 2018 Plan in connection with the 2.5-for-1 stock split effected on August 8, 2018, the board of directors approved an increase in the number of shares authorized for issuance under the 2018 Plan by 1,000,000 shares of common stock.  

On October 30, 2020 and November 13, 2020, the Company entered into the Loan and Guarantee Agreement with the United States Department of the Treasury (the “Treasury”) and the Bank of New York Mellon, as Administrative and Collateral Agent, under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”).

In connection with the Loan and Guarantee Agreement and as partial compensation to the Treasury for the provision of financial assistance under the Loan and Guarantee Agreement, the Company issued warrants to the Treasury to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, no par value, at an exercise price of $3.98 per share (the “Exercise Price”), which was the closing price of the Common Stock on The Nasdaq Stock Market on April 9, 2020. The Warrants were issued pursuant to the terms of a Treasury Warrant Agreement entered into by the Company and the Treasury. The exercise price and number of Warrant Shares issuable under the Warrants are subject to adjustment as a result of anti-

18


dilution provisions contained in the Warrants for certain stock issuances, dividends, and other corporate actions. The warrants expire on the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance and are exercisable either through net share settlement or net cash settlement, at the Company’s option.The warrants will be accounted for within equity at a grant date fair value determined under the Black Scholes Option Pricing Model. As of December 31, 2020, 4,899,497 warrants were issued and outstanding.

The Company has not historically paid dividends on shares of its common stock. Additionally, the Loan and Guarantee Agreement and the Company's aircraft lease facility (the "RASPRO" Lease Facility) with RASPRO Trust 2005, a pass-through trust, containscontain restrictions that limit the Company's ability to or prohibit it from paying dividends to holders of its common stock.

12.11.

Income Taxes

The Company’s effective tax rate (ETR) from continuing operations was 30.7% and 28.3%25.5% for the three months ended December 31, 2020 and nine months ended June 30, 2020, respectively, and 22.2% and 23.6%24.7% for the three months and nine months ended June 30,December 31, 2019, respectively. The Company's ETR during the three months and nine months ended June 30,December 31, 2020 was different from the prior year tax rates as a resultfederal statutory rate of differences in the21% primarily due to permanent book and tax value of the vesting and exercise of stock compensation,deductible expense differences, state taxes, and changes in valuation allowance against state net operating losses, as well as differences between the book and tax deductions associated with meals, entertainment, employer provided parking, and compensation of officers.  The non-deductible amounts related to these items increased slightly from the prior year to the current year.

The Company's ETR during the nine months ended June 30, 2019 was different than the statutory rate as a result of state taxes, the vesting and exercises of stock compensation, differences in the GAAP and tax deductibility of meals and parking benefits, and changes in the valuation allowance against state net operating losses.losses, and changes in state apportionment and state statutory rates. We continue to maintain a valuation allowance on a portion of our state net operating losses in jurisdictions with shortened carryforward periods or in jurisdictions where our operations have significantly decreased as compared to prior years in which the net operating losses were generated.

The Company's current year effective tax rate increased compared to the prior year tax rate as a result of a decrease to the forecast for the current fiscal year,as the Company's permanent differences between book and taxable income therefore have a larger impact on the Company's effective tax rate.In addition, the Company's rate varied from the prior year's as a result of the state taxes, changes in the valuation allowance against state net operating losses, and changes in state statutory rates.

 

As of September 30, 2019,2020, the Company had aggregate federal and state net operating loss carryovers of approximately $478.3$512.4 million and $228.3$223.9 million, respectively, which expire in fiscal years 2027-20372027-2038 and 2020-2039,2021-2040, respectively.  Approximately $2.7$3.1 million of state net operating loss carryforwards are expected to expire in the current fiscal year.

 

13.12.

Share-Based Compensation and Stock Repurchases

Restricted Stock

The restricted share activity for the ninethree months ended June 30,December 31, 2020 were summarized as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

Number

 

 

Grant Date

 

 

Number

 

 

Grant Date

 

 

of Shares

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

of Shares

 

 

Fair Value

 

Restricted shares unvested at September 30, 2019

 

 

847,974

 

 

$

9.56

 

Restricted shares unvested at September 30, 2020

 

 

1,195,548

 

 

$

5.47

 

Granted

 

 

660,297

 

 

 

4.07

 

 

 

5,000

 

 

 

7.71

 

Vested

 

 

(468,697

)

 

 

9.69

 

 

 

(7,500

)

 

 

7.37

 

Forfeited

 

 

(6,000

)

 

 

7.03

 

 

 

(17,500

)

 

 

4.59

 

Restricted shares unvested at June 30, 2020

 

 

1,033,574

 

 

$

6.01

 

Restricted shares unvested at December 31, 2020

 

 

1,175,548

 

 

$

5.48

 

 

22


As of June 30,December 31, 2020, there was $5.0$4.2 million, of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.42.0 years.

Compensation cost for share-based awards are recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Share-based compensation expense for the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $1.0$0.9 million and $1.5 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 was $3.5 million and $4.3$1.3 million, respectively.

The Company repurchased 112,5872,256 shares of its common stock for $0.5$0.02 million to cover the income tax obligation on vested employee equity awards and warrant exercisesconversions during the ninethree months ended June 30,December 31, 2020.  

The Company has granted restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) as part of its long-term incentive compensation to employees and non-employee members of the Board of Directors.  RSAs and RSUs generally vest over a period of 3 to 5 years for

19


employees and over one year for members of the Board of Directors.  The restricted common stock underlying RSAs are deemed issued and outstanding upon grant, and carry the same voting rights of unrestricted outstanding common stock.  The restricted common stock underlying RSUs are not deemed issued or outstanding upon grant, and do not carry any voting rights.  

14.13.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

2019 ESPP

The Mesa Air Group, Inc. 2019 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "2019 ESPP") is a nonqualified plan that provides eligible employees of Mesa Air Group, Inc. with an opportunity to purchase Mesa Air Group, Inc. ordinary shares through payroll deductions. Under the 2019 ESPP, eligible employees may purchase Mesa Air Group, Inc. ordinary shares through the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Under the 2019 ESPP, eligible employees may elect to contribute 1% to 15% of their eligible compensation during each semi-annual offering period to purchase Mesa Air Group, Inc. ordinary shares at a 10% discount.

A maximum of 500,000 Mesa Air Group, Inc. ordinary shares may be issued under the 2019 ESPP. As of June 30,December 31, 2020, eligible employees purchased and the Company issued 43,93499,644 Mesa Air Group, Inc. ordinary shares under the 2019 ESPP.

15.14.

Leases and Commitments

 

Effective October 1, 2019, the Company adopted Topic 842 and recorded ROU assets and lease liabilities of $154.6 million and $141.9 million, respectively. As part of the adoption, prepaid aircraft rent, deferred rent credits and accrued aircraft rents of $35.8 million, $21.3 million and $1.8 million, respectively, were classified as a component of the Company’s ROU assets.

 

At June 30,As of December 31, 2020, the Company leased 18 aircraft, airport facilities, office space, and other property and equipment under non-cancelable operating leases. The leases require the Company to pay all taxes, maintenance, insurance, and other operating expenses. Rental expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, net of lessor rebates and other incentives. The Company expects that, in the normal course of business, such operating leases that expire will be renewed or replaced by other leases, or the property may be purchased rather than leased. Aggregate rental expense under all operating aircraft, equipment and facility leases totaled approximately $15.6$13.8 million and $18.1$16.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $51.0 million and $55.9 million for the nine months ended June 30,December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

As of June 30,December 31, 2020, the Company’s operating lease right-of-use assets were $131.5$114.7 million, the Company’s current maturities of operating lease liabilities were $43.2$44.7 million, and the Company’s noncurrent lease liabilities were $71.1$53.6 million.

 

As of June 30, 2020, theThe Company’s operating lease payments in operating cash flows for the ninethree months ended June 30,December 31, 2020 is $34.9 million. The disclosure is not applicable for the nine months ended June 30,and 2019 due to the method of adoption of the new leasing Standard ASC-842. (1)are $9.3 million and $9.5 million, respectively.

 

23


The table below presents lease related terms and discount rates as of June 30,December 31, 2020:

 

As of June 30, 2020December 31,2020

 

 

 

 

Weighted average remaining lease term Operating

   leases

 

3.83.3 years

 

Weighted average discount rate Operating leases

 

 

4.2

%

 

The Table below represents lease expense recorded during three months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

$ Change

 

 

% Change

 

Operating lease cost

 

$

15,634

 

 

$

18,094

 

 

$

(2,460

)

 

 

(13.6

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

$ Change

 

 

% Change

 

Operating lease cost

 

$

51,000

 

 

$

55,897

 

 

$

(4,897

)

 

 

(8.8

)%

 

 

Three Months Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

$ Change

 

 

% Change

 

Operating lease cost

 

$

13,839

 

 

$

16,784

 

 

$

(2,945

)

 

 

(17.5

)%

 


The following table summarizes future minimum rental payments primarily related to leased aircraft required under operating leases that had initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms as of June 30,December 31, 2020 (in thousands):

 

Periods Ending

June 30,

 

Total Maturities

 

2020

 

$

9,390

 

2021

 

 

47,377

 

Periods Ending

December 31,

 

Total Maturities

 

Remainder of 2021

 

$

38,095

 

2022

 

 

33,216

 

 

 

33,242

 

2023

 

 

15,947

 

 

 

15,973

 

2024

 

 

14,682

 

 

 

14,682

 

2025

 

 

1,494

 

Thereafter

 

 

1,654

 

 

 

160

 

Less: Interest

 

$

(7,892

)

 

$

(5,364

)

Amounts recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheet

 

$

114,374

 

 

$

98,282

 

 

The following represents future minimum lease obligations under non-cancelable operating leases as of September 30, 2019 (in thousands):

 

 

Periods Ending

September 30,

 

Total Payments

 

 

Total Payments

 

2020

 

$

47,814

 

 

 

47,814

 

2021

 

 

46,007

 

 

 

46,007

 

2022

 

 

31,090

 

 

 

31,090

 

2023

 

 

13,726

 

 

 

13,726

 

2024

 

 

13,185

 

 

 

13,185

 

Thereafter

 

 

1,368

 

 

 

1,368

 

Total

 

$

153,190

 

 

$

153,190

 

 

Engine Purchase Commitments

 

On March 26,October 8, 2020, the Company and General Electric Company (“GE”), acting through its GE-Aviation business unit, entered into (a)an Amended and Restated Letter Agreement No. 13-1 (“Letter Agreement No. 13-1”),13, which amendsdeferred the initial delivery and restates Letter Agreement No. 13 entered into bypayment dates of the parties effective December 11, 2019,20 new spare CF34-8C5 engines that were subject to previously disclosed letter agreements between the Company and (b)GE. Under the terms of the Amended and Restated Letter Agreement, No. 12-1 (“Letter Agreement No. 12-1” and together with Letter Agreement No. 13-1, the “Amended and Restated Letter Agreements”), which amends and restates Letter Agreement No. 12 entered into by the parties effective October 22, 2019.  The Amended and Restated Letter Agreements each provide that they are effective March 20, 2020.

