SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 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 June 30, 1997
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from December 1996 to June 1997
Commission File Number: 0-28774
WILLIS LEASE FINANCE CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
California 68-0070656
(State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
180 Harbor Drive, Suite 200, Sausalito, CA 94965
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (415) 331-5281
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year,
if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No
--- ---
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's
classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:
Title of each class Outstanding at August 11 , 1997
------------------- -------------------------------
Common Stock, No Par Value 5,445,507
1
WILLIS LEASE FINANCE CORPORATION
INDEX
PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION Page No.
--------
Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996 3
Consolidated Statements of Income
Three months and six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996 4
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
Year ended December 31, 1996 and six months ended June 30, 1997 5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Six months ended June 30, 1997 and 1996 6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 7
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
And Results of Operations 9
PART 2. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 16
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 17
2
WILLIS LEASE FINANCE CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
June 30, December 31,
1997 1996
------------ ------------
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 14,883,674 $ 6,573,241
Deposits 11,426,388 13,600,204
Aircraft engines, less accumulated depreciation of $17,635,156
at June 30, 1997 and $16,372,418 at December 31, 1996 104,070,591 93,131,972
Aircraft engines on capital lease, less accumulated depreciation
of $44,407 at June 30, 1997 and $0 at December 31, 1996 2,916,050 2,960,457
Net investment in direct finance lease 10,095,000 --
Property, equipment and furnishings, less accumulated depreciation
of $209,954 at June 30, 1997 and $160,407 at December 31, 1996 465,336 458,780
Spare parts inventory 6,859,736 4,057,648
Maintenance billings receivable 724,072 1,107,283
Operating lease rentals receivable 150,608 405,601
Receivables from spare parts sales 3,279,076 854,566
Other receivables 161,198 829,522
Other assets 1,300,727 953,419
------------ ------------
Total assets $156,332,456 $124,932,693
============ ============
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 13,991,829 $ 2,753,641
Salaries and commissions payable 743,990 538,658
Deferred income taxes 8,766,043 5,949,676
Deferred gain 196,526 209,774
Notes payable and accrued interest 82,472,816 73,185,657
Capital lease obligation 2,872,560 2,960,457
Residual share payable 1,570,745 1,199,279
Maintenance deposits 14,813,588 11,680,525
Security deposits 2,032,996 1,978,505
Unearned lease revenue 1,271,785 1,274,269
------------ ------------
Total liabilities $128,732,878 $101,730,441
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, no par value. Authorized 20,000,000 shares;
5,438,361 and 5,426,793 issued and outstanding at June 30, 1997
and December 31,1996, respectively 16,163,946 16,055,689
Retained earnings 11,435,632 7,146,563
------------ ------------
Total shareholders' equity 27,599,578 23,202,252
------------ ------------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $156,332,456 $124,932,693
============ ============
<FN>
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
</FN>
3
WILLIS LEASE FINANCE CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
Three months ended Six months ended
June 30, June 30,
------------------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
REVENUE
Operating lease revenue $ 4,428,749 $ 3,381,175 $ 8,543,826 $ 6,834,902
Gain on sale of leased engines -- -- 397,379 --
Spare part sales 3,655,983 1,148,138 5,877,663 2,434,355
Sale of equipment acquired for resale 7,600,000 4,613,660 10,147,840 6,824,300
Interest and other income 201,315 46,494 452,839 46,815
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total revenue $ 15,886,047 $ 9,189,467 $ 25,419,547 $ 16,140,372
EXPENSES
Interest expense 1,673,278 1,123,640 3,137,758 2,270,711
Depreciation expense 978,969 677,751 1,854,429 1,777,925
Residual share 180,914 152,019 371,466 373,982
Cost of spare part sales 2,402,830 861,408 3,706,982 1,385,960
Cost of equipment acquired for resale 6,385,464 3,933,604 8,637,981 5,533,604
General and administrative 2,156,920 1,191,275 3,942,835 2,101,386
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total expenses $ 13,778,375 $ 7,939,697 $ 21,651,451 $ 13,443,568
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Income before income taxes, minority
interest and extraordinary item 2,107,672 1,249,770 3,768,096 2,696,804
Income taxes (841,674) (511,055) (1,486,956) (1,094,539)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Income before minority interest and extraordinary item 1,265,998 738,715 2,281,140 1,602,265
