UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
/ X / QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2000.
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 1-8957
ALASKA AIR GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 91-1292054
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
19300 Pacific Highway South, Seattle, Washington 98188
(Address of principal executive offices)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (206) 431-7040
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes / X / No / /
APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS
DURING THE PRECEDING FIVE YEARS:
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and
reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan
confirmed by a court. Yes / / No / /
APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes
of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
The registrant has 26,439,190 common shares, par value $1.00, outstanding
at March 31, 2000.
1
PART I. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ITEM 1. Financial Statements
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)
Alaska Air Group, Inc.
ASSETS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------
December 31, MARCH 31,
(In Millions) 1999 2000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $132.5 $125.6
Marketable securities 196.5 147.4
Receivables - net 74.6 99.4
Inventories and supplies 54.3 57.7
Prepaid expenses and other assets 124.0 166.9
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------
Total Current Assets 581.9 597.0
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Flight equipment 1,386.6 1,422.3
Other property and equipment 337.2 363.7
Deposits for future flight equipment 217.7 245.7
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------
1,941.5 2,031.7
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 486.7 507.8
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------
1,454.8 1,523.9
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------
Capital Leases:
Flight and other equipment 44.4 44.4
Less accumulated amortization 31.8 32.3
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------
12.6 12.1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------
TOTAL PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT - NET 1,467.4 1,536.0
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------
Intangible Assets - Subsidiaries 55.5 55.0
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------
Other Assets 75.3 35.6
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TOTAL ASSETS $2,180.1 $2,223.6
========================================================================== ==================
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
2
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)
Alaska Air Group, Inc.
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------
December 31, MARCH 31,
(In Millions Except Share Amounts) 1999 2000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable $104.2 $112.4
Accrued aircraft rent 81.8 66.5
Accrued wages, vacation and payroll taxes 83.0 64.7
Other accrued liabilities 99.5 133.7
Air traffic liability 183.7 252.7
Current portion of long-term debt and
capital lease obligations 66.5 97.0
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 618.7 727.0
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------
Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations 337.0 300.1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------
Other Liabilities and Credits
Deferred income taxes 144.0 136.8
Deferred income 37.4 36.4
Other liabilities 112.3 99.1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------
293.7 272.3
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $1 par value
Authorized: 100,000,000 shares
Issued: 1999 - 29,157,108 shares
2000 - 29,185,494 shares 29.2 29.2
Capital in excess of par value 480.0 480.8
Treasury stock, at cost: 1999 - 2,746,304 shares
2000 - 2,746,304 shares (62.7) (62.7)
Deferred compensation (0.6) (0.4)
Retained earnings 484.8 477.3
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------
930.7 924.2
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $2,180.1 $2,223.6
========================================================================== ==================
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
3
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
Alaska Air Group, Inc.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------
Three Months Ended March 31
(In Millions Except Per Share Amounts) 1999 2000
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OPERATING REVENUES
Passenger $419.4 $450.6
Freight and mail 20.7 20.3
Other - net 21.1 21.6
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------
TOTAL OPERATING REVENUES 461.2 492.5
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------
OPERATING EXPENSES
Wages and benefits 151.9 171.0
Contracted services 15.6 17.7
Aircraft fuel 42.9 90.1
Aircraft maintenance 35.4 40.2
Aircraft rent 51.3 46.4
Food and beverage service 12.4 12.9
Commissions 23.7 16.5
Other selling expenses 24.6 26.2
Depreciation and amortization 19.7 23.0
Loss (gain) on sale of assets 0.1 (0.1)
Landing fees and other rentals 22.2 22.4
Other 32.8 40.0
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TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES 432.6 506.3
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OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) 28.6 (13.8)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------
NONOPERATING INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest income 4.7 5.2
Interest expense (3.8) (7.9)
Interest capitalized 2.2 3.4
Other - net 1.7 0.5
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------
4.8 1.2
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------
Income (loss) before income tax 33.4 (12.6)
INCOME TAX EXPENSE (CREDIT) 13.2 (5.1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------
NET INCOME (LOSS) $20.2 $(7.5)
======================================================================== ==============
BASIC EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE $0.77 $(0.28)
======================================================================== ==============
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share $0.76 $(0.28)
======================================================================== ==============
Shares used for computation:
Basic 26.313 26.426
Diluted 26.504 26.426
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
4
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (unaudited)
Alaska Air Group, Inc.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMON Capital in Treasury Deferred
SHARES Common Excess of Stock Compen- Retained
(In Millions) OUTSTANDING Stock Par Value at Cost sation Earnings Total
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balances at December 31, 1999 26.411 $29.2 $480.0 $(62.7) $(0.6) $484.8 $930.7
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net loss for the three months
ended March 31, 2000 (7.5) (7.5)
Stock issued under stock plans 0.028 0.0 0.8 0.0 0.8
Employee Stock Ownership Plan
shares allocated 0.2 0.2
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCES AT MARCH 31, 2000 26.439 $29.2 $480.8 $(62.7) $(0.4) $477.3 $924.2
========================================================================================================================
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
5
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)
Alaska Air Group, Inc.