24


Under Letter Agreement No. 13-1, the Company has agreed to purchase and take delivery of the 20 new sparespace CF34-8C5 engines.  Delivery of the new spare engines will now commencecommencing in AprilMay 2021, with the final spare engine beingto be delivered in December 2021. The parties had previously agreed to commence delivery of the new spare enginesPayments are now due in August 2020.  The payment terms for the new spare engines were also amended, with payments to now be made in four (4)five (5) separate tranches commencing in October and December 2020, and in February, April, May and MarchJune 2021.

The total purchase commitment underrelated to these agreementsengines is approximately $108.0$118.9 million. However, the parties continue to discuss modifying the number of spare engines to be purchased by the Company and timing of deliveries under the Amended and restated Letter Agreement No. 13.  

If the Company fails to accept delivery of the spare engines when duly tendered, the Company may be assessed a minimum cancellation charge based on the engine price determined as of the date of scheduled engine delivery to the Company.  

16.15.

Contingencies

The Company is involved in various legal proceedings (including, but not limited to, insured claims) and FAA civil action proceedings that the Company does not believe will have a material adverse effect upon its business, financial condition, or results of operations, although no assurance can be given to the ultimate outcome of any such proceedings.

17.

Supplemental Disclosure

The Company adopted ASU 2016-18 on a retrospective basis during the quarter ended December 31, 2018. The following is a reconciliation of the captions in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands):

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

64,934

 

 

$

68,855

 

 

Restricted cash

 

 

3,444

 

 

 

3,646

 

 

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash in

   Condensed Consolidated Statement of

   Cash Flows

 

$

68,378

 

 

$

72,501

 

 

The restricted cash balance primarily includes deposits in trust accounts to collateralize letters of credit and to fund workers' compensation claims, landing fees, and other business needs.

18.16.

Subsequent Events  

 

None.In February 2021, the Company was granted $48.6 million in financial assistance by the Department of the Treasury under the Payroll Support Program Extension (“PSP2”) under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. The Company received the first installment of $24.3 million on February 8, 2021.

 

2521


The relief payments are conditioned on our agreement to refrain from conducting involuntary employee layoffs or furloughs through March 31, 2021. Other conditions include prohibitions on share repurchases and dividends through March 31, 2022, continuing essential air service as directed by the U.S. Department of Transportation and certain limitations on executive compensation.


Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our condensed consolidated financial statements, the accompanying notes, and the other financial information included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The following discussion contains forwardlooking statements that involve risks and uncertainties such as our plans, estimates, and beliefs.  Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements below.  Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include those discussed below and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, particularly in the sections titled "Cautionary Notes Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" above and "Risk Factors" below.

Overview

Mesa Airlines is a regional air carrier providing scheduled flight service to 66116 cities in 2942 states, the District of Columbia, the Bahamas, and Mexico. Mexico as well as cargo services out of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. All of our flights are operated as either American Eagle, United Express, or UnitedDHL Express flights pursuant to the terms of capacity purchase agreements we entered into with American Airlines, Inc. ("(“American") and, United Airlines, Inc. ("(“United"”), and DHL) (each, our "major airline partner"). We have a significant presence in several of our major airline partners' key domestic hubs and focus cities, including Dallas, Houston, Phoenix and Washington-Dulles.

As of June 30,December 31, 2020, we operated a fleet of 145159 aircraft with approximately 175420 daily departures. We operate 54 CRJ-900 aircraft under our capacity purchase agreement with American (our "American Capacity Purchase Agreement") and 20 CRJ-700, and 60 E-175 and 12 E-175LL aircraft under our capacity purchase agreement with United (our "United Capacity Purchase Agreement"). We operate 2 Boeing 737- F400 aircraft under the Flight Services Agreement with DHL Network Operations. For the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2020, approximately 40%53% of our aircraft in scheduled service were operated for United, and approximately 60%46% were operated for American.American and 1% were operated for DHL. All of our operating revenue in our fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 (our "2019 fiscal year") and the ninethree months ended June 30,December 31, 2020 was derived from operations associated with our American and United Capacity Purchase Agreements.Agreements and DHL Flight Services Agreement.  

Our long-term capacity purchase agreements provide us guaranteed monthly revenue for each aircraft under contract, a fixed fee for each block hour (the number of hours during which the aircraft is in revenue service, measured from the time of gate departure before take-off until the time of gate arrival at the destination) and flight actually flown, and reimbursement of certain direct operating expenses in exchange for providing regional flying on behalf of our major airline partners. Our capacity purchase agreements also shelter us from many of the elements that cause volatility in airline financial performance, including fuel prices, variations in ticket prices, and fluctuations in number of passengers. In providing regional flying under our capacity purchase agreements, we use the logos, service marks, flight crew uniforms and aircraft paint schemes of our major airline partners. Our major airline partners control route selection, pricing, seat inventories, marketing and scheduling, and provide us with ground support services, airport landing slots and gate access.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

On January 30, 2020 the World Health Organization declared an outbreak of a highly contagious form of an upper respiratory infection caused by COVID-19, a novel coronavirus strain commonly referred to as “coronavirus”. In March 2020, the outbreak of COVID-19 was recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization, and the outbreak has become increasingly widespread, including in all of the markets in which we operate. The COVID-19 outbreak has had a notable impact on general economic conditions, including but not limited to the temporary closures of many businesses; “shelter in place” and other governmental regulations; reduced spending due to both job losses and other effects attributable to COVID-19; and an unprecedented decline in air travel.

The unprecedented and rapid spread of COVID-19 and the related travel restrictions and social distancing measures implemented throughout the world have significantly reduced demand for air travel. The length and severity of the reduction in demand due to the pandemic remains uncertain. This reduction in demand has had an unprecedented and materially adverse impact on our revenues and financial position. During the three months ended December 31, 2020, we experienced a decrease in contract revenue primarily related to lower flying on our CRJ-900, CRJ-700, and E-175 fleets due to the impact of COVID-19. The funds the Company received under the Payroll Support Program and its Loan and Guarantee Agreement with the Treasury, coupled with the Company’s diligent cost saving, has helped to partially offset the negative impacts of COVID-19 on the Company’s business. While we are planning for a modest demand recovery in fiscal 2021, the exact timing and pace of athe recovery in demandback to pre-COVID 19 is uncertain given the significant impact of the pandemic on the overall U.S. and global economy. Our forecasted expense management and liquidity measures may be modified as we clarify the demand recovery timing. Since a portion of our revenue is fixed due to the structure of our capacity purchase agreements, the impact to Mesa has been and will likely continue to be partially mitigated or offset.less severe notwithstanding the significant reduction in our scheduled flying. In addition, we have limited exposure to fluctuations in passenger traffic, ticket and fuel prices. While the fixed revenue remains mostly unchanged, the variable revenue based on the number of block hours was significantly reducedThe initiatives and measures put in the last few weeks in March and in the June 2020 quarter. We may experience further reductions in subsequent quarters. The Company further reports that, beginning in March 2020, it experienced a material decline in demand in block hours from both of its major airline partners, American and United Airlines, Inc. (“United” and together with American, the “Partners”) resulting fromplace to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus. As a result of this decline in demand and the subsequent capacity reductions by the Company’s Partners, the Company operated at significantly lower block hours in the June 2020 quarter. While therevirus has been a modest demand recovery, the Company anticipates similar schedule reductions will likely continue into the fourth quarter of 2020 and may continue throughout the remainder of calendar year 2020 and into 2021.

26


In response to these developments, we have implemented measures to focus on the safety of our customers and employees, while at the same time seeking to mitigate the impact on our financial position and operations. These measures include, but are not limited to, the following:

Expense Management. With the reduction in revenue, we have, and will continue to implement cost saving initiatives, including:have a material adverse impact on our business, financial position and results of operations.

23


Reducing employee-related costs, including:

Offering voluntary short-term unpaid leaves to all employees.

Compensation reductions for Executive level employees.

Instituting a company-wide hiring freeze.

Delaying non-essential heavy maintenance expense and reducing or suspending other discretionary spending.

Balance Sheet, Cash Flow and Liquidity. As of June 30,December 31, 2020, our cash and cash equivalents balance was $64.9$181.3 million. We have taken the following actions to increase liquidity and strengthen our financial position.

Reducing planned heavy engine and airframe maintenance events by approximately $16.8 million in the current fiscal year.

Working with our major airline partners and original equipment manufacturers ("OEM") to delay the timing of our future aircraft and spare engine deliveries.

Drew $23.0 million from our previously undrawn revolving credit facility with CIT Bank, N.A.

In April 2020, we were granted $92.5 million in emergency relief through the payroll support program of the CARES Act to be paid in installments through September 2020. We received $46.3 million as of June 30 and the remaining $46.2 million is scheduled to be paid to Mesa in three equal monthly payments from July to September 2020.$43.0 million has been utilized to offset the payroll expenses in the quarter ended June 30, 2020 and $3.3 million has been deferred to offset future payroll costs.

The CARES Act also provides for up to $25 billion in secured loans to the airline industry. We have been allocated $277.0 million under the loan program. We are in ongoing discussions with the U.S. Department of the Treasury regarding the terms and our participation level of such a loan.

Components of Results of Operations

The following discussion summarizes the key components of our condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Operating Revenues

Our condensed consolidated operating revenues consist primarily of contract revenue flight services as well as pass-through and other revenues.

Contract Revenue. Contract revenue consists of the fixed monthly amounts per aircraft received pursuant to our capacity purchase agreements with our major airline partners, along with the additional amounts received based on the number of flights and block hours flown. Contract revenues we receive from our major airline partners are paid and recognized by us on a weekly basis.

Pass-Through and Other. Pass-through and other revenue consists of passenger and hull insurance, aircraft property taxes, and certain maintenance costs related to our E-175 aircraft.

Operating Expenses

Our operating expenses consist of the following items:

Flight Operations. Flight operations expense includes costs related to salaries, bonuses and benefits earned by our pilots, flight attendants, and dispatch personnel, as well as costs related to technical publications, lodging of our flight crews and pilot training expenses.

27


Fuel. Fuel expense includes fuel and related fueling costs for flying we undertake outside of our capacity purchase agreements and flight service agreement, including aircraft repositioning and maintenance.  All aircraft fuel and related fueling costs for flying under our capacity purchase agreements were directly paid and supplied by our major airline partners. Accordingly, weThe fuel and related cost for flying under our FSA were directly paid and supplied by DHL. We do not record an expense or the related revenue for fuel supplied by American and United for flying under our capacity purchase agreements.agreements and DHL under our flight services agreement.