Less: minority interest in net income of subsidiary -- (8,133) -- (34,452)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Income before extraordinary item 1,265,998 730,582 2,281,140 1,567,813
Extraordinary item less applicable income taxes -- -- 2,007,929 --
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net Income $ 1,265,998 $ 730,582 $ 4,289,069 $ 1,567,813
============ ============ ============ ============
Earnings per common share:
Income before extraordinary item 0.23 0.23 0.41 0.50
Extraordinary item -- -- 0.36 --
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net Income 0.23 0.23 0.77 0.50
============ ============ ============ ============
Weighted average number of shares outstanding 5,556,324 3,110,657 5,553,920 3,110,657
============ ============ ============ ============
<FN>
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
</FN>
4
WILLIS LEASE FINANCE CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
Year Ended December 31, 1996 and Six Months Ended June 30, 1997
Issued and
outstanding Advances Total
shares of Common Retained to shareholders'
common stock stock earnings shareholders equity
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Balances at December 31, 1995 1,500 $ 500 $ 5,293,566 ($ 481,789) $ 4,812,277
Common stock issued and
proceeds from IPO, net 5,425,293 16,055,189 -- -- 16,055,189
Repayments to shareholders, net -- -- -- 481,789 481,789
Dividends -- -- (951,475) -- (951,475)
Net income -- -- 2,804,472 -- 2,804,472
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Balance at December 31, 1996 5,426,793 16,055,689 7,146,563 -- 23,202,252
Shares issued 11,568 108,257 -- -- 108,257
Net income -- -- 4,289,069 -- 4,289,069
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Balances at June 30, 1997 (unaudited) 5,438,361 $ 16,163,946 $ 11,435,632 -- $ 27,599,578
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
<FN>
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
</FN>
5
WILLIS LEASE FINANCE CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
Six Months Ended June 30,
----------------------------
1997 1996
------------ ------------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 4,289,069 $ 1,567,813
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation of aircraft engines held for lease 1,794,646 1,744,116
Depreciation of property, equipment and furnishings 59,783 33,809
(Gain) loss on sale of property, equipment and furnishings (37,309) 5,700
(Gain) on sale of leased engines (397,379) --
Increase in residual share payable 371,466 373,982
Minority interest in net income of subsidiary -- 34,452
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Decrease in deposits 2,173,816 143,176
(Increase) in spare parts inventory (2,802,088) (132,208)
(Increase) in receivables (1,117,982) (182,068)
(Increase) in other assets (347,308) (341,580)
Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses 1,143,188 1,296,649
Increase in salaries and commission payable 205,332 57,955
Increase in deferred income taxes 2,816,367 1,050,735
(Decrease) in deferred gain on sale of aircraft engine (13,248) --
(Decrease) increase in accrued interest (493,316) 51,629
Increase in maintenance deposits 3,133,063 1,318,507
Increase in security deposits 54,491 198,792
(Decrease) in unearned lease revenue (2,484) (211,285)
------------ ------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 10,830,107 7,010,174
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of aircraft engines (net of selling expenses) 1,000,000 --
Proceeds from sale of property, equipment and furnishings 80,500 28,200
Purchase of aircraft engines held for operating lease (13,291,479) (1,211,804)
Purchase of property, equipment and furnishings (109,530) (198,559)
------------ ------------
Net cash used in investing activities (12,320,509) (1,382,163)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Advances to shareholder, net -- (261,942)
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable 66,888,374 7,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 108,257 --
Principal payments on notes payable (57,107,899) (5,565,196)
Principal payments on capital lease obligation (87,897) --
------------ ------------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 9,800,835 (5,820,138)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 8,310,433 (192,127)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 6,573,241 815,649
------------ ------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 14,883,674 $ 623,522
============ ============
<FN>
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing activities:
In conjunction with the purchase of the engine on direct finance lease,
liabilities were assumed as follows:
Purchase of aircraft engines on direct finance lease of $10,095,000.
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
</FN>
6
WILLIS LEASE FINANCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Basis of presentation
Consolidated Financial Statements
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Willis Lease
Finance Corporation (the "Company") have been prepared pursuant to the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission for reporting on Form
10-Q. Pursuant to such rules and regulations, certain information and footnote
disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted.