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Three Months Ended March 31 (In Millions) 1999 2000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss) $20.2 $(7.5)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash:
Depreciation and amortization 19.7 23.0
Amortization of airframe and engine overhauls 11.1 12.5
Loss (gain) on sale of assets 0.1 (0.1)
Deferred income taxes 12.3 (7.2)
Increase in accounts receivable (20.2) (24.8)
Increase in other current assets (10.1) (8.1)
Increase in air traffic liability 55.3 69.0
Increase (decrease) in other current liabilities (13.7) 8.8
Other-net 1.6 (15.4)
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Net cash provided by operating activities 76.3 50.2
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of marketable securities (25.7) (1.5)
Sales and maturities of marketable securities 74.6 50.6
Additions to flight equipment deposits (24.1) (41.0)
Additions to property and equipment (71.2) (60.8)
Restricted deposits and other 3.1 1.2
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------
Net cash used in investing activities (43.3) (51.5)
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CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Long-term debt and capital lease payments (6.3) (6.4)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 5.0 0.8
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------
Net cash used in financing activities (1.3) (5.6)
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Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 31.7 (6.9)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 29.4 132.5
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $61.1 $125.6
=================================================================================== =================
Supplemental disclosure of cash paid during the period for:
Interest (net of amount capitalized) $2.4 $0.0
Income taxes 4.4 $1.7
Noncash investing and financing activities None NONE
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
6
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS THAT HAVE CHANGED SIGNIFICANTLY
DURING THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2000
Alaska Air Group, Inc.
NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited financial statements of Alaska Air Group, Inc. (the
Company or Air Group) include the accounts of its principal subsidiaries, Alaska
Airlines, Inc. (Alaska) and Horizon Air Industries, Inc. (Horizon). These
statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements in the
Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999. They
include all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a
fair presentation of the results for the interim periods. The adjustments made
were of a normal recurring nature.
NOTE 2. PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
At March 31, 2000, other current assets included $38.3 million of restricted
deposits which will be used to pay certain current liabilities. At December 31,
1999, these deposits were included with other assets. These deposits are
yen-denominated investments that are held to repay yen-denominated borrowings
that are due in the next 12 months.
NOTE 3. OTHER ACCRUED LIABILITIES
The frequent flyer award liability at December 31, 1999 and March 31, 2000 was
$40.0 million and $44.5 million, respectively.
NOTE 4. EARNINGS PER SHARE (SEE NOTE 9 TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS AT DECEMBER 31, 1999)
Earnings per share (EPS) calculations for the three months ended March 31 were
as follows, (in millions except per share amounts):
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999 2000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss) $20.2 $(7.5)
Avg. shares outstanding 26.313 26.426
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic earnings (loss)per share $0.77 $(0.28)
=============================================================================================
Avg. shares outstanding 26.313 26.426
Assumed exercise of stock options 0.191 --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diluted EPS shares 26.504 26.426
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diluted earnings (loss) per share $0.76 $(0.28)
=============================================================================================
7
NOTE 5. OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (SEE NOTE 11 TO CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AT DECEMBER 31, 1999)
Operating segment information for Alaska Airlines, Inc. (Alaska) and Horizon Air