Maintenance. Maintenance includes costs related to salaries and benefits earned by our maintenance personnel, engine overhauls, airframe, landing gear and normal recurring maintenance, which includes pass-through maintenance costs related to our E-175 aircraft, as well as maintenance lease return obligations on our leased aircraft when the expense is probable and can be reasonably estimated. We record these expenses using the direct expense method of accounting, wherein the expense is recognized when the maintenance work is completed, or over the repair period, if materially different. Our maintenance policy is determined by fleet when major maintenance is incurred. As a result of using the direct expense method, the timing of maintenance expense reflected in the financial statements may vary significantly period to period.

Aircraft Rent. Aircraft rent includes costs related to leased engines and aircraft.

Aircraft and Traffic Servicing. Aircraft and traffic servicing includes expenses related to our capacity purchase agreements, including aircraft cleaning, passenger disruption reimbursements, international navigation fees and wages of airport operations personnel, a portion of which are reimbursable by our major airline partners.

General and Administrative. General and administrative expense includes insurance and taxes, the majority of which are pass-through costs, non-operational administrative employee wages and related expenses, building rents, real property leases, utilities, legal, audit and other administrative expenses.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation expense is a periodic non-cash charge primarily related to aircraft, engine and equipment depreciation. Amortization expense is a periodic non-cash charge related to our customer relationship intangible asset.

Other (Expense) Income, Net

Interest Expense. Interest expense is interest on our debt incurred to finance purchases of aircraft, engines, equipment as well as debt financing costs amortization.

24


Interest Income. Interest income includes interest income on our cash and cash equivalent balances.

Other Expense. Other expense includes expense derived from activities not classified in any other area of the condensed consolidated statements of income, including write-offs of miscellaneous third-party fees.

Segment Reporting

Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing operating performance. In consideration of ASC 280, "Segment Reporting," we are not organized around specific services or geographic regions. We currently operate in one service line providing scheduled flight services in accordance with our capacity purchase agreements.

While we operate under two separate capacity purchase agreements and one flight services agreement, we do not manage our business based on any performance measure at the individual contract level. Additionally, our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) uses condensed consolidated financial information to evaluate our performance, which is the same basis on which he communicates our results and performance to our Board of Directors. The CODM bases all significant decisions regarding the allocation of our resources on a consolidated basis. Based on the information described above and in accordance with the applicable literature, management has concluded that we are organized and operated as one operating and reportable segment.

28


Cautionary Statement Regarding Non-GAAP Measures

We present Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which are not recognized financial measures under GAAP, as supplemental disclosures because our senior management believes that they are well recognized valuation metrics in the airline industry that are frequently used by companies, investors, securities analysts and other interested parties in comparing companies in our industry.

Adjusted EBITDA. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income or loss before interest, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization, adjusted for the impact of revaluation of liability awards, lease termination costs, loss on extinguishment of debt, and write-off of associated financing fees.

Adjusted EBITDAR. We define Adjusted EBITDAR as net income or loss before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, and aircraft rent, adjusted for the impact of revaluation of liability awards, lease termination costs, loss on extinguishment of debt, and write-off of associated financing fees.

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR have limitations as analytical tools. Some of the limitations applicable to these measures include: (i) Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR do not reflect the impact of certain cash charges resulting from matters we consider not to be indicative of our ongoing operations; (ii) Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR do not reflect our cash expenditures, or future requirements, for capital expenditures or contractual commitments; (iii) Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs; (iv) Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR do not reflect the interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on our debts; (v) although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future; and (vi)  Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR do not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements and other companies in our industry may calculate Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure. Because of these limitations, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. In addition, Adjusted EBITDAR should not be viewed as a measure of overall performance because it excludes aircraft rent, which is a normal, recurring cash operating expense that is necessary to operate our business. For the foregoing reasons, each of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR has significant limitations which affect its use as an indicator of our profitability. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this information.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended June 30,December 31, 2020 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30,December 31, 2019

We had operating income of $15.2$27.0 million in our three months ended June 30,December 31, 2020 compared to operating income of $17.1$27.2 million in our three months ended June 30,December 31, 2019.  In our three months ended June 30,December 31, 2020, we had net income of $3.4$14.1 million compared to net income of $3.0$10.8 million in our three months ended June 30,December 31, 2019.  Our operating results for the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2020 reflected a decrease in contract revenue primarily related to lower flying on all our fleetsCRJ-900, CRJ-700, and E-175 fleet due to the impact of COVID-19 and decreasean increase in pass-through and other revenues primarily due to a decreasean increase in maintenance pass-through expense.

Our maintenance expense decreased primarily due to fewer engine heavy maintenance events due to timing and a decrease in component contracts and rotable and expendable parts as a result of less flying.  

25


Flight operations expense also decreased this quarterin the three months ended December 31, 2020 due to lower pilot and flight attendant wages and pilot training expenses. We also hadOur maintenance expense decreased primarily due to fewer airframe C-checks and engine heavy maintenance events and lower component contracts, parts, and labor expense offset by higher pass-through maintenance.  Our aircraft rent decreased in the three months ended December 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 primarily as a result of a decrease in lease termination expense relating to the purchase of ten CRJ-700 aircraft in June 2019 that were previously leased under our GECAS Lease Facility. In addition, we recognized the Federal Grant received through the Payroll Support Agreement under the CARES Act with the U.S. Department of the Treasury.engine rent.  

29


Operating Revenues

 

 

Three Months Ended Jun 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

Change

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

Change

 

Operating revenues ($ in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contract

 

$

71,648

 

 

$

170,366

 

 

$

(98,718

)

 

 

(57.9

)%

 

$

127,158

 

 

$

171,800

 

 

$

(44,642

)

 

 

(26.0

)%

Pass-through and other

 

 

1,451

 

 

 

9,858

 

 

 

(8,407

)

 

 

(85.3

)%

 

 

23,213

 

 

 

12,236

 

 

 

10,977

 

 

 

89.7

%

Total operating revenues

 

$

73,099

 

 

$

180,224

 

 

$

(107,125

)

 

 

(59.4

)%

 

$

150,371

 

 

$

184,036

 

 

$

(33,665

)

 

 

(18.3

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available seat miles—ASMs (thousands)

 

 

783,702

 

 

 

2,724,961

 

 

 

(1,941,259

)

 

 

(71.2

)%

 

 

1,670,943

 

 

 

2,735,386

 

 

 

(1,064,443

)

 

 

(38.9

)%

Block hours

 

 

31,622

 

 

 

114,042

 

 

 

(82,420

)

 

 

(72.3

)%

 

 

69,247

 

 

 

115,562

 

 

 

(46,315

)

 

 

(40.1

)%

Revenue passenger miles—RPMs (thousands)

 

 

314,422

 

 

 

2,211,275

 

 

 

(1,896,853

)

 

 

(85.8

)%

 

 

1,171,411

 

 

 

2,151,593

 

 

 

(980,182

)

 

 

(45.6

)%

Average stage length (miles)

 

 

567

 

 

 

580

 

 

 

(13

)

 

 

(2.2

)%

 

 

637

 

 

 

573

 

 

 

64

 

 

 

11.2

%

Contract revenue per available seat mile—CRASM

(in cents)

 

¢ 9.14

 

 

¢ 6.25

 

 

¢ 2.89

 

 

 

46.2

%

 

¢7.61

 

 

¢ 6.28

 

 

¢ 1.33

 

 

 

21.2

%

Passengers

 

 

548,705

 

 

 

3,770,683

 

 

 

(3,221,978

)

 

 

(85.4

)%

 

 

1,829,714

 

 

 

3,697,138

 

 

 

(1,867,424

)

 

 

(50.5

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Available seat miles" or "ASMs" means the number of seats available for passengers multiplied by the number of miles the seats are flown.

"Average stage length" means the average number of statute miles flown per flight segment.

“Block hours” means the number of hours during which the aircraft is in revenue service, measured from the time of gate departure before take-off until the time of gate arrival at the destination.

"CRASM" means contract revenue divided by ASMs.

"RPM" means the number of miles traveled by paying passengers.

Total operating revenue decreased by $107.1$33.7 million, or 59.4%18.3%, to $73.1$150.4 million for our three months ended June 30,December 31, 2020 as compared to our three months ended June 30,December 31, 2019. Contract revenue decreased by $98.7$44.6 million, or 57.9%26.0%, to $71.6$127.2 million primarily due to a decrease in flying on our CRJ-900, CRJ-700, and E-175 fleets as a result of COVID-19.fleet.  Our block hours flown during our three months ended June 30,December 31, 2020 decreased 72.3%40.1% compared to the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2019 due to decreased flying on all our fleets. Our pass-through and other revenue decreasedincreased during our three months ended June 30,December 31, 2020 by $8.4$11.0 million, or 85.3%89.7%, to $1.5$23.2 million primarily due to pass-through maintenance revenue related to our E-175 fleet.

 

During the three months ended June 30, 2020, the Company completed a significantly lower than normal number of flights due to the impact of COVID-19. Since the revenue recognition is based on number of flights completed, the fixed amount of cash received exceeded the revenue recognized based on the number of flights completed during the quarter. Under US GAAP, the fixed monthly payments are recognized as revenue ratably based on completed flights over the contract term. As a result, the Company deferred $16.0 million of revenue in the three months ended June 30, 2020. The deferred revenue will be recognized when flights are completed over the remaining contract term.