The accompanying unaudited interim financial statements should be read in
conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto,
together with management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and
results of operations, contained in the Company's Annual Report to Stockholders
incorporated by reference in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KA for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1996.
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial
statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal and recurring
adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company
as of June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996 and the results of its operations for
the three month and six month periods ended June 30, 1997 and 1996 and its cash
flows for the six month periods ended June 30, 1997 and 1996. The results of
operations and cash flows for the six month period ended June 30, 1997 are not
necessarily indicative of the results of operations or cash flows which may be
reported for the remainder of 1997.
2. Management Estimates
The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles, requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual
results could differ from those estimates.
3. Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Purchase Plan") was adopted by
the Board of Directors on June 21, 1996 and filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on November 1, 1996. The Purchase Plan is designed to allow
eligible employees of the Company and participating subsidiaries to purchase
shares of Common Stock, at semi-annual intervals, through their periodic payroll
deduction under the Purchase Plan. The purchase price is the lesser of 85% of
the market price of the Common Stock at the beginning of each purchase interval
or 85% of the market price of the Common Stock at the end of each purchase
interval. A reserve of 75,000 shares of common stock has been established for
this purpose. During the six month period ended June 30, 1997, the Company
issued 4,068 shares of Common Stock as a result of employee stock purchases
under the plan.
7
4. Financing
In February 1997, the Company obtained a new loan agreement for $41.5 million to
replace the existing note of $44.2 million. The transaction resulted in an
extraordinary gain of $2 million or $0.36 per weighted average share, net of
tax. The new facility bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.5% and matures in February,
1998. At that time the Company has the option to extend the facility for an
additional six years.
5. Subsequent event
In July 1997, the Company increased its $15 million revolving credit facility to
$30 million.
6. Pro Forma Net Income Per Share
Net income per share has been computed by dividing net income by the number of
shares of Willis Lease Finance Corporation common stock issued to the original
shareholder (3,110,657 shares), plus common stock issued in connection with the
Initial Public Offering (2,316,136 shares), warrants and options (400,000
shares) and shares issued in the six months ended June 30, 1997 (11,568 shares)
diluted on a weighted average basis for the period. This calculation results in
a weighted average number of shares outstanding of 5,553,920 and 3,110,657 for
the six months ended June 30, 1997 and June 30, 1996, respectively.
8
Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
The Company's primary businesses are the leasing of spare replacement aircraft
engines, spare parts packages and the strategic acquisition and resale of
aircraft engines and parts to the worldwide commercial airline aftermarket. The
Company commenced leasing operations in 1988 and established Willis Aeronautical
Services, Inc., ("WASI") to conduct its spare parts resale operation in October
1994. Revenue consists primarily of operating lease revenue, income from the
sale of leased engines, sales of spare parts and components and equipment sales.
Summary of Financial Results for the Quarter Ended June 30, 1997. Total revenues
for the quarter ending June 30, 1997 were $15.9 million, compared to $9.2
million in the corresponding quarter of 1996. This increase resulted from
increased revenue due to a higher asset base, higher spare parts sales and an
increase in sale of equipment acquired for resale. Net income for the quarter
ending June 30, 1997, was $1.3 million, compared to $0.7 million in the
corresponding quarter of 1996.
Results of Operations
Three Months Ended June 30, 1997 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 1996
Revenue is summarized as follows:
Three Months Ended June 30,
1997 1996
Amount % Amount %
------ - ------ -
(dollars in thousands)
Revenue:
Operating lease revenue 4,429 27.9% 3,381 36.8%
Gain on sale of leased engines -- -- -- --
Spare parts sales 3,656 23.0% 1,148 12.5%
Sale of equipment for resale 7,600 47.8% 4,614 50.2%
Interest and other income 201 1.3% 46 0.5%
-------------------------------------
Total 15,886 100.0% 9,189 100.0%
=====================================
Lease Portfolio. During the quarter ended June 30, 1997, six engines were added
to the Company's operating and direct finance lease portfolios at a total cost
of $18.7 million. One engine with a net book value of $3.2 million was
transferred from the lease portfolio into the equipment acquired for resale
portfolio and subsequently sold for $3.6 million.