Industries, Inc. (Horizon) for the three months ended March 31 was as follows
(in millions):
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999 2000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating revenues:
Alaska $371.9 $394.3
Horizon 93.0 101.5
Elimination of
intercompany revenues (3.7) (3.3)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated 461.2 492.5
=============================================================================================
Pretax income (loss):
Alaska 30.8 (10.9)
Horizon 3.0 (1.4)
Air Group (0.4) (0.3)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated 33.4 (12.6)
=============================================================================================
Total assets at end of period:
Alaska 1,626.3 2,037.2
Horizon 202.7 242.2
Air Group 814.9 939.0
Elimination of
intercompany accounts (835.2) (994.8)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated 1,808.7 2,223.6
=============================================================================================
8
ALASKA AIRLINES FINANCIAL AND STATISTICAL DATA
Three Months Ended March 31
---------------------------------------
%
FINANCIAL DATA (IN MILLIONS): 1999 2000 Change
----- ----- ------
Operating Revenues:
Passenger $335.0 $355.6 6.1
Freight and mail 18.0 17.8 (1.1)
Other - net 18.9 20.9 10.6
-------------------------
Total Operating Revenues 371.9 394.3 6.0
-------------------------
Operating Expenses:
Wages and benefits 119.8 138.6 15.7
Employee profit sharing 3.0 0.0 (100.0)
Contracted services 13.5 15.2 12.6
Aircraft fuel 35.4 73.8 108.5
Aircraft maintenance 23.0 28.4 23.5
Aircraft rent 40.5 35.8 (11.6)
Food and beverage service 11.8 12.1 2.5
Commissions 22.1 15.6 (29.4)
Other selling expenses 19.4 20.4 5.2
Depreciation and amortization 15.9 18.6 17.0
Loss on sale of assets 0.1 0.0 NM
Landing fees and other rentals 16.7 17.0 1.8
Other 24.6 31.0 26.0
-------------------------
Total Operating Expenses 345.8 406.5 17.6
-------------------------
Operating Income (Loss) 26.1 (12.2)
-------------------------
Interest income 5.2 6.1
Interest expense (3.8) (7.9)
Interest capitalized 1.7 2.6
Other - net 1.6 0.5
-------------------------
4.7 1.3
-------------------------
Income (Loss) Before Income Tax $30.8 $(10.9)
=========================
OPERATING STATISTICS:
Revenue passengers (000) 3,072 3,168 3.1
RPMs (000,000) 2,701 2,814 4.2
ASMs (000,000) 4,117 4,231 2.8
Passenger load factor 65.6% 66.5% 0.9 pts
Breakeven load factor 59.9% 70.1% 10.2 pts
Yield per passenger mile 12.40CENTS 12.64CENTS 1.9
Operating revenue per ASM 9.03CENTS 9.32CENTS 3.2
Operating expenses per ASM 8.40CENTS 9.61CENTS 14.4
Fuel cost per gallon 48.5CENTS 99.1CENTS 104.6
Fuel gallons (000,000) 73.1 74.5 1.9
Average number of employees 8,885 9,279 4.4
Aircraft utilization (block hours/day) 11.1 10.9 (1.8)
Operating fleet at period-end 86 89 3.5
NM = Not Meaningful
9
HORIZON AIR FINANCIAL AND STATISTICAL DATA
Three Months Ended March 31
-----------------------------------------
%
FINANCIAL DATA (IN MILLIONS): 1999 2000 Change
----- ----- ------
Operating Revenues:
Passenger $87.3 $97.5 11.7
Freight and mail 2.7 2.5 (7.4)
Other - net 3.0 1.5 (50.0)
-------------------------
Total Operating Revenues 93.0 101.5 9.1
-------------------------
Operating Expenses:
Wages and benefits 28.6 32.4 13.3
Employee profit sharing 0.5 0.0 (100.0)
Contracted services 2.6 3.1 19.2
Aircraft fuel 7.5 16.3 117.3
Aircraft maintenance 12.5 11.8 (5.6)
Aircraft rent 10.8 10.6 (1.9)
Food and beverage service 0.6 0.8 33.3
Commissions 4.5 3.4 (24.4)
Other selling expenses 5.3 5.8 9.4
Depreciation and amortization 3.8 4.3 13.2
Loss (gain) on sale of assets 0.0 (0.1) NM
Landing fees and other rentals 5.5 5.7 3.6
Other 7.9 8.9 12.7
-------------------------
Total Operating Expenses 90.1 103.0 14.3
-------------------------
Operating Income 2.9 (1.5)
-------------------------
Interest expense (0.5) (0.8)
Interest capitalized 0.5 0.8
Other - net 0.1 0.1
-------------------------
0.1 0.1
-------------------------
Income Before Income Tax $3.0 $(1.4)
=========================
OPERATING STATISTICS:
Revenue passengers (000) 1,146 1,190 3.9
RPMs (000,000) 301 329 9.5
ASMs (000,000) 501 551 10.0
Passenger load factor 60.0% 59.7% (0.3)pts
Breakeven load factor 57.8% 60.7% 2.9 pts
Yield per passenger mile 29.04CENTS 29.62CENTS 2.0
Operating revenue per ASM 18.54CENTS 18.41CENTS (0.7)
Operating expenses per ASM 17.97CENTS 18.68CENTS 4.0
Fuel cost per gallon 51.0CENTS 101.6CENTS 99.4
Fuel gallons (000,000) 14.8 16.0 8.1
Average number of employees 3,305 3,617 9.5