3026


Operating Expenses

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

Change

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

Change

 

Operating expenses ($ in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flight operations

 

$

29,664

 

 

$

53,025

 

 

$

(23,361

)

 

 

(44.1

)%

 

$

36,964

 

 

$

52,644

 

 

$

(15,680

)

 

 

(29.8

)%

Fuel

 

 

146

 

 

 

211

 

 

 

(65

)

 

 

(30.8

)%

 

 

390

 

 

 

169

 

 

 

221

 

 

 

130.8

%

Maintenance

 

 

22,591

 

 

 

54,322

 

 

 

(31,731

)

 

 

(58.4

)%

 

 

52,864

 

 

 

58,095

 

 

 

(5,231

)

 

 

(9.0

)%

Aircraft rent

 

 

15,582

 

 

 

12,875

 

 

 

2,707

 

 

 

21.0

%

 

 

10,048

 

 

 

11,329

 

 

 

(1,281

)

 

 

(11.3

)%

Aircraft and traffic servicing

 

 

538

 

 

 

978

 

 

 

(440

)

 

 

(45.0

)%

 

 

901

 

 

 

1,064

 

 

 

(163

)

 

 

(15.3

)%

General and administrative

 

 

11,737

 

 

 

12,435

 

 

 

(698

)

 

 

(5.6

)%

 

 

13,073

 

 

 

12,996

 

 

 

77

 

 

 

0.6

%

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

20,635

 

 

 

19,761

 

 

 

874

 

 

 

4.4

%

 

 

20,470

 

 

 

20,552

 

 

 

(82

)

 

 

(0.4

)%

Lease Termination

 

 

 

 

 

9,540

 

 

 

(9,540

)

 

 

(100.0

)%

CARES Act grant recognition

 

 

(43,018

)

 

 

 

 

 

(43,018

)

 

 

100.0

%

 

 

(11,311

)

 

 

 

 

 

(11,311

)

 

 

100.0

%

Total operating expenses

 

$

57,875

 

 

$

163,147

 

 

$

(105,272

)

 

 

(64.5

)%

 

$

123,399

 

 

$

156,849

 

 

$

(33,450

)

 

 

(21.3

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available seat miles—ASMs (thousands)

 

 

783,702

 

 

 

2,724,961

 

 

 

(1,941,259

)

 

 

(71.2

)%

 

 

1,670,943

 

 

 

2,735,386

 

 

 

(1,064,443

)

 

 

(38.9

)%

Block hours

 

 

31,622

 

 

 

114,042

 

 

 

(82,420

)

 

 

(72.3

)%

 

 

69,247

 

 

 

115,562

 

 

 

(46,315

)

 

 

(40.1

)%

Average stage length (miles)

 

 

567

 

 

 

580

 

 

 

(13

)

 

 

(2.2

)%

 

 

637

 

 

 

573

 

 

 

64

 

 

 

11.2

%

Departures

 

 

18,092

 

 

 

61,798

 

 

 

(43,706

)

 

 

(70.7

)%

 

 

35,344

 

 

 

62,725

 

 

 

(27,381

)

 

 

(43.7

)%

 

Flight Operations. Flight operations expense decreased $23.4$15.7 million, or 44.1%29.8%, to $29.7$37.0 million for our three months ended June 30,December 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.  The decrease was primarily driven by a decrease in pilot and flight attendant wages as well as pilot training related costs, and employee related expense as a result of less flying due to COVID-19. The decrease was also due to $5.0 million in tax credits provided by the Employee Retention Credit under the CARES Act related to the quarter ended June 30, 2020.costs.

Fuel. Fuel expense decreased $0.1increased $0.2 million, or 30.8%130.8%, to $0.1$0.4 million for our three months ended June 30,December 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.  The decreaseincrease was primarily driven by a decrease in ferry flight fuel.fuel expense related to the delivery of 12 new E-175 aircraft. All fuel costs related to flying under our capacity purchase agreements during our three months ended June 30,December 31, 2020 and 2019 were directly paid to suppliers by our major airline partners.

Maintenance. Aircraft maintenance costs decreased $31.7$5.2 million, or 58.4%9.0%, to $22.6$52.9 million for our three months ended June 30,December 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. This decrease was primarily driven by a decrease in engine overhaul, airframe C-Check, component contracts, other pass-through,parts, and labor and other expenses.expense. This increase was partially offset by an increase in pass-through c-check and engine overhaul expense. Total pass-through maintenance expenses reimbursed by our major airline partners decreasedincreased by $7.7$12.5 million during our three months ended June 30,December 31, 2020.

The following table presents information regarding our maintenance costs during ourthe three months ended June 30,December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands):

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

Change

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

Change

 

Engine overhaul

 

$

2,816

 

 

$

9,508

 

 

$

(6,692

)

 

 

(70.4

)%

 

$

4,753

 

 

$

8,751

 

 

$

(3,998

)

 

 

(45.7

)%

Pass-through engine overhaul

 

 

402

 

 

 

1,856

 

 

 

(1,454

)

 

 

(78.3

)%

 

 

9,633

 

 

 

1,851

 

 

 

7,782

 

 

 

420.4

%

C-check

 

 

2,096

 

 

 

4,417

 

 

 

(2,321

)

 

 

(52.5

)%

 

 

2,958

 

 

 

6,051

 

 

 

(3,093

)

 

 

(51.1

)%

Pass-through C-check

 

 

762

 

 

 

 

 

 

762

 

 

 

100.0

%

 

 

7,138

 

 

 

1,220

 

 

 

5,918

 

 

 

485.1

%

Component contracts

 

 

3,162

 

 

 

9,353

 

 

 

(6,191

)

 

 

(66.2

)%

 

 

5,787

 

 

 

9,687

 

 

 

(3,900

)

 

 

(40.3

)%

Rotable and expendable parts

 

 

3,381

 

 

 

6,620

 

 

 

(3,239

)

 

 

(48.9

)%

 

 

5,318

 

 

 

7,405

 

 

 

(2,087

)

 

 

(28.2

)%

Other pass-through

 

 

(3,660

)

 

 

3,368

 

 

 

(7,028

)

 

 

(208.7

)%

 

 

3,112

 

 

 

4,337

 

 

 

(1,225

)

 

 

(28.2

)%

Labor and other

 

 

13,632

 

 

 

19,200

 

 

 

(5,568

)

 

 

(29.0

)%

 

 

14,165

 

 

 

18,793

 

 

 

(4,628

)

 

 

(24.6

)%

Total

 

$

22,591

 

 

$

54,322

 

 

$

(31,731

)

 

 

(58.4

)%

 

$

52,864

 

 

$

58,095

 

 

$

(5,231

)

 

 

(9.0

)%

 

 


31


Aircraft Rent. Aircraft rent expense increased $2.7decreased $1.3 million, or 21.0%11.3%, to $15.6$10.0 million for our three months ended June 30,December 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. The increasedecrease is due to $4.9 million in additional engine rent expense offset byattributable a $2.1$1.3 million decrease in aircraft lease expense as a result of purchasing ten CRJ-700 aircraft in June 2019 which were previouslyengine rent due to fewer leased under the GECAS Lease Facility.engines.

Aircraft and Traffic Servicing.Aircraft and traffic servicing expense decreased $0.4$0.2 million, or 45.0%15.3%, to $0.5$0.9 million for our three months ended June 30,December 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. The decrease is primarily due to a decrease in interrupted trip expense and pass-through regulatory charges.charges, and was partially offset by an increase in reimbursable fuel expense related to the delivery of new E-175s. For our three months ended June 30,December 31, 2020 and 2019, 7.9%58.7% and 56.8%42.2%, respectively, of our aircraft and traffic servicing expenses were reimbursed by our major airline partners.

General and Administrative. General and administrative expense decreased $0.7increased $0.08 million, or 5.6%0.6%, to $11.7$13.1 million for our three months ended June 30,December 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. The decreaseincrease is primarily due to a decrease in wages and pass-through insurance expense, partially offset by an increase in pass-through property taxes.tax, legal, and insurance expense, offset by lower wage expense. For our three months ended June 30,December 31, 2020 and 2019, $3.92021, $4.5 million and $3.7$4.4 million, respectively, of our insurance and property tax expenses were reimbursed by our major airline partners.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $0.9decreased $0.08 million, or 4.4%0.4%, to $20.6$20.5 million for our three months ended June 30,December 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. The increasedecrease is primarily attributable to a decrease in rotable inventory depreciation expense, partially offset by an increase in depreciation expense related to the purchase of ten CRJ-700 aircraft which were previously leased under the GECAS Lease Facility.  The increase is partially offset by a decrease in aircraft enhancement and spare engine depreciation.

Lease Termination. Lease termination expense decreased $9.5CARES Act grant recognition. Payroll Support Government Plan funds increased $11.3 million, or 100.0%, to $0.0$11.3 million for our three months ended June 30,December 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. We incurred a lease termination expense for the ten CRJ-700 aircraft purchased in June 2019 that were previously leased under the GECAS facility.

CARES Act Grant Recognition. CARES Act grant recognition increased $43.0 million, or 100.0%, to $43.0 million for three months ended June 30, 2020 compared to none in the same period in 2019. Under the CARES Act, the government provided the company $46.3Company with a grant of $95.2 million in payroll support duringfor the quarter ended June 30,period of April through October 2020, of which $11.3 million was recognized as of December 31, 2020. The company has recorded $43.0 million to offset the payroll expenses in the quarter ended June 30, 2020 and $3.3 million has been deferred to offset the future payroll costs. The support offsets payroll expenses recorded in the functional areas of the operating expense lines.

Other Expense

Other expense decreased $2.9$4.6 million, or 22.1%35.4%, to $10.3$8.3 million for our three months ended June 30,December 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. The decrease is primarily a result of a decrease in interest expense due to lower interest rates on our loan agreement with United States Department of Treasury and a decrease in outstanding aircraft principal balances. Additionally, in the three months ended December 31, 2020, we had a gain on extinguishment of debt of $1.0 million, due to a $3.5 million benefit related to paying off Export Development Canada aircraft debt early and a $2.6 million write-off of financing fees

Income Taxes

The Company's effective tax rate (ETR) from continuing operations was 30.7%25.5% for the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2020 and 22.2%24.7% for the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2019. The Company's current year effective tax rate increased compared to the prior year tax rate as a result of an increasea decrease to the forecast for the current fiscal year, as the Company's permanent differences between book and taxable income intherefore have a larger impact on the deductibility of meals, employer provided parking, and compensation of officers.Company's effective tax rate. In addition, the Company's rate varied from the prior year's as a result of the vesting of stock compensation where the tax deduction differed from the book expense, state taxes, changes in the valuation allowance against state net operating losses, and changes in state statutory rates.

The income tax provision for the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2020 results in an effective tax rate of 30.7%,25.5% which differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to permanent book and tax deductible expense differences, state taxes, changes in the valuation allowance against state net operating losses, routine stock vestings and exercises, and changes in state apportionment and state statutory rates.

We continue to maintain a valuation allowance on a portion of our state net operating losses in jurisdictions with shortened carryforward periods or in jurisdictions where our operations have significantly decreased as compared to prior years in which the net operating losses were generated.

As of September 30, 2019,2020, the Company had aggregate federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of $478.3$512.4 million and $228.3$223.9 million, respectively, which expire in 2027-20372027-2038 and 2020-2039,2021-2040, respectively.  Approximately $2.7$3.1 million of state net operating loss carryforwards are expiringexpired in 2020.

 

32


Nine Months Ended June 30, 2020 Compared to Nine Months Ended June 30, 2019

We had operating income of $56.3 million in our nine months ended June 30, 2020 compared to operating income of $90.7 million in our nine months ended June 30, 2019.  In our nine months ended June 30, 2020, we had net income of $16.0 million compared to net income of $35.3 million in our nine months ended June 30, 2019.  Our operating results for the nine months ended June 30, 2020 reflected a decrease in contract revenue primarily related to the decrease in flying due to COVID-19.