Operating Leases. Operating lease revenue for the three months ended June 30,
1997 increased 31% to $4.4 million from $3.4 million from the comparable period
in 1996. This increase reflects lease revenues from additional engines and spare
parts packages acquired after June 30, 1996 ($1.3 million), one engine off-lease
during the quarter ended June 30, 1996 but on lease during the quarter ended
June 30, 1997 ($0.1 million) and net increases in effective lease rates on the
existing portfolio ($0.2 million). Offsetting this increase is a decrease of
lease revenue of $0.6 million from engines on lease during the quarter ended
June 30, 1996 and sold or otherwise disposed of prior to April 1, 1997.
Net income is not materially affected in the short term by lease volume. In the
early years of a lease, much of the lease revenue is offset by the higher
interest expense. Accordingly, the timing of new lease volume does not have a
material effect on the near-term quarterly net income.
9
Expenses directly related to operating lease activity increased 45% to $2.7
million for the three months ended June 30, 1997 from the comparable period in
1996. Interest expense increased 50% to $1.6 million for the three months ended
June 30, 1997 from the comparable period in 1996, due primarily to an increased
loan base and the replacement of the existing facility with a new loan agreement
bearing a higher interest rate in the first quarter of 1997. Residual sharing
expenses increased 19% to $181,000 from the comparable period in 1996 due to
changes in the Company's portfolio of engines subject to such agreements.
Depreciation expense increased 43% to $930,000 for the three months ended June
30, 1997 from the comparable period in 1996, due to the larger asset base,
offset by accelerated depreciation on one engine in 1996; this engine is not
depreciated on an accelerated basis in 1997.
Spare Parts Sales. Revenues from spare parts sales increased 218% to $3.7
million and the gross margin increased to 34% for the three months ended June
30, 1997 from 25% in the corresponding period in 1996, due to higher volume of
spare parts sales.
Equipment Sales. During the three months ended June 30, 1997, the Company sold 4
engines for $7.6 million which resulted in a gain of $1.2 million, compared to
the three months ended June 30, 1996, during which the Company sold 2 engines
for $4.6 million resulting in a gain of $0.7 million.
Interest and Other Income. Interest and other income for the three months ended
June 30, 1997 increased to $201,000 from $46,000 for the three months ended June
30, 1996. This is a result of interest earned on deposits held, primarily the
proceeds from the Company's initial public offering.
General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses
increased 81% to $2.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 1997 from the
comparable period in 1996. This increase reflects additional compensation and
related benefits, telephone and travel costs due to staff additions, increased
rent due to the expansion of the WASI facility and an increase in professional
fees incurred by the Company and public company costs incurred in 1997. In the
past twelve months, the Company has increased its staff to 32 full-time
employees and 2 part-time employees, up from 24 full-time employees and 1
part-time employee a year ago as a result of its growth in assets and increase
in transactions under consideration.
10
Results of Operations
Six months Ended June 30, 1997 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 1996
Revenue is summarized as follows:
Six Months Ended June 30,
1997 1996
Amount % Amount %
------ - ------ -
(dollars in thousands)
Revenue:
Operating lease revenue 8,544 33.6% 6,835 42.3%
Gain on sale of leased engines 397 1.6% -- --
Spare parts sales 5,878 23.1% 2,434 15.1%
Sale of equipment for resale 10,148 39.9% 6,824 42.3%
Interest and other income 453 1.8% 47 0.3%
---------------------------------------
Total 25,420 100.0% 16,140 100.0%
=======================================
Lease Portfolio. During the first six months of 1997, eight engines and three
spare parts packages (primarily avionics) were added to the Company's lease
portfolio at a total cost of $25.8 million. One engine with a net book value of
$603,000 was sold from the portfolio, resulting in a gain of $397,000. In
addition, one engine with a net book value of $3.2 million was transferred from
the lease portfolio into the equipment acquired for resale portfolio and
subsequently sold for $3.6 million.
Operating Leases. Operating lease revenue for the six months ended June 30, 1997
increased 25% to $8.5 million from $6.8 million from the comparable period in
1996. This increase reflects lease revenues from additional engines and spare
parts packages acquired after June 30, 1996 ($2.2 million), one engine off-lease
during the six months ended June 30, 1996 but on lease during the six months
ended June 30, 1997 ($0.3 million) and an increase of one engine that was
partially on lease during the six months ended June 30, 1996 but was on lease
for the entire six months ended June 30, 1997 ($0.2 million). Offsetting this
increase is a decrease in lease revenue of $0.5 million from engines on lease
during the six months ended June 30, 1996 and sold or otherwise disposed of
prior to January 1, 1997. In addition, there was a decrease in lease revenue of
$0.5 million on three engines due to lower lease rates in 1997, when compared
with the six months ended June 30, 1996.