Aircraft utilization (block hours/day) 7.8 8.1 3.8
Operating fleet at period-end 61 62 1.6
NM = Not Meaningful
10
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND
FINANCIAL CONDITION FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This report may contain forward-looking statements that are based on the best
information currently available to management. These forward-looking statements
are intended to be subject to the safe harbor protection provided by Section
27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements are indicated by phrases such as
"will", "should", "the Company believes", "we expect" or any other language
indicating a prediction of future events. There can be no assurance that actual
developments will be those anticipated by the Company. Actual results could
differ materially from those projected as a result of a number of factors, some
of which the Company cannot predict or control. For a discussion of these
factors, please see Item 1 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1999.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FIRST QUARTER 2000 COMPARED WITH FIRST QUARTER 1999
The consolidated net loss for the first quarter of 2000 was $7.5 million, or
$0.28 per share (diluted), compared with a net income of $20.2 million, or $0.76
per share, in 1999. The consolidated operating loss for the first quarter of
2000 was $13.8 million compared to an operating income of $28.6 million for
1999. The $42.4 million reduction in operating income was essentially all due to
higher fuel prices. Financial and statistical data for Alaska and Horizon is
shown on pages 9 and 10. A discussion of this data follows.
ALASKA AIRLINES
REVENUES
Capacity increased by 2.8% primarily due to additional flights in the Southern
California, Mexico and Arizona markets. Traffic grew by 4.2%, resulting in a 0.9
point increase in passenger load factor. The Canada and Northern California
markets experienced the largest increases in load factor. Passenger yields were
up 1.9%, primarily due to fuel-related fare increases. Yields were up in all
major markets, with Canada showing the largest increase. The higher load factor
combined with the higher yield resulted in a 3.2% increase in revenue per
available seat mile (ASM). The combined result of the 2.8% capacity increase and
the 3.2% revenue per ASM increase was a 6.1% increase in passenger revenue.
Freight and mail revenues decreased 1.1%, primarily due to lower mail volumes.
Other-net revenues increased 10.6%, due to increased revenue from travel
partners in Alaska's frequent flyer program.
EXPENSES
Operating expenses grew by 17.6 % as a result of a 14.4% increase in cost per
ASM. The increase in cost per ASM was primarily due to higher fuel prices.
Without the higher fuel prices, cost per ASM would have increased 5.3%.
Explanations of significant year-over-year changes in the components of
operating expenses are as follows:
- - Wages and benefits increased 15.7% due to a 4.4% increase in the number
of employees combined with a 10.8% increase in average wages and
benefits per employee. Employees were added in all areas to service the
3.1% increase in passengers carried. New labor contracts, step
increases for pilots, and annual merit raises for management employees
all contributed to the higher wage rates.
11
- - Contracted services increased 13% due to higher security costs, higher
rates for ground handling services and increased navigation fees in
Canada and Mexico.
- - Fuel expense increased 109%, primarily due to a 105% increase in the
price of fuel. The fuel consumption rate decreased 3.0% due to the use
of more fuel efficient B737-700 aircraft.
- - Maintenance expense increased 24%, exceeding the 4% increase in block
hours, due to increased airframe component and engine overhaul expense,
and higher costs for landing gear repairs.
- - Aircraft rent expense decreased 12%, due to leasing four fewer MD-80
aircraft and two fewer B737-400 aircraft.
- - Commission expense decreased 29% on a 6% increase in passenger revenue.
In 2000, 66% of ticket sales were made through travel agents, versus
69% in 1999. In 2000, 9% of ticket sales were made through Alaska's
Internet web site versus 4% in 1999. In addition, the commission rate
paid to travel agents decreased from 8% to 5%.
- - Depreciation increased 17%, primarily due to owning 10 more aircraft
in 2000.
- - Other expense increased 26%, primarily due to higher expenditures for
operating supplies, insurance, flight crew hotels, legal fees,
passenger remuneration and recruiting.