Our flight operations expense decreased this quarter due to lower pilot and flight attendant wages and pilot training expenses as a result of less flying due to COVID-19.  Our maintenance expense increased primarily due to more airframe C-Checks and engine heavy maintenance events due to timing of events.  We also had an increase in depreciation expense primarily due to the purchase of ten CRJ-700 aircraft that were previously leased under our GECAS Lease Facility.  We had a decrease in lease termination expense relating to the purchase of ten CRJ-700 aircraft in June 2019 that were previously leased under our GECAS Lease Facility. In addition, we recognized the Federal Grant received through the Payroll Support Agreement under the CARES Act with the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

 

 

Nine Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

Change

 

Operating revenues ($ in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contract

 

$

409,228

 

 

$

510,586

 

 

$

(101,358

)

 

 

(19.9

)%

Pass-through and other

 

 

27,802

 

 

 

24,941

 

 

 

2,861

 

 

 

11.5

%

Total operating revenues

 

$

437,030

 

 

$

535,527

 

 

$

(98,497

)

 

 

(18.4

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available seat miles—ASMs (thousands)

 

 

6,131,028

 

 

 

8,088,146

 

 

 

(1,957,118

)

 

 

(24.2

)%

Block hours

 

 

255,488

 

 

 

341,071

 

 

 

(85,583

)

 

 

(25.1

)%

Revenue passenger miles—RPMs (thousands)

 

 

4,251,169

 

 

 

6,402,057

 

 

 

(2,150,888

)

 

 

(33.6

)%

Average stage length (miles)

 

 

591

 

 

 

582

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

1.5

%

Contract revenue per available seat mile—CRASM

   (in cents)

 

¢ 6.67

 

 

¢ 6.31

 

 

¢ 0.36

 

 

 

5.7

%

Passengers

 

 

7,084,255

 

 

 

10,874,745

 

 

 

(3,790,490

)

 

 

(34.9

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Available seat miles" or "ASMs" means the number of seats available for passengers multiplied by the number of   miles the seats are flown.

"Average stage length" means the average number of statute miles flown per flight segment.

“Block hours” means the number of hours during which the aircraft is in revenue service, measured from the time of gate departure before take-off until the time of gate arrival at the destination.

"CRASM" means contract revenue divided by ASMs.

"RPM" means the number of miles traveled by paying passengers

Total operating revenue decreased by $98.5 million, or 18.4%, to $437.0 million for our nine months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to our nine months ended June 30, 2019. Contract revenue decreased by $101.4 million, or 19.9%, to $409.2 million primarily due to a decrease in flying on our CRJ-900, CRJ-700, and E-175 fleets as a result of COVID-19.  Our block hours flown during our nine months ended June 30, 2020 decreased 25.1% compared to the nine months ended June 30, 2019 primarily due to decreased flying on all of our fleets. Our pass-through and other revenue increased during our nine months ended June 30, 2020 by $2.9 million, or 11.5%, to $27.8 million primarily due to pass-through maintenance revenue related to our E-175 fleet.

During the three months ended June 30, 2020, the Company completed a significantly lower than normal number of flights due to the impact of COVID-19. Since the revenue recognition is based on number of flights completed, the fixed amount of cash received exceeded the revenue recognized based on the number of flights completed during the quarter. Under US GAAP, the fixed monthly payments are recognized as revenue ratably based on completed flights over the contract term. As a result, the Company deferred $16.0 million of revenue in the three months ended June 30, 2020. The deferred revenue will be recognized when flights are completed over the remaining contract term.

33


Operating Expenses

 

 

Nine Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

Change

 

Operating expenses ($ in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flight operations

 

$

135,199

 

 

$

155,636

 

 

$

(20,437

)

 

 

(13.1

)%

Fuel

 

 

504

 

 

 

433

 

 

 

71

 

 

 

16.4

%

Maintenance

 

 

145,021

 

 

 

139,504

 

 

 

5,517

 

 

 

4.0

%

Aircraft rent

 

 

39,196

 

 

 

41,104

 

 

 

(1,908

)

 

 

(4.6

)%

Aircraft and traffic servicing

 

 

2,938

 

 

 

2,977

 

 

 

(39

)

 

 

(1.3

)%

General and administrative

 

 

39,233

 

 

 

38,121

 

 

 

1,112

 

 

 

2.9

%

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

61,656

 

 

 

57,528

 

 

 

4,128

 

 

 

7.2

%

Lease Termination

 

 

 

 

 

9,540

 

 

 

(9,540

)

 

 

(100.0

)%

CARES Act grant recognition

 

 

(43,018

)

 

 

 

 

 

(43,018

)

 

 

100.0

%

Total operating expenses

 

$

380,729

 

 

$

444,843

 

 

$

(64,114

)

 

 

(14.4

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available seat miles—ASMs (thousands)

 

 

6,131,028

 

 

 

8,088,146

 

 

 

(1,957,118

)

 

 

(24.2

)%

Block hours

 

 

255,488

 

 

 

341,071

 

 

 

(85,583

)

 

 

(25.1

)%

Average stage length (miles)

 

 

591

 

 

 

582

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

1.5

%

Departures

 

 

136,252

 

 

 

182,557

 

 

 

(46,305

)

 

 

(25.4

)%

Flight Operations. Flight operations expense decreased $20.4 million, or 13.1%, to $135.2 million for nine months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.  The decrease was primarily driven by a decrease in pilot and flight attendant wages, pilot training related costs, and employee related expense as a result of less flying due to COVID-19. The decrease was also due to $5.0 million in tax credits provided by the Employee Retention Credit under the CARES Act related to the quarter ended June 30, 2020

Fuel.Fuel expense increased $0.1 million, or 16.4%, to $0.5 million for nine months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.  The increase was primarily driven by an increase in ferry flight fuel. All fuel costs related to flying under our capacity purchase agreements during our nine months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 were directly paid to suppliers by our major airline partners.

Maintenance.Aircraft maintenance costs increased $5.5 million, or 4.0%, to $145.0 million for nine months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. This increase was primarily driven by an increase in engine overhaul expense, airframe C-Check expense, offset by a decrease in component contracts, rotable and expendable, and other pass-through expense. Total pass-through maintenance expenses reimbursed by our major airline partners increased by $2.6 million during our nine months ended June 30, 2020.

The following table presents information regarding our maintenance costs during our nine months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands):

 

 

Nine Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

Change

 

Engine overhaul

 

$

25,361

 

 

$

17,738

 

 

$

7,623

 

 

 

43.0

%

Pass-through engine overhaul

 

 

2,956

 

 

 

3,044

 

 

 

(88

)

 

 

(2.9

)%

C-check

 

 

14,787

 

 

 

10,629

 

 

 

4,158

 

 

 

39.1

%

Pass-through C-check

 

 

5,856

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,856

 

 

 

100.0

%

Component contracts

 

 

22,243

 

 

 

27,726

 

 

 

(5,483

)

 

 

(19.8

)%

Rotable and expendable parts

 

 

18,247

 

 

 

21,397

 

 

 

(3,150

)

��

 

(14.7

)%

Other pass-through

 

 

5,188

 

 

 

8,393

 

 

 

(3,205

)

 

 

(38.2

)%

Labor and other

 

 

50,383

 

 

 

50,577

 

 

 

(194

)

 

 

(0.4

)%

Total

 

$

145,021

 

 

$

139,504

 

 

$

5,517

 

 

 

4.0

%

34


Aircraft Rent. Aircraft rent expense decreased $1.9 million, or 4.6%, to $39.2 million for nine months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. The decrease is attributable to a $9.9 million decrease in aircraft lease expense as a result of purchasing ten CRJ-700 aircraft in June 2019 which were previously leased under the GECAS Lease Facility, offset by an $8.0 million increase in engine rent due to additional engine rent expense.

Aircraft and Traffic Servicing. Aircraft and traffic servicing expense decreased $0.04 million, or 1.3%, to $2.9 million for nine months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. The decrease is primarily due to a decrease in pass-through regulatory charges, offset by an increase in interrupted trip expense. For our nine months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, 31.3% and 57.1%, respectively, of our aircraft and traffic servicing expenses were reimbursed by our major airline partners.

General and Administrative. General and administrative expense increased $1.1 million, or 2.9%, to $39.2 million for nine months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. The increase is primarily due to an increase in pass-through property tax, partially offset by a decrease in legal expense. For our nine months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, $13.2 million and $11.3 million, respectively, of our insurance and property tax expenses were reimbursed by our major airline partners.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $4.1 million, or 7.2%, to $61.7 million for nine months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. The increase is primarily attributable to an increase in depreciation expense related to the purchase of ten CRJ-700 aircraft which were previously leased under the GECAS Lease Facility.  The increase was also partially related to the purchase of rotable inventory, partially offset by a decrease in aircraft improvement depreciation.

Lease Termination. Lease termination expense decreased $9.5 million, or 100.0%, to $0.0 million for nine months ended June 30, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. We incurred a lease termination expense for the ten CRJ-700 aircraft purchased in June 2019 that were previously leased under the GECAS facility.

CARES Act Grant Recognition. CARES Act grant recognition increased $43.0 million, or 100.0%, to $43.0 million for three months ended June 30, 2020 compared to none in the same period in 2019. Under the CARES Act, the government provided the company $46.3 million in payroll support during the quarter ended June 30, 2020. The company has recorded $43.0 million to offset the payroll expenses in the quarter ended June 30, 2020 and $3.3 million has been deferred to offset the future payroll costs. The support offsets payroll expenses recorded in the functional areas of the operating expense lines.

Other Expense

Other expense decreased $10.6 million, or 23.9%, to $33.9 million for nine months ended June 30, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. The decrease is primarily a result of a decrease in interest expense due to lower interest rates on our new Spare Engine Facility and a decrease in outstanding aircraft principal balances. Additionally, we had one-time $3.6 million early termination fee related to our engine financing in the nine months ended June 30, 2019.  We also saw a decrease in interest income.

Income Taxes

The income tax expense (benefit) totaled $6.4 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to a tax expense (benefit) of $10.9 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2019. The effective tax rate was 28.3% versus 23.6% in the prior year.

The effective tax rate for the nine months ended June 30, 2020 was impacted by permanent difference between book and taxable income in the deductibility of meals, employer provided parking, and compensation of officers. The effective rate was also impacted by changes in the valuation allowance against state net operating losses, vesting and exercises of stock compensation, and changes in state apportionment and state statutory rates.

We file income tax returns in the US and in various state jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitations.  We are generally no longer subject to income tax examination by tax authorities for years prior to 2017 and 2015 for federal and state purposes, respectively, with the exception of the examination of our net operating losses.  The balance of unrecognized tax benefits is not anticipated to fluctuate significantly from fiscal 2019 to fiscal 2020.  It is our policy to recognize interest expense and penalties related to uncertain income tax matters as a component of income tax expense.