Net income is not materially affected in the short term by lease volume. In the
early years of a lease, much of the lease revenue is offset by the higher
interest expense. Accordingly, the timing of new lease volume does not have a
material effect on the near-term quarterly net income.
11
Expenses directly related to operating lease activity increased 21% to $5.2
million for the six months ended June 30, 1997 from the comparable period in
1996. Interest expense increased 39% to $3.1 million for the six months ended
June 30, 1997 from the comparable period in 1996, due primarily to an increased
loan base and the replacement of the existing facility with a new loan agreement
bearing a higher interest rate in 1997. Depreciation expense increased 2% to
$1.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 1997 from comparable period in
1996, due to the larger asset base, offset by accelerated depreciation on one
engine in 1996, no longer applicable in 1997.
Spare Parts Sales. Revenues from spare parts sales increased 41% to $5.9 million
and the gross margin decreased to 37% in 1997 from 43% in the corresponding
period in 1996, due to changes in the inventory mix of parts sold.
Equipment Sales. During the six months ended June 30, 1997, the Company sold 5
engines for $10.1 million which resulted in a gain of $1.5 million, compared to
the six months ended June 30, 1996, during which the Company sold 3 engines for
$6.8 million resulting in a gain of $1.3 million.
Interest and Other Income. Interest and other income for the six months ended
June 30, 1997 increased to $453,000 from $47,000 for the six months ended June
30, 1996. This is a result of interest earned on deposits held, primarily the
proceeds from the Company's initial public offering.
General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses
increased 88% to $3.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 1997 from the
comparable period in 1996. This increase reflects additional compensation and
related benefits, telephone and travel costs due to staff additions, increased
rent due to the expansion of the WASI facility, as well as an increase in
professional fees, insurance expense and public company costs incurred by the
Company in 1997.
12
Liquidity and Capital Resources
In June 1997, the Company obtained a $15 million revolving credit facility to
finance the acquisition of engines and high-value spare parts for sale or lease.
This facility, which expires on February 28, 1998, bears interest at prime plus
75 basis points and may be renewed annually. In July 1997, the Company increased
its $15 million revolving credit facility to $30 million.
At June 30, 1997, $56 million of the Company's borrowings were on a variable
rate basis, substantially all of which bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.5%. The
Company's engine leases are generally structured at fixed rental rates for
specific terms. To date, this variable rate borrowing has resulted in lower
interest expense for the Company. In September 1996, the Company purchased an
interest rate cap from an investment grade financial institution for $460,000 to
limit its exposure to increases in interest rates on a portion of its variable
rate borrowings. The cap has a notional principal amount of $39.0 million and
caps the Company's exposure to interest rate increases for a period of four
years to a maximum fixed interest rate of 8.66%. The cost of the cap is being
amortized over four years. The Company will be exposed to credit risk in the
event of non-performance by the counterparty to the cap.
Increases in interest rates could narrow or eliminate the spread, or result in a
negative spread, between the rental revenue the Company realizes under its
leases and the interest rate that the Company pays under its borrowings. In the
future, the Company does not expect to enter into any variable rate loans except
in those instances where it obtains a variable rate lease from its customers and
anticipates reducing its remaining variable rate borrowings during the next
three years, after which the Company will re-evaluate its exposure to interest
rate variations.
As of June 30, 1997, the Company has four engines and three spare parts packages
which have not been financed. Until such permanent financing is in place, two of
the engines and the three spare parts packages have interest rate risk if
interest rates increase, since the underlying lease revenue is fixed. The
Company will seek permanent financing for the engines, although no assurance can
be given that permanent financing will be available on favorable terms, if at
all.