HORIZON AIR
REVENUES
Capacity grew by 10.0%, primarily due to added flights in the Canada, and
California markets. Traffic grew by 9.5%, resulting in a 0.3 point decrease in
passenger load factor. Passenger yields were up 2.0%, largely due to "fuel
surcharge" fare increases. Passenger revenues increased 11.7%, slightly more
than the 10.0% increase in capacity.
Other-net revenues decreased 50%, or $1.5 million, primarily due to recording
revenues related to aircraft manufacturer's support during the first quarter of
1999.
EXPENSES
Operating expenses grew by 14.3% as a result of a 10.0% increase in capacity and
a 4.0% increase in cost per ASM. Explanations of significant year-over-year
changes in the components of operating expenses are as follows:
- - Wages and benefits increased 13.3% due to a 9.5% increase in the number
of employees combined with a 3.5% increase in average wages and
benefits per employee. Employees were added in all areas to provide
7.8% more block hours of flying and to service the 3.9% increase in
passengers carried.
- - Contracted services increased 19%, higher than the 10% increase in
capacity, due to higher ground handling charges, increased navigation
fees in Canada, and higher security charges.
12
- - Fuel expense increased 117%, due to an 8% increase in fuel consumption
combined with a 99% increase in the price of fuel.
- - Maintenance expense included a $1.5 million leased aircraft return
credit for 2000. Absent this credit, maintenance expense would have
increased 6%.
- - Commission expense decreased 24% on a 12% increase in passenger
revenue, because a smaller percentage of sales were made through travel
agents and commission rates dropped from 8% to 5%.
- - Depreciation and amortization expense increased 13%, primarily due to
added depreciation on aircraft spare parts and station equipment.
CONSOLIDATED NONOPERATING INCOME (EXPENSE) Net nonoperating income decreased
$3.6 million, primarily due to higher interest expense resulting from new debt
incurred in late 1999.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The table below presents the major indicators of financial condition and
liquidity.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 31, 1999 MARCH 31, 2000 Change
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In millions, except debt-to-equity and per share amounts)
Cash and marketable securities $329.0 $273.0 $(56.0)
Working capital (deficit) (36.8) (130.0) (93.2)
Long-term debt and
capital lease obligations 337.0 300.1 (36.9)
Shareholders' equity 930.7 924.2 (6.5)
Book value per common share $35.24 $34.96 $(0.28)
Debt-to-capital 27%:73% 25%:75% NA
Debt-to-capital assuming aircraft
operating leases are capitalized
at seven times annualized rent 64%:36% 63%:37% NA
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Company's cash and marketable securities portfolio decreased by $56 million
during the first three months of 2000. Operating activities provided $50 million
of cash during this period. Cash was used for $102 million of capital
expenditures, including the purchase of one new Boeing 737 aircraft, flight
equipment deposits and airframe and engine overhauls, and for $6 million of debt
repayment.
Shareholders' equity decreased $6.5 million due to the net loss of $7.5 million.
AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT On January 31, 2000, Alaska Airlines flight 261 from Puerto
Vallarta en route to San Francisco, went down in the water off the coast of
California near Point Mugu. The flight carried 83 passengers and five crew
members. There were no survivors. Consistent with industry standards, the
Company maintains insurance against aircraft accidents. The Company expects
substantially all accident response and civil litigation costs to be covered by
insurance. However, any aircraft accident, even if fully insured, could cause a
negative public perception of the Company with adverse financial consequences.
Principally as a result of added maintenance inspections Alaska carried out
13
after the accident, Alaska estimates that it canceled 6% of its flights in
February and 3% of its flights in March.
SAFETY ACTIVITIES In March 2000, to enhance existing lines of communication,
Alaska established a "safety hotline" for employees to contact the chairman's
office directly regarding any safety concern. In April 2000, an independent team
of outside safety experts began a full audit of the maintenance, flight
operations, hazardous materials handling and security areas of Alaska. The audit
is expected to take two months. In addition, Alaska is in the process of hiring
a vice president of safety, who will report directly to the chairman.
COMMITMENTS As of April 2000, the Company had firm orders for 65 aircraft
requiring aggregate payments of approximately $1.5 billion, as set forth below.
In addition, Alaska has options to acquire 26 more B737s and Horizon has options
to acquire 15 Dash 8-400s and 25 CRJ 700s. Alaska and Horizon expect to finance
the new planes with either leases, long-term debt or internally generated cash.