3528


Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR

The following table presents a reconciliation of net income to estimated Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR for the periodsperiod presented (in thousands):

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

 

Nine Months Ended June 30,

 

 

Three Months Ended December 31,

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Reconciliation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

3,419

 

 

$

3,007

 

 

$

16,089

 

 

$

35,337

 

 

$

14,118

 

 

$

10,785

 

Income tax expense

 

 

1,517

 

 

 

856

 

 

 

6,359

 

 

 

10,891

 

 

 

4,821

 

 

 

3,535

 

Income before taxes

 

$

4,936

 

 

$

3,863

 

 

$

22,448

 

 

$

46,228

 

 

$

18,939

 

 

$

14,320

 

Adjustments (1)

 

 

 

 

 

9,540

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,156

 

 

 

(950

)

 

 

 

Adjusted income before taxes

 

$

4,936

 

 

$

13,403

 

 

$

22,448

 

 

$

59,384

 

 

 

17,989

 

 

 

14,320

 

Interest expense

 

 

10,368

 

 

 

13,496

 

 

 

34,668

 

 

 

42,110

 

 

 

9,082

 

 

 

12,628

 

Interest income

 

 

(1

)

 

 

(733

)

 

 

(95

)

 

 

(1,188

)

 

 

(126

)

 

 

(58

)

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

20,635

 

 

 

19,761

 

 

 

61,656

 

 

 

57,528

 

 

 

20,470

 

 

 

20,552

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

35,938

 

 

$

45,927

 

 

$

118,677

 

 

$

157,834

 

 

$

47,415

 

 

$

47,442

 

Aircraft rent

 

 

15,582

 

 

 

12,875

 

 

 

39,196

 

 

 

41,104

 

 

 

10,048

 

 

 

11,329

 

Adjusted EBITDAR

 

$

51,520

 

 

$

58,802

 

 

$

157,873

 

 

$

198,938

 

 

$

57,463

 

 

$

58,771

 

 

 

(1)

We have added non-GAAP adjustments for costs associated with lease termination, loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of associated financing fees:

Our financial results include lease termination expense of $9.5 millionIncludes adjustment for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2019 related to our acquisition of ten CRJ-700 which were previously leased under our aircraft lease facility with Wells Fargo Bank Northwest, National Association, as owner trustee and lessor (the “GECAS Lease Facility”).

Our financial results reflect lossgain on extinguishment of debt of $3.6$1.0 million related to repayment of the Company’s Spare Engine Facility for the nine months ended June 30, 2019.  This loss includes a $1.9 million write-off of financing fees.Aircraft debts.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have taken, and are continuing to take, certain actions to increase liquidity and strengthen our financial position whichposition. These actions include:

Reducing planned heavy engine and airframe maintenance events by approximately $16.8 million in the current fiscal year.

Working with major partners and original equipment manufacturers ("OEM") to delay the timing of our future aircraft and spare engine deliveries.

Drew $23.0 million from our previously undrawn revolving credit facility with CIT Bank, N.A.

One of our aircraft lenders has agreed to defer $28.0 million of principal debt payments otherwise due beginning on March 19, 2020, to and including September 30, 2020.  All deferred payments will be due in a lump sum payment on September 30, 2020 per a letter agreement dated April 9, 2020. Although the agreement is to pay the full amount back on September 30, 2020, the Company is seeking more favorable repayment terms from the lender. No assurance can be given that we will be successful in further modifying or securing more favorable repayment terms. The company performed a debt modification accounting assessment and determined that this event is a debt modification and no changes to the current accounting treatment is required.

In June 2020, the Company amended its RASPRO aircraft agreement to defer a $4.0 million lease payment otherwise due in June 2020. Per the amended agreement dated June 5,2020, the Company is required to pay this amount over the period of September 2021 through March 2024. The Company made the accounting election available for COVID-19 related concession provided by a lessor. This event is not a lease modification and requires changes to current accounting treatment.

36


In April 2020, we were granted $92.5 million in emergency relief through the payroll support program of the CARES Act to be paid in installments through September 2020. We received $46.3 million as of June 2020, and the remaining $46.2 million is scheduled to be paid to Mesa in three equal monthly payments from July to September 2020.$43.0 million has been utilized to offset the payroll expenses in the quarter ended June 30, 2020 and $3.3 million has been deferred to offset future payroll costs.

The relief payments are conditioned on our agreement to refrain from conducting involuntary employee layoffs or furloughs through September 30, 2020. Other conditions include continuing essential air service as directed by the U.S. Department of Transportation and certain limitations on executive compensation.

         The CARES Act also provides for up to $25 billion in secured loans to the airline industry. We have been allocated $277.0 million under the loan program. We are in ongoing discussions with the U.S. Department of the Treasury regarding the terms and our participation level of such a loan.

The CARES Act provides for deferred payment of the employer portion of social security taxes through the end of 2020. The Company expects to defer approximately $7.0 million of such taxes, with 50% of the deferred amount to be repaid on December 31, 2021 and the remaining 50% to be repaid on December 31, 2022.

These aforementioned reliefs from the CARES Act are expected to provide liquidity during the stay at home and recovery periods this year.

We expect to meet our cash needs for the next twelve months with cash and cash equivalents, financing arrangements, government assistance from the CARES Act, and cash flows from operations. As of June 30, 2020, we had $65 million in unrestricted liquidity. Additionally, we have five unencumbered CRJ-700 aircraft available to use as collateral for potential financing arrangements if needed. However, we continue to monitor the impact of the pandemic, including its adverse effect on customer demand, the general economy, and our major airline partners. Should the effects of the pandemic continue long-term, our capital requirements and sources of capital may be adversely impaired. See Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors for additional discussion.

Sources and Uses of Cash

We require cash to fund our operating expenses and working capital requirements, including outlays for capital expenditures, aircraft pre-delivery payments, maintenance, aircraft rent and to pay debt service obligations, including principal and interest payments. Our cash needs vary from period to period primarily based on the timing and costs of significant maintenance events. Our principal sources of liquidity are the cash grant we received under the payroll support program and the Loan and Guarantee Agreement we entered into with the Treasury (the “US Treasury Loan Agreement”), each under the CARES Act, cash on hand, cash generated from operations and funds from external borrowings. InDuring the near term, we expectthree months ended December 31, 2020, the Company secured a $195 million five-year interest only loan from the US Treasury and received a prepayment of $81.5 million from our major airline partner United Airlines, which were used to fund our primary cash requirements through cash generated from operations and cash and cash equivalents on hand. We also have the ability to utilize our credit and guaranty agreement (the "CIT Revolving Credit Facility") pursuant to which the CIT Lenders committed to lend to Mesa Airlines and Mesa Air Group—Airline Inventory Management, LLC, ("MAG-AIM") revolving loans in the aggregate principal amount of up to $35.0 million. As of June 30, 2020, $12.0 million remains available for borrowing until the facility matures on August 12, 2022.pay down existing long-term debts.

We believe that the key factors that could affect our internal and external sources of cash include:

 

Factors that affect our results of operations and cash flows, including the impact on our business and operations as a result of changes in demand for our services, competitive pricing pressures, and our ability to achieve further reductions in operating expenses; and

 

Factors that affect our access to bank financing and the debt and equity capital markets that could impair our ability to obtain needed financing on acceptable terms or to respond to business opportunities and developments as they arise, including interest rate fluctuations, macroeconomic conditions, sudden reductions in the general availability of lending from banks or the related increase in cost to obtain bank financing, and our ability to maintain compliance with covenants under our debt agreements in effect from time to time.

29


Our ability to service our long-term debt obligations, including our equipment notes, to remain in compliance with the various covenants contained in our debt agreements and to fund our working capital, capital expenditures and business development efforts will depend on our ability to generate cash from operating activities, which is subject to, among other things, our future operating performance, as well as to other factors, some of which may be beyond our control.

If we fail to generate sufficient cash from operations, we may need to raise additional equity or borrow additional funds to achieve our longer-term objectives. There can be no assurance that such equity or borrowings will be available or, if available, will be at rates or prices acceptable to us.

37


We believe that cash flow from operating activities coupled with existing cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, existing credit facilities, financing arrangements and government assistance from the CARES Act, will be adequate to fund our operating and capital needs, as well as enable us to maintain compliance with our various debt agreements, through at least the next 12 months. To the extent that results or events differ from our financial projections or business plans, our liquidity may be adversely impacted.  

During the ordinary course of business, we evaluate our cash requirements and, if necessary, adjust operating and capital expenditures to reflect the current market conditions and our projected demand. Our capital expenditures are primarily directed toward our aircraft fleet and flight equipment. Our capital expenditures, net of purchases of rotable spare parts and aircraft and spare engine financing for the three months ended June 30, 2020ending December 31,2020 is approximately 6.4%0.3% of annual revenue, which is higherlower compared to our historical expense of approximately 1.2% to 1.5% of annual revenues not onlyas the Company is focusing on cost savings due to expenses incurred related to aircraft enhancements but also a decrease in revenue due to the COVID-19COVID 19 pandemic impact on the airline industry. We expect to continue to incur capital expenditures to support our business activities. Future capital expenditures may be impacted by events and transactions that are not currently forecasted.

As of June 30,December 31, 2020, our principal sources of liquidity were cash and cash equivalents of $64.9$181.3 million. In addition, we had restricted cash of $3.4$3.6 million as of June 30,December 31, 2020. Restricted cash includes certificates of deposit that secure letters of credit issued for particular airport authorities as required in certain lease agreements. Primary uses of liquidity are capital expenditures, and debt repayments. As of June 30,December 31, 2020, we also had $738.7 million in secured indebtedness incurred in connection with our financing of 35 total aircraft. As of December 31, 2020, we had $176.9$146.1 million of short-term debt, excluding financingcapital leases, and $586.9$620.1 million of long-term debt excluding financing leases.

Sources of cash for the nine months ended June 30, 2020 were primarily cash flows from operations of $103.6 million. This positive cash flow was primarily driven by receipts from performance under our capacity purchase agreements.capital leases.

Restricted Cash

As of June 30,December 31, 2020, we had $3.4$3.6 million in restricted cash. We have an agreement with a financial institution for a $6.0 million letter of credit facility and to issue letters of credit for landing fees,particular airport authorities, worker's compensation insurance, property and casualty insurance and other business needs.needs as required in certain lease agreements. Pursuant to suchthe term of this agreement, $3.5$3.6 million of outstanding letters of credit are required to be collateralized by amounts on deposit.