The Company believes that its current and anticipated credit facilities,
internally generated funds and the net proceeds of the Initial Public Offering
("the Offering"), should be sufficient to fund the Company's anticipated
operations until the first quarter of 1998. Thereafter, the Company may seek
additional equity capital to fund projected growth. The Company has received a
letter of commitment from a financial institution to provide an $80 million
securitized warehouse facility for the financing of jet aircraft engines. This
transaction's structure is indented to facilitate future public or private
securitized note issuances. The facility will become available immediately upon
completion of definitive agreements. The warehouse facility requires the Company
to hedge 50% of the floating rate facility. The Company's ability to
successfully execute its business strategy, and to sustain its operations, is
dependent in part on its ability to obtain debt capital and to raise equity
capital. There can be no assurance that the necessary amount of such capital
will continue to be available to the Company on favorable terms, or at all. If
the Company were unable to obtain any portion of required financing on favorable
terms, the Company's ability to add new engines to its portfolio or to conduct
profitable operations with its existing asset base would be impaired, which
would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial
condition and results of operations.
13
Factors That May Affect Future Results
In addition to other information in this Report, the following risk factors
should be considered carefully by potential purchasers in evaluating an
investment in the Common Stock of the Company. Except for historical information
contained herein, the discussion in this Report contains forward-looking
statements that involve risks and uncertainties, such as statements of the
Company's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. The cautionary
statements made in this Report should be read as being applicable to all related
forward-looking statements wherever they appear in this Report. The Company's
actual results could differ materially from those discussed here. Factors that
could cause or contribute to such differences include those discussed below, as
well as those discussed elsewhere herein and in the Company's report on Form
10-KA for the year ended December 31, 1996.
The Company leases its portfolio of aircraft engines primarily under operating
leases. Operating leases require the Company to re-lease or sell aircraft
engines in its portfolio in a timely manner upon termination of the lease in
order to minimize off-lease time and recover its original investment in the
aircraft engine. Numerous factors, many of which are beyond the control of the
Company, may have an impact on the Company's ability to re-lease or sell an
aircraft engine on a timely basis. Among the factors are general market
conditions, regulatory changes (particularly those imposing environmental,
maintenance and other requirements on the operation of aircraft engines),
changes in the supply or cost of aircraft engines and technological
developments. Further, the value of a particular used aircraft engine varies
greatly depending upon its condition, the number of hours remaining until the
next major maintenance of the aircraft engine is required and general conditions
in the airline industry. In addition, the success of an operating lease depends
in part upon having the aircraft engine returned by the lessee in marketable
condition as required by the lease. Consequently, there can be no assurance that
the Company's estimated residual value for aircraft engines will be realized. If
the Company is unable to re-lease or resell aircraft engines on favorable terms,
its business, financial condition, cash flow, ability to service debt and
results of operations could be adversely affected.
The Company also engages in the short-term trading of commercial aircraft
engines in the aftermarket. Although it is the Company's general policy not to
purchase engines on speculation, the Company has and, if it deems appropriate,
may in the future purchase engines without having a commitment for the engines'
resale. If the Company were to purchase an engine without having a firm
commitment for its resale or if a firm commitment for resale were to exist but
not be consummated for whatever reason, the Company would be subject to all the
risks of ownership of the engine as described above.
The Company also engages in the purchase and resale of aftermarket airframes,
airframe rotable parts, engine parts, engines and modules. Before parts may be
installed in an aircraft, they must meet certain standards of condition
established by the Federal Aviation Administration ("FAA") and/or the equivalent
regulatory agencies in other countries. Parts must also be traceable to sources
deemed acceptable by such agencies. Parts owned by the Company may not meet
applicable standards or standards may change, causing parts which are already in
the Company's inventory to be scrapped or modified. Engine manufacturers may
also develop new parts to be used in lieu of parts already contained in the
Company's inventory. In all such cases, to the extent the Company has such parts
in its inventory, their value may be reduced.
The Company would be affected by downturns in the air transportation industry in
general. Substantial increases in fuel costs or interest rates, increasing fare
competition, slower growth in air traffic, or any significant downturn in the
general economy could adversely affect the air transportation industry and may
therefore negatively impact the Company's business, financial condition and
results of operations.
A lessee may default in performance of its lease obligations and the Company may
be unable to enforce its remedies under a lease. The Company's inability to
collect receivables under a large dollar engine lease or to repossess engines in
the event of a default by a lessee could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, financial condition or results of operations. In most cases
where a debtor seeks protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy
Code (the "Bankruptcy Code"), creditors are stayed automatically from enforcing
their rights. In the case of United States certified airlines, Section 1110 of
the Bankruptcy Code provides certain relief to lessors of the aircraft engines.