DELIVERY PERIOD - FIRM ORDERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AIRCRAFT 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 TOTAL
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing 737-700 6 3 -- -- -- -- 9
Boeing 737-900 -- 6 5 -- -- -- 11
de Havilland Dash 8-400 3 12 -- -- -- -- 15
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canadair RJ 700 -- -- 8 6 14 2 30
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 9 21 13 6 14 2 65
================================================================================================================================
Payments (Millions) $311 $416 $298 $168 $262 $34 $1,489
================================================================================================================================
RECENT ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS In December 1999, the Securities and Exchange
Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin 101 (SAB 101), Revenue Recognition
in Financial Statements. SAB 101 gives specific guidance on the conditions that
must be met before revenue may be recognized. In March 2000, the SEC issued SAB
101A that permits the Company to implement SAB 101 in the second quarter of
2000. Four major U.S. airlines have adopted SAB 101 in the first quarter of
2000 and changed their method of accounting for the sale of frequent flyer
miles. Alaska believes that SAB 101 also applies to its sale of frequent flyer
miles. As a result, Alaska expects to implement SAB 101 during the second
quarter of 2000 and change its method of revenue recognition for the sale of
mileage credits. The portion of the proceeds from sales of miles that
represents Alaska's obligation to provide future travel on Alaska will be
deferred and recognized as a component of passenger revenue when the service is
rendered. The portion of the proceeds from sales of miles that represents
Alaska's obligation to provide future travel on other airline partners will be
recorded as a liability to those partners. The remaining portion of the sales
proceeds will continue to be recognized immediately as part of other operating
revenues. During the second quarter of 2000, Alaska plans to recognize the
cumulative effect of adopting SAB 101 as a change in accounting principle as of
January 1, 2000.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In December 1998, search warrants and a grand jury subpoena (for the U.S.
District Court for the Northern District of California) were served on Alaska,
initiating an investigation into the Company's Oakland maintenance base by the
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California.
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In addition, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a letter of
investigation to Alaska relating to maintenance performed on an MD-80 aircraft.
In April 1999, the FAA issued a notice of proposed civil penalty for $44,000.
In July 1999, Alaska responded informally to the notice, disputing that any
violation occurred, and to date the FAA has not taken any further action. In
November 1999, the grand jury issued a second subpoena on Alaska. The Company
understands that information developed by the National Transportation Safety
Board in connection with the crash of flight 261 on January 31, 2000 is being
shared with the U.S. Attorney and that the U.S. Attorney will use this
information to evaluate whether any crimes were committed in connection with
flight 261. On May 9, 2000 the U.S. Attorney issued a subpoena for records
relating to the aircraft involved in the flight 261 accident. To the
Company's knowledge, no charges have been filed as a result of the grand jury
investigation.
Alaska is currently a defendant in several lawsuits relating to flight 261. The
Company is unable to predict the amount of claims that may ultimately be made
against it or how those claims might be resolved. Consistent with industry
standards, the Company maintains insurance against aircraft accidents. In
April 2000, the FAA began an audit of Alaska's maintenance and flight
operations departments to ensure adherence to mandated procedures. The FAA has
completed the on-site portion of its inspection. During the audit, the FAA
requested that Alaska take several actions, which Alaska has done or is
currently implementing. The Company has not been informed what further
actions, if any, the FAA intends to take as a result of its inspection.
The Company cannot predict the outcome of any of the pending civil or potential
criminal proceedings described above. As a result, the Company can give no
assurance that these proceedings, if determined adversely to Alaska, would not
have a material adverse effect on the financial position or results of
operations of the Company.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
ALLIANCES WITH OTHER AIRLINES
During February, 2000, Canadian Airlines gave notice to Alaska that it is
canceling its marketing alliance with Alaska effective in August 2000 due to
it's merger with Air Canada.
EMPLOYEES
During the first quarter of 1999, a federal mediator was assigned to assist
Horizon and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters in the negotiation of an
initial labor contract covering approximately 600 pilots. Negotiations have
taken place since then and further negotiations are planned for the second
quarter of 2000.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) Exhibit 3.(ii) - Bylaws of Alaska Air Group, Inc., as amended through
January 26, 2000 Exhibit 27 - Financial data schedule.
(b) On February 9, 2000 a report on Form 8-K was filed discussing the crash
of Alaska flight 261.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1934, the registrant has
duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto
duly authorized.
ALASKA AIR GROUP, INC.
- --------------------------------------------
Registrant
Date: May 9, 2000
/s/ John F. Kelly
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John F. Kelly
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
/s/ Bradley D. Tilden
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Bradley D. Tilden
Vice President/Finance and Chief Financial Officer
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