 

Cash Flows

The following table presents information regarding our cash flows for each of the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands):

 

 

Nine Months Ended June 30,

 

 

Three Months Ended December 31,

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

 

2020

 

 

2019

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

$

103,601

 

 

$

114,077

 

 

$

79,273

 

 

$

38,230

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(25,114

)

 

 

(96,033

)

 

 

(1,773

)

 

 

(12,828

)

Net cash used in by financing activities

 

 

(82,610

)

 

 

(41,622

)

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(4,123

)

 

 

(23,578

)

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

 

4,593

 

 

 

(36,692

)

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

82,093

 

 

 

(11,290

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

 

72,501

 

 

 

107,134

 

 

 

102,841

 

 

 

72,501

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

68,378

 

 

$

83,556

 

 

$

184,934

 

 

$

61,211

 

Net Cash Flow Provided Byby Operating Activities

During our ninethree months ended June 30,December 31, 2020, we had cash flow provided by operating activities was $103.6of $79.3 million. We had net income of $16.1$14.1 million adjusted for the following significant non-cash items: depreciation and amortization of $61.7$20.5 million, stock-based compensation of $3.5$0.9 million, deferred income taxes of $5.9$4.8 million, long-term deferred revenue of $12.2$5.8 million, amortization of deferred credits of $(2.9)$(0.8) million, amortization of debt financing costs and accretion of interest on non-interest bearing subordinated notes of $3.2$1.9 million, $0.5 million lossgain on disposalextinguishment of assets and provision for obsolete expendable partsdebt of $0.3$(1.0) million. We had a net change of $3.1$33.1 million within other net operating assets and liabilities largely driven by an increase in accrued liabilitycurrent portion of deferred revenue during our ninethree months ended June 30,December 31, 2020.

 

38


During our nine months ended June 30, 2019, cash flow provided by operating activities of $114.1 million reflects our growth and execution of our strategic initiatives. We had net income of $35.3 million adjusted for the following significant non-cash items: depreciation and amortization of $57.5 million, stock-based compensation of $4.3 million, deferred income taxes of $10.9million, amortization of unfavorable lease liabilities and deferred credits of $(8.4) million, amortization of debt financing costs and accretion of interest on non-interest bearing subordinated notes of $3.1 million, and loss on extinguishment of debt of $3.6 million and loss on lease termination of $9.5 million.  We had a net change of $(2.3) million within other net operating assets and liabilities largely driven by a decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets primarily due to the purchase of ten CRJ-700 aircraft that were previously leased under our GECAS Lease Facility during our nine months ended June 30, 2019.


Net Cash Flows Used Inin Investing Activities

During our ninethree months ended June 30,December 31, 2020, net cash flow used in investing activities totaled $(25.1)$1.8 million. We invested $(11.0) million in spare engines and (3.8) million in aircraft improvements, $(8.4) million in inventory, $(1.9)$1.8 million in tools and miscellaneous projects and $(13.8) million in lease and equipment deposits offset by $13.9 million from the return of lease and equipment deposits.

During our nine months ended June 30, 2019, net cash flow used in investing activities totaled $(96.0) million. We invested $116.7 million in ten aircraft and seven spare engines and aircraft improvements, offset by $20.1 million from sales of investment securities, and $0.6 million in equipment depositsequipment.

Net Cash Flows Used InProvided by Financing Activities

During our ninethree months ended June 30,December 31, 2020, net cash flow used inprovided by financing activities was $(82.6)$4.6 million. We drew $23.0received $195.0 million of proceeds from our $35.0 million working capital draw loan for operational needs.US Treasury Loan Agreement. We made $(104.0)$(189.1) million of principal repayments on long-term debt during the period. We incurred $(1.4)$(1.3) million of costs related to debt financing and $(0.5) million of costs related to the repurchase of shares of our common stock.

During our nine months ended June 30, 2019, net cash flow used in financing activities was $(41.6) million.  We received $163.7 million in proceeds from long-term debt primarily related to purchasing ten aircraft, and spare aircraft engine and aircraft engine kit financing.  We made $197.4 million of principal repayments on long-term debt during the period. We incurred $4.9 million of costs related to debt financing, $1.7 million in debt prepayment costs, and $1.5 million of costs related to the repurchase of shares of our common stock.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

An off-balance sheet arrangement is any transaction, agreement or other contractual arrangement involving an unconsolidated entity under which a companyCompany has (i) made guarantees, (ii) a retained or a contingent interest in transferred assets, (iii) an obligation under derivative instruments classified as equity or (iv) any obligation arising out of a material variable interest in an unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit risk support to the company,Company, or that engages in leasing, hedging or research and development arrangements with the company.Company.

We did not have during the periods presented, and we do not currently have, any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined in the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").

A majority of our leased aircraft are leased through trusts formed for the sole purpose of purchasing, financing and leasing aircraft to us. Because these are single-owner trusts in which we do not participate, we are not at risk for losses and we are not considered the primary beneficiary. We believe that our maximum exposure under the leases are the remaining lease payments and any return condition obligations.

Commitments and Contractual Obligations

There have been no material changes outside of the ordinary course of business in our commitments and contractual obligations from those specified in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

We prepare our condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. In doing so, we must make estimates and assumptions that affect our reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, as well as related

39


disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. To the extent that there are material differences between these estimates and actual results, our financial condition or results of operations would be affected. We base our estimates on past experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, and we evaluate these estimates on an ongoing basis. We refer to accounting estimates of this type as critical accounting estimates, which we discuss below.

The accompanying discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.10-Q. We believe certain of our accounting policies are critical to understanding our financial position and results of operations. Except with respect to our revenue recognition practices included in Note 2: "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in the notes to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q, thereThere have been no changes to the critical accounting policies as explained in Part 1, Item 7 of the 20192020 Form 10-K under the heading "Critical Accounting Policies."

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

A description of recently issued accounting pronouncements that may potentially impact our financial position and results of operations is disclosed in Note 4:2: "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are subject to market risks in the ordinary course of our business. These risks include interest rate risk and, on a limited basis, commodity price risk with respect to foreign exchange transactions. The adverse effects of changes in these markets could pose a potential loss as discussed below. The sensitivity analysis provided does not consider the effects that such adverse changes may have on overall economic activity, nor does it consider additional actions we may take to mitigate our exposure to such changes. Actual results may differ.

Interest Rate Risk. We are subject to market risk associated with changing interest rates on our variable rate long-term debt; the variable interest rates are based on LIBOR. The interest rates applicable to variable rate notes may rise and increase the amount of interest expense on our variable rate long-term debt. We do not purchase or hold any derivative instruments to protect against the effects of changes in interest rates.

31


As of June 30,December 31, 2020, we had $510.4$545.8 million of variable-rate debt including current maturities. A hypothetical 50 basis point change in market interest rates would have affected interest expense by approximately $2.6$2.7 million in the twelvethree months ended June 30,December 31, 2020.

As of June 30,December 31, 2020, we had $270.8$203.1 million of fixed-rate debt, including current maturities. A hypothetical 50 basis point change in market interest rates would not impact interest expense or have a material effect on the fair value of our fixed-rate debt instruments as of June 30,December 31, 2020.

  

On July 27, 2017, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority (the authority that regulates LIBOR) announced that it intends to stop compelling banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR after 2021. It is unclear whether new methods of calculating LIBOR will be established such that it continues to exist after 2021. Similarly, it is not possible to predict whether LIBOR will continue to be viewed as an acceptable market benchmark, what rate or rates may become acceptable alternatives to LIBOR, or what effect these changes in views or alternatives may have on financial markets for LIBOR-linked financial instruments. While the U.S. Federal Reserve, in conjunction with the Alternative Reference Rates Committee, is considering replacing U.S. dollar LIBOR with a newly created index, calculated based on repurchase agreements backed by Treasury securities, we cannot currently predict whether this index will gain widespread acceptance as a replacement for LIBOR. It is not possible to predict the effect of these changes, other reforms or the establishment of alternative reference rates in the United Kingdom, the United States or elsewhere.

  

We may in the future pursue amendments to our LIBOR-based debt transactions to provide for a transaction mechanism or other reference rate in anticipation of LIBOR’s discontinuation, but we may not be able to reach agreement with our lenders on any such amendments. As of June 20,December 31, 2020, we had $510.4$545.8 million of borrowings based on LIBOR. The replacement of LIBOR with a comparable or successor rate could cause the amount of interest payable on our long-term debt to be different or higher than expected.

40


Foreign Currency Risk. We have de minimis foreign currency risks related to our station operating expenses denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, primarily the Canadian dollar. Our revenue is U.S. dollar denominated. To date, foreign currency transaction gains and losses have not been material to our financial statements and we have not had a formal hedging program with respect to foreign currency. A 10% increase or decrease in current exchange rates would not have a material effect on our financial results.

Fuel Price Risk. Unlike other airlines, our capacity purchase agreements largely shelter us from volatility related to fuel prices, which are directly paid and supplied by our major airline partners.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")), as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The term "disclosure controls and procedures," as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company'sCompany's management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and our management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the three months ended June 30, 2020, to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the internal control over financial reporting of the Company.32


Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls

The effectiveness of any system of internal control over financial reporting, including ours, is subject to inherent limitations, including the exercise of judgment in designing, implementing, operating, and evaluating the controls and procedures, and the inability to eliminate misconduct completely. Accordingly, in designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any system of internal control over financial reporting, including ours, no matter how well designed and operated, can only provide reasonable, not absolute assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs. Moreover, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. We intend to continue to monitor and upgrade our internal controls as necessary or appropriate for our business, but cannot assure you that such improvements will be sufficient to provide us with effective internal control over financial reporting.  

 

4133


PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

The Company isWe are subject to two putative class action lawsuits alleging federal securities law violations in connection with itsour IPO— one in the Superior Court of the State of Arizona and one in U.S. District Court of Arizona. These purported class actions were filed in March and April 2020 against the Company, certain current and former officers and directors, and certain underwriters of the Company’s IPO. The state and federal lawsuits each make the same or similar allegations of violations of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for allegedly making materially false and misleading statements in, or omitting material information from, our IPO registration statement. The plaintiffs seek unspecified monetary damages and other relief. We do

In addition, we are subject to certain legal actions which we consider routine to our business activities. As of December 31, 2020, our management believed, after consultation with legal counsel, that the ultimate outcome of the two putative class action lawsuits and such other routine legal matters are not currently believe that this matter is likely to have a material adverse impacteffect on our consolidatedfinancial position, liquidity or results of operations, cash flows, or our financial position. However, any litigation is inherently uncertain, and any judgment or injunctive relief entered against us or any adverse settlement could materially and adversely impact our business, results of operations, financial condition, and prospects.  operations.

In addition, from time to time the Company may become involved in legal proceedings or be subject to claims arising in the ordinary course of its business. Although the results of such litigation and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company currently believes that the final outcome of these ordinary course matters will not have a material adverse effect on its business, operating results, financial condition or cash flows. Regardless of the outcome, any such litigation and claims can have an adverse impact on the Company because of defense and settlement costs, diversion of management resources and other factors.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

We refer you to documents filed by us with the SEC, specifically "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 (the “2019 10-K”), as updated by the information disclosed in “Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020, (the “Second Quarter Form 10-Q”), each of which identify important risk factors that could materially affect our business, financial condition and future results. We also refer you to the factors and cautionary language set forth in the section entitled "Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-looking Statements" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes, should be read in conjunction with such risks and other factors for a full understanding of our operations and financial condition. The risks described in the 2019our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020 and the Second Quarter Form 10-Qherein are not the only risks facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results particularly in light of the fast-changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, containment measures, the potential for future waves of outbreaks and the related impacts to the travel industry and on our major airlines partners.results.