Specifically, the airline has 60 days from the date the lessor makes its claim
to agree to perform its obligations and to cure any defaults. If it does not do
so, the lessor may repossess the aircraft engine. The scope of Section 1110 has
been the subject of significant litigation and there can be no assurance that
the provisions of Section 1110 will protect the Company's investment in an
aircraft engine in the event of a lessee's bankruptcy.
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In 1996, approximately 61% of the Company's lease revenue was generated by
leases to foreign customers. Such leases may present greater risks to the
Company because certain foreign laws, regulations and judicial procedures may
not be as protective of lessor rights as those which apply in the United States.
In addition, many foreign countries have currency and exchange laws regulating
the international transfer of currencies. To date, the Company has experienced
some collection problems under certain leases with foreign airlines, and there
can be no assurance that the Company will not experience such collection
problems in the future. The Company may also experience collection problems
related to the enforcement of its lease agreements under foreign local laws and
the attendant remedies in such locales Section 1110 does not apply to lessees
located outside of the United States and applicable foreign laws may not provide
comparable protection. Consequently, the Company is subject to the timing and
access to courts and the remedies local laws impose in order to collect its
lease payments and recover its assets.
The Company has experienced fluctuations in its quarterly results and
anticipates that these fluctuations may continue. Such fluctuations may be due
to a number of factors, including the timing of acquisitions and sales of
engines and spare parts and engine marketing activities, unanticipated early
lease terminations or a default by a lessee. Given the possibility of such
fluctuations, the Company believes that comparisons of the results for preceding
quarters are not necessarily meaningful and that results for any one quarter
should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance. In the event
the Company's volume of transactions, revenues or earnings for any quarter are
less than the level expected by securities analysts or the market in general,
such shortfall could have an immediate and significant adverse impact on the
market price of the Company's Common Stock.
The Company has recently experienced significant growth in revenues. Such growth
has placed, and is expected to continue to place, a significant strain on its
managerial, operational and financial resources. Due to the Company's rapid pace
of growth over the past year, the Company has recently added to its management
team. On June 17, 1997, Rae A. Capps, formerly Vice President, General Counsel
and Corporate Secretary for Hawaiian Airlines, joined the Company as Senior Vice
President and General Counsel. On July 30, 1997, Donald A. Nunemaker, formerly
President and CEO of LeasePartners, Inc., joined the Company as Chief
Administrative Officer and Executive Vice President. There can be no assurance
that the Company will be able to effectively manage the expansion of its
operations, or that the Company's systems, procedures or controls will be
adequate to support the Company's operations. Any inability to effectively
manage growth could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial condition and results of operations.
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Part 2. Other Information
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
At the Annual Meeting of the stockholders of Willis Lease Finance
Corporation on May 14, 1997, the following matters were voted upon:
Description Votes
----------- -----
1. Election of Board of Directors
Ross K. Anderson 3,791,964 For
1,700 Withheld
William M. LeRoy 3,791,964 For
1,700 Withheld
William L. McElfresh 3,791,964 For
1,700 Withheld
Willard H. Smith, Jr. 3,791,964 For
1,700 Withheld
Charles F. Willis, IV 3,791,964 For
1,700 Withheld
2. Appointment of Independent Public Accountants
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP 3,790,364 For
1,700 Against
1,600 Abstain
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Item 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
Exhibit Number Description
-------------- -----------
3.1 Articles of Incorporation. Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3.1 to Registration Statement No. 333-5126-LA filed on
June 21, 1996
3.2 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, filed
September 11, 1996, together with Certificate of Amendment of
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation filed on
September 24, 1996.
3.3 Bylaws. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to
Registration Statement No. 333-5126-LA filed on June 21, 1996.
10.19 Loan Agreement dated June 12, 1997, together with related
documents, for a $15 million revolving credit facility.
10.20 Amendment dated July 28, 1997, to loan agreement dated June
12, 1997, for the increasing of the revolving credit facility
to $30 million from $15 million.
11.1 Statement regarding computation of per share earnings.
27.1 Financial Data Schedule
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Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) 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.
Willis Lease Finance Corporation
Date: August 13, 1997
By: /s/ Elliot M. Fischer
-----------------------------------
Elliot M. Fischer
Chief Financial Officer, Controller
18