We have updated our existing risk factors to add the following risk factor related to recent developments.  Except for the updates set forth below, there have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in our 2019 10-K, as updated in our Second Quarter 10-Q.

The outbreak and global spread of COVID-19 has resulted in a severe decline in demand for air travel which has adversely impacted the business of our airline partners, American Airlines, Inc. (“American”) and United Airlines, Inc. (“United”), and in turn had had an adverse impact that has been material to our business, operating results, financial condition and liquidity. The duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, and similar public health threats that we may face in the future, could result in additional adverse effects on our business, operating results, financial condition and liquidity.

The COVID-19 outbreak, along with the measures governments and private organizations worldwide have implemented in an attempt to contain the spread of this pandemic, has resulted in a severe decline in demand for air travel, which has adversely affected the business of our major airline partners, American and United (the “Partners”), from whom we derive all of our operating revenue, and in turn has adversely affected our business, operations and financial condition to an unprecedented extent. Measures ranging from travel restrictions, “shelter in place” and quarantine orders, limitations on public gatherings to cancellation of public events and many others have resulted in a precipitous decline in demand for both business and leisure travel worldwide.

42


In response to this material deterioration in demand, both American and United made significant cuts in capacity in their domestic and international schedules in April and announced their expectations regarding making further reductions in May and plans to proactively evaluate and cancel flights on a rolling 90-day basis until they see signs of a recovery in demand. These capacity reductions have impacted flights operated by the Company.  The initiatives and measures put in place to limit the spread of the virus has and will continue to have a materially adverse impact on our business. The Company further reports that, beginning in March 2020, it has experienced a material decline in demand in block hours from both of its major airline partners, American and United Airlines, Inc. (“United” and together with American, the “Partners”) resulting from the spread of the COVID-19 virus. As a result of this decline in demand and the subsequent capacity reductions by the Company’s Partners, the Company operated at significantly lower block hours in the third quarter of 2020. While there has been a modest demand recovery, the Company anticipates similar schedule reductions will likely continue into the fourth quarter of 2020 and may continue throughout the remainder of 2020 and the foreseeable future.

As a result of the foregoing, the Company has implemented cost saving initiatives, including reducing employee-related costs through voluntary unpaid leaves, compensation reductions for Executive level employees, a company-wide hiring freeze, and delaying non-essential heavy maintenance expense and reducing or suspending discretionary spending,  We have also taken steps to increase liquidity and strengthen our financial position, including reducing planned heavy engine and airframe maintenance, working with major partners and OEMs to delay the timing of the delivery of our future aircraft and spare engine deliveries, and drawing $23 million under our previously undrawn revolving credit facility.  While the severity, magnitude and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic remain uncertain, there can be no assurance that these actions will be sufficient to sustain our business operations through this pandemic.

We have taken and intend to take additional actions to improve our financial position, including measures to improve liquidity, such as obtaining financial assistance under the CARES Act.  In April 2020, we were granted $92.5 million in emergency relief through the Payroll Support Program of the CARES Act.  We received $46.3 million as of June 2020 and expect to receive the remaining $46.2 million in three equal installments from July to September 2020.  The Company is also considering borrowing up to approximately $277 million from the U.S. Treasury Department pursuant to the loan program under the CARES Act. In connection with the financial assistance we have received and expect to receive under this legislation, we will be required to comply with certain provisions of the CARES Act, including the requirement that funds provided pursuant to the Payroll Support Program be used exclusively for the continuation of payment of employee wages, salaries and benefits; the requirement against involuntary furloughs and reductions in employee pay rates and benefits through September 2020; the requirement of continuing essential air service; restrictions on share repurchases and dividends; and limits on the payment of certain executive compensation.  The substance and duration of these restrictions may materially affect our operations, and we may not be successful in managing these impacts for the duration of the restrictions. In particular, limitations on executive compensation, which, depending on the form of aid, could extend up to six years, may impact the Company's ability to attract and retain senior management or attract other key employees during this critical time.

The full extent of the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on our future operational and financial performance will depend on future developments, many of which are outside our control, including the effectiveness of the mitigation strategies discussed above, the severity, magnitude, duration and spread of COVID-19, including any recurrence of the pandemic, and related travel advisories and restrictions, the impact of COVID-19 on overall long-term demand for air travel, the impact on demand and capacity which could result from government mandates on air service including, for instance, any requirement for passengers to wear masks while traveling or have their temperature checked or have administered other tests or examinations prior to entering an airport or boarding an airplane, or which would limit the number of seats that can be occupied on an aircraft to allow for social distancing, the impact of COVID-19 on the financial health and operations of our Partners and future governmental actions, all of which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted.

In addition, an outbreak of another disease or similar public health threat, or fear of such an event, that affects travel demand, travel behavior or travel restrictions could adversely impact our business, financial condition and operating results. Outbreaks of other diseases could also result in increased government restrictions and regulation, such as those actions described above or otherwise, which could adversely affect our operations.

43


The Company has a significant amount of debt and other contractual obligations and intends to seek material amounts of additional financial liquidity in the short-term, and insufficient liquidity may have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and business.

The Company has a significant amount of debt and other contractual obligations, including debt incurred in connection with the acquisition of aircraft and aircraft engines, and long-term lease obligations primarily relating to our aircraft fleet. In addition, the Company has substantial noncancelable commitments for capital expenditures, including for the acquisition of new aircraft and related spare engines.

In addition, in response to the travel restrictions, decreased demand for air travel and other effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had and is expected to have on our major airline partners and, in turn, on the Company's business, the Company currently intends to continue to seek material amounts of additional financial liquidity in the short-term, which may include the proposed drawing of loans under the loan program of the CARES Act.

There can be no assurance as to the timing of any such incurrence, which may be in the near term, or that any such additional financing will be completed on favorable terms, or at all. As of June 30, 2020, we had total long-term debt of $777.7 million (including current portion of $176.8 million) and $12.0 million available for borrowing under our CIT Revolving Credit Facility at June 30, 2020. We received $46.3 million under the payroll support program under the CARES Act as of June 30, 2020, and expect to receive the remaining $46.2 million in three equal payments from July to September 2020. As discussed elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we are eligible for a $277.0 million loan under the loan program of the CARES Act.

The Company's substantial level of indebtedness, the Company's non-investment grade credit ratings and the availability of Company assets as collateral for loans or other indebtedness, which available collateral would be reduced as a result of any CARES Act loan program borrowings and other future liquidity-raising transactions, may make it difficult for the Company to raise additional capital if needed to meet its liquidity needs on acceptable terms, or at all.

Although the Company's cash flows from operations and its available capital, including the proceeds from financing transactions, have been sufficient to meet its obligations and commitments to date, the Company's liquidity has been, and may in the future be, negatively affected by the risk factors discussed in the 2019 Form 10-K, as updated by the Second Quarter 10-Q and this report, including risks related to future results arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. If the Company's liquidity is materially diminished, the Company's cash flow available to fund its working capital requirements, capital expenditures and business development efforts may be materially and adversely affected.

A material reduction in the Company's liquidity could also result in the Company not being able to timely pay its leases and debts or comply with material provisions of its contractual obligations, including covenants under its financing agreements and leases with, among others, CIT, Export Development Canada, and RASPRO Trust 2005. In addition, several of the Company's debt agreements contain affirmative and negative covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to enter into, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any liens.

In addition to the foregoing, the degree to which we are leveraged could have important consequences to holders of our securities, including the following:

we must dedicate a substantial portion of cash flow from operations to the payment of principal and interest on applicable indebtedness, which, in turn, reduces funds available for operations and capital expenditures;

our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in the markets in which we compete may be limited;

we may be at a competitive disadvantage relative to our competitors with less indebtedness;

we are rendered more vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions;

we are exposed to increased interest rate risk given that a portion of our indebtedness obligations are at variable interest rates; and

our credit ratings may be reduced and our debt and equity securities may significantly decrease in value.

See Part I, Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, of this report for additional information regarding the Company's liquidity as of June 30, 2020.

44


The loss of key personnel upon whom we depend to operate our business or the inability to attract additional qualified personnel could adversely affect our business.

We believe that our future success will depend in large part on our ability to retain or attract highly qualified management, technical and other personnel. We may not be successful in retaining key personnel or in attracting other highly qualified personnel. Among other things, the CARES Act imposes significant restrictions on executive compensation which, assuming we receive a secured loan from Treasury, will remain in place through the date that is one year after such secured loan is fully repaid. Such restrictions, over time, will likely result in lower executive compensation in the airline industry than is prevailing in other industries which may present retention challenges in the case of executives presented with alternative, non-airline opportunities. Any inability to retain or attract significant numbers of qualified management and other personnel would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The Inability to Secure Financing for the Twenty New E-175 Aircraft Scheduled for Delivery Beginning in September 2020 May Negatively Affect Our Prospects, Operations and Financial Condition.

           As we previously reported, our United Capacity Purchase Agreement provides for the addition of twenty (20) new Embraer E175 aircraft to the scope of such Agreement.  We intend to finance and own these new aircraft and operate them for a period of twelve (12) years from the in-service date.  While deliveries of the new E-175 aircraft are scheduled to begin in September 2020 and continue through June 2021, as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, given the current COVID-19 environment, we do not currently have the financing in place to acquire and take delivery of such aircraft.  If we are unable to secure such financing on a timely basis or at all, we could forfeit the right to acquire some or all of such aircraft.  A loss of the aircraft to a competitor could have a material adverse effect on our business prospects, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The Company repurchased 112,5872,256 shares of its common stock for $0.5$0.02 million to cover the income tax obligation on vested employee equity awards and warrant exercisesconversions during the ninethree months ended June 30, 2020.December 31, 2020

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

Item 6. Exhibits

 

4534


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

 

Exhibit Description

 

 

 

  10.1*10.1.1**

 

Twenty- Amended and Restated Capacity Purchase Agreement among the Registrant, Mesa Airlines, Inc. and American Airlines, Inc. dated November 19, 2020, effective as of January 1, 2021

10.1.2**

First Amendment to Code Sharethe Amended and Revenue SharingRestated Capacity Purchase Agreement among the Registrant, Mesa Airlines, Inc. and American Airlines, Inc. dated November 19, 2020, effective January 1, 2021

 

 

 

  31.1

 

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13(a)-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

  31.2

 

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13(a)-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

  32.1*

 

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

  32.2*

 

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

101.INS

 

Inline XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.

101.SCH

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE

104          

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

104

 

Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

 

*

This certification will not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. Such certification will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent specifically incorporated by reference into such filing.

 

**

Certain confidential information contained in this agreement has been omitted because it (i) is not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.

 

 

46



SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

MESA AIR GROUP, INC.

 

 

 

 

Date: August 10, 2020February 9, 2021

 

By:

/s/ Michael J. Lotz 

 

 

 

Michael J. Lotz

President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

 

